Just found out I am TT

[slideman]

My Dr did not do the il28b test pretreatment. I insisted on it and today I find out I am tt. Had I known that I would never have started all this. Now in wk 17. Whats the point to go on?

[Gizmo103]

Slideman,
The job thing is a tough one for sure, especially with the current economic situation. I know from a man's perspective that is a hard pill to swallow. But as a woman and a wife, Sherry is absolutely spot on. Grand shceme, your family wants their father and husband healthy first.

Have you ever read stories from people who have beat this - achieved SVR? They go on how good they feel, how much more energy they have and how more sharp their mind is. That it is more than what they expected it would be. Ive seen stories like that on HCVadvocate.org. Maybe some in this forum could share their experience?

Unemployment dropped slighly last week. Hopefully the employment picture will continue to get better. Somehow it usually does durning an election year. Things have the possibility of being better when your off this treatment. Now is the time to take care of you. This is what you are suppose to be doing.

Hang in there, let's beat this!
Cindy

[scoleman]

I too had no idea of my IL28 genotype prior to treatment.  I had my doctor order the test while I was treating but was told my insurance wouldn't cover the cost so we cancelled it.  I agree with what's been posted by others, the PI is doing the heavy lifting in clearing the virus and is working spectacularly for you.  I want to encourage you to stay committed for the 48 weeks of treatment get your best chances at SVR.  It is hard, I know.

I think that in the grand scheme of life, your family would prefer you to clear the HCV than to have a little extra money.  Treatment is temporary, maybe not as temporary as we'd like on hard days but on those days all we can do is persevere.  

Hang in there,
Sherry

[slideman]

I think the most frustrating thing for me is the brain fog. The causes for this are very brutal as well, but the actual not being mentaly sharp is counter productive in every aspect of my life. For example I have an oportunity to take a better job. Way more money and all that comes with a better job, but I know I am not capable of doing the job I could have done 6 months ago. I also know that there will not be a second chance with a new employer, one that doesnt know me personally, and how good at my job I used to be.
I feel like all this has cost my family and I so much, and every time I turn around it has bit me on the rear again!! Now the whole TT thing. That frustrates me as I should have known that ahead of time. I might have elected to do tx anyway.....but still, I feel like part of my choice to treat myself was influenced by a lack of information. Information that was easily obtainable and not provided by my health providor untill I learned about it on here, and I insisted on the test. I am so happy to hear all the positive things you guys have to share, it really does help, and I hope you all know how much all of you mean to us in my house.
How can we educate people prior to tx? I know there are Dr's out there that are exellent, we see that here everyday. However I also see a lot of bad advice coming from Dr's that should not be treating us. Its a shame its not on the side of busses or something...... can you invision what I am driving at? (no pun intended) signs that inform people to look on these sites and learn for yourself before your tx is not all it could be, had you been handed the info that is available but not allways presented.

[Gizmo103]

Slideman - I hear you. I barely have an appetite, I'm starting to develop the rash everyone talks about, my hips ache so bad somedays it brings me to tears, my hair is falling out and I've got a horrible cough. So I really hear you, this is brutal. It's been much harder than the first time I was on treatment and I though that was bad.

But I want rid of this, I want these little monsters out of my body, I want to stop feeling like I'm a walking biohazard. It's okay that you hate this treatment sometimes. My husband wakes me up on the weekends at 6:30 to take the meds after I've done the shot and I just want to hurtle a shoe at him. I don't do that by the way. :) we are going to have those thoughts of throwing in the towel, is it really worth it... That's the meds and our minds messing with us. Of course we want the best odds, but life rarely seems to be just right. However, at least you and I are in a country where we at least have access to the best drugs available. We r the lucky ones.

So take the good moments and try to right yourself, spent time with family, watch comedies, whatever it is that makes you feel like "good" you again. We know there are going to be bad times right. They are there to be had. But let's get through this! Mind over matter. Try and focus on the positives we do have, don't beat ourselves up when we slide a little - stay strong with me! You're not alone.

[frijole]

slideman
I can't add any more to what everyone else says, but I like the tough guy analagy.  We will get through this.  With the UND at week 4 I think you are in a superior position.  

What are you worst side effects?  Is it the anemia?  Are you getting any relief (resuce drugs) for that?  Rash?

frijole

[flcyclist]

But some days I'm really not that tough.
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These are very tough medications to tolerate and you certainly aren't alone in how you're feeling.  Keep and positive attitude and you'll get through this.  We can do it.