Introduction

January 5, 2008

welcome to the group Mike! Well it sounds like you are taking all the right steps in order to better your life, now we just gotta get rid of the virus.. you are right, everyone experiences this tx differently but there are some things that tend to be common among most of us.. like fevers, body aches and flu like symptoms while on tx and there ARE things you can do to help alleviate these symptoms such as drinking enough filtered water, gettting enough protein as long as your liver allows it, eating well, taking good care of yourself and making sure you take your meds EXACTLY as prescribed,, You said you were taking 6 months of tx, so are you genotype 2

or 3? How much damage do you have? What stage is your biopsy? Please feel free to ask any questions you have and we'll sure try to help you get answers.. the other thing we always tell folks is to get and keep copies of EVERY lab and biopsy you have,, keep it in a file at home for easy access.. seems we usually have questions either after 5 pm or on weekends,, lol,, so having them on hand can help us find answers for you! once again, welcome! I am Jax or jackie, one of the co-owners and a successful treater and am nearly 5 years post tx SVR.. it can be done,, jax heethun666 wrote: Hello,I have had Hep C for years and am just now about to start treatment after finally getting insurance, going through finding out what genotype I have and talking it over with the doc. I've heard from famly and friends (so many of the people I grew up with have this) some of what to expect over the course of treatment but imagine that I won't experience this in quite the same way that anyone else I know has.I'm also starting back in school (I"m 46 and returning after many years) Monday and am not sure how that will go. I work a very active job in which I walk about 8miles a day, five days a week and have to be on my

toes, so that's a concern for me also.I quit getting high about two years ago and have taken so many measures to improve my life. I hope that this is just one more of those efforts and after the six months of treatment will be healtier, happier and wiser.I appreciate having a forum to discuss these experiences with others in the same boat and look forward to meeting you all.Thanks,MikeJackie

January 5, 2008

Hi Mike,

YUP, there seems to be as many experiences on tx as there are members on this group. Some take it very well and you may be one of those, especially since you walk so far each day. I sure do hope so. For some, it's harder, but worth it to corral the virus and continue in a more healthy life.

God luck to you and you have certainly found the best group for knowledge and support. I am Sharon, a member and at 65, just got the virus into remission, at least for the present.

Sharon in NW WashingtonAll I have seen teaches me to trust in the Creator for all that I have not seen. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Introduction

Hello,I have had Hep C for years and am just now about to start treatment after finally getting insurance, going through finding out what genotype I have and talking it over with the doc. I've heard from famly and friends (so many of the people I grew up with have this) some of what to expect over the course of treatment but imagine that I won't experience this in quite the same way that anyone else I know has.I'm also starting back in school (I"m 46 and returning after many years) Monday and am not sure how that will go. I work a very active job in which I walk about 8miles a day, five days a week and have to be on my toes, so that's a concern for me also.I quit getting high about two years ago and have taken so many measures to improve my life. I hope that this is just one more of those efforts and after the six months of treatment will be healtier, happier and wiser.I appreciate having a forum to discuss these experiences with others in the same boat and look forward to meeting you all.Thanks,MikeIt's a pleasure having you join in our conversations. We hope you have found the support you need with us. If you are using email for your posts, for easy access to our group, just click the link-- http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Hepatitis_C_Central/Happy Posting

January 5, 2008

I know I have genotype two but don't know much more, like the stage or how much damage. I haven't had a biopsy but have had an ultrasound done. None of the doctors at the GI clinic I go to have English as a first langauge so it's sometimes frustrating talking to them. I did meet the nurse educator the last time there and hope to get more information from her. She is calling my insurance company and a pharmacy to get me going and has invited me to bring my girlfriend or whoever to our next meeting to talk about everything entailed. Jackie on wrote: welcome to the group Mike! Well it sounds like you are taking all the right steps in order to better your life, now we just gotta get rid of the virus.. you are right, everyone experiences this tx differently but there are some things that tend to be common among most of us.. like fevers, body aches and flu like symptoms while on tx and there ARE things you can do to help alleviate these symptoms such as drinking enough filtered water, gettting enough protein as long as your liver allows it, eating well, taking good care of yourself and making sure you take your meds

