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Posted 8/15/2011 5:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hello, I have been reading this forum for about three weeks now,which was two days afterIi was diagnosed with Hep C.  I started taking the Interferon/Ribavirin combo on Friday (8/12/2011). I have read anything and everythng I could find about the drugs used for treatment. I gave my injection of 0.5ml Interferon on 8/12, I take my pills, two in the AM and three in the PM, 250 mg each of Ribavirin everyday and I have felt no side effects as of yet. Is this normal? Could I have given the injaction wrong? How long does it take to start feeling the side effects? i was expecting to feel like complete crap. Could I be one of the few lucky ones that will escape the brunt of the side effects? Has anyone experianced this or known any one who has? Thank you for your help

Bella Rhea

Posted 8/15/2011 6:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Bella, and welcome to the forum! I, too, have hep C, diagnosed in '93. At that time, the only treatment was Interferon injections 3 x a week. I hung in with the first treatment for about 7 wks. before I was taken off by my GI doc, due to very low white cells. I tried it again about 6 mos. later, but had the same experience and was only on it for about 4 weeks. Because of what happened, I didn't try the combo when it came along. However, treatment has advanced significantly now and there are meds for dealing with the side effects. One of the common side effects is depression. Did your doctor start you on antidepressants? If not, just be aware if you start to experience depression and let your doctor know.

It's good that you are being treated, though I'm wondering why you weren't placed on the new treatment that adds a protease inhibitor and only has to be taken for 24 wks., with much greater success---IF you are genotype 1a or 1b. Do you know your genotype?

I can tell you that in the short time I was on the original treatment, I had no side effects except for the low white cell counts and bruises where I'd injected. I know some people who have no sides for several months into treatment, and others who are sick the first couple of weeks and then feel fine. Each patient's experience with treatment will be slightly different.

Do you know how long you've had hep C; i.e., when you contracted it? I know for sure that I contracted it in '68 or '69, so I've been living with it for a long time and have seen it progress to liver cancer (twice, including now) and am on "the list" for a new liver. Hopefully, you will "slay the dragon" and not have progressive liver damage.

I don't know if you've come across Hepatitis Central in your searches, but there is a wealth of information on that site.

Hugs,
Connie
Posted 8/15/2011 7:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Connie and thank you for responding so quickly. I am pretty sure I contracted Hep C in 2007. I didn't start the new meds because I am Geno type 3. My viral load was 14M but the GI doc said that number is not really important in the Geno Type that I have. I was so nervous about starting the Interferion combo due to the major side effects associated with it but I have children and saw no other choice but to atleast make an attemt at well. I Wish you luck with your battles and thank you again for youe insight.

Bella
Posted 8/15/2011 7:24 PM (GMT 0)

Bella, that's great news that you've only had it for 4 years.  It hasn't had a chance to do significant damage yet.  I hope that treatment will be relatively easy for you and that you can complete it and rid yourself of the virus.  Since you have children, that is great motivation.  Very best of luck to you.  Do keep us updated as you progress through treatment.

Hugs,

Connie

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