Hepatitis C Support Group
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne viral disease which can cause liver inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread by blood-to-blood contact with an infected person's blood. Many people with HCV infection have no symptoms and are unaware of the need to seek treatment. Hepatitis C infects an estimated 150-200 million people worldwide.
I saw Dr. Nelson at Shands/University of Florida who holds the following titles:
Associate Professor of Medicine
Chief, Section of Hepatobiliary Diseases
Medical Director, Liver Transplantation
Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
The first doctor I saw was one of Dr. Nelsons internists. I was told right off the bat that they do not normally re-treat HCV patients that have Rheumatoid Arthritis. This was my first clue that I might have to do a little bit of begging. I said I was ready to treat again so many times to this poor internist she probably thought I was nuts. Oh wait, Im a hepper, I am nuts.
After I drove this poor internist nuts she left to go get Dr. Nelson. Dr. Nelson, the internist and his P.A. came back in the room to meet with me. Dr. Nelson started out the conversation discussing my Stage 3, Grade 3 liver disease. He told me that if I did nothing, I would probably reach stage 4 within 7 years and it would become life threatening within 10 years.
Interferon is most likely the culprit for my Rheumatoid Arthritis. There are no knew drugs coming down the pipeline that would include a treatment protocol without Interferon. So . Because of this ..
RETREATING ME NOW IS REASONABLE AND IS THE
BEST THING TO DO!!!!!
YIPEE!!!!!!!
I cannot do Infergen because of the RA. Additionally, they are not as excited about Infergen as they were a year ago. Since I already did PegIntron for 48 weeks, round 2 for me will be 72 weeks of Pegasys and Co-Pegasys. They will keep me on the same drugs that Im taking for my RA (Methotrexate and Humira) and he would like to see them add Celebrex to the mix as well. I will NOT be able to take any Prednisone for my flares for the first half of the treatment. This is where it may be painful for me and where Ill really have to tough it out. After that Ill probably be able to take the Prednisone as needed for my flares. An interesting thing to see will be how the Interferon will interact with the Humira. Apparently there are studies that are suggesting that Interferon actually enhances the effects of biologics such as Humira, so I might actually come out of this seeing some improvement in the RA.
I chose not to discuss adding any drugs such as stains or Alinia to my treatment protocol as my main goal was to get back on treatment and I knew I was pushing the envelope as it is by getting back on. My ultimate goal was to be able to take another stab at the beast and I was successful.
Dr. Nelson thinks that with my low viral load and the good response that I had on round one, that had I treated for 72 weeks instead of 48 weeks that I might have beat the beast. I had a very small weight based dose reduction towards the end of tx. He doesnt think that had any bearing on my relapse. I believe he is of the opinion that the reason I relapsed is because Im Stage 3, Grade 3, but of course, no one will ever know.
Shands will have the suggested treatment protocol sent to my GI by tomorrow morning. I have an appointment with my GI on November 29, 2007 to get everything set up and get my scrip. I hope to take my first shot for round 2 on December 2. And if course, I can always stop if it gets.
It was a very interesting and educational experience.
Mouse
Associate Professor of Medicine
Chief, Section of Hepatobiliary Diseases
Medical Director, Liver Transplantation
Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
The first doctor I saw was one of Dr. Nelsons internists. I was told right off the bat that they do not normally re-treat HCV patients that have Rheumatoid Arthritis. This was my first clue that I might have to do a little bit of begging. I said I was ready to treat again so many times to this poor internist she probably thought I was nuts. Oh wait, Im a hepper, I am nuts.
After I drove this poor internist nuts she left to go get Dr. Nelson. Dr. Nelson, the internist and his P.A. came back in the room to meet with me. Dr. Nelson started out the conversation discussing my Stage 3, Grade 3 liver disease. He told me that if I did nothing, I would probably reach stage 4 within 7 years and it would become life threatening within 10 years.
Interferon is most likely the culprit for my Rheumatoid Arthritis. There are no knew drugs coming down the pipeline that would include a treatment protocol without Interferon. So . Because of this ..
RETREATING ME NOW IS REASONABLE AND IS THE
BEST THING TO DO!!!!!
YIPEE!!!!!!!
I cannot do Infergen because of the RA. Additionally, they are not as excited about Infergen as they were a year ago. Since I already did PegIntron for 48 weeks, round 2 for me will be 72 weeks of Pegasys and Co-Pegasys. They will keep me on the same drugs that Im taking for my RA (Methotrexate and Humira) and he would like to see them add Celebrex to the mix as well. I will NOT be able to take any Prednisone for my flares for the first half of the treatment. This is where it may be painful for me and where Ill really have to tough it out. After that Ill probably be able to take the Prednisone as needed for my flares. An interesting thing to see will be how the Interferon will interact with the Humira. Apparently there are studies that are suggesting that Interferon actually enhances the effects of biologics such as Humira, so I might actually come out of this seeing some improvement in the RA.
I chose not to discuss adding any drugs such as stains or Alinia to my treatment protocol as my main goal was to get back on treatment and I knew I was pushing the envelope as it is by getting back on. My ultimate goal was to be able to take another stab at the beast and I was successful.
Dr. Nelson thinks that with my low viral load and the good response that I had on round one, that had I treated for 72 weeks instead of 48 weeks that I might have beat the beast. I had a very small weight based dose reduction towards the end of tx. He doesnt think that had any bearing on my relapse. I believe he is of the opinion that the reason I relapsed is because Im Stage 3, Grade 3, but of course, no one will ever know.
Shands will have the suggested treatment protocol sent to my GI by tomorrow morning. I have an appointment with my GI on November 29, 2007 to get everything set up and get my scrip. I hope to take my first shot for round 2 on December 2. And if course, I can always stop if it gets.
It was a very interesting and educational experience.
Mouse
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theatre and I are there already. I'm having a very berry tea with crackers, cheese and cherry tomatoes and she's having a joint with some beer and we're both on really comfy recliners on thick pile carpet. we need some help with the decor if anyone is around??
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I'm trying to exercise daily. I was doing fairly well until I sprained my ankle 2 weeks ago but now I'm getting back on the horse. Today I walked over a mile with my arm weights that are about 22lbs total. I was out of shape and it was hard on my arms. I also did my 30 situps. I'm also going to drink a lot of water and try to eat healthy. I do tend to have a sweet tooth but I'm cutting...
Let's hope that the longer tx will be just the ticket for you to clear and stay cleared this time.
I know you're a tough mousie and you know we are all here to support you.So I guess this is an early Xmas gift!
Missy be sure that I will be here for you, in the bad and the good of this new treatment.
As for my RA results still no news.
I'll keep you posted.
Congrats, Mckenzie
one day at the time