EXACTLY as prescribed,, You said you were taking 6 months of tx, so are you genotype 2 or 3? How much damage do you have? What stage is your biopsy? Please feel free to ask any questions you have and we'll sure try to help you get answers.. the other thing we always tell folks is to get and keep copies of EVERY lab and biopsy you have,, keep it in a file at home for easy access.. seems we usually have questions either after 5 pm or on weekends,, lol,, so having them on hand can help us find answers for you! once again, welcome! I am Jax or jackie, one of the co-owners and a successful treater and am nearly 5 years post tx SVR.. it can be done,, jax heethun666 <heethun666> wrote: Hello,I have had Hep C for years and am just now about to start treatment after finally getting insurance, going through finding out what genotype I have and talking it over with the doc. I've heard from famly and friends (so many of the people I grew up with have this) some of what to expect over the course of treatment but imagine that I won't experience this in quite the same way that anyone else I know has.I'm also starting back in school (I"m 46 and returning after many years) Monday and am not sure how that will go. I work a very active job in which I walk about 8miles a day, five days a week and have to be on my toes, so that's a concern for me also.I quit getting high about two years ago and have taken so many measures to improve my life. I hope that this is just one more of those efforts and after the six

months of treatment will be healtier, happier and wiser.I appreciate having a forum to discuss these experiences with others in the same boat and look forward to meeting you all.Thanks,MikeJackie

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January 5, 2008

ive had chronic hep c type 2 for many many years, I to thank god after insurance and years of confusion am gonna start my treatment on fri the 11th thanks to roche and pegasys assistance prg,,,i am also new to this group and i thank god i found it, the people here have been so helpfull and patient , i am also very nervous,etc,,,,,,,,,but it needs to be treated and not to mention the cirrohsisi ive developed,i wish you luck and hope to hear how your doing, joyceheethun666 wrote: Hello,I have had Hep C for years and am

just now about to start treatment after finally getting insurance, going through finding out what genotype I have and talking it over with the doc. I've heard from famly and friends (so many of the people I grew up with have this) some of what to expect over the course of treatment but imagine that I won't experience this in quite the same way that anyone else I know has.I'm also starting back in school (I"m 46 and returning after many years) Monday and am not sure how that will go. I work a very active job in which I walk about 8miles a day, five days a week and have to be on my toes, so that's a concern for me also.I quit getting high about two years ago and have taken so many measures to improve my life. I hope that this is just one more of those efforts and after the six months of treatment will be healtier, happier and wiser.I appreciate having a forum to discuss these experiences with others

in the same boat and look forward to meeting you all.Thanks,Mike

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January 5, 2008

i had the liver biopsy on dec 7 i was scared and i didnt feel a thing, i was told by my dr it needed to be done and he was right, found the cirrohsis,,,,,,,m human wrote: I know I have genotype two but don't know much more, like the stage or how much damage. I haven't had a biopsy but have had an ultrasound done. None of the doctors at the GI clinic I go to have English as a first langauge so it's sometimes frustrating talking to them. I did meet the nurse educator the last time there and

hope to get more information from her. She is calling my insurance company and a pharmacy to get me going and has invited me to bring my girlfriend or whoever to our next meeting to talk about everything entailed. Jackie on <redjaxjm> wrote: welcome to the group Mike! Well it sounds like you are taking all the right steps in order to better your life, now we just gotta get rid of the virus.. you are right, everyone experiences this tx differently but there are some things that tend to be

common among most of us.. like fevers, body aches and flu like symptoms while on tx and there ARE things you can do to help alleviate these symptoms such as drinking enough filtered water, gettting enough protein as long as your liver allows it, eating well, taking good care of yourself and making sure you take your meds EXACTLY as prescribed,, You said you were taking 6 months of tx, so are you genotype 2 or 3? How much damage do you have? What stage is your biopsy? Please feel free to ask any questions you have and we'll sure try to help you get answers.. the other thing we always tell folks is to get and keep copies of EVERY lab and biopsy you have,, keep it in a file at home for easy access.. seems we usually have questions either after 5 pm or on weekends,, lol,, so having them on hand can help us find answers for you! once again, welcome! I am Jax or jackie, one of the co-owners and a successful treater and am

nearly 5 years post tx SVR.. it can be done,, jax heethun666 <heethun666> wrote: Hello,I have had Hep C for years and am just now about to start treatment after finally getting insurance, going through finding out what genotype I have and talking it over with the doc. I've heard from famly and friends (so many of the people I grew up with have this) some of what to expect over the course of treatment but imagine that I won't experience this in quite the same way that anyone else I know has.I'm also starting back in school (I"m 46 and returning after many years) Monday and am not sure how that will go. I

work a very active job in which I walk about 8miles a day, five days a week and have to be on my toes, so that's a concern for me also.I quit getting high about two years ago and have taken so many measures to improve my life. I hope that this is just one more of those efforts and after the six months of treatment will be healtier, happier and wiser.I appreciate having a forum to discuss these experiences with others in the same boat and look forward to meeting you all.Thanks,MikeJackie Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.

