RE: decisions -

[Guest guest]

Here is my opinion: Cost is a major factor. Part of my decision to do tx now is that I have social security income for my kids now and that helps me pay for tx. I don't think you can make an informed decision without the biopsy results. If you have minimal damage, it might be OK for you to wait. But it's logical that more damage would be harder to work with so early tx might prevent further damage. More damage = more possible complications.

I don't know about younger people having better success, but people who get it younger tend to progress slower than people who get it after 40. One thing that bothers me is people tried to comfort me when I was diagnosed last year by saying you can have it 20-30 years before it starts giving you problems. Well THAT was never comforting to me at all since I'd had it 20-30 years so it was time for it to rear it's head.

I wanted to start tx asap so that if it doesn't work I'll have more time for something else later.

Love & hugs,

De

Faith is the ability to not panic.

decisions

Good Morning again,

Well, I had been planning on calling my doctor today to discuss treatment, keeping costs down, ect... What a surprise last night to pick up the phone to find him wanting to discuss meds with me!

Dr. told me he has been reading up on the latest studies on HCV and is now unsure whether I should go through Tx at this time. He read to me from several studies, one that I remember specifically = In a study published last March, type 1 has only a 50% success rate, compared to type 2 at 70%.

He is now thinking I should go ahead and get a biopsy done. If there is little damage maybe wait for awhile and hope that better treatments might come along soon. He believes there is a good chance of better Tx within the next few years. Of course there is the half full approach, but as you all know.. the Tx is itself quite hard on the body and mind... and the pocket book crunch has had me worried along with all else. Then again I want to kick dragon ass! (could I call it a slug instead? I have always liked dragons, lol)

He basically is leaving the decision up to me and I feel very much unqualified to do this and told him so. It would be a good idea to know what my actual liver state is so I will say a definite yes to the biopsy. But, I really need input on a decision to do treatment or to wait.... for example...

Isn't it true that the earlier you start treatment the better the chances for success? He didn't seem to think so when I brought it up.

Didn't I read somewhere that younger age groups have higher success? I am definitely not getting any younger and headed toward old age with feet dragging.

I do feel very fortunate to have found this doctor. I have seen all to often in the past that many (if not most) doctors do not want to admit to being unsure, have way too huge egos, and cannot be trusted. This guy acts human and talks to me as if I am, lol. Anyway, I am a bit overwhelmed by everything and if there are relative papers I have read recently that I should fax to him, I cannot find them.

My head just might yet explode... Help!