Hep C treatment is working

inaustin787 · medicine forum beginner Joined: 12 Jun 2006 Posts: 1

Hi Everyone. My post concerns the long road to treatment and the
speedbumps that made the trip noteworthy. The short version is that it
appears the treatment is working at this time.

Early in 2005 I turned 50 and had my check-ups. Two different doctors
found my Hep C in separate and unrelated exams. Prior to that I was
actually feeling on top of the world! Not a clue to the seriousness of
the situation. The lead doctor is the gastroenterologist who had
completed a c-scope earlier and he gave me the clinical factors and
implications.

At the time my viral RNA count was in the 800,000 range.

He started me on the interferon and ribavirin combo and I immediately
had side-effects that sent me for a loop. My energy level was
critically low and my psoriasis flared to the point of burning off the
skin off my palms and soles. Of course I suffered the other effects of
fevers/chills, lack of appetite, depression, etc.

I couldn't handle it and after 3 months the doctor agreed to take me
off the meds while I recouped. Count at that time was around 30,000.

At the start of 2006 I decided to re-examine the situation and my viral
count was 35,000, so I decided to re-enter the treatment. This time,
however, the lead doc enlisted the aid of my dermatologist who
perscribed Enbrel and a hemotologist who treated my low red and white
cell counts.

I'm about 1/2 way into the 11-month treatment and the team effort has
been extremely successful. My current viral count is less than 200.

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