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January 5, 2008

unfortunately, the ONLY way to know the stage of damage you have or do not have is via biopsy. Ultrasound is almost useless as far as damage goes,,, its only use is to find large tumors or lesions. The last time I had an ultrasound, there was a handwritten note attached from the radiologist who said that the ultrasound was NO WAY to tell what is what in the liver,, especially as far as histology goes,, one would need an MRI or CT scan,, but all in all, a biopsy is the only way to really get a good look at the cells and see what is what. I had mine with 'conscious sedation' so that I dont even remember it but I was able to follow the command to hold my breath when they took the sample from my

liver. They allowed my husband to be present as well. So I hope your docs will do one before you start tx to see if you really must do treatment at this point in time. Treatment is very difficult for most,, now I know that 'some' ppl are able to continue working , I was not one of those, I became so anemic that I had to stop work, I couldnt even walk to the bathroom without becoming totally exhausted and short of breath. I have known some folks who were able to keep working because they had a desk job and it did not require any physical abilities. So if you are not in a very 'stable' place in your life, sometimes if you dont have a lot of damage, it can be wise to get things in order BEFORE you start treatment. I would be extremely frustrated if those who were going to treat me did not speak English very well,, because I would want to know for sure that they would be treating any side effects once I started tx because there are some docs who

will either reduce your doses of meds , stop them all together for a short time or stop your treatment completely and thats NOT a good idea once you start tx as the virus can and might mutate thereby causing you to be unable to get rid of it at any cost.. Treatment can be deadly too and it can leave you with permanent damage as it did me.. But I was able to reach SVR which IS the goal, so I guess the trade off is acceptible for me anyway, but I do know some who find the permanent side effects more disabling than the virus itself.. MY GOAL here is to make sure that everyone makes an informed decision about treatment because in my opinion, treatment is NOT for everyone. You have a good genotype cuz 2 is easier to treat and is more successful than genotype 1 which is what I have. However, that being said, I DO know several ppl who treated and relapsed or did not reach SVR with geno 2. There is much to learn before starting tx and I hope you dont let

anyone push you into treatment before you know all the details and facts.. but the first thing would be to get a biopsy unless you are convinced that you want to treat no matter how much damage you do or do not have. I hope that makes sense... please feel free to ask any questions as you go along and we'll try to help you! jax m human wrote: I know I have genotype two but don't know much more, like the stage or how much damage. I haven't had a biopsy but have had an ultrasound done. None of the doctors at the GI clinic I go to have English as a first langauge so it's sometimes frustrating talking to them. I did meet the nurse educator the last time there and hope to get more information from her. She is calling my insurance company and a pharmacy to get me going and has invited me to bring my girlfriend or whoever to our next meeting to talk about everything entailed. Jackie on <redjaxjm> wrote: welcome to the group Mike! Well it sounds like you are taking all the right steps in order to better your life, now we just gotta get rid of the virus.. you are right, everyone experiences this tx differently but there are some things that tend to be common among most of us.. like fevers, body aches and flu like symptoms while on tx and there ARE things you can do to help alleviate these symptoms such as drinking enough filtered water, gettting enough protein as long as your liver allows it, eating well, taking good care of yourself and making sure you take your meds EXACTLY as prescribed,, You said you were taking 6 months of tx, so are you genotype 2 or 3? How much damage do you have? What stage is your biopsy? Please feel free to ask any questions you have and

we'll sure try to help you get answers.. the other thing we always tell folks is to get and keep copies of EVERY lab and biopsy you have,, keep it in a file at home for easy access.. seems we usually have questions either after 5 pm or on weekends,, lol,, so having them on hand can help us find answers for you! once again, welcome! I am Jax or jackie, one of the co-owners and a successful treater and am nearly 5 years post tx SVR.. it can be done,, jax heethun666 <heethun666> wrote: Hello,I have had Hep C for years and am just now about to start treatment after finally getting insurance, going through finding out what

