Interferon therapy for Hep C- anyone?

[pomba gira]

I am scheduled to start interferon therapy for hepatitis C in the next week or so. I've heard some horror stories about the side effects... in fact I have a dear friend who is basically waiting to die 'cos he simply couldn't tolerate the depression and other side effects (and isn't a transplant candidate). I am a bit apprehensive about the whole thing... in fact if I were not so insecure about revealing my true feelings I might use the words "scared shitless".

I'm pretty ambivalent about the whole treatment thing anyway 'cos IMO the numbers just aren't that reassuring- 40% chance it will be effective, takes 12 weeks to find out, if there's no improvement after that the chances go down to less than 10%.

Does anyone have experience with this or know anyone who does? Yeah, theres some message boards & whatnot but I'd rather talk to someone I at least semi know. I guess I'm basically looking for some reassurance & maybe tips on how to get through it w/as few problems as possible.

and before anyone asks- most likely from sharing works w/my ex husband, who picked it up iatrogenically (in the hospital after a car accident).

[Homicidalheathen]

I have absolutly no idea what your talking about with this therapy. My sis had hepatitis I think it was C back in the early 80's. She cannot donate blood now but is otherwise ok.

She was real sick for awhile and almost died but is here. I will be praying for you.

[ManicQueen]

My dad has Hep.C. I don't know what kind of treatment he gets, if any.. I'll have to ask him about this.

[The_Dark]

My friend went through this... He looked at the chance of death vs. the side effects and started taking his pills.