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Why, why, why??
Just something that's been on my mind and my family wants to know too:
1. Why treat if all tests are good and I have no symptoms and am not in pain?
2. Why treat at all when so much of the population walks around with Hepatitis and doesn't even know it?
3. For those of you who have had it long term, did something happen overnight to make you decide to treat? A pain or some other symptom.
I will be treating soon but in the midst of it, if I am having bad days, I want to be able to have a valid reason for doing what I am doing. It's akin to skydiving in a way. Someone once asked, why would you jump out of a perfectly good plane on purpose?? To some degree, the same could be asked of Hep C treatment. I hope your answers help calm some fears of some other newbies here too. Many thanks everyone. I appreciate your opinions, feedback and experiences.
1. Why treat if all tests are good and I have no symptoms and am not in pain?
2. Why treat at all when so much of the population walks around with Hepatitis and doesn't even know it?
3. For those of you who have had it long term, did something happen overnight to make you decide to treat? A pain or some other symptom.
I will be treating soon but in the midst of it, if I am having bad days, I want to be able to have a valid reason for doing what I am doing. It's akin to skydiving in a way. Someone once asked, why would you jump out of a perfectly good plane on purpose?? To some degree, the same could be asked of Hep C treatment. I hope your answers help calm some fears of some other newbies here too. Many thanks everyone. I appreciate your opinions, feedback and experiences.
Best Answer
bee
I think you are missing the mark on #2. It really is not that there are lots of people who live their wholes lives with Hep C and die of something else. It is more like we are the beginning of the wave. In actuality many people contacted Hep C at the same relative time -- in the late 60s, early 70s, and these people are just "ripening" now. The expected need for liver transplantation is accelerating --I don't know tthe numbers, but I have read many articles about the increasing need for transplants, as baby boomers age.
Sometimes when i was treating I felt guilty since I was only a grade 1, stage 1. Treatment was hard on my husband. Now, looking back, I wish I had done the 72 weeks. I might not be retreating again soon.
There are a lot of good reasons for treating. Clearing the virus is the biggest one.
frijole
I think you are missing the mark on #2. It really is not that there are lots of people who live their wholes lives with Hep C and die of something else. It is more like we are the beginning of the wave. In actuality many people contacted Hep C at the same relative time -- in the late 60s, early 70s, and these people are just "ripening" now. The expected need for liver transplantation is accelerating --I don't know tthe numbers, but I have read many articles about the increasing need for transplants, as baby boomers age.
Sometimes when i was treating I felt guilty since I was only a grade 1, stage 1. Treatment was hard on my husband. Now, looking back, I wish I had done the 72 weeks. I might not be retreating again soon.
There are a lot of good reasons for treating. Clearing the virus is the biggest one.
frijole
I have to say that this was probably one of the best conversations I have seen on this forum. I have to say that I feel so dirty having this in me. Its like I wish I could turn myself inside out when I shower. I die every time my grandson wants to take a sip of my water. I want this GONE NOW. I will do what ever I have to, dont want to eat, sleep and think Hep C anymore. It has taken over my life, and I want it back. I am not as lucky as some of you guys I am well into my 50's and want another 50. I am healthy and active and thats how I want to stay without my un-welcomed vistor. Evection to HIM!!!!!!! Wow. That felt great!!!! :)
Why should you treat now? because HCV has a way sneaking up on you and biting you in the @ss.
Sure you could live with and most likely die from something else. But the thought of this always in the back of your mind is pure agony. Not being able to have a beer or a glass of wine on special occasions or if you get a cut worry about not infecting someone. Or a loved one uses your toothbrush or razor by mistake and possibly infect them. I could go on and on but you get point.
Best of luck what ever you decide.
Sure you could live with and most likely die from something else. But the thought of this always in the back of your mind is pure agony. Not being able to have a beer or a glass of wine on special occasions or if you get a cut worry about not infecting someone. Or a loved one uses your toothbrush or razor by mistake and possibly infect them. I could go on and on but you get point.
Best of luck what ever you decide.
You guys ROCK! This is so incredibly helpful to me and I am glad it is also helping others. At first, I thought it might be seen as a stupid question(s) but I really wanted to try to get some clarity and felt this was the best place to do it (since the docs can only speculate and advise). I know my family cannot fully understand but I want to try to offer them some peace about it. By sharing your experiences, your losses, your fears, your hesitations -- it helps shed light.
Desrt -- One thing I hadn't thought of that you just reminded me of -- good insurance. You are right. There's no telling what happens in the future and if I wait until retirement, I know it will be harder financially. Good point.
We may not be doctors or experts from that standpoint, but this forum gives us opportunity to help others, in little and huge ways. Thanks to EVERYONE for helping. You are most appreciated and needed. Gold stars for each of you :) BeeBlessed
Desrt -- One thing I hadn't thought of that you just reminded me of -- good insurance. You are right. There's no telling what happens in the future and if I wait until retirement, I know it will be harder financially. Good point.
We may not be doctors or experts from that standpoint, but this forum gives us opportunity to help others, in little and huge ways. Thanks to EVERYONE for helping. You are most appreciated and needed. Gold stars for each of you :) BeeBlessed
1) I'd carried the virus for probably 30 years with only minimal fibrosis and no 'extra-hepatitic symptoms' - but it seems there are a lot of people who get around that 30 year mark and suddenly their progression accelrates.
2) I had good insurance.
3) I'd just watched another geno 3 die of HCV related cirrhosis.
2) I had good insurance.
3) I'd just watched another geno 3 die of HCV related cirrhosis.
I have absolutely no liver damage and had a negligible viral load. I was diagnosed "acute' and probably had it no longer than 3 months at that point.
I chose to be treated for several reasons, the first being, I felt it irresponsible to be putting others at risk of contracting HCV from me. Despite our best efforts, there is always the chance of infecting another.
Secondly, I don't want to live with a disease - THAT disease and always have it on my mind.
It's a personal choice and despite how hard the treatments can be, I would make the same decision.
I chose to be treated for several reasons, the first being, I felt it irresponsible to be putting others at risk of contracting HCV from me. Despite our best efforts, there is always the chance of infecting another.
Secondly, I don't want to live with a disease - THAT disease and always have it on my mind.
It's a personal choice and despite how hard the treatments can be, I would make the same decision.
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In the end, it's a personal decision and I wish you all the best in making it.