genotype I have and talking it over with the doc. I've heard from famly and friends (so many of the people I grew up with have this) some of what to expect over the course of treatment but imagine that I won't experience this in quite the same way that anyone else I know has.I'm also starting back in school (I"m 46 and returning after many years) Monday and am not sure how that will go. I work a very active job in which I walk about 8miles a day, five days a week and have to be on my toes, so that's a concern for me also.I quit getting high about two years ago and have taken so many measures to improve my life. I hope that this is just one more of those efforts and after the six months of treatment will be healtier, happier and wiser.I appreciate having a forum to discuss these experiences with others in the same boat and look forward to meeting you

all.Thanks,MikeJackie Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. Jackie

January 5, 2008

When I had a sonogram of my liver, the radiologist explained it this way.........."You can see a beautiful, shiny car parked on the street without a single scratch on it - perfect looking. But when you put the key in, it doesn't start." Same idea.

By the way, I never had a biopsy. And since they didn't insist, neither did I. I knew that after all the years of blowing off the problem, it was my time and I was ready.

My estranged husband is in the process of going through the steps to get on a kidney transplant list & since he's got HCV, they required a liver biopsy. He was terrified of it for years and finally had no choice. He carried on so.......evidently, he had a bad time and threatened the doctor or at least that's the impression I got when he told me the story on the phone about a week ago. He said he didn't think he'd be seeing that doctor any more. It's not funny, but I guess I got a little bit of satisfaction out of it

Dorothy

January 5, 2008

well some docs dont insist on a biopsy because it saves them money!! and if the patient is adamant about tx, then I guess they figure why bother,, why spend the money, but it would be nice to know how much damage you do or do not have,, dorv@... wrote: When I had a sonogram of my liver, the radiologist explained it this way.........."You can see a beautiful, shiny car parked on the street without a single scratch on it - perfect looking. But when you put the key in, it doesn't start." Same idea. By the way, I never had a biopsy. And since they didn't insist, neither did I. I knew that after all the years of blowing off the problem, it was my time and I was ready. My estranged husband is in the process of going through the steps to get on a kidney transplant list & since he's got HCV, they required a liver biopsy. He was terrified of it for years and finally had no choice. He carried on so.......evidently, he had a bad

time and threatened the doctor or at least that's the impression I got when he told me the story on the phone about a week ago. He said he didn't think he'd be seeing that doctor any more. It's not funny, but I guess I got a little bit of satisfaction out of it Dorothy Jackie

January 5, 2008

Thanks so much for your perspective on this jax. I have some doubts which I expressed at the time the doctor said it should be treated, most of which I don't feel were adequately answered. One question was is my individual case bad enough to warrant treatment. I was told that hep C leads to liver cancer and since I have the most treatable form I should treat it. That didn't really answer my question as to how bad a case I have. I do currently have fatigue but believe that my hep is asymptomatic and the fatigue is just a result of something else, like working very hard 45 plus hours a week.Jackie on wrote: unfortunately, the ONLY way to know the stage of damage you have or do not have is via biopsy. Ultrasound is almost useless as far as damage goes,,, its only use is to find large tumors or lesions. The last time I had an ultrasound, there was a handwritten note attached from the radiologist who said that the ultrasound was NO WAY to tell what is what in the liver,, especially as far as histology goes,, one would need an MRI or CT scan,, but all in all, a biopsy is the only way to really get a good look at the cells and see what is what. I had mine with 'conscious

sedation' so that I dont even remember it but I was able to follow the command to hold my breath when they took the sample from my liver. They allowed my husband to be present as well. So I hope your docs will do one before you start tx to see if you really must do treatment at this point in time. Treatment is very difficult for most,, now I know that 'some' ppl are able to continue working , I was not one of those, I became so anemic that I had to stop work, I couldnt even walk to the bathroom without becoming totally exhausted and short of breath. I have known some folks who were able to keep working because they had a desk job and it did not require any physical abilities. So if you are not in a very 'stable' place in your life, sometimes if you dont have a lot of damage, it can be wise to get things in order BEFORE you start treatment. I would be extremely frustrated if those who were going to treat me did not speak English very well,,

