Re: Just curious

[Guest guest]

Sara , all the symptoms your having are hepatitis c related . The weakness and fitigue , and especially the itching . The itching is from excess bile in your body and it is called cholestasis . Are you on any treatment for the hepatitis ? Have you had a liver biopsy ?

Just Curious

Hey all, my name is Sara and I have been lurkingaround for awhile, and I have a few questions. I wasdiagnosed in April of '04 and have had no symptoms oranything. Since then my virus levels are only around10,000, but I have been soooo tired and weak all thetime, and am itching like crazy! I have been onseveral meds to stop the itching and none have helped.Could this be from the Hep? I don't feel comfortabletalking to my DR since she has NO communication withmy specialist and has no idea whats going on, and myspecialist makes me uncomfortable, but he is the onlyone that can see me and is a few hours away. Any helpwould be greatly appreciated.Sara __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Sara , all the symptoms your having are hepatitis c related . The weakness and fitigue , and especially the itching . The itching is from excess bile in your body and it is called cholestasis . Are you on any treatment for the hepatitis ? Have you had a liver biopsy ?

Just Curious

Hey all, my name is Sara and I have been lurkingaround for awhile, and I have a few questions. I wasdiagnosed in April of '04 and have had no symptoms oranything. Since then my virus levels are only around10,000, but I have been soooo tired and weak all thetime, and am itching like crazy! I have been onseveral meds to stop the itching and none have helped.Could this be from the Hep? I don't feel comfortabletalking to my DR since she has NO communication withmy specialist and has no idea whats going on, and myspecialist makes me uncomfortable, but he is the onlyone that can see me and is a few hours away. Any helpwould be greatly appreciated.Sara __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hello. Yes I had a biopsy early last year and

everything was ok. I am starting treatment in Feb. or

March, I'm really nervous:)

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hello. Yes I had a biopsy early last year and

everything was ok. I am starting treatment in Feb. or

March, I'm really nervous:)

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Sara IF everything is ok, WHY are you doing tx? If you have little to no damage, you can wait for better treatment. What genotype are you? What stage of damage do you have? You know some ppl who have little damage have treated and the treatment caused the virus to mutate and they are now in serious trouble...Please explain it to us,, jaxSara wrote: Hello. Yes I had a biopsy early last year andeverything was ok. I am starting treatment in Feb. orMarch, I'm really nervous:) __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Sara IF everything is ok, WHY are you doing tx? If you have little to no damage, you can wait for better treatment. What genotype are you? What stage of damage do you have? You know some ppl who have little damage have treated and the treatment caused the virus to mutate and they are now in serious trouble...Please explain it to us,, jaxSara wrote: Hello. Yes I had a biopsy early last year andeverything was ok. I am starting treatment in Feb. orMarch, I'm really nervous:) __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Sara IF everything is ok, WHY are you doing tx? If you have little to no damage, you can wait for better treatment. What genotype are you? What stage of damage do you have? You know some ppl who have little damage have treated and the treatment caused the virus to mutate and they are now in serious trouble...Please explain it to us,, jaxSara wrote: Hello. Yes I had a biopsy early last year andeverything was ok. I am starting treatment in Feb. orMarch, I'm really nervous:) __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I'm not sure what genotype it is, and I am not sure

why I'm doing treatment. When I got my biopsy last

year they told me there was no damage. My specialist

told me I need to start TX before there is damage, and

that with my levels so low it would be easier to

treat. I don't know much about it, but I would like a

second opinion, but I don't think my insurance would

pay for it. Are there any sites with info on this

aspect of TX?

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I'm not sure what genotype it is, and I am not sure

why I'm doing treatment. When I got my biopsy last

year they told me there was no damage. My specialist

told me I need to start TX before there is damage, and

that with my levels so low it would be easier to

treat. I don't know much about it, but I would like a

second opinion, but I don't think my insurance would

pay for it. Are there any sites with info on this

aspect of TX?

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I'm not sure what genotype it is, and I am not sure

why I'm doing treatment. When I got my biopsy last

year they told me there was no damage. My specialist

told me I need to start TX before there is damage, and

that with my levels so low it would be easier to

treat. I don't know much about it, but I would like a

second opinion, but I don't think my insurance would

pay for it. Are there any sites with info on this

aspect of TX?

