TREATMENT

[Guest guest]

Hi Chitra - I had 4 dilations before my surgery in April. I have no regrets about the surgery, however, you must have a very experienced surgeon because it is a difficult surgery and the disease is so rare. Where are you located? Perhaps someone here can refer you to an experienced specialist in your area.

I can now swallow about 90% better and can sleep lying down again....and no fear of public vomitting! I wish you well - Cindi in Pennsylvania, USA

____________________________________________________ IncrediMail - Email has finally evolved - Click Here

[Guest guest]

Welcome Chitra --

There's lots of good info available in the Links section, as well as Polls of people who have had the various treatments in the Polls section. The vast majority of the people who have had surgery are happy with their decision.

Debbi in Michigan

Treatment

HelloI am Chitra. I have had this condition of achalasia for about 10 years now. I have been taking dilatation therapy for this. It is a lot better but I am interested to know how good is surgery for this. RegardsChitra

[Guest guest]

Kim thats rough action. It is entirely your decision. I got pretty sick, on shot night i couldnt walk, let alone work, and the next two days were horrendous at best, but the rest of the week were ok, and by friday i felt good, course friday i got another shot. If it were my decision id wait. But then again, if the trial is free, i might opt to tough it out. What exactly is your viral load? If you arent working can you get help in your state to care for the kids? I mean financial help? conniekim still <kim_still1@...> wrote:

Hi everyone,

Sorry I haven't been on much, just real busy at work and don't have the internet at home. I just wanted to put something out there and get some opinions. Here it is: I found a trial that I could start anytime. 2 obstacles to overcome. 1, the granddaughter will be here in November, so I don't want to start until after the first of the year. 2, I have 2 kids at home that I am the sole provider for. What happens if I get to sick to work? How will the bills get paid? I am just thinking that I should wait another 5 years until the baby is 18--then I could go on tx. My loads were relatively low last time they were checked (about 3 yrs ago). Also, will be losing my insurance at work next week, because of a rate increase and deductible increase (I can't afford it anymore, I would just be working for insurance and won't be able to pay the bills and eat) Please give me some feedback

for GoodClick here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. The light at the end of the tunnel may be you

[Guest guest]

Hi Kim, I can't speak to the insurance stuff since I'm Canadian & on disability so my meds & doctors are covered by the government but I can say this - if you have the chance to get into a trial, do it. Your meds & doctor should be totally covered by the trial.

As for the sides, my grandmother used to say, don't borrow trouble. You could be one of the ones like De or myself for example who work through tx with few complications. I had more sides than I care to mention but I am sole support of my favourite person - ME - & couldn't afford to not work. De has two kids at home & she did it too. Go for it girl, it may be your best chance to beat the dragon By the way, does yours have a name? Mine is Barry (as in I will bury you) poor baby, he can't even get his fire going any more.

SuZie

kim still <kim_still1@...> wrote:

Hi everyone,

Sorry I haven't been on much, just real busy at work and don't have the internet at home. I just wanted to put something out there and get some opinions. Here it is: I found a trial that I could start anytime. 2 obstacles to overcome. 1, the granddaughter will be here in November, so I don't want to start until after the first of the year. 2, I have 2 kids at home that I am the sole provider for. What happens if I get to sick to work? How will the bills get paid? I am just thinking that I should wait another 5 years until the baby is 18--then I could go on tx. My loads were relatively low last time they were checked (about 3 yrs ago). Also, will be losing my insurance at work next week, because of a rate increase and deductible increase (I can't afford it anymore, I would just be working for insurance and won't be able to pay the bills and eat) Please give me some feedback

for GoodClick here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.

Next time I'm coming back as a cat

[Guest guest]

Kim,

if you get too sick to work and you can’t care for your kids or pay the

bills, you simply stop treatment. That’s the situation I was in. I made

it all the way through -- working overtime even. But if it had gone the other

way, I was prepared to stop tx rather than lose my job & house.

