Need support

[valhoney]

I have had hep c for 29 years have known for 8 yrs. After my DR. told me geno type 1a not cureable, i opted not to do tx. Now 8 yrs later had blood work done viral load gone up frpm 2,400,000 to 7,561,276. Now this Dr. (new one) says I have 60 percent chance tx will work. Do I want tx,?  NO, will i do tx? YES. I have such a good life now compared to 8 years ago, and I want to grow old with me husband! I am scared out of my mind, not just about the tx but also how much of a toll this is going to put on my marriage and the people around me.............. I feel so selfish for having this diease, and putting so many people through this crap...........Sorry yall just babbiling, need to get this out some where and no one to really talk to who understands....... Thanx

[huntelk3]

I was type 1 and txed 2 yrs ago.I am SVR now.I remember how intense my fear about TX was,most of that is fear of not knowing just how the TX and the result will be.Now its like a very long bad dream.It happened but its like it never did.Im fine now and life is even better cuz that yr sucked and I wont have another one like it.Just do it and get it over with.Tell your doc to watch your hgb and give you Procrite sooner than later.

[WriteItDown]

Hi Val, and welcome!

I am of the opinion that you ought to wait for the new drugs, which are likely to come out next year  (unless you were to have a biopsy that showed you were very far along in terms of liver damage.) Your viral load is pretty much irrelevant -- a higher viral load does NOT mean you necessarily have much liver damage.

The reason is that the new treatment (which is the old treatment, peginterferon and ribavirin, PLUS a protease inhibitor, called Telaprevir or Boceprevir) will likely up your odds of getting rid of the virus from 60% to more like 80%. These new drugs have really been a big improvement and will give you the best shot of clearing the virus the first time.  It isn't much longer to wait.

Please do ask your doctor about this option when you see him on Monday!

Sounds like you have a lot of great things in your life now, and that will help give you the determination to beat this thing. Best of luck to you!

[valhoney]

Thank you all for a warm welcome. As I said before I have known for 8 years, Had my liver biopsy then even had the prescritions in my hands( still have them) and after Dr. said that, I thought well whats the point in putting myself through ehll? So I opted out. I have since then lived as though I didnt have it, pushed myself regardless how tired I got and just hoped it would go away, I know "dreammer" and no, I have not drank or done any drugs!  I needed to go to the Dr for severe allergies, and she took 4 viles of blood and here Iam today. I have an appointment Monday with a Dr, who specializes in hep c and will be ready with a ton of questions for him. I have not heard of any new tx, have not kept up with it, but this weekend I will spend time researching, so when I go to dr monday I can get his oppinion. I am 48 years old, Have a great husband, 4yrs new. 2 grandchildren7 and 9, and a daughter. I know we are all in this together and I hope I can give as much back as I know I will get out of this forum. Thank yall
Val

[rcfarm2013]

Hi,
I'm new, too.  Maybe we can help each other.  I work daily with people infected with Hep C and, due to my past, counted myself lucky to have 'dodged that bullet.'  Well, last year I got laid off and then got stupid and then got Hep C (just diagnosed).  Luckily, I got my job (which I adore) back and cleaned up.  I am scared out of my mind to do the treatment, as I have heard the worst horror stories imaginable.  I haven't had my viral load measured or which genotype I am (Yes, I was diagnosed that recently) but, if a doctor gave me 60% odds....I'd take 'em.  

Aimee  

[working dog]

i would look at waiting 6 months to a year to see if the better new tx are out..i have the same geno type and i'm just getting things done like a and b shots and other stuff...staying healthy as posible...i think it's more like 75 percent cure with the new tx...and only 24 weeks tx instead of 48 weeks...good luck...billy

[positude]

Hello and welcome.

The first thing I can tell you is that you are not alone. You have come to the right place for support, encouragement and a vast amount of knowledge. We are all terrified when we learn that we have a deadly virus in our bodies, and we all feel like it is the end of the world, but that is not necessarily so. I became a member of this forum months ago, and just came here to read and learn for a long time after initially joining. And learn I have! You are among friends here and you are welcome to ask questions or to "just talk".

I know that someone is going to ask when you had your liver biopsied, what stage you are, and possibly what grade (activity level). If you have these numbers it will help to post them if you have questions about any of that. There are some here who are absolute experts about this virus and its tx, and they are very generous with sharing knowledge and experiences.

There are many here who have treated (and some more than once or even twice or more times) and will be able to offer words of wisdom about that. There are some, like me, who are about to start, or have just started treatment who can also be encouraging. Don't accept the "not curable" verdict as it sounds too final. This virus can be and has been cleared from the system and from the blood of many, with treatment.

I too am genotype 1a, as are many on this forum, and a "positive attitude" is going to be beneficial for your recovery, as well as having a loving support group at home if possible (I know not everyone does). But it is possible to clear this virus as many here will tell you, and hopefully put it behind you! Forever :)

Again, Welcome! And good luck to you.
~Pos.