What is treatment really like?

[Aussielee]

Hi All,

I'm considering doing tx in the near future & would like to know what it has been like, honestly, for people.
I am genotype 1b so will have to do 48 weeks unless I get into a trial.
So anyone who has been on tx or is currently on tx or a trial I'd appreciate any info.
Also how have people coped with side effects & any tips to make life easier.

Thanks
Aussielee

[SnoWav]

not only is the TX shorter the odds are better than the 50/50 coin toss

[Aussielee]

Good Advice I hope it is approved in Australia soon or maybe I can get into a trial. I would much prefer to do tx for 24 weeks. 48 weeks seems such a long time.

Aussielee

[WriteItDown]

If you wait for Telaprevir to come out you may have a shot at treating for only 24 weeks.  

For my husband, who was in a clinical trial and got to stop at 24 weeks, the worst thing was the fatigue. He also had some mild flu symptoms and headaches from time to time, and felt kind of weird and med-head-y sometimes, and had a sore mouth. None of the symptoms were very bad, but as tx wore on he became progressively more fatigued and began to feel worse. He says that getting to treat for only 24 weeks was a huge deal for him, since right around when he got to stop he was starting to feel worse. If you can wait for Telaprevir and get the chance to treat for only 24 weeks I would advocate that.

Good luck whatever you do.

[Aussielee]

Thankyou all for your replies.

I live in Australia where we have a pretty good health system compared to other countries.
Tx is covered by our medicare system so it is pretty much free & most trials, I believe, are held by major hospitals which are covered by medicare.

Aussielee

[fashion345]

ditto, hcvjames,

I am on wk 39 and most prominent sx, is feeling more fatigued.  However, I have been working mostly full time, and continuing my exercise routine daily which really helps me.
Best advice  for tx is save up all of your sick days and vac days if you have them for tx time.
When tired, rest, try not to do too much or you will feel it.
Think of this time as me time and do the very best to take care of yourself.
No alcohol, eat healthy, and rest when you can.  
My understanding is that trials can be expensive so I would encourage you to treat  sooner then later.
All the best.

[hcvJames]

I'm into week 35. It's been very mild for me. I've had colds far worse than any day on treatment so far. Still, some fatigue, low tolerance for summer heat. A few other things, but nothing on the order I imagined.

Mileage varies per person.

All the best.

[bruno67]

hi ,and welcome on the forum , i m gen 1 on tx about 6 week now, ok . lets say the everybody react different from each other, to me so far no side effect , just i little tired some day , just do the tx is the best way a list to try to be healthy again ,  . i list we have try. and be strong , mentally, and try to get support from your dear . i do find in my wife and two kids.  good like to you