De

treatment

Hi everyone,

Sorry I haven't been on much, just real busy at work

and don't have the internet at home. I just wanted to put something out

there and get some opinions. Here it is: I found a trial that I

could start anytime. 2 obstacles to overcome. 1, the granddaughter

will be here in November, so I don't want to start until after the first of the

year. 2, I have 2 kids at home that I am the sole provider for. What happens

if I get to sick to work? How will the bills get paid? I am just

thinking that I should wait another 5 years until the baby is 18--then I could

go on tx. My loads were relatively low last time they were checked (about

3 yrs ago). Also, will be losing my insurance at work next week, because

of a rate increase and deductible increase (I can't afford it anymore, I would

just be working for insurance and won't be able to pay the bills and eat)

Please give me some feedback

[Guest guest]

I

agree with Dick here. No one should put off tx because of bad stories

from others. I believe the best thing you can do for yourself is try tx

as early as possible. There aren’t enough livers now, that’s

not going to get any better as more & more people who don’t know they

have it develop symptoms. My 48 weeks was nowhere as easy as Dick’s,

I had bad headaches and weird no-in-the-book sides, but I got through it working

45-50 hours a week – I didn’t do much else – but I got

through it. I knew going into it that I’d have to quit tx if I

couldn’t work, but I didn’t want to give up on my chance, so I made

it work. It’s true that everyone doesn’t tolerate it, but you

won’t know unless you try – if your doctor agrees.

De

Re:

MM

I am going to make a wild guess here that I am not the

typical Hep C patient. I know that many in the group have had a rough time of

tx and are looking at life threatening situations in their cases and I don't

mean to make light of that at all.

I am presently 62 years old and did enjoy a risky life style when younger and

was a hard drinker for about 40 years.

As most of you know, I was dx'd with Hep C at about 9 Million copies to start

and also fibrosis and cirrhosis. The doctor said who cares what your type and

stage is, we need you on tx now! This was when I finally went to the VA and

sought tx in late 2004. I was actually dx'd through a blood test in late 2002.

All I did for the last 48 weeks was follow instructions that I was given. Drink

a gallon of water a day, eat 5 or 6 small meals a day, quit alcohol and take

the shots and the pills. At 12 weeks, I tested for about 60K copies of the

virus and at 24 weeks it was less than 50 copies detected and that hasn't

changed so far.

I did experience flu like symptoms at times and found that while on tx, it

takes longer for strains, wounds and pains to heal. I learned the need for naps

when I was tired. I can only remember 3 or 4 times that the shots really put me

down and feeling terrible for the next day or so. I really didn't slow down any

in what I did on a day to day basis and, in fact, might just have added a few

things to my agenda. I traveled as much or more than I did in the previous year

and still did a few shots on the road and continued to function. I even did a

full day of salmon fishing the day after one shot in October.

The next step, the doctor says, is to continue to check on the cirrhosis (I

have an ultrasound scheduled for the end of March) and see where that condition

is now. One of my biggest reliefs is that I won't have the virus always on my

mind. Is it shot day? Have I remembered my pills for the day? What does that

ache or pain mean?

I have to admit that I was lucky that I was tx'd by the VA. The worry about

cost was eliminated and that was a great relief

My biggest tip for those that are contemplating tx is to just do it as soon as

possible. That assumes that you have found a good doctor and have the funding

in place to do it. One will find out quite quickly if they can tolerate tx. The

worst thing to do is to put it off because of the stories or mis-information

one hears. A support group is needed whether it is on line or in a meeting

setting. This group has helped a lot and I hope I have helped others at the same

time with my involvement in the group.

That's about it.

Dick

[Guest guest]

I'm planning on getting another tattoo as a sign of my commitment to get on treatment and to beat this thing no matter what. It will be a shield and sword (what else for a dragon slayer?). I just haven't decided whether to put it on my back or in the middle of my chest.

Love,

Di

RE: treatment

I agree with Dick here. No one should put off tx because of bad stories from others. I believe the best thing you can do for yourself is try tx as early as possible. There aren’t enough livers now, that’s not going to get any better as more & more people who don’t know they have it develop symptoms. My 48 weeks was nowhere as easy as Dick’s, I had bad headaches and weird no-in-the-book sides, but I got through it working 45-50 hours a week – I didn’t do much else – but I got through it. I knew going into it that I’d have to quit tx if I couldn’t work, but I didn’t want to give up on my chance, so I made it work. It’s true that everyone doesn’t tolerate it, but you won’t know unless you try – if your doctor agrees.