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Yes Sara,, just research the Interferon and Ribavirin treatment... there are such mixed opinions about doing THIS treatment if you have no damage vs doing it before you get damage,, remember the Liver CAN and does regenerate itself... ask a lot of others who have done tx,, ask if they had damage, would they do it again,, get as much info as you can before you decide one way or the other... and YOU make the decision,, not your doc, HE doesnt have to inject that stuff and take those pills.. HOW long does he say you have to treat? IF you are geno 1 or 4, you treat for 48 weeks and if you are geno 2or 3 you treat for 24 weeks... so you can usually tell what geno you are by how long he says you have to treat... and there is controversy over that as well, so learn as much as you can as its YOUR body and YOUR life,, no one else, so make sure you are confortable with whatever you decide and WE WILL support you too, no matter what you decide... keep us posted hon jaxSara wrote: I'm not sure what genotype it is, and I am not surewhy I'm doing treatment. When I got my biopsy lastyear they told me there was no damage. My specialisttold me I need to start TX before there is damage, andthat with my levels so low it would be easier totreat. I don't know much about it, but I would like asecond opinion, but I don't think my insurance wouldpay for it. Are there any sites with info on thisaspect of TX?__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Yes Sara,, just research the Interferon and Ribavirin treatment... there are such mixed opinions about doing THIS treatment if you have no damage vs doing it before you get damage,, remember the Liver CAN and does regenerate itself... ask a lot of others who have done tx,, ask if they had damage, would they do it again,, get as much info as you can before you decide one way or the other... and YOU make the decision,, not your doc, HE doesnt have to inject that stuff and take those pills.. HOW long does he say you have to treat? IF you are geno 1 or 4, you treat for 48 weeks and if you are geno 2or 3 you treat for 24 weeks... so you can usually tell what geno you are by how long he says you have to treat... and there is controversy over that as well, so learn as much as you can as its YOUR body and YOUR life,, no one else, so make sure you are confortable with whatever you decide and WE WILL support you too, no matter what you decide... keep us posted hon jaxSara wrote: I'm not sure what genotype it is, and I am not surewhy I'm doing treatment. When I got my biopsy lastyear they told me there was no damage. My specialisttold me I need to start TX before there is damage, andthat with my levels so low it would be easier totreat. I don't know much about it, but I would like asecond opinion, but I don't think my insurance wouldpay for it. Are there any sites with info on thisaspect of TX?__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Actually I agree with your doctor , only because of my experiences over the last 4 yrs .It seems to me the people I know with little damage seem to clear easier than others with more severe damage . Also there seem to be less side effects correlated with less damage . Age also plays a big role . Then there are some who ( usually after prior treatment) that treat again and have the virus mutate which is what happened to me . The CDC , the WHO and the NIH all have sites with information that can help you . Since you are already on treatment you should continue and do the full course , if you stop early then treat later its harder to get rid of .

Re: Just Curious

I'm not sure what genotype it is, and I am not surewhy I'm doing treatment. When I got my biopsy lastyear they told me there was no damage. My specialisttold me I need to start TX before there is damage, andthat with my levels so low it would be easier totreat. I don't know much about it, but I would like asecond opinion, but I don't think my insurance wouldpay for it. Are there any sites with info on thisaspect of TX?__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Peginterferon Alfa-2b (PegIntron) Therapy in Hepatitis C Genotypes 1 and 4: Earlier Treatment Is Better to Achieve SVRs

The role, onset and duration of peginterferon treatment have not yet been evaluated in acute hepatitis C. The aim of the current study, conducted at 3 medical centers in the US, Egypt and Germany, was to assess the efficacy, safety, onset and duration of peginterferon alfa-2b (PEG IFN) [PegIntron] in acute hepatitis C.

In this intent to treat study patients with acute HCV genotypes 1 and 4 (n=98) were enrolled and prospectively followed. Patients were screened for 8 weeks after seroconversion or first positive PCR.

Fifteen subjects refused treatment but were followed through the study.

Patients without spontaneous recovery were randomized to begin PEG IFN alfa-2b monotherapy at wks 8, 12, 20 respectively for either 12 or 24 weeks. A subset of subjects who failed to achieve a virologic response after 12 wks of treatment continued therapy for additional 12 wks.

Results

· Five untreated subjects had spontaneous recovery and another 4 subjects scheduled to start treatment at weeks 12 or 20 resolved spontaneously before therapy;

· 79 subjects with persistent viremia were randomized to 3 groups (See Table below);

· The end of treatment response was 94% and the overall SVR was 82%;

· The SVR was better for genotype 4 compared to genotype 1;

· Earlier treatment (week 8 or 12) was associated with higher SVR particularly in genotype 1;

· Twelve week therapy was sufficient for genotype 4 while higher SVR rates in genotype 1 patients were achieved with 24 wks treatment (86%); and

· Peginterferon alfa-2b monotherapy was well tolerated and associated with significant improvement in the quality of life.

