Hi Sara,

Yes, I am on an anti-D. The problem is that I was on it before I
started treatment and can't increase it so it really doesn't help. I
am dealing with the depression though as best I can. It is hard but
doable. I am not on any anti-anxiety meds, but don't seem to have as
much anxiety that would require it. And no, on the water question. I
know I should be drinking a lot but I don't... I don't know why. I
really ought to get better about it. Laziness I suppose. I do though
workout at the gym 5 days a week and that seems to help a lot. I mean,
I have good days and bad days but if I don't workout, I see a big
difference.

I am taking the Peg-interferon with the ribavirin. Last time I took
the same thing except not as much ribavirin. The first treatment I was
on I took 5 pills a day (1000mg?) and this time I am taking 6 pills a
day. We were hoping that it would knock it out faster but it didn't.
But thenn who knows, it might have taken even longer had I been taking
less. I did ask about trials if this doesn't work but my doctor says
that the success rate isn't very good with the new drugs when it comes
to non-reponders so I don't know. She is looking into herbal avenues
if I fail this time. I guess we'll just have to see what happens. I
did ask her also about if it fails going on maintainance interferon
but she says that doesn't work and they are no longer putting people
on it. Interferon by itself doesn't work, has to be in the combo in
order to be effective. She is really concerned right now with possible
long term effects for me because when I am done, I will have been on
for 3 1/2 years with only a 6 month break in between. Hmmmm.

Yeah, I also get tired of people asking me how I feel when they know
that I feel like crap. I mean what do they want me to say???? I do
though have some good friends who are supportive as far as that goes
but I think it is as frustrating for them as it is for me because they
are always asking what they can do and there really isn't anything
they can do except maybe sleep for me so I can get some things done,
lol. But anyway...

Thank you!!! I hope that it is worth it in the end! There is
supposedly a local group but they are impossible to find. The number
doesn't work and the location posted is different depending on who I
talk to so I have given up looking for it. I am a Vet and wish the VA
would have some sort of group for us but alas, my doctor says that the
only person who would run it is her and she is so overbooked with
things to do that she can't. So that is why I have looked to here for
some support. :)

Alexandra

Hi Alexandra
Sorry to hear how things are working out for you. I too was 1a with a
pretty hefty viral load going into tx. I had good drop by four weeks
and was not quite clear by 12 weeks, but more than a 2 log drop so on
I went. However I did clear, and remain virus free now two years later
so there IS hope. I have no idea what makes the difference between one
person and another. I was on I think it was 180 mc Pegasys and 1200
daily ribavirin, antidepressants, eventually Epogen injections as well
for seriously low white cell counts, and eventually antianxiety meds
as well. But I made it.

Hopefully you will answer the questions above to give us a better
idea. I too got "tired" of loved ones who understood what I was doing,
going thru, constantly asking How are you feeling and eventually just
responded tiredly, "the same way I felt yesterday and the same way I
will continue to feel until this is over." There just wasn't any other
way to explain it. I was weak, exhausted, brain dead, body aching from
head to toe, bones aching so bad they felt like they were melting
sometimes, and so on. How do you put that into words? Like many things
in life "How do you explain to someone who never has?"

I just had to pass my two year post tx testing and was fearful once
again, always thinking what would I do if I found myself confronted
with the prospect of having to go thru treatment, could I make the
decision...sigh! I just can't imagine facing it again, tho the anguish
has faded with the passing of time.

Please stay in touch. We here DO understand what you are going thru,
what you are feeling etc. We can relate. I'll remember you in my
prayer. Hang in there ~Deb

Hi TC,

I am doing the combo therapy. When I first started my viral load was
2.25 million. It took 24 weeks to get down to nagative. But then after
6 months off treatment it came back and was a little over 900,000 so
that is why I went back on. It took 16 weeks the second time to clear
so who knows what that means. I mean it is good that it was less time
but would have been optimal had it been a shorter time. The fact that
yours cleared in 12 weeks is great! That is what my doc wanted for me
and said that if it clears in 12 weeks the first time then the chance
of success is greater so good luck! Did you start in March then? I am
around 7 months too, going on 8 months (Nov).

Alexandra

Hi Brian,

Thanks for the clarification between being a non-responder and re-
lapser. You are right and I am trying to be grateful that I did clear
at least while I am on treatment. Who knows what will happen after
that. I don't know my current enzymes. If they were any concern I am
sure my doc would have told me. I haven't taken the interest in the
numbers this time like I did last time. I assume they are the same as
before, in other words, higher while on treatment then off... I think
I will ask next time I have an appt with her. I have not had a liver
biopsy. I am being treated at the VA and because of their money issues
I probably won't get one unless I fail treatment this time or
somewhere down the road. She said I am young and healthy so she is not
very concerned about that.

I had asked about infergen too but to be honest don't remember the
reason she gave me why she chose not to do that. Sorry, brain fog I
guess, my memory though decent from taking gingko, isn't up to par
like when I am off treatment.

I am sorry to hear that treatment didn't work for you. What are you
planning on doing? Are you looking into alternative methods of
treatment?

Alexandra