De

-----Original Message-----From: Hepatitis CSupportGroupForDummies [mailto:Hepatitis CSupportGroupForDummies ] On Behalf Of Dick SouthernSent: Sunday, January 08, 2006 3:00 PMHepatitis CSupportGroupForDummies Subject: Re: MM

I am going to make a wild guess here that I am not the typical Hep C patient. I know that many in the group have had a rough time of tx and are looking at life threatening situations in their cases and I don't mean to make light of that at all.I am presently 62 years old and did enjoy a risky life style when younger and was a hard drinker for about 40 years.As most of you know, I was dx'd with Hep C at about 9 Million copies to start and also fibrosis and cirrhosis. The doctor said who cares what your type and stage is, we need you on tx now! This was when I finally went to the VA and sought tx in late 2004. I was actually dx'd through a blood test in late 2002. All I did for the last 48 weeks was follow instructions that I was given. Drink a gallon of water a day, eat 5 or 6 small meals a day, quit alcohol and take the shots and the pills. At 12 weeks, I tested for about 60K copies of the virus and at 24 weeks it was less than 50 copies detected and that hasn't changed so far.I did experience flu like symptoms at times and found that while on tx, it takes longer for strains, wounds and pains to heal. I learned the need for naps when I was tired. I can only remember 3 or 4 times that the shots really put me down and feeling terrible for the next day or so. I really didn't slow down any in what I did on a day to day basis and, in fact, might just have added a few things to my agenda. I traveled as much or more than I did in the previous year and still did a few shots on the road and continued to function. I even did a full day of salmon fishing the day after one shot in October.The next step, the doctor says, is to continue to check on the cirrhosis (I have an ultrasound scheduled for the end of March) and see where that condition is now. One of my biggest reliefs is that I won't have the virus always on my mind. Is it shot day? Have I remembered my pills for the day? What does that ache or pain mean? I have to admit that I was lucky that I was tx'd by the VA. The worry about cost was eliminated and that was a great reliefMy biggest tip for those that are contemplating tx is to just do it as soon as possible. That assumes that you have found a good doctor and have the funding in place to do it. One will find out quite quickly if they can tolerate tx. The worst thing to do is to put it off because of the stories or mis-information one hears. A support group is needed whether it is on line or in a meeting setting. This group has helped a lot and I hope I have helped others at the same time with my involvement in the group.That's about it.Dick

[Guest guest]

I also agree treatment should be done ASAP if medically advised before to much permanent damage is done. By trying treatment early it gives you the upper hand an advantage and most importantly more time and time may bring many new medical advances and discoveries. Once HCV is in chronic stage the progression must be slowed or broken going from inflammation to fibrosis to cirrhosis which is much harder to do and for the treatment to work. Why wait to become clear ?????? But also remember the treatment meds are very powerful and not for everyone depending on your medical history. Take Care and God Bless Us All. Deb

[Guest guest]

Put it somewhere where it is not too obvious.Some outfits don't look great when the tatoo stands out more then the dress.I put mine on my bottom.Only my husband can see it or when I was wearing a bekini when I used to have the figure for it.Those years are gone.

Gail

-----Original Message-----From: Hepatitis CSupportGroupForDummies [mailto:Hepatitis CSupportGroupForDummies ]On Behalf Of DiSent: January 8, 2006 5:43 PMHepatitis CSupportGroupForDummies Subject: Re: treatment

I'm planning on getting another tattoo as a sign of my commitment to get on treatment and to beat this thing no matter what. It will be a shield and sword (what else for a dragon slayer?). I just haven't decided whether to put it on my back or in the middle of my chest.

Love,

Di

RE: treatment

I agree with Dick here. No one should put off tx because of bad stories from others. I believe the best thing you can do for yourself is try tx as early as possible. There aren’t enough livers now, that’s not going to get any better as more & more people who don’t know they have it develop symptoms. My 48 weeks was nowhere as easy as Dick’s, I had bad headaches and weird no-in-the-book sides, but I got through it working 45-50 hours a week – I didn’t do much else – but I got through it. I knew going into it that I’d have to quit tx if I couldn’t work, but I didn’t want to give up on my chance, so I made it work. It’s true that everyone doesn’t tolerate it, but you won’t know unless you try – if your doctor agrees.

