Hepatitis Forums

Hepatitis C Main Forums => On Hepatitis C Treatment => Topic started by: amh on January 12, 2015, 08:43:34 pm

Title: to treat or not to treat
Post by: amh on January 12, 2015, 08:43:34 pm
I have hepc geo 3 for over 35 years. Right now my liver is functioning normally but my viral load is in the high range.
My dr wants me to go on solvaldi/ribo (sp) for 24 weeks but to be perfectly frank I am scared. I work a very demanding full time job and I have to work. Will I be able to work while undergoing treatment? I have heard so many different stories on the side effects. Are they really that bad? I do want to be hep c free and I have to make a decision soon. Next year our insurance will change and I eont be able to afford the meds so I feel now is the time. I welcom anyone's thoughts opinions or experience of their treatment. Thank you.
Title: Re: to treat or not to treat
Post by: CE on January 12, 2015, 10:17:21 pm
Hi amh,
You are in the right place for support! I, too am geno3, had hepc for 35 years. I, too, have a demanding full time job and could not afford to slack in it and had to remain sharp. I too, was afraid to start treatment after hearing horror stories about the old treatments. I started Sovaldi/riba on Nov 1st. I am in my 11th week of 24. I never missed a beat!! I remain active, alert, and highly productive. My side affects are mostly dry skin and eyes. My hemoglobin dropped pretty low in the beginning causing me a bit more fatigue, but nothing unmanageable. It is improving now. Although each person here is different with the affects of their treatments, you will learn from their experiences and get the support you need at this time. You can do this! Treatment has come a long way. No better time like the present! Best wishes to you!
Chris
Title: Re: to treat or not to treat
Post by: Red Hen on January 13, 2015, 02:03:51 pm
Hi, amh. I am genotype 1A and almost done with 12 weeks Viekira pak with ribavirin. My first thought is, if you can afford the meds now, do it! In my experience, the side effects may bother you sometimes and you might need to slow down when necessary but it isn't nearly as scary as it seems before you do it. It sounds like your doctor thinks you should go for the treatment now. Before I started my treatment I thought I would be bed-ridden and unable to do anything for the whole time. Not true! I know side effects are different for everybody, though. I suggest that if you decide to do the treatment you should line up as much support as you can ahead of time. Not sure what that would mean for you but it could be just telling a trusted family member or friend that you might need some help. Good luck on your journey!
Title: Re: to treat or not to treat
Post by: amh on January 14, 2015, 07:42:25 pm

thanks for the words of encouragement.   I spoke with my DR today and gave them the go ahead to start the process.  Now begins the waiting game to see if my insurance will actually approve treatment. 
If I am approved I feel this forum will be extremely helpful to me while I am undergoing treatment.   
Title: Re: to treat or not to treat
Post by: Red Hen on January 14, 2015, 08:57:10 pm
Great! Hope all goes well with your insurance. Let us know how you're doing.
Title: Re: to treat or not to treat
Post by: kate0b1 on January 15, 2015, 06:24:39 am
amh, jump in we are here. Nice to meet you

kate
Title: Re: to treat or not to treat
Post by: Long_Haul on January 15, 2015, 09:49:50 am
Good decision AMH, you won't regret getting rid of this terrible disease before it does you more harm.

Good luck, great people here for support.  Definitely let us know how you are doing as you start TX.

AL