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 am geno type 1a. Happy to report the treatment is working for me.
Thanks to all of you who have offered advice on getting through the side effects of this treatment. I just wanted to let you know that I am starting WEEK EIGHTEEN of the triple therapy and my ENERGY LEVEL IS BACK TO NORMAL!!! I experienced EXTREME FATIGUE at week nine and was taken off of Ribavirin until I completed the IncIvek. I am currently on Pegasys, Ribavirin, and Procrit. All that remains of the side effects at this time is a facial rash, ongoing hair loss. YIKES! The worst side effect for me to date was INTENSE ITCHING all over my body between weeks 11-14. I used Atarax, Benadryl pills, Aveeno Oatmeal Bath, Eucerin Calming Creme, Gold Bold Cream, Gold Bond Powder, Benadryll gel, Cortizone 10 for Eczema, Walgreens Brand Poison Ivy Spray (burns a little but helps), and ice packs. Thank God I made it! I am praying you make it as well!
God Bless,
emmakygirl
Thanks to all of you who have offered advice on getting through the side effects of this treatment. I just wanted to let you know that I am starting WEEK EIGHTEEN of the triple therapy and my ENERGY LEVEL IS BACK TO NORMAL!!! I experienced EXTREME FATIGUE at week nine and was taken off of Ribavirin until I completed the IncIvek. I am currently on Pegasys, Ribavirin, and Procrit. All that remains of the side effects at this time is a facial rash, ongoing hair loss. YIKES! The worst side effect for me to date was INTENSE ITCHING all over my body between weeks 11-14. I used Atarax, Benadryl pills, Aveeno Oatmeal Bath, Eucerin Calming Creme, Gold Bold Cream, Gold Bond Powder, Benadryll gel, Cortizone 10 for Eczema, Walgreens Brand Poison Ivy Spray (burns a little but helps), and ice packs. Thank God I made it! I am praying you make it as well!
God Bless,
emmakygirl
Stage FO-1
Grade AO-1
HCV Chronic 070.54
Fibrosis Score .27
ALT 68 AST 47
I will ask my hepatitis doctor about the il28b alleles and get back to you. I welcome any questions.
I have experienced some rough times on this treatment...Although,
going into 18 weeks wanted to let you know I'm getting my life back.
There seems to be good days ahead.....YIPPEE!!!