The authors conclude, “Peginterferon alfa-2b monotherapy improves sustained virologic response for acute hepatitis C virus with genotype 1 and 4 infection.”

“Earlier treatment leads to increased virologic response. HCV genotype 1 may require longer treatment duration.”

Harvard Institutes of Medicine and Harvard Medical School, Boston MA, USA, Ain Shams Faculty of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt, and University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.

Re: Just Curious

I'm not sure what genotype it is, and I am not surewhy I'm doing treatment. When I got my biopsy lastyear they told me there was no damage. My specialisttold me I need to start TX before there is damage, andthat with my levels so low it would be easier totreat. I don't know much about it, but I would like asecond opinion, but I don't think my insurance wouldpay for it. Are there any sites with info on thisaspect of TX?__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Peginterferon Alfa-2b (PegIntron) Therapy in Hepatitis C Genotypes 1 and 4: Earlier Treatment Is Better to Achieve SVRs

The role, onset and duration of peginterferon treatment have not yet been evaluated in acute hepatitis C. The aim of the current study, conducted at 3 medical centers in the US, Egypt and Germany, was to assess the efficacy, safety, onset and duration of peginterferon alfa-2b (PEG IFN) [PegIntron] in acute hepatitis C.

In this intent to treat study patients with acute HCV genotypes 1 and 4 (n=98) were enrolled and prospectively followed. Patients were screened for 8 weeks after seroconversion or first positive PCR.

Fifteen subjects refused treatment but were followed through the study.

Patients without spontaneous recovery were randomized to begin PEG IFN alfa-2b monotherapy at wks 8, 12, 20 respectively for either 12 or 24 weeks. A subset of subjects who failed to achieve a virologic response after 12 wks of treatment continued therapy for additional 12 wks.

Results

· Five untreated subjects had spontaneous recovery and another 4 subjects scheduled to start treatment at weeks 12 or 20 resolved spontaneously before therapy;

· 79 subjects with persistent viremia were randomized to 3 groups (See Table below);

· The end of treatment response was 94% and the overall SVR was 82%;

· The SVR was better for genotype 4 compared to genotype 1;

· Earlier treatment (week 8 or 12) was associated with higher SVR particularly in genotype 1;

· Twelve week therapy was sufficient for genotype 4 while higher SVR rates in genotype 1 patients were achieved with 24 wks treatment (86%); and

· Peginterferon alfa-2b monotherapy was well tolerated and associated with significant improvement in the quality of life.

The authors conclude, “Peginterferon alfa-2b monotherapy improves sustained virologic response for acute hepatitis C virus with genotype 1 and 4 infection.”

“Earlier treatment leads to increased virologic response. HCV genotype 1 may require longer treatment duration.”

Harvard Institutes of Medicine and Harvard Medical School, Boston MA, USA, Ain Shams Faculty of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt, and University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.

Re: Just Curious

I'm not sure what genotype it is, and I am not surewhy I'm doing treatment. When I got my biopsy lastyear they told me there was no damage. My specialisttold me I need to start TX before there is damage, andthat with my levels so low it would be easier totreat. I don't know much about it, but I would like asecond opinion, but I don't think my insurance wouldpay for it. Are there any sites with info on thisaspect of TX?__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Thank you Liz, I KNEW there were post I had seen about doing tx earlier when you have certain genotypes,, what type was Chris? Do you remember? I know he mutated and it was worse... talk with you soon!elizabethnv1 wrote: Peginterferon Alfa-2b (PegIntron) Therapy in Hepatitis C Genotypes 1 and 4: Earlier Treatment Is Better to Achieve SVRs The role, onset and duration of peginterferon treatment have not yet been evaluated in acute hepatitis

C. The aim of the current study, conducted at 3 medical centers in the US, Egypt and Germany, was to assess the efficacy, safety, onset and duration of peginterferon alfa-2b (PEG IFN) [PegIntron] in acute hepatitis C. In this intent to treat study patients with acute HCV genotypes 1 and 4 (n=98) were enrolled and prospectively followed. Patients were screened for 8 weeks after seroconversion or first positive PCR. Fifteen subjects refused treatment but were followed through the study. Patients without spontaneous recovery were randomized to begin PEG IFN alfa-2b monotherapy at wks 8, 12, 20 respectively for either 12 or 24 weeks. A subset of subjects who failed to achieve a virologic response after 12 wks of treatment continued therapy for additional 12 wks. Results · Five untreated subjects had spontaneous

