need some input please - Hepatitis Message Board

hmjm · 09-25-2003, 11:39 PM

I was recently diagnosed with hep C. I have really enjoyed reading the posts here as I feel like I have learned so much. It is a good support system. I have also read many books from the library and bookstore on Hep C. I just found out that I have it and like others I knew nothing about it. I think I have had it for 25 years as that is when I had the behavior that might have caused this. I have had no symptons but now things are starting to change. The only thing that bothers me is muscle pain in both my upper arms. It feels like a just got a shot and it should get better in a few days but it doesn't. It does not bother me evevy day but it has been doing this for about 9 months now.I am 55, weigh 152 and have just found out a few months ago that I have chronic active hep C 1a. I had a liver biopsy 3 days after he told me that I had Hep c. It was rated Grade 2,stage 1 of Scheuer.My Ast was 34 and then 30 and then last time was 53. My Alt was 41 then 45 and then 75. Total bili was 1.1, 1.3, then 1.1. I have had blood work done for almost a year before the doc found out that it was Hep C. My viral load was 17 million.Here is where I need help. The issue is treatment as I know it is an issue for others also. What to do? Treat or not to treat? I will probably do what the GI/Hepatologist suggests but I wanted some input from others that know more than I do. I am worried about this and am having trouble dealing with the decisions to be made. I play tennis twice a week and I am afraid that this sport will have to stop. I haven't smoked in 15 years and drink only on vacations. I think I eat well and am pretty healthy...except for the new diagnosis..Thanks for reading this and please tell me what your advice would be.

crybabytoo · 09-26-2003, 03:53 PM

I rushed in to tx as soon as I could. It seemed logical to try to treat while the liver damage was small, like you. And the doc pushed the tx. I could not tolerate the drugs and stopped after only about three weeks. I had lingering side effects for a year.

I would take the time to read most of the posts here, regarding treatment. Then, list the pros and cons as you see them for your case. Then, make your decision, knowing you made every effort to reach an informed choice.

i2mc · 09-26-2003, 10:08 PM

I also dove into treatment. As a 3a with minimal damage I thought the aggressive approach was the best. I was unable to complete 1 1/2 months of treatment due to the sides. I have suffered greatly over the past three years as a result of treatment, and for the longest time, thought I was the exception. Recently, my G.I told me I needed to treat again. After ordering the drugs and setting-up an appointment to start, my dr. changed his mind. He told me that the effects of treating the first time were so severe, for me, that now he recomends not treating. I tell you this knowing that many folks have "successfully" treated. It's a rough decision. I think in hind-sight, I would not have treated. Of course, I wouldn't be able to say this without having done the chemo once. I wish you the best!

hmjm · 09-26-2003, 10:58 PM

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. I appreciate it. I have read the posts here about treatment as well as in some books and that is why I am undecided as to what to do. Some take the treatments and do fairly well and some, like you, didn't do well at all.The side effects are horrible to some. I am so sorry that you had so much trouble even after the treatment stopped. My viral load is high, I think, but damage to liver is still Stage 1, grade 2.
I am used to outdoor sports all the time and I am worried about this as well as being in the sun which some say they can't tolerate during treatment. Will I be able to run or will this be impossible during tratment?If the doctor says to stop everything and do treatment...so be it.I am sure it is difficult to work and not be 100%. The drugs are rough on some people....Thanks for reading this and any advice or just discussion is helpful to me. Will the muscle pain in my arms and thighs ever leave me or is that a sign of Hep C also?

i2mc · 09-27-2003, 10:17 AM

I'm not sure about the pain in your arms and legs. It never happened to me. The treatment did turn me into a *******. Sunlight was almost completely unbearable. As far as the running goes, I've got good news. I started treatment with a young woman who liked to run. She continued to do so, although not at the same level. It sounds like you've made-up your mind to treat. Being healthy spiritually and physically is a big plus going in.