Aa
I can't stress the importance of treating- and this is why........
I know treating is a personal choice but I have lost 2 friends to hep C in a week.
Diane died Wed at the young age of 58 and this morning Steven died at 55. Both didn't treat maybe out of fear of tx, who knows. Even had they been a non responder it could have held the virus at bay and reduced the viral load till better drugs came to market. I had a low VL, geno 2B, etc and could have waited for better drugs but then I though what if I have another medical problem to deal with down the road and was unable to treat even with the new drugs because of the new problem. I decided to treat and do not regret doing so. Like I said, it's a personal choice and I'm not trying to talk any one into treating but please think hard and long before making your choice.
Beagle
Diane died Wed at the young age of 58 and this morning Steven died at 55. Both didn't treat maybe out of fear of tx, who knows. Even had they been a non responder it could have held the virus at bay and reduced the viral load till better drugs came to market. I had a low VL, geno 2B, etc and could have waited for better drugs but then I though what if I have another medical problem to deal with down the road and was unable to treat even with the new drugs because of the new problem. I decided to treat and do not regret doing so. Like I said, it's a personal choice and I'm not trying to talk any one into treating but please think hard and long before making your choice.
Beagle
Sympathies on your losses Beagle.
As a Geno 1A Grade 1 Stage 4 PCR 72,000,000, obviously tx was a no-brainer for me. For those for which it may be optional, it seems that the key is to watch closely as no one can predict when the dragon will rear it's head nor how fast it will scour the liverscape. In addition to the excellent point you raised about other problems and/or complications, one should also strongly consider that it often does take much to prevent a new tx from being FDA approved. Even the more promising ones (i.e. VX-950) could wind up being flushed or sent back to the lab. Thus, even those which seem to be no more than the couple of years away from being available could wind up being many more and beyond reach for some.
As for tx and the sx, the important thing to remember is that NO ONE can predict how you will respond and that everyone has a different response. So, despite the stories you hear, basing a tx decision upon them is probably not a wise choice since you may have a completely different response. At least that's the conclusions I have drawn and recommend to any who might be considering tx and asking for my opinion.
As a Geno 1A Grade 1 Stage 4 PCR 72,000,000, obviously tx was a no-brainer for me. For those for which it may be optional, it seems that the key is to watch closely as no one can predict when the dragon will rear it's head nor how fast it will scour the liverscape. In addition to the excellent point you raised about other problems and/or complications, one should also strongly consider that it often does take much to prevent a new tx from being FDA approved. Even the more promising ones (i.e. VX-950) could wind up being flushed or sent back to the lab. Thus, even those which seem to be no more than the couple of years away from being available could wind up being many more and beyond reach for some.
As for tx and the sx, the important thing to remember is that NO ONE can predict how you will respond and that everyone has a different response. So, despite the stories you hear, basing a tx decision upon them is probably not a wise choice since you may have a completely different response. At least that's the conclusions I have drawn and recommend to any who might be considering tx and asking for my opinion.
I will treat. It's good knowing that I have you all to chat with. I don't think my husband really likes to talk about it.
Kalio, I'm glad you are feeling a little better. That is great that you only have a few months left.
Merlino, it does sound like we will start treatment about the same time. Have you had your biopsy yet?
Kalio, I'm glad you are feeling a little better. That is great that you only have a few months left.
Merlino, it does sound like we will start treatment about the same time. Have you had your biopsy yet?
I think it scares our spouses and that is why they don't like to talk about it. I know mine is freaked out by the virus and me having it. Poor guys, they have a hard time with us being ill. I think it is hard on them they are used to beig the nurtured one. This place is great, you can talk about it and learn and leave the hubby's out of it.
I am so happy to be having more good days, I guess my body has finally adjusted to it. Good thing too! I am doing 72 weeks so I still have 8 months to go. It sure will be easier to handle if I can have at east some semblance of a normal life.
Sounds like a good plan to have a nice vacation at your beach cottage before starting to treat. You can start with a nice tan!
Where is the beach cottage?
I am so happy to be having more good days, I guess my body has finally adjusted to it. Good thing too! I am doing 72 weeks so I still have 8 months to go. It sure will be easier to handle if I can have at east some semblance of a normal life.
Sounds like a good plan to have a nice vacation at your beach cottage before starting to treat. You can start with a nice tan!
Where is the beach cottage?
It is on Oak Island, NC. It is south of Wilmington. I've never been there. We are just renting the cottage. We usually go to Wrightsville Beach or Salter Path, but my friend rents this cottage every summer, and he told me about it. It is dog friendly. I have three little dogs, and I didn't want to board them. Since my daughter is an only child, I am letting her bring a friend. It will be fun!
If you don't mind my asking, why are you on 72 weeks?
If you don't mind my asking, why are you on 72 weeks?
Thats another controversial subject. My Dr. feels Fibrosure is very close to biopsy so no I haven't had one. If he feels I should before tx I will. I am Genotype 1 high inflammation no fibro. VL 4 mil as of last test. I can only hope our sx won't be too bad. I am prepared for the worst. I have a big fear of needles so the first shot will be tough for me. I have a friend who is a nurse, I am going to ask her for help. I can barely go to the dentist without sweating days b4 so I don't know how in the world I am going to learn to do this to myself.
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