because I would want to know for sure that they would be treating any side effects once I started tx because there are some docs who will either reduce your doses of meds , stop them all together for a short time or stop your treatment completely and thats NOT a good idea once you start tx as the virus can and might mutate thereby causing you to be unable to get rid of it at any cost.. Treatment can be deadly too and it can leave you with permanent damage as it did me.. But I was able to reach SVR which IS the goal, so I guess the trade off is acceptible for me anyway, but I do know some who find the permanent side effects more disabling than the virus itself.. MY GOAL here is to make sure that everyone makes an informed decision about treatment because in my opinion, treatment is NOT for everyone. You have a good genotype cuz 2 is easier to treat and is more successful than genotype 1 which is what I have. However, that being said, I DO know several ppl

who treated and relapsed or did not reach SVR with geno 2. There is much to learn before starting tx and I hope you dont let anyone push you into treatment before you know all the details and facts.. but the first thing would be to get a biopsy unless you are convinced that you want to treat no matter how much damage you do or do not have. I hope that makes sense... please feel free to ask any questions as you go along and we'll try to help you! jax m human <heethun666> wrote: I know I have genotype two but don't know much more, like the stage or how much damage. I haven't had a biopsy but have had an ultrasound

done. None of the doctors at the GI clinic I go to have English as a first langauge so it's sometimes frustrating talking to them. I did meet the nurse educator the last time there and hope to get more information from her. She is calling my insurance company and a pharmacy to get me going and has invited me to bring my girlfriend or whoever to our next meeting to talk about everything entailed. Jackie on <redjaxjm> wrote: welcome to the group Mike! Well it sounds like

you are taking all the right steps in order to better your life, now we just gotta get rid of the virus.. you are right, everyone experiences this tx differently but there are some things that tend to be common among most of us.. like fevers, body aches and flu like symptoms while on tx and there ARE things you can do to help alleviate these symptoms such as drinking enough filtered water, gettting enough protein as long as your liver allows it, eating well, taking good care of yourself and making sure you take your meds EXACTLY as prescribed,, You said you were taking 6 months of tx, so are you genotype 2 or 3? How much damage do you have? What stage is your biopsy? Please feel free to ask any questions you have and we'll sure try to help you get answers.. the other thing we always tell folks is to get and keep copies of EVERY lab and biopsy you have,, keep it in a file at home for easy access.. seems we usually have

questions either after 5 pm or on weekends,, lol,, so having them on hand can help us find answers for you! once again, welcome! I am Jax or jackie, one of the co-owners and a successful treater and am nearly 5 years post tx SVR.. it can be done,, jax heethun666 <heethun666> wrote: Hello,I have had Hep C for years and am just now about to start treatment after finally getting insurance, going through finding out what genotype I have and talking it over with the doc. I've heard from famly and friends (so many of the people I grew up with have this) some of what to expect over the course of treatment but

imagine that I won't experience this in quite the same way that anyone else I know has.I'm also starting back in school (I"m 46 and returning after many years) Monday and am not sure how that will go. I work a very active job in which I walk about 8miles a day, five days a week and have to be on my toes, so that's a concern for me also.I quit getting high about two years ago and have taken so many measures to improve my life. I hope that this is just one more of those efforts and after the six months of treatment will be healtier, happier and wiser.I appreciate having a forum to discuss these experiences with others in the same boat and look forward to meeting you all.Thanks,MikeJackie Be a better friend, newshound, and

know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. Jackie

Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.

January 5, 2008

Mike, A liver biopsy is the only thing that is going to truly answer your question. It would tell you what grade/stage you are at and whether you want to treat now, or if you have the option of holding off.. Good to keep researching until you are ready, as well.. My 2 cents.. Sheena m human wrote: Thanks so much for your perspective on this jax. I have some doubts which I expressed at the time the doctor said it should be treated, most of which I don't feel were adequately answered. One question was is my individual case bad enough to warrant treatment. I was told that hep C leads to liver cancer and since I have the most treatable form I should treat it. That didn't really answer my question as to how bad a case I have. I do currently have fatigue but believe that my hep is asymptomatic and the fatigue is just a result of something else, like working very hard 45 plus hours a week.Jackie on <redjaxjm> wrote: unfortunately, the ONLY way to know the stage of damage you have or do not have is via biopsy. Ultrasound is almost useless as far as damage goes,,, its only use is to find large tumors or lesions. The last time I had an ultrasound, there was a handwritten note attached from the radiologist who said that the ultrasound was NO WAY to tell what is what in the liver,, especially as far as histology goes,, one would need an MRI or CT scan,, but all in all, a biopsy is the only way to really get a good look at the cells and see what is what. I had mine with 'conscious sedation' so that I dont even remember it but I was able to follow the command to hold my breath when they took the sample from my liver. They allowed my

