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.
According to Greek mythology, Sisyphus was punished by having to roll a bolder up a mountain, only to watch it roll back down, only to repeat the task forever.
Today, I feel like Sisyphus. Treatment feels as if it has no end. My doctor called last night, he said I was only slightly anemic at 11.4, and actually better than the previous test. He seemed baffled by my shortness of breath. I told him that a simple act such as tying my shoes will leave me breathing hard, a full flight of stairs is a major challenge and will leave me gasping. I then went through my list of sides and told him I felt like I seem to have some sort of auto immune thing going on that I feel is the underlying cause of my rashes, boils, gum disease and other things.
He is ordering a chest x-ray, but I know theres nothing wrong with my lungs. He said there wasnt much else we could do but stop the meds. He was sympathetic and said that I really did sound miserable.
I am torn. On one hand, I would guess I have a 75% or better chance of being clear (too low to count at 4 weeks). So do I quit now and hope for the best? Backup plan is the new drugs. Or do I tough it out for 3 more months?
Today I decide to fight one more day. I woke up and took my meds without much thought. Who knows what I will decide tomorrow (shot #37).
I, Sisyphus, demand a bigger fucking rock!
Today, I feel like Sisyphus. Treatment feels as if it has no end. My doctor called last night, he said I was only slightly anemic at 11.4, and actually better than the previous test. He seemed baffled by my shortness of breath. I told him that a simple act such as tying my shoes will leave me breathing hard, a full flight of stairs is a major challenge and will leave me gasping. I then went through my list of sides and told him I felt like I seem to have some sort of auto immune thing going on that I feel is the underlying cause of my rashes, boils, gum disease and other things.
He is ordering a chest x-ray, but I know theres nothing wrong with my lungs. He said there wasnt much else we could do but stop the meds. He was sympathetic and said that I really did sound miserable.
I am torn. On one hand, I would guess I have a 75% or better chance of being clear (too low to count at 4 weeks). So do I quit now and hope for the best? Backup plan is the new drugs. Or do I tough it out for 3 more months?
Today I decide to fight one more day. I woke up and took my meds without much thought. Who knows what I will decide tomorrow (shot #37).
I, Sisyphus, demand a bigger fucking rock!
I will share I am week 25 of 48, have had 1 transfusion, have blood count -hemoglobin around 9-- now stable at that, am tired and get out of breath easily also... had chest xray and did have allergy/bronchitis, but am toughing it out.... for now
Hugs!!!!
sucker roll back down.
Depends on how you're feeling & the impact on your life. If you can tuff it out one day @ a time, I'd stick with it.
It was a mixed blessing when they advised me to stop @ 12weeks (of 48) - I was soooo sick, weak, alone felt dead that it was a relief to end the suffering. I'm still hcv+. My viral load statred to climb again in those 12 weeks so they knew it wasn't working for me.
Sure hope you feel better soon!
Prayers!
Bill
mythological hero of all Heppers!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prometheus
Re: shortness of breath. That was and still is a major side I suffer from Interferon. Some days I feel like I'm just not getting enough O2 to my cells.
My Dr. gave me a Rx for a rescue asthma puffer (I do not have asthma) and it helps. It does get better Bob in time Bob.
I sometimes compare my life to the school teacher from 'The Woman in the Dunes' for those who know what I mean...