De

-----Original Message-----From: Hepatitis CSupportGroupForDummies [mailto:Hepatitis CSupportGroupForDummies ] On Behalf Of Dick SouthernSent: Sunday, January 08, 2006 3:00 PMHepatitis CSupportGroupForDummies Subject: Re: MM

I am going to make a wild guess here that I am not the typical Hep C patient. I know that many in the group have had a rough time of tx and are looking at life threatening situations in their cases and I don't mean to make light of that at all.I am presently 62 years old and did enjoy a risky life style when younger and was a hard drinker for about 40 years.As most of you know, I was dx'd with Hep C at about 9 Million copies to start and also fibrosis and cirrhosis. The doctor said who cares what your type and stage is, we need you on tx now! This was when I finally went to the VA and sought tx in late 2004. I was actually dx'd through a blood test in late 2002. All I did for the last 48 weeks was follow instructions that I was given. Drink a gallon of water a day, eat 5 or 6 small meals a day, quit alcohol and take the shots and the pills. At 12 weeks, I tested for about 60K copies of the virus and at 24 weeks it was less than 50 copies detected and that hasn't changed so far.I did experience flu like symptoms at times and found that while on tx, it takes longer for strains, wounds and pains to heal. I learned the need for naps when I was tired. I can only remember 3 or 4 times that the shots really put me down and feeling terrible for the next day or so. I really didn't slow down any in what I did on a day to day basis and, in fact, might just have added a few things to my agenda. I traveled as much or more than I did in the previous year and still did a few shots on the road and continued to function. I even did a full day of salmon fishing the day after one shot in October.The next step, the doctor says, is to continue to check on the cirrhosis (I have an ultrasound scheduled for the end of March) and see where that condition is now. One of my biggest reliefs is that I won't have the virus always on my mind. Is it shot day? Have I remembered my pills for the day? What does that ache or pain mean? I have to admit that I was lucky that I was tx'd by the VA. The worry about cost was eliminated and that was a great reliefMy biggest tip for those that are contemplating tx is to just do it as soon as possible. That assumes that you have found a good doctor and have the funding in place to do it. One will find out quite quickly if they can tolerate tx. The worst thing to do is to put it off because of the stories or mis-information one hears. A support group is needed whether it is on line or in a meeting setting. This group has helped a lot and I hope I have helped others at the same time with my involvement in the group.That's about it.Dick

[Guest guest]

Also what people are forgetting is that even if you can't finish treatment it gives your organs a rest and time to heal a bit,so treatment is never a waiste even if you can't complete it.

Gail

-----Original Message-----From: Hepatitis CSupportGroupForDummies [mailto:Hepatitis CSupportGroupForDummies ]On Behalf Of MotleySent: January 8, 2006 5:33 PMHepatitis CSupportGroupForDummies Subject: RE: treatment

I agree with Dick here. No one should put off tx because of bad stories from others. I believe the best thing you can do for yourself is try tx as early as possible. There aren’t enough livers now, that’s not going to get any better as more & more people who don’t know they have it develop symptoms. My 48 weeks was nowhere as easy as Dick’s, I had bad headaches and weird no-in-the-book sides, but I got through it working 45-50 hours a week – I didn’t do much else – but I got through it. I knew going into it that I’d have to quit tx if I couldn’t work, but I didn’t want to give up on my chance, so I made it work. It’s true that everyone doesn’t tolerate it, but you won’t know unless you try – if your doctor agrees.

De

-----Original Message-----From: Hepatitis CSupportGroupForDummies [mailto:Hepatitis CSupportGroupForDummies ] On Behalf Of Dick SouthernSent: Sunday, January 08, 2006 3:00 PMHepatitis CSupportGroupForDummies Subject: Re: MM

