Recently diagnosed and not sure about anything.

[lakegirl26]

I was diagnosed this last April. All I really know is that I'm genotype 1a and that my liver damage is a 0 and 1. I had a GI doc and he decided that he couldn't treat me because of my past mental health history. So he sent me to a GI doc at a local medical college. He said that they have one of the best programs in this part of the country. I was scheduled to go see the doc there for the first time at the end of November. Just got a letter yesterday and They want to see me the end of this month now. I guess that I'm just a little scared about this visit to the doc. I'm a single Mother of 3 small children and I just feel like I'm sitting in the dark. If anyone can offer some help or advice I would really appreciate it.

[lakegirl26]

I guess that I'm just scared to go see the doc and find out if and when I get to start treatment. I know that right now is the best time in my life to do it. I was devastated when I was diagnosed and went into a really bad depression. I'm much better now mostly because I've got 3 beautiful children who need thier Momma to be healthy and strong for them. I've also found my way through the Lord and understand that this is one of the greatest tests I will ever have in life. I know with my liver damage being so minor that I could wait many years to do treatment. I would just rather do it before my liver gets damaged any more. Thanks to everyone who has responded to my post. I don't know anyone personally that suffers from hcv. so to have the oppurtunity to talk to people who are going through the same things as me is a godsend.

[lakegirl26]

I guess that I'm just scared to go see the doc and find out if and when I get to start treatment. I know that right now is the best time in my life to do it. I was devastated when I was diagnosed and went into a really bad depression. I'm much better now mostly because I've got 3 beautiful children who need thier Momma to be healthy and strong for them. I've also found my way through the Lord and understand that this is one of the greatest tests I will ever have in life. I know with my liver damage being so minor that I could wait many years to do treatment. I would just rather do it before my liver gets damaged any more. Thanks to everyone who has responded to my post. I don't know anyone personally that suffers from hcv. so to have the oppurtunity to talk to people who are going through the same things as me is a godsend.

[lakegirl26]

Thanks all for the kind words and encouragement. It means the world to me to be able to talk to people who understand what I'm going through. I will post as soon as I see this new doc.

[summer7799]

Your not alone in the way you feel. I am also a single mom with two young boys. I was diagnosed in May, and stil don't have answers. It's a big waiting game, and forces you to be patient. You are very blessed to have your parents and a support system. Hopefully you will get more answers at your appointment. Let us know how it goes!

[suezeeque]

Are you worried because the appointment was originally scheduled for the end of Nov but now they want you to come in sooner?

There are some possible reasons that should not be worrisome.

They had a cancellation.  Now they are able to get you in sooner.  Good news!  ;)

They have a spot to fill in a study with a treatment naive patient.

They made a mistake and gave you the wrong date the first time.

I don't think there's anything about your situation (that you've posted) that screams - get that patient in here now!!!

So try to just be happy that you'll get some answers a little sooner than you first expected.  :)

Good luck,

Sue

[Anne1717]

Making this decision is very personal and even though I had no liver issues at all and could have postponed treatment, I was not comfortable living with a most likely curable disease that I could under certain circumstance pass on  to someone else. I chose not to have to have to live with HCV in the back of my mind.  You are young and apparently have great support and in the end, that is paramount.  You don't know what your situation will be years down the road but you do know now.

So, best of luck to you.   Everyone has a different experience with side effects and you may have very few.  

Anne

[lakegirl26]

I'm ready to start treatment I just have so many questions that have went unanswered. I have my parents close and they are more than willing to help in any way that they can.I also have my lifelong best friend who is goign to stand by me through this no matter what (her words). The rest of my family doesn't even know yet that I have it and I really don't know how to tell them. Thanks everyone for the support:-)

[Livinontheedge]

Thats no lie, your are right the tx can be severe and then for other it may not.    For me, I am at the point that I just cant wait any longer.   I am at a good place mentally and very anxious to get started.    If I fail to respond then I will wait for new meds in the future.  But for now the clock is ticking and I just feel it is better to get it over with.   Ive waited for over 20 years now & now is the time for me.    
The great news is there is a newer drug coming !  Hopefully this one will be less painful & cheaper !

[curiouslady1]

The treatment is pretty severe.  If you are not depressed going in you can definitely get that way.  I am participating in a trial right now of all oral (no shots) drugs which have very little side effects. . . almost like taking an antibiotic.  But if it works, and early data suggests it will, it should take about 5 years to come to market.  If I had to do it over, I would do the same.  I waited many years to get treatment and my liver remained undamaged to any extent but there was no treatment that wasnt debilitating and I just didnt want what they had.  If you wait, treatment can only get better.  If you are 1a like me, you will be hard to treat and need to take three drugs and still it is not 100% that you will be cured that way.

[Livinontheedge]

Don't Stress !   I am a Geno type 1a and have had HCV for over 22 years.   In the last 10 years I was diagnosed with Severe Depression & Generalized Anxiety Disorder.   When I first started getting treatment for depression and anxiety they tried me on a gazillion AD's, before they found the right one which I wasn't allergic to or had a adverse reaction. Finally I had found a psychiatrist who was well on top of the HCV and started me out on Lexa-pro & Ativan which are filtered through your kidneys.   That has been 10 year ago and finally , I am mentally stable enough where my GI has decided to start treating the HCV.  The great thing now is we have the "Tri-Therapy" !  With Tri -Therapy, if you respond to the Incivek, you have an 80% cure rate and will only have to be on tx for 6 months.  So thats the great thing, and worth doing it.     I at this point am at stage 2 liver disease, and also have whats called "Fatty Liver".   I have had probably 5 liver biopsy's through the years and in Oct 10, I  just moved to stage 2.      So hang in there, and get all the information you can on the disease, treatment and find a good psychiatrist and GI or HCV Specialist.    You Can do this !  

[lakegirl26]

Okay now I feel like a real idiot I posted and said that I'm 1a but now I'm not even sure about this. I'm either 1a or 2b just not sure. I was so upset when my doc told me that I am an excelent candidate for treatment and then told me that he couldn't treat me. Like I said before I feel like I'm sitting in the dark about this disease and I can't find the light switch. Thanks Kirk for the support and I do have alot of help rom friends and family with the kids. I did have a liver biopsy a few months ago not long after I was diagnosed.

[kirk8]

I am also 1a.  With your amount of liver damage you may not need to treat for years or decades.  The doctor can put you on Prozac during treatment for mental health issues.  You need to let any psychologist know about HCV before they prescribe anything because antidepressants can also damage the liver.

Treatment for 1a takes a year and can be debilitating.  You may want to wait until your kids are older being that you already have a heard job as a parent.  Also, new, better, less toxic drugs are in the works.

If you haven’t had a liver biopsy you should get one to confirm your amount of liver damage.  If it is more advanced than you think you may want to treat now.

There are a lot of very knowledgeable people on here who have taught me a lot.  I’m sure they will have much to add for you.  They can also answer your more specific questions.