| Subject: Re: Information and guideline |
Author:
Mark
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Date Posted: 06:03:35 10/08/02 Tue
In reply to:
Asim
's message, "Information and guideline" on 05:47:46 10/03/02 Thu
>Dear Hepper
>I need advise for the management and treatment of HCV.
>I am writing in brief my history and hope that you
>would advise me to get rid of this ailment.
>I am pathologist by profession and 44 years old. I was
>diagnosed about two and half years ago incidentally to
>be HCV positive.
>My liver enzymes were raised. (ALT 105 U/L ( N.V upto
>35 )
>My genotype was III.
>My viral load was 0.8 milliom/ml at that time.
>I then received interferon and ribazole treatment for
>six months. My enzyme got normal during treatment and
>at the end of six months of treatment my HCV antigen
>was positive by PCR.
>Then I did not get any treatment except for taking LIV
>52 ( herbal Indian medicine) for one and half years.)
>My enzymes presently have again raised and I also feel
>fatigued more.
>I also got my biopsy recently which shows Grade 1 and
>stage 2 with mild fibrosis and fatty change.
>Occasional foci of necrosis are also seen.
>
>I need your advise about receiving PEGINTRON.
>
>Should I get it or not. Is it worth in my case?
>The cost is also a matter but the main concern is that
>whether it would give any benefit in my case.
>How much side effects are with it?
>What other type of treatment modality can I adopt and
>for how long?
>Should I get interferon and ribazole again for six
>months or one year if I do not get PEGINTRON.
>
>How important is rest for me. I work six hours in
>morning and about three hours in evening. Should I cut
>the workload to slow the progression of fibrosis?.
>
>How much time can it take for cirrhosis to develop in
>my case?
>
>What type of strict dietary measures should I adopt?
>
>What other precautions should I take to avoid and
>delay complications of HCV?
>
>Should I totally avoid contact with my kids in any
>form or I can hug them share other things apart form
>razors and toothbrushes.
>
>I would highly appreciate if you kindly give guidance
>from your esteemed experience.
>
>Asim Mumtaz
>13 Fane Road Lahore,
>Pakistan.
Asim,
I'm not a doctor, or anything close. The only one who can really give you sound advice about your treatment and the possible progression of the hep is an experienced medical doctor.
I have 3 more shots to go to finish up my 48 weeks of treatment. It has been a helluva ride, but I'm undetected and all my enzymes and counts are back to normal. But it does take a toll on your quality of life in every way.
You may want to investigate the possibilty of trying the new interferon from Roche labs called Pegasys. I know it is available in Europe and other places, but not yet in the US. It is supposed to have a better success rate at clearing the virus. The next best thing would probably be the PegIntron/Riba combination.
But as for your individual situation, I cannot advise one way or the other. If you feel up for another round of treatment and can pay the price physically, emotionally, menatlly and financially, then it may be the way to go. You need to discuss this with a doctor who is familair with your case and can help you make informed decisions about your treatment.
As far as hugging your kids and things like that, don't worry, it can only be spread through blood to blood contact. Just be cautious.
You can check out a web page I have put together with lots of links to information and other resources. It may help you find some answers. Here is the link:
http://home.sc.rr.com/fantazmink/HepCHollow/
Good luck and best wishes.
~mark
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