Why did u start tx

[Bluelitespecial]

I am starting tx soon and wanted to know why others started theirs. Was it the way you felt or was it out of concern for future liver health, or was it a courtesy to mankind in not spreading the virus. Mine is my health 1st. I have felt like I am about half the person I used to be if that. I want my life back. I am tired, listless, achy, nauseated, more often than not. Will I have my life back after tx or will these symptoms of the hcv be alleviated? I am too young to quit at creating. Looking forward to hearing from u all. thanks bls

[BoceprevirGal]

Great question! I was diagnosed 20 yrs ago, and have been clean and sober for 13 yrs.  I kept waiting for "symptoms" such as fatigue, but that symptom never came. The symptoms I had, were RLY heavy bleeding, during my monthly cycle..fist sized clotts, and then early menopause, with back to back hot-flashes, that never seized, and then, heat-stroke on the hot days ( I used to thrive in the hot weather)
  Then, I decided to participate in one of those research Studies, but was told I couldn't participate, because of my elevated ALT/AST (they had to be under 400, but were more like 468/500. My primary care doctor saw this elevation, onmy yearly physical, but seemed unconcerned?
   The Research Study people also gave me a FibroSure test, and casually told me I had cirrhosis, so I went and had a biopsy, and found out I was only stage 2, but I also had low platelets, at 120 (normal range is above 150) and since the treatment causes platelettes to drop also, I rushed in to treat, and was grateful my medical insurance paid for it, although I have to remain working, to recieve the insurance

[belle19]

i've had hep c for about 35 years with no symptons what so ever.  i worked out 3x/weekly in cardio classes and surfed.  i'm 62 years old.  i found out about hep c because of a routine blood panel.  my father died of liver cancer, so it was a no brainer for me.  i've been in a clinical trial for 41 weeks now.  i have 7 1/2 more weeks.  the light at the end of me tunnel is burning brighter.  good luck.  belle

[desrt]

Oh yeah, and I had good insurance and I was tired of hiding my razor and toothbrush.

[desrt]

In 2002 I'd been carrying the virus for probably close to 30 years with very little damage, but there seemed to be a lot of people who hit that 30 year mark and their rate of progression accelerated.

With the introduction of pegylation the rate of SVR for geno 3 had jumped to 80%.

I'd just watched another geno 3 die from cirrhosis.

I thought a jump in viral load from 225,000 to 625,000 meant something.

My 12 y.o. daughter talked me into it.


That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

[brianmo]

I decide to tx because of new meds on market which shorten time from year to six months, geno type 1a. Was dx ten years ago so I was tired of having it in the back of my mind.  No sympts, stage 2, grade 2,  will be done on weds. Yahoo!!!

[skiyaltr]

Seemed like the right time.

1) Treat with SOC and partial responded in 2006
2) Good results were coming out with new drugs
3) Next round of less sx drugs still a few years
4) 55 and wanted to do this when I am healthier and stronger
5) Insured and wanting to change jobs but didn't want to start treatment at a new job
6) We live ona  ski lake that was dry and forecase was no rain - it has rained and lake is full

I really have never had any physical issues with Hep-C, just the mental nagging that it was slowly getting worse

Glad I did it; but will be gladder when it is over - I am in week 12 of 48 - no more incivek after thursday.

[otterwatcher]

I had left my co infected partner and was starting a new life,my sister in law was diagnosed with terminal cancer and I thought her kids need me to be healthy.

[1oftheclub222]

the time was right for me.  I took lots of factors into consideration;

1) I didn't want to wait until I had more damage to my liver (biopsy was stage 0-1), just started some fibrosis according to report.  I have read that treatment is easier the less damage you have to your liver.  It also made no sense to me to let my liver get worse if i didn't have to.

2) I am not too old yet (51) and in relativly good health.  I thought this would help with the ease of treatment.

3) I have a job that is understanding and supportive to my situation.  They told me to do what ever I need to get myself better.

4) I currently have medical insurance.

5) I have a support system at home to help during treatment.

6) I have type 2 which is one of the easiest types to cure and has a good sucess rate. I also only have to do the dual therapy for 24 weeks.  

7) I was paranoid about transmitting the disease.

I wasn't sure if I waited 5 yrs or more for the new drugs to come out if I would have all these factors in place.  It seemed like the perfect time for me to go for it, so I did. I am very happy I did...10 weeks in, UND at weeks 4 and 8, SX are minimal...I do have some rough days, but they don't last, I have been able to muscle through for the most part...

Best of luck on your treatment!

[Advocate1955]

My husband was diagnosed in 2007 with Hep C and fibrosis 1-2.  He started SOC therapy right away in the hope of getting rid of the virus and preventing further liver damage, but failed.  There were no other treatment options available at the time, so his hepatologist monitored him regularly with ultrasounds, lab work, and another liver biopsy in 2010.  The 2010 liver biopsy showed fibrosis 4, which was a fairly rapid progression.  About that time, Consensus Interferon (Infergen) became FDA approved for daily injections combined with 1400 mg. of Ribavirin.  That was the only other approved treatment at the time, so he did that treatment, again in the hope of getting rid of the virus and to prevent further liver damage, but failed.  Again, his hepatologist monitored him regularly with lab work and ultrasound.  She felt no need for another biopsy, since we already know that he is f4.  He began triple tx with Incivek a few months after it was approved and became available, same reason:  to get rid of virus and help prevent further progression of liver damage.  He is currently in week 27 of 48.  His reason for treating continues to be the same, get rid of the virus and do everything possible to prevent further damage to his liver.
Advocate1955

[jules2551]

To make a long story short - dx in Aug 2011 (fell out of my chair) liver bx showed Grade 2 Stage 3.  So time to treat.  NOT! Found out I have iron and Ferritin issues and have to get those levels down.  After 9 phlebotomies "finally" got the levels down to normal.  Called Hepa Dr last week and am once again waiting for him to call me back.  So I am anxious to start tx due to the condition of my liver.

