An Introduction

[peep99]

Hello Everyone: I have had hep c for 33 years. im 53 y.o. genotype 1a. Never done treatment. I got a biopsy about 3 years ago which indicated no or very little damage.  I couldn't believe it. Anyhow, I have several mild symptoms, mostly aches and pains and I have a neck injury which I suffered extreme pain from, and I got a prescription for oxycontin a couple years ago, I became dependent on them and have made a decision that I absolutely cannot live that way anymore, so I am almost off of them. My hepatitis doctor told he that the oxycodone wouldn't affect my liver, so I kept taking them. Thank God I'm close to being off of them. I see now that long term use has definitely affected my liver  I recently went to the doctor feeling so run down, my ALT & AST were elevated this time more than slightly. So, I'm super mad at myself  I should have known better, I work in health care. I have been online for the last 3-4 years researching hep c, learning, chatting, etc. knowledge is power. I have read a lot about the treatment available. I have read some posts here and see some folks might be on something new. My next biopsy will be in 2 years if not sooner. If I have damage as a 3 I would consider treatment. I hope to get to know some of you in the future. This disease has been a very private, lonely journey for several years, not knowing what the future holds.

[peep99]

Thank you everyone, I appreciate your kind support.  

I'm excited to see what's going on with some of the new drugs out there to treat hep c. I wonder if any of the new drugs have been approved yet, or are the still in the trial stages. Has anyone heard anything good or bad or anything specific about any of the new drugs? I will have to read up. It's been a while since I've been to these sites.

Thanks Again
Peep

[rita863]

Welcome!!!

[kickboxingmom]

Welcome and Congratulations on your recent reduction of oxy's.You did it.Or your almost there.
Tammy

[Deb_c430]

agrees rocker!    Welcome!

[sunqueen]

Hi peep and welcome.

[Rockerforlife]

Your hep doc who told you the oxy`s we ok fro your liver....DUMP THAT DOCTOR NOW

[fretboard]

Welcome to the forum, glad you found out about those oxys and you're trying to get off of them.  It is a lonely journey that's for sure, that's why this place is so good to share, learn, educate others and ourselves.  I'm glad that you're sharing that those opiates do affect your liver in an adverse manner.  It happens to some of us and others can get away with it.  good luck

[lapis]

I just realized that you introduced yourself right after me, and you also responded to my post, ha, a bit of brain fog, I guess.  I know what you mean about the disease being a lonely private journey, and fears for the future.  You say you're in health care, I'm a nurse myself.  I know what you mean about delaying tx too, I chose not to get tx from 1998 to now, and this just seemed to be the time for me.  Be gentle with yourself, anyway.  We do the best we can at any time, and regrets for the past just drag us down.  So feel good about the progress you've made, and hang in there.  Rah, rah, I'll be a cheerleader for ya if you need one!