I am going to make a wild guess here that I am not the typical Hep C patient. I know that many in the group have had a rough time of tx and are looking at life threatening situations in their cases and I don't mean to make light of that at all.I am presently 62 years old and did enjoy a risky life style when younger and was a hard drinker for about 40 years.As most of you know, I was dx'd with Hep C at about 9 Million copies to start and also fibrosis and cirrhosis. The doctor said who cares what your type and stage is, we need you on tx now! This was when I finally went to the VA and sought tx in late 2004. I was actually dx'd through a blood test in late 2002. All I did for the last 48 weeks was follow instructions that I was given. Drink a gallon of water a day, eat 5 or 6 small meals a day, quit alcohol and take the shots and the pills. At 12 weeks, I tested for about 60K copies of the virus and at 24 weeks it was less than 50 copies detected and that hasn't changed so far.I did experience flu like symptoms at times and found that while on tx, it takes longer for strains, wounds and pains to heal. I learned the need for naps when I was tired. I can only remember 3 or 4 times that the shots really put me down and feeling terrible for the next day or so. I really didn't slow down any in what I did on a day to day basis and, in fact, might just have added a few things to my agenda. I traveled as much or more than I did in the previous year and still did a few shots on the road and continued to function. I even did a full day of salmon fishing the day after one shot in October.The next step, the doctor says, is to continue to check on the cirrhosis (I have an ultrasound scheduled for the end of March) and see where that condition is now. One of my biggest reliefs is that I won't have the virus always on my mind. Is it shot day? Have I remembered my pills for the day? What does that ache or pain mean? I have to admit that I was lucky that I was tx'd by the VA. The worry about cost was eliminated and that was a great reliefMy biggest tip for those that are contemplating tx is to just do it as soon as possible. That assumes that you have found a good doctor and have the funding in place to do it. One will find out quite quickly if they can tolerate tx. The worst thing to do is to put it off because of the stories or mis-information one hears. A support group is needed whether it is on line or in a meeting setting. This group has helped a lot and I hope I have helped others at the same time with my involvement in the group.That's about it.Dick

[Guest guest]

Hi Allan,

I found Pegasys fairly easy to tolerate although it's the only thing I've tried. I found out when I was about done, that they wanted me to go 52 weeks.

Do you have anti D's and something for sleep?

It seems from what I've read that most of the upcoming new stuff has been put on hold because of to many sides, so I agree that Peg is the only thing to try right now.

I'm still reading and getting advice before I decide what to do but good luck to you.

Treatment

Hi Y'all,

I just got back from the liver doc and I have decided to attempt treatment again. I will be on Pegasys and Ribavarin. It will be one injection a week of the Pegasys and 6 capsules of the Ribavarin daily.

They will check my blood every 2 weeks and if there is no positive response after 12 weeks the treatment stops. If there is a positive response the treatment will go on for 48 weeks.

The doc (he is generally considered one of, if not the, foremost doc in this field in the South) has stated I have an 18% chance of success. If this treatment does not work the next step would Infergen and ribavarin. That would be one injection daily and the 6 capsules for 12-18 months.

While it is still a crap shoot, it's the only game in town and if nothing else my liver will not worsen while I am on the treatment.

I would not have considered treatment without some heavy duty pain medication but now that I have that in place I'm going to roll the dice.

We did discuss going directly to Infergen but we both agreed that as the last treatment caused me such bad side effects it would be better to get my body adjusted to the Interferon with the Pegasys. I'm not sure yet when I will start, The doctor's office has faxed the prescription to my drug company and it depends on when I receive the shipment. It will be either a Friday or Saturday in the coming weeks.

Allan with 2 L's off to the races

[Guest guest]

Do you have anti D's and something for sleep? Our Double L has his own at home in house drug store. Double L reminds me of the cartoon I watch with the grandkids - Ed Edd and Eddy and 1 is called Double D. Buddy all the best to you and we are here for you all the way. Love and Hugs. Deb

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I'm on 225Mg of Effexor now so the anti-d's are covered. To sleep I take 2 10Mg Sonata's, 1Mg Klonopin and 5Mg Zyprexa. For pain I take Dilaudid right now 2 4Mg a day but I'm going to 3 a day. I take 1 40Mg Nexium and 2 Zantac 150's a day so maybe I won't have too much of a problem with nausea.

Thanks for the good luck wishes.

Allan with 2 L's

Treatment

Hi Y'all,

I just got back from the liver doc and I have decided to attempt treatment again. I will be on Pegasys and Ribavarin. It will be one injection a week of the Pegasys and 6 capsules of the Ribavarin daily.

