New- Hep C treatment side effects

Ellen, Welcome to the Healing Well forum. One of our Moderators will be along shortly to welcome you more formally.

One thing, the little pencil mark in the right of the post is for the author or a moderator to edit the post. You might want to rename your post so that you get more responses. Right now it says nothing...and so won't necessarily find the best audience. Try something like: Hep C treatment side effects...something that will grab posters' attention.

I have been coming this site for over a year. My Mike is the one with Hep C. He had a liver transplant 7 months ago, but the Hep C is back and at some point he will need treatment (again). He had Interferon and Ribavarin in 2003, but the side effects were horrible, he did not clear the virus, and eventually he stopped the treatment completely. They had him take the procrit and neupogen injectiont to support his white and red blood cells, but he just could do the treatment.

You don't tell us what kind of treatment you are on, if you are in a test group. There are several new drugs out there in addition to the standard protocol with Interferon and Ribavarin. We are especially interested to know if you every had treatment before and if there are new drugs in your protocol also.

I notice that you are a genotype 1b, which is reported to be easier to clear than 1a. the type my Mike has.

Is your viral load dropping?

I think anyone on Interferon/Ribavarin needs to think of this as a type of chemotherapy and not expect to feel totally wonderful during the treatment...it is of limited duration and has a really good carrot out there--no Hep C ruining your liver...IF YOU CLEAR. I say, think of the good side...like finding out that you are bald AND CLEAR of cancer! That would be a good thing.

Mike was sure he was dying from the treatment and won't really want to try a new round until he can find one that uses the new drugs without the OLD protocol. But so far he is still recuperating from he surgery and they are not recommending treatment yet, though his viral load is really high.

Come often, post offen, folks will answer your questions as best they can.

Mama Lama

Thanks for the speedy response. I am treating at Mayo. Liver is a full stage 3 with lesions, spots, and scarring. Started treatment using a new drug, telaprevir along with ribovirin/interferon. The new drug was suppose to be for 12 weeks. I made it to the 7th week. Using three different meds for the ulcers. Nystat, magic mouthwash, and an oral dental paste. Have a script for the low blood problem. Will avoid the need for another transfusion by keeping closer watch on my blood levels.

I'm fearful I won't manage the complications and have to quit treatment. I dislike my options. Of course, so does everyone else. You are right, beats six feet under. Sure wish remedies to control the side effects were known to me.

Thanks for listening.

Well, I feel better knowing that you are seen at Mayo. I've been followed by them since '06. As noted above, I got my transplant there (Mayo FL.) Have you been evaluated for transplant yet? Of course, they may want to see how you do on treatment first.

Hey, ask your doc about possible remedies for side effects. Are you a little depressed? Usually, patients are placed on an antidepressant when they start treatment. I have found that the Mayo docs actually like you to ask questions and be knowledgeable and involved in your care. This becomes especially important if you are considered for transplant.

Ellen, we are here to support you and give you whatever information we can. So please post often.

Hugs,
Connie

Savemegrace, welcome. But please start your own thread by clicking on New Topic instead of Reply and tell us about yourself and your liver disease. You picked up on an old thread (2 yrs. old) to which nobody has replied since then.

Hugs,
Connie