new to the forum

[C-FIGHTER]

Hi

My name is Janice and I was diagnosed with HEP C 2 years ago.  I was seeing a doctor for two visits At that time,  but I really did not like him and so I did not return. I did find out that my genotype is 1b. Now two years later, I did find another doctor and waited 6 weeks for my apt which was last week. i did have the fibro scan done and it was 0-1 stage Fibrosis. My ALT IS 283 and my AST is 177, viral load 6 million.  After all the test results were back, i was told by my doctor that since my liver is in such good shape, I could wait until the fall for the new meds to come out.

while I am happy about the good news of my liver's condition, (probably had this for decades)  i am puzzled as to why i could not be treated at this time with the wonderful new meds that are out?

i really don't know what to think, and wondered would any of you knowledgeable folks have some insight?  I am thinking that perhaps others who really need the new meds now have waited and been through hell and back with Interferon, would be at the front of the line.  Which is fine and certainly understandable. i just wish they gave me a better answer than "you are in good shape and can wait"

your thoughts are appreciated.  Thanks very much, I have been reading the conversations on this forum and wish everyone well and to be Hep C free.

[Mpetrecz]

Hi Janice, I'm Mary and new here also.  The people here are very nice and helpful.  I am waiting to get sovaldi and olysio...it should be here this week and I will be starting ASAP.  I have 1a and have scarring and inflammation but no cirosis.
I was on the fence as to wait or not,...but my doctor decided it's best for me to start with these two new drugs.....I cannot take I peg and ribo...had a very bad reaction to them,
I was told the drugs coming out at the end of the year are the exact same as I will be taking.  Hang in there and don't worry.m I'm sure your doctor isn't going to be putting you in danger and with summer,,,,,you can enjoy the good weather and not worry about the sun and light sensitivity.

[C-FIGHTER]

Hi Mary,

Thank you so much for replying.  I felt kind of selfish to even ask this question, as so many people have it worse than I do.  I feel very lucky that I am able to wait, at the same time I want this virus out of me.  when I found out I had Hep C two years ago, I was in shock and denial. when it became impossible to ignore any longer I acted,  and thank God I did.

I am happy for you that you start treatment tomorrow. the new drugs are wonderful and Thank God they are here.  I will be looking for your post as to your progress. Thank you for your kind reassuring words.  Good luck and God bless you Mary.

Janice

[Mike]

Hi Janice,

There have been great strides made in Hep-C treatment in the last year and the treatment results are excellent! There are even more effective treatments just around the corner, with less side effects and excellent results.

Your doctor probably wants to wait until fall, when the new, INTF+RIBV free treatment is available (should be one pill a day for 8-12 weeks!).

This would make sense - since you don't have liver disease/damage and the new treatment (with less side effects!) is right around the corner.

Best wishes, Mike

[C-FIGHTER]

Hi Mike,
Thank you for replying to me.
those were his exact words!  So of course I will wait and hope to eradicate this virus once and for all. Without my realizing,the silent killer has been a hold of me for decades.  I did not want to do the Inter/Riba two years ago and didn't like the doctor as well. When I just went back to the doctor last week I thought I would do the Inter/Riba, but the doc said I could wait.  I guess I am glad that it may all work out after all , or hopeful that it will.  I feel very fortunate.
I have been reading here for a few weeks now.  Did you not  just finish treatment?  Waiting to hear SVR, is that right?
Janice

[Mike]

Hi Janice,

Yes. I completed tx on 4/18/14 and was undetectable. Now, I need to wait until 7/4/14 for my 12 weeks results (which, if are SVR12, I'll be cured).

I caught the flu the last week of treatment, and this particular strain, was worst then the side effects from treatment (go figure).

I'm finally getting over the bug, and starting to feel normal again.

Best wishes, Mike