They will check my blood every 2 weeks and if there is no positive response after 12 weeks the treatment stops. If there is a positive response the treatment will go on for 48 weeks.

The doc (he is generally considered one of, if not the, foremost doc in this field in the South) has stated I have an 18% chance of success. If this treatment does not work the next step would Infergen and ribavarin. That would be one injection daily and the 6 capsules for 12-18 months.

While it is still a crap shoot, it's the only game in town and if nothing else my liver will not worsen while I am on the treatment.

I would not have considered treatment without some heavy duty pain medication but now that I have that in place I'm going to roll the dice.

We did discuss going directly to Infergen but we both agreed that as the last treatment caused me such bad side effects it would be better to get my body adjusted to the Interferon with the Pegasys. I'm not sure yet when I will start, The doctor's office has faxed the prescription to my drug company and it depends on when I receive the shipment. It will be either a Friday or Saturday in the coming weeks.

Allan with 2 L's off to the races

[Guest guest]

Thank you Your Redness!

Re: Treatment

Do you have anti D's and something for sleep?

Our Double L has his own at home in house drug store.

Double L reminds me of the cartoon I watch with the grandkids - Ed Edd and Eddy and 1 is called Double D.

Buddy all the best to you and we are here for you all the way.

Love and Hugs.

Deb

[Guest guest]

Thanks Gail!

Allan with 2 L's and an attitude

Treatment

Hi Y'all,

I just got back from the liver doc and I have decided to attempt treatment again. I will be on Pegasys and Ribavarin. It will be one injection a week of the Pegasys and 6 capsules of the Ribavarin daily.

They will check my blood every 2 weeks and if there is no positive response after 12 weeks the treatment stops. If there is a positive response the treatment will go on for 48 weeks.

The doc (he is generally considered one of, if not the, foremost doc in this field in the South) has stated I have an 18% chance of success. If this treatment does not work the next step would Infergen and ribavarin. That would be one injection daily and the 6 capsules for 12-18 months.

While it is still a crap shoot, it's the only game in town and if nothing else my liver will not worsen while I am on the treatment.

I would not have considered treatment without some heavy duty pain medication but now that I have that in place I'm going to roll the dice.

We did discuss going directly to Infergen but we both agreed that as the last treatment caused me such bad side effects it would be better to get my body adjusted to the Interferon with the Pegasys. I'm not sure yet when I will start, The doctor's office has faxed the prescription to my drug company and it depends on when I receive the shipment. It will be either a Friday or Saturday in the coming weeks.

Allan with 2 L's off to the races

[Guest guest]

We’re

here for you, LL. You’re very courageous considering your last go-round.

But I have faith in you.

De

Treatment

Hi Y'all,

I just got back from the liver doc

and I have decided to attempt treatment again. I will be on Pegasys and

Ribavarin. It will be one injection a week of the Pegasys and 6 capsules of the

Ribavarin daily.

They will check my blood every 2

weeks and if there is no positive response after 12 weeks the treatment stops.

If there is a positive response the treatment will go on for 48 weeks.

The doc (he is generally considered

one of, if not the, foremost doc in this field in the South) has stated I have

an 18% chance of success. If this treatment does not work the next step

would Infergen and ribavarin. That would be one injection daily and the 6

capsules for 12-18 months.

While it is still a crap shoot, it's

the only game in town and if nothing else my liver will not worsen while I am

on the treatment.

I would not have considered

treatment without some heavy duty pain medication but now that I have that in

place I'm going to roll the dice.

We did discuss going directly to

Infergen but we both agreed that as the last treatment caused me such bad side

effects it would be better to get my body adjusted to the Interferon with the

Pegasys. I'm not sure yet when I will start, The doctor's office has faxed the

prescription to my drug company and it depends on when I receive the shipment.

It will be either a Friday or Saturday in the coming weeks.

Allan with 2 L's off to the races

[Guest guest]

Thanks De,

Courageous? Nahhh Outrageous maybe LOL.

Allan with 2 L's it's the needle thing

RE: Treatment

We’re here for you, LL. You’re very courageous considering your last go-round. But I have faith in you.