recovery and another 4 subjects scheduled to start treatment at weeks 12 or 20 resolved spontaneously before therapy; · 79 subjects with persistent viremia were randomized to 3 groups (See Table below); · The end of treatment response was 94% and the overall SVR was 82%; · The SVR was better for genotype 4 compared to genotype 1; · Earlier treatment (week 8 or 12) was associated with higher SVR particularly in genotype 1; · Twelve week therapy was sufficient for genotype 4 while higher SVR rates in genotype 1 patients were achieved with 24 wks treatment (86%); and · Peginterferon alfa-2b monotherapy was well tolerated and associated with significant improvement in the quality of life. The authors conclude, “Peginterferon alfa-2b monotherapy

improves sustained virologic response for acute hepatitis C virus with genotype 1 and 4 infection.” “Earlier treatment leads to increased virologic response. HCV genotype 1 may require longer treatment duration.” Harvard Institutes of Medicine and Harvard Medical School, Boston MA, USA, Ain Shams Faculty of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt, and University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. Re: Just Curious I'm not sure what genotype it is, and I am not surewhy I'm doing treatment. When I got my biopsy lastyear they told me there was no damage. My specialisttold me I need to start TX before there is damage, andthat with my levels so low it would be easier totreat. I don't know much about it, but I would like asecond opinion, but I don't think my insurance wouldpay for it. Are there any sites with info on thisaspect of TX?__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Liz, she is not on tx yet, is planning to start in Feb or March 06,, I would NEVER have EVER advocated anyone stop tx if they were on it,, remember I almost killed myself to make sure I KILLED the virus, lol,, elizabethnv1 wrote: Actually I agree with your doctor , only because of my experiences over the last 4 yrs .It seems to me the people I know with little damage seem to clear easier than others with more severe damage . Also there seem to be less side effects correlated with less damage . Age also plays a big role . Then there are some who ( usually after prior treatment) that treat again and have the virus mutate which is what happened to me . The CDC , the WHO and the NIH all have sites with

information that can help you . Since you are already on treatment you should continue and do the full course , if you stop early then treat later its harder to get rid of . Re: Just Curious I'm not sure what genotype it is, and I am not surewhy I'm doing

treatment. When I got my biopsy lastyear they told me there was no damage. My specialisttold me I need to start TX before there is damage, andthat with my levels so low it would be easier totreat. I don't know much about it, but I would like asecond opinion, but I don't think my insurance wouldpay for it. Are there any sites with info on thisaspect of TX?__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

He and I are both geno 1 a's and we were both classic nonresponders . It was only after retreatment for the 3rd time that I mutated , I believe it was about the same for him . If there had been treatment when I was first diagnosed I sure would have done it . Now I am so sick that I probably wont be able to tolerate the infergen . So yeah , I always encourage early treatment ....LOL "nip it in the bud" ,luv ya girl

Re: Just Curious

I'm not sure what genotype it is, and I am not surewhy I'm doing treatment. When I got my biopsy lastyear they told me there was no damage. My specialisttold me I need to start TX before there is damage, andthat with my levels so low it would be easier totreat. I don't know much about it, but I would like asecond opinion, but I don't think my insurance wouldpay for it. Are there any sites with info on thisaspect of TX?__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

He and I are both geno 1 a's and we were both classic nonresponders . It was only after retreatment for the 3rd time that I mutated , I believe it was about the same for him . If there had been treatment when I was first diagnosed I sure would have done it . Now I am so sick that I probably wont be able to tolerate the infergen . So yeah , I always encourage early treatment ....LOL "nip it in the bud" ,luv ya girl

Re: Just Curious

I'm not sure what genotype it is, and I am not surewhy I'm doing treatment. When I got my biopsy lastyear they told me there was no damage. My specialisttold me I need to start TX before there is damage, andthat with my levels so low it would be easier totreat. I don't know much about it, but I would like asecond opinion, but I don't think my insurance wouldpay for it. Are there any sites with info on thisaspect of TX?__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

What is your stage and grade ? It is always a good ideal to get copies of all lab and other test results to keep a record for yourself . This way if you do go see another doctor you wont have to have tests done over .

Re: Just Curious

Hello. Yes I had a biopsy early last year andeverything was ok. I am starting treatment in Feb. orMarch, I'm really nervous:) __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

What is your stage and grade ? It is always a good ideal to get copies of all lab and other test results to keep a record for yourself . This way if you do go see another doctor you wont have to have tests done over .

