While you're waiting, get some Milk Thistle and start taking it everyday.

Alias

I've only been on treatment for 8 weeks.  I developed a condition called
fibromyalgia which is a sleep and pain disorder.  My last doc. finally
agreed that it was probably triggered by the HCV.  My viral load is
considered low,
126,000 or so, progress of disease slow, grade 2, stage 1, liver enzymes
generally normal.  Because of the loss of quality of life due to the
fibromyalgia, I finally didn't feel I had any choice and just couldn't wait
for anything better to come out.  This is the best time for me to do this
because I have some sick leave and insurance.

I just got home tonight from going to see Shrek 2 after work.  Laughter is
healing I think. It was good, wasn't it...   Middle of the week is sometimes
a good time for me to get to a movie,. so I take advantage of it when I feel
a little better.  .  Treatment on Friday makes me pretty sick thru monday's
and I'm taking sick leave most every Monday.  Some people are able to work
regularly without a problem.
Others quit work during treatment to help them get thru it.
I have type 2b, so only have to go 24 weeks total, but having some problems
with WBC (white blood cells) and RBC's (red) being too low at times and
since I don't have a hepatotogist, I have an overly cautious internal med
docs. and feel like I'm fighting to keep them from taking the med from me
due to side effects.

However, I'm going to get thru this somehow and feel very positive about the
final outcome.....in the long run.  At least I feel like I'm doing something
to take control of my life back.

Wish I could sleep like a log though like you said you did last night.  One
of the main reasons I'm doing this is to get my ability to get a good nights
sleep back.  Would be wonderful.

Once you find out exactly what your status is with a biopsy, you will have
the information you need to make some decisions.  The not knowing what the
situation is for sure is the worst feeling because a persons imagination can
go wild with every little ache and pain.  You have a good support system
though, and that can help so much.  You also have this list.

Worry is like a rocking horse, it will keep you busy, but won't take you
anywhere.  Try not to obsess and worry so much.  .  I know, that was really
easy to say, and it is a lot harder to do.

SusieQ

Matt, welcome to the HCV club.  Don't over react to your diagnosis.
Only about 20% of people with HCV progress to cirrhosis.  And even
that doesn't mean your life is over.  I'm 46 and recently was
diagnosed with HCV myself.  I panicked also and assumed the worst but
I got over it.  Worrying is detrimental.  Take action.  Find out your
genotype and get your ultrasound and biopsy scheduled.  Chances are
your liver's not in too bad of shape and though it can be tough, this
disease CAN be defeated.  Even the nasty genotype 1 can be taken down.
When I was diagnosed I was prepared for the 48 weeks to beat genotype
1 but was very pleasantly surprised to find out that I had genotype 2
(24 weeks treatment and 80% cure rate).  Either way you play the cards
you were dealt.  You are not powerless in this struggle.  I'm not.
I'm gonna kick some HCV a.s.  I'll start treatment in June.  Good
luck.