De

-----Original Message-----From: Hepatitis CSupportGroupForDummies [mailto:Hepatitis CSupportGroupForDummies ] On Behalf Of Allan W Anger JrSent: Monday, September 11, 2006 1:27 PMHepatitis CSupportGroupForDummies Subject: Treatment

Hi Y'all,

I just got back from the liver doc and I have decided to attempt treatment again. I will be on Pegasys and Ribavarin. It will be one injection a week of the Pegasys and 6 capsules of the Ribavarin daily.

They will check my blood every 2 weeks and if there is no positive response after 12 weeks the treatment stops. If there is a positive response the treatment will go on for 48 weeks.

The doc (he is generally considered one of, if not the, foremost doc in this field in the South) has stated I have an 18% chance of success. If this treatment does not work the next step would Infergen and ribavarin. That would be one injection daily and the 6 capsules for 12-18 months.

While it is still a crap shoot, it's the only game in town and if nothing else my liver will not worsen while I am on the treatment.

I would not have considered treatment without some heavy duty pain medication but now that I have that in place I'm going to roll the dice.

We did discuss going directly to Infergen but we both agreed that as the last treatment caused me such bad side effects it would be better to get my body adjusted to the Interferon with the Pegasys. I'm not sure yet when I will start, The doctor's office has faxed the prescription to my drug company and it depends on when I receive the shipment. It will be either a Friday or Saturday in the coming weeks.

Allan with 2 L's off to the races

[Guest guest]

Were rooting for you Allan.I like your attitude.

Gail

Treatment

Hi Y'all,

I just got back from the liver doc and I have decided to attempt treatment again. I will be on Pegasys and Ribavarin. It will be one injection a week of the Pegasys and 6 capsules of the Ribavarin daily.

They will check my blood every 2 weeks and if there is no positive response after 12 weeks the treatment stops. If there is a positive response the treatment will go on for 48 weeks.

The doc (he is generally considered one of, if not the, foremost doc in this field in the South) has stated I have an 18% chance of success. If this treatment does not work the next step would Infergen and ribavarin. That would be one injection daily and the 6 capsules for 12-18 months.

While it is still a crap shoot, it's the only game in town and if nothing else my liver will not worsen while I am on the treatment.

I would not have considered treatment without some heavy duty pain medication but now that I have that in place I'm going to roll the dice.

We did discuss going directly to Infergen but we both agreed that as the last treatment caused me such bad side effects it would be better to get my body adjusted to the Interferon with the Pegasys. I'm not sure yet when I will start, The doctor's office has faxed the prescription to my drug company and it depends on when I receive the shipment. It will be either a Friday or Saturday in the coming weeks.

Allan with 2 L's off to the races

[Guest guest]

HEY ALLAN, WE WISH YOU THE BEST OF LUCK WITH TX AND HOPE THAT YOU DO WELL WITH IT KAT AND DONALDAllan W Anger Jr <allananger@...> wrote: Hi Y'all, I just got back from the liver doc and I have decided to attempt treatment again. I will be on Pegasys and Ribavarin. It will be one injection a week of the Pegasys and 6 capsules of the Ribavarin daily. They will check my blood every 2 weeks and if there is no positive response after 12 weeks the treatment stops. If there is a positive response the treatment will go on for 48 weeks. The doc (he is generally considered one of, if not the, foremost doc in this field in the South) has stated I have an 18% chance

of success. If this treatment does not work the next step would Infergen and ribavarin. That would be one injection daily and the 6 capsules for 12-18 months. While it is still a crap shoot, it's the only game in town and if nothing else my liver will not worsen while I am on the treatment. I would not have considered treatment without some heavy duty pain medication but now that I have that in place I'm going to roll the dice. We did discuss going directly to Infergen but we both agreed that as the last treatment caused me such bad side effects it would be better to get my body adjusted to the Interferon with the Pegasys. I'm not sure yet when I will start, The doctor's office has faxed

the prescription to my drug company and it depends on when I receive the shipment. It will be either a Friday or Saturday in the coming weeks. Allan with 2 L's off to the races

Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1¢/min.

[Guest guest]

Thanks Kat!

BTW, where in GA are you?

