| josey w |
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| #1 |
Was diagnosed 2 years ago now (36yrs old), got really sick after a few weeks of binge drinking, got tested found out i was postive. Seems a tatoo i received when i was 16 is the likely culprit. Did the biospy thing and the doc said i was a canidate for interferon (48 weeks). That was the last time i spoke to the doc, its been well over a year now, i am healthy have no effects. Am i kidding myself? should i be in treatment? will this disease kill me if i dont clear it? |
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| smile |
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| #2 |
I was in the exact same situation as you. I was in super health and in shape. I had the hep for at least 15+ years. I decided to bite the bullet and did treatment. I did not clear but I think that is because they lowered my Ribavirin by 40 percent instead of giving me meds to get my blood count back up. Oh well. I am not bitter about not clearing and I really think I was border line almost there. Some people can have the virus their whole lives and it doesnt kill them. You may or may not be that person. My doctor said that I didnt need to do treatment but I chose to myself. I had plenty of side-effects while on treatment and more than likely you will have some lasting effects, probably dental or joint issues. However, if you do it now instead of later, you will be able to bounce back from it much easier. If you wait you could also have liver issues later on that wont allow you to do treatment. Finally, there could be a much easier treatment 4-5 years from now and you could kick yourself for not waiting. It is all a gamble either way.
My only advice is do not do it if you arent determined to go all the way. If you are iffy about dedicating your life to it, I wouldnt try.
Oh yeah, I am referring to 48 month treatment. If you are lucky enought to do the 24 month then I lean a little bit more towards treatment.
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| Jayhawk |
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| June 21, 2009 at 12:26 PM |
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| #3 |
Hi Josey,
Smile pretty much laid it out there for you. I'll emphasis that you have to 'go all the way' to have a shot at success. It can be tough, and if you aren't prepared to do whatever it takes, then you won't make it. So it's up to you.
I had hep for 30+ years and did fine. Raised a family, active in the community, etc. Then gave blood at work. Decided that I wanted to clear the thing, especially as I was divorced and dating, didn't want to give this to anyone. 48 week treatment in a drug study: I worked, traveled, helped teach in at UW while taking weekly shots and daily ribavirin, and experienced most of the more graphic side effects. It brought me to my knees at the end. This board helped me survive the worst. But I'm virus free.
If you're a woman, it's easier to treatment BEFORE menopause, and while you are still healthy. Being healthy probably helped me do everything I did during tx, but I probably also overdid it too. Pace yourself, get ready, and continue exercising while treating. I have no regrets. Just count my stars, and thank the Lord, that I didn't pass this on to my kids. We'll be here to offer advice and lend a hand during treatment. Find a support group too.
Best wishes,
Celeste
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| trekie |
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| July 26, 2009 at 08:56 AM |
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| #4 |
I would recommend to wait for better treatment. The long term sides can do more damage than good. just how I feel after seeing to many people with major medical problems after treatment. If the odds were better at clearing than I would treat. That's my two cents.
trekie
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