Re: Just Curious

Hello. Yes I had a biopsy early last year andeverything was ok. I am starting treatment in Feb. orMarch, I'm really nervous:) __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

OK OK , hehehe I thought she was already on tx ......my oops

Re: Just Curious

I'm not sure what genotype it is, and I am not surewhy I'm doing treatment. When I got my biopsy lastyear they told me there was no damage. My specialisttold me I need to start TX before there is damage, andthat with my levels so low it would be easier totreat. I don't know much about it, but I would like asecond opinion, but I don't think my insurance wouldpay for it. Are there any sites with info on thisaspect of TX?__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

oops- I realize that you weren't askin me (lol) but

hello anyways- :-)

--- elizabethnv1 wrote:

> OK OK , hehehe I thought she was already on tx

> ......my oops

> Re: Just

> Curious

>

>

> I'm not sure what genotype it is, and I am not

> sure

> why I'm doing treatment. When I got my biopsy

> last

> year they told me there was no damage. My

> specialist

> told me I need to start TX before there is

> damage, and

> that with my levels so low it would be easier

> to

> treat. I don't know much about it, but I

> would like a

> second opinion, but I don't think my insurance

> would

> pay for it. Are there any sites with info on

> this

> aspect of TX?

>

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

I agree with your advice and think it is great. My MD said it was my choice since there was not any apparent damage according to the biopsy. He was not very optimistic on better/easier tx in the future but I am hoping. With brain injury problem going on, now is not the time for me to start the tx and I was glad things are pretty good right now with the hepc issue. I think we all have to look at our individual situations and try to make an informed decision. That information is what we have to search out because the doctors don't seem to offer very much of that. KathyJackie on wrote: Yes Sara,, just research the Interferon and Ribavirin treatment... there are such mixed opinions about doing THIS treatment if you have no damage vs doing it before you get damage,, remember

the Liver CAN and does regenerate itself... ask a lot of others who have done tx,, ask if they had damage, would they do it again,, get as much info as you can before you decide one way or the other... and YOU make the decision,, not your doc, HE doesnt have to inject that stuff and take those pills.. HOW long does he say you have to treat? IF you are geno 1 or 4, you treat for 48 weeks and if you are geno 2or 3 you treat for 24 weeks... so you can usually tell what geno you are by how long he says you have to treat... and there is controversy over that as well, so learn as much as you can as its YOUR body and YOUR life,, no one else, so make sure you are confortable with whatever you decide and WE WILL support you too, no matter what you decide... keep us posted hon jaxSara wrote: I'm not sure what genotype it is, and I am not surewhy I'm doing treatment. When I got my biopsy lastyear they told me there was no damage. My specialisttold me I need to start TX before there is damage, andthat with my levels so low it would be easier totreat. I don't know much about it, but I would like asecond opinion, but I don't think my insurance wouldpay for it. Are there any sites with info on thisaspect of TX?__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Thats true Kathy, Most docs just wanna treat no matter what and thats because they do get some kickback from the drug company... but each of us needs to decide for ourselves and not just follow along like a sheep to the slaughter, lol,, Would I treat again, knowing what I KNOW now? YES I would ,, I was getting to where my liver was very sick and had I not treated, I would be either dead or on a transplant list,, so FOR ME< the risk vs benefit said I had to treat... even tho my gastro didnt want me to treat,, so Im glad I researched it and made my own decision! jackieKATHRINE SWANSON wrote: I agree with your advice and think it is great. My MD said it was my choice since there was not any apparent damage according to the biopsy. He was not very optimistic

on better/easier tx in the future but I am hoping. With brain injury problem going on, now is not the time for me to start the tx and I was glad things are pretty good right now with the hepc issue. I think we all have to look at our individual situations and try to make an informed decision. That information is what we have to search out because the doctors don't seem to offer very much of that. KathyJackie on wrote: Yes Sara,, just research the Interferon and Ribavirin treatment... there are such mixed opinions about doing THIS treatment if you have no damage vs doing it before you get damage,, remember the Liver CAN and does regenerate itself... ask a lot of others who have done tx,, ask if they had damage, would they do it again,, get as much info as you can before you decide one way or the other... and YOU

make the decision,, not your doc, HE doesnt have to inject that stuff and take those pills.. HOW long does he say you have to treat? IF you are geno 1 or 4, you treat for 48 weeks and if you are geno 2or 3 you treat for 24 weeks... so you can usually tell what geno you are by how long he says you have to treat... and there is controversy over that as well, so learn as much as you can as its YOUR body and YOUR life,, no one else, so make sure you are confortable with whatever you decide and WE WILL support you too, no matter what you decide... keep us posted hon jaxSara wrote: I'm not sure what genotype it is, and I am not surewhy I'm doing treatment. When I got my biopsy lastyear they told me there was no damage. My specialisttold me I need to start TX before

there is damage, andthat with my levels so low it would be easier totreat. I don't know much about it, but I would like asecond opinion, but I don't think my insurance wouldpay for it. Are there any sites with info on thisaspect of TX?__________________________________________________