Allan with 2 L's in Austell

Re: Treatment

HEY ALLAN,

WE WISH YOU THE BEST OF LUCK WITH TX AND HOPE THAT YOU DO WELL WITH IT

KAT AND DONALDAllan W Anger Jr <allanangerhotmail> wrote:

Hi Y'all,

I just got back from the liver doc and I have decided to attempt treatment again. I will be on Pegasys and Ribavarin. It will be one injection a week of the Pegasys and 6 capsules of the Ribavarin daily.

They will check my blood every 2 weeks and if there is no positive response after 12 weeks the treatment stops. If there is a positive response the treatment will go on for 48 weeks.

The doc (he is generally considered one of, if not the, foremost doc in this field in the South) has stated I have an 18% chance of success. If this treatment does not work the next step would Infergen and ribavarin. That would be one injection daily and the 6 capsules for 12-18 months.

While it is still a crap shoot, it's the only game in town and if nothing else my liver will not worsen while I am on the treatment.

I would not have considered treatment without some heavy duty pain medication but now that I have that in place I'm going to roll the dice.

We did discuss going directly to Infergen but we both agreed that as the last treatment caused me such bad side effects it would be better to get my body adjusted to the Interferon with the Pegasys. I'm not sure yet when I will start, The doctor's office has faxed the prescription to my drug company and it depends on when I receive the shipment. It will be either a Friday or Saturday in the coming weeks.

Allan with 2 L's off to the races

Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1¢/min.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/17/2006 12:59:59 PM Central Daylight Time, flap85274@... writes:

Is it best to do treatment now while my liver is pretty healthy? Are my chances better at getting rid of it? Valarie

I did, and I think so..geri

[Guest guest]

Of course it is better to do the treatment before your liver gets worse . It seems that those who have less damage do better while on treatment . With less damage it appears there are less side effects from the meds and I personally believe that your chances of attaining a sustained virological response are higher . I am glad you quit drinking that was a big step towards maintaining a healthy lifestyle for your liver .

Treatment

Good news my liver biopsy came back and I have no liver damage or scaring. It is a little inflamed and that's it. My viral load dropped from 200 million to 2 million since I quit drinking. Here is where I get confused. My doctor still recommends I do treatment. I am geno type 1. Is it best to do treatment now while my liver is pretty healthy? Are my chances better at getting rid of it? Valarie

[Guest guest]

on the flip side of that i personaly feel you should give your body time to heal itself.i have told this here for 6 months and got its not gonna work.prayer,diet and herbs.not saying it will work for all but why not try for 6 months .i dont feel that will make a big differance in you treating later.its your decision.elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1@...> wrote: Of course it is better to do the treatment before your liver gets worse . It seems that those who have less damage do better while on

treatment . With less damage it appears there are less side effects from the meds and I personally believe that your chances of attaining a sustained virological response are higher . I am glad you quit drinking that was a big step towards maintaining a healthy lifestyle for your liver . Treatment Good

news my liver biopsy came back and I have no liver damage or scaring. It is a little inflamed and that's it. My viral load dropped from 200 million to 2 million since I quit drinking. Here is where I get confused. My doctor still recommends I do treatment. I am geno type 1. Is it best to do treatment now while my liver is pretty healthy? Are my chances better at getting rid of it? Valarie Tim Parsons knoxville,tn 37931 865-588-2465 x107 work www.knoxville1.com

All-new - Fire up a more powerful email and get things done faster.

[Guest guest]

Its a personal decision,, I did treatment and I was lucky and put the virus into remission but Im left with lots of autoimmune problems,, but would I do tx again? Yes, I probably would. us4heavenbound@... wrote: In a message dated 9/17/2006 12:59:59 PM Central Daylight Time, flap85274 writes: Is it best to do

treatment now while my liver is pretty healthy? Are my chances better at getting rid of it? Valarie I did, and I think so..geri Jackie

[Guest guest]

ps.. congrats on not hving a really bad liver,, Im sure you are relieved, I know I would be,, good luck honValarie <flap85274@...> wrote: Good news my liver biopsy came back and I have no liver damage or scaring. It is a little inflamed and that's it. My viral load dropped from 200 million to 2 million since I quit drinking. Here is where I get confused. My doctor still recommends I do treatment. I am geno type 1. Is it best to do treatment now while my liver is pretty healthy? Are my chances better at

getting rid of it? ValarieJackie