husband to be present as well. So I hope your docs will do one before you start tx to see if you really must do treatment at this point in time. Treatment is very difficult for most,, now I know that 'some' ppl are able to continue working , I was not one of those, I became so anemic that I had to stop work, I couldnt even walk to the bathroom without becoming totally exhausted and short of breath. I have known some folks who were able to keep working because they had a desk job and it did not require any physical abilities. So if you are not in a very 'stable' place in your life, sometimes if you dont have a lot of damage, it can be wise to get things in order BEFORE you start treatment. I would be extremely frustrated if those who were going to treat me did not speak English very well,, because I would want to know for sure that they would be treating any side effects once I started tx because there are some docs who will either reduce your doses

of meds , stop them all together for a short time or stop your treatment completely and thats NOT a good idea once you start tx as the virus can and might mutate thereby causing you to be unable to get rid of it at any cost.. Treatment can be deadly too and it can leave you with permanent damage as it did me.. But I was able to reach SVR which IS the goal, so I guess the trade off is acceptible for me anyway, but I do know some who find the permanent side effects more disabling than the virus itself.. MY GOAL here is to make sure that everyone makes an informed decision about treatment because in my opinion, treatment is NOT for everyone. You have a good genotype cuz 2 is easier to treat and is more successful than genotype 1 which is what I have. However, that being said, I DO know several ppl who treated and relapsed or did not reach SVR with geno 2. There is much to learn before starting tx and I hope you dont let anyone push you into treatment

before you know all the details and facts.. but the first thing would be to get a biopsy unless you are convinced that you want to treat no matter how much damage you do or do not have. I hope that makes sense... please feel free to ask any questions as you go along and we'll try to help you! jax m human <heethun666> wrote: I know I have genotype two but don't know much more, like the stage or how much damage. I haven't had a biopsy but have had an ultrasound done. None of the doctors at the GI clinic I go to have English as a first langauge so it's sometimes frustrating talking to them. I did

meet the nurse educator the last time there and hope to get more information from her. She is calling my insurance company and a pharmacy to get me going and has invited me to bring my girlfriend or whoever to our next meeting to talk about everything entailed. Jackie on <redjaxjm> wrote: welcome to the group Mike! Well it sounds like you are taking all the right steps in order to better your life, now we just gotta get rid of the virus.. you are right, everyone experiences this tx

differently but there are some things that tend to be common among most of us.. like fevers, body aches and flu like symptoms while on tx and there ARE things you can do to help alleviate these symptoms such as drinking enough filtered water, gettting enough protein as long as your liver allows it, eating well, taking good care of yourself and making sure you take your meds EXACTLY as prescribed,, You said you were taking 6 months of tx, so are you genotype 2 or 3? How much damage do you have? What stage is your biopsy? Please feel free to ask any questions you have and we'll sure try to help you get answers.. the other thing we always tell folks is to get and keep copies of EVERY lab and biopsy you have,, keep it in a file at home for easy access.. seems we usually have questions either after 5 pm or on weekends,, lol,, so having them on hand can help us find answers for you! once again, welcome! I am Jax or jackie,

one of the co-owners and a successful treater and am nearly 5 years post tx SVR.. it can be done,, jax heethun666 <heethun666> wrote: Hello,I have had Hep C for years and am just now about to start treatment after finally getting insurance, going through finding out what genotype I have and talking it over with the doc. I've heard from famly and friends (so many of the people I grew up with have this) some of what to expect over the course of treatment but imagine that I won't experience this in quite the same way that anyone else I know has.I'm also starting back in school (I"m 46 and returning after many

years) Monday and am not sure how that will go. I work a very active job in which I walk about 8miles a day, five days a week and have to be on my toes, so that's a concern for me also.I quit getting high about two years ago and have taken so many measures to improve my life. I hope that this is just one more of those efforts and after the six months of treatment will be healtier, happier and wiser.I appreciate having a forum to discuss these experiences with others in the same boat and look forward to meeting you all.Thanks,MikeJackie Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. Jackie Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.

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January 5, 2008

Some thoughts on this. When I first treated in the early '90's, it was

an FDA testing procedure, I believe. I was totally clueless and blindly

followed the " Great Doctor's " advice. He acted like a total Nazi and did

not welcome questions. I've sinced change Doc's, and my new one is

superb. I can reach his nurse quickly and she'll get right back to me.

However, the main idea here is that after the first go around with the

Dictator, my wife got totally involved and came to every appointment

with every Doctor I had to see, including a transplant specialist 3

hours away. She always has a list of questions and will not let me leave

until all are answered. Due to the HCV, my mind wasn't (and still

isn't!) working at full force, so it was imperative that I had someone

with me as an ally. I don't know your circumstances, but please try and

get a loved one or good friend to accompany you to all appointments.

They have to be willing to stick with it for the long term, as that's

what this disease is. My wife is able to question and challange the

Doctors without upsetting them, which I could never do. Two heads are

way better than one in these circumstances.

>

> Thanks so much for your perspective on this jax. I have some doubts

which I expressed at the time the doctor said it should be treated, most

of which I don't feel were adequately answered.

>

> One question was is my individual case bad enough to warrant

treatment. I was told that hep C leads to liver cancer and since I have

the most treatable form I should treat it. That didn't really answer my

question as to how bad a case I have. I do currently have fatigue but

believe that my hep is asymptomatic and the fatigue is just a result of

something else, like working very hard 45 plus hours a week.

>

January 5, 2008

thank you Rick for your input,, you gave wise words indeed! Rick Kipp wrote: Some thoughts on this. When I first treated in the early '90's, it was an FDA testing procedure, I believe. I was totally clueless and blindly followed the "Great Doctor's" advice. He acted like a total Nazi and did not welcome questions. I've sinced change Doc's, and my new one is superb. I can reach his nurse quickly and she'll get right back to me. However, the main idea here is that after the first go around with the Dictator, my wife got totally involved and came to every appointment with every Doctor I had to see, including a transplant specialist 3 hours away. She always has a list of questions and will not let me leave until all are answered. Due to the HCV, my mind wasn't (and still isn't!) working at full force, so it was imperative that I had someone with me as an ally. I don't know your circumstances, but please try and get a loved one or good friend to accompany you to all appointments.

They have to be willing to stick with it for the long term, as that's what this disease is. My wife is able to question and challange the Doctors without upsetting them, which I could never do. Two heads are way better than one in these circumstances.>> Thanks so much for your perspective on this jax. I have some doubts which I expressed at the time the doctor said it should be treated, most of which I don't feel were adequately answered.> > One question was is my individual case bad enough to warrant treatment. I was told that hep C leads to liver cancer and since I have the most treatable form I should treat it. That didn't really answer my question as to how bad a case I have. I do currently have fatigue but believe that my hep is

asymptomatic and the fatigue is just a result of something else, like working very hard 45 plus hours a week.> Jackie

January 5, 2008

Also very wise advice Sheena! Sheena wrote: Mike, A liver biopsy is the only thing that is going to truly answer your question. It would tell you what grade/stage you are at and whether you want to treat now, or if you have the option of holding off.. Good to keep researching until you are ready, as well.. My 2 cents.. Sheena m human <heethun666> wrote: Thanks so much for your perspective on this jax. I have some doubts which I expressed at the time the doctor said it should be treated, most of which I don't feel were adequately

answered. One question was is my individual case bad enough to warrant treatment. I was told that hep C leads to liver cancer and since I have the most treatable form I should treat it. That didn't really answer my question as to how bad a case I have. I do currently have fatigue but believe that my hep is asymptomatic and the fatigue is just a result of something else, like working very hard 45 plus hours a week.Jackie on <redjaxjm> wrote: unfortunately, the ONLY way to know the stage of damage you have or do not have is via

biopsy. Ultrasound is almost useless as far as damage goes,,, its only use is to find large tumors or lesions. The last time I had an ultrasound, there was a handwritten note attached from the radiologist who said that the ultrasound was NO WAY to tell what is what in the liver,, especially as far as histology goes,, one would need an MRI or CT scan,, but all in all, a biopsy is the only way to really get a good look at the cells and see what is what. I had mine with 'conscious sedation' so that I dont even remember it but I was able to follow the command to hold my breath when they took the sample from my liver. They allowed my husband to be present as well. So I hope your docs will do one before you start tx to see if you really must do treatment at this point in time. Treatment is very difficult for most,, now I know that 'some' ppl are able to continue working , I was not one of those, I became so anemic that I had to stop work, I couldnt even

walk to the bathroom without becoming totally exhausted and short of breath. I have known some folks who were able to keep working because they had a desk job and it did not require any physical abilities. So if you are not in a very 'stable' place in your life, sometimes if you dont have a lot of damage, it can be wise to get things in order BEFORE you start treatment. I would be extremely frustrated if those who were going to treat me did not speak English very well,, because I would want to know for sure that they would be treating any side effects once I started tx because there are some docs who will either reduce your doses of meds , stop them all together for a short time or stop your treatment completely and thats NOT a good idea once you start tx as the virus can and might mutate thereby causing you to be unable to get rid of it at any cost.. Treatment can be deadly too and it can leave you with permanent damage as it did me.. But I was

able to reach SVR which IS the goal, so I guess the trade off is acceptible for me anyway, but I do know some who find the permanent side effects more disabling than the virus itself.. MY GOAL here is to make sure that everyone makes an informed decision about treatment because in my opinion, treatment is NOT for everyone. You have a good genotype cuz 2 is easier to treat and is more successful than genotype 1 which is what I have. However, that being said, I DO know several ppl who treated and relapsed or did not reach SVR with geno 2. There is much to learn before starting tx and I hope you dont let anyone push you into treatment before you know all the details and facts.. but the first thing would be to get a biopsy unless you are convinced that you want to treat no matter how much damage you do or do not have. I hope that makes sense... please feel free to ask any questions as you go along and we'll try to help you! jax m human <heethun666> wrote: I know I have genotype two but don't know much more, like the stage or how much damage. I haven't had a biopsy but have had an ultrasound done. None of the doctors at the GI clinic I go to have English as a first langauge so it's sometimes frustrating talking to them. I did meet the nurse educator the last time there and hope to get more information from her. She is calling my insurance company and a pharmacy to get me going and has invited me to bring my girlfriend or whoever to our next meeting to talk about everything entailed. Jackie

on <redjaxjm> wrote: welcome to the group Mike! Well it sounds like you are taking all the right steps in order to better your life, now we just gotta get rid of the virus.. you are right, everyone experiences this tx differently but there are some things that tend to be common among most of us.. like fevers, body aches and flu like symptoms while on tx and there ARE things you can do to help alleviate these symptoms such as drinking enough filtered water, gettting enough protein as long as your liver allows it, eating well, taking

good care of yourself and making sure you take your meds EXACTLY as prescribed,, You said you were taking 6 months of tx, so are you genotype 2 or 3? How much damage do you have? What stage is your biopsy? Please feel free to ask any questions you have and we'll sure try to help you get answers.. the other thing we always tell folks is to get and keep copies of EVERY lab and biopsy you have,, keep it in a file at home for easy access.. seems we usually have questions either after 5 pm or on weekends,, lol,, so having them on hand can help us find answers for you! once again, welcome! I am Jax or jackie, one of the co-owners and a successful treater and am nearly 5 years post tx SVR.. it can be done,, jax heethun666 <heethun666> wrote: Hello,I have had Hep C for years and am just now about to start treatment after finally getting insurance, going through finding out what genotype I have and talking it over with the doc. I've heard from famly and friends (so many of the people I grew up with have this) some of what to expect over the course of treatment but imagine that I won't experience this in quite the same way that anyone else I know has.I'm also starting back in school (I"m 46 and returning after many years) Monday and am not sure how that will go. I work a very active job in which I walk about 8miles a day, five days a week and have to be on my toes, so that's a concern for me also.I quit getting high about two years ago and have taken so many measures to

improve my life. I hope that this is just one more of those efforts and after the six months of treatment will be healtier, happier and wiser.I appreciate having a forum to discuss these experiences with others in the same boat and look forward to meeting you all.Thanks,MikeJackie Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. Jackie Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. Jackie

January 5, 2008