Have a great day!
Jules

[Sentinel13]

Hi BLS: I'm on my third round of treatment. Each time, I decided to start treatment when the effects of the disease approximately equaled my anticipated treatment side effects. With newer, and more effective, meds on the market, or in the pipeline, I recommend most other people be more proactive in treating.  Best Wishes, GB

[Bluelitespecial]

Hey, thanks so much I too am doing this to feel better. I am 52 and have blamed these symptoms on so many other possibilities. You wouldn't believe (or maybe u do) how many Drs Iv'e been to trying to figure out why I feel like crap.
It was finally my OB/GYN that drew blood and told me. Three yrs after my hystorectomy too! Suspicious as I was tested and wasn't active 5 yrs before that. I've been told I have FMS  but these symptoms are nearly identical to HCV. I have also been sent to see shrinks telling me it was in my head from trauma when I was younger. Try this and try that drug. Well nothing worked cuz I'm not crazy!  lol! GEEEEZZZZZ!!!!  So, cross the fingers and send out the healing vibe to us all. I am going to do TX and hopefully return to being the "real me". I miss me!  CU later need food

[Bill1954]

I had stage 3-4 fibrosis; there wasn’t much discussion about delaying/postponing therapy. I ended up spending the next four years on treatment before I finally resolved the virus; however, I get to keep the original body parts now and don’t have to concern myself with transplant issues. No altruistic reasons here; very self-serving in this regard :o).

I’m not sure I feel any pronounced difference as a result of successful treatment, other than it’s a relief to know the virus is no longer a direct issue for me.

Good luck,

--Bill

[pooh55811]

I was diagnosed in July 2011 but I have had Hep C for 30-35 years. When I had my biopsy in Sept. I was already at Grade 2, Stage 2. I am 66 years old. In addition, I have already had health problems from Hep C even though I did not know at the time it was from Hep C. I had systemic vasculitis in 1993 and was extremely ill. I also have been fatigued and just ot feeling well over the past few years and I don't think it is my age. My friends have tons of energy, just like I used to have, and they are my age or older. So I blame the Hep C and residual from the vasulitis.

I was in shock when I was diagnosed, but as I regrouped I knew I wanted to get rid of the virus ASAP. I know that as one ages, the fibrosis progression can pick up speed. Plus, I am 66 and, even though I really have no major health issues (other than Hep C), I don't know if that will last. After all, at 66, I could have a heart attack, a stroke, a blood clot, etc. I could be diagnosed with cancer, lymphoma, diabetes, high blood pressure, or any number of other diseases. (My friends are regularly being diagnosed with chronic diseases.) Treatment may not be medically possible if I an diagnosed with a long term chronic illness or if I get too much older (which I know I will, lol). I don't feel I have time to wait for new drugs. I could be at Stage 4 in 3-5 years.

Because of all of the above reasons I decided to treat ASAP and try to get rid of this virus. I firmly believe that if I can get rid of it, I will feel much better, have more pep and energy, and will live a much loger and healthier life. So I chose to lose a year of my life to treatmwent in order to gain another 20-30 years of quality life.

[crigger]

  I wanted to feel better too.  Sometimes it hard to know if it is the hepC causing my issues are the fact I am getting older! 58y/o I have lots of joint pain and fatigue. Also I have seen the results of liver failure.   I do not want that in my future. I wish you luck with your treament. I am really hoping some of my issues will get better with treament .

[orphanedhawk]

Health, first and only reason.

When I was diagnosed I already was very sick with cirrhosis but didn't know it, having had few symptoms. I did the treatment out of fear and a sense of what other choice did I have. And I had looked into alternatives, herbal etc.

I relapsed and landed up getting a transplant not quite three years ago.
As a transplant does not get rid of hep C, I watched the development of the new interferon free meds, hoping my new liver would stay healthy enough to wait for them to become available.

Last summer, I noticed my energy decreasing and a biopsy showed the virus progressing more quickly than we'd hoped.
So, when my hepatologist said he though I should do the treatment now, rather than waiting until I became sicker, I followed his advice.
He also said that if the tx did not work, it would still help my liver.
After 24 weeks of tx, I am free of the virus. Follow up labs will show if I've achieved SVR, but I feel I have.

As far as long term side effects of treatment goes, there is a risk. I believe most people who succeed in tx, go on with their lives. It's those with problems that go online to complain.
I also believe, that despite how you feel doing the meds, it's important to try and do some form of exercise, gentle stretches, yoga and walking or other exercise that involves movement, and of course to drink lots of water and keep your nutrition up.

Personally, I think it is good, if possible, to think in terms of going forward rather than back. With a healthy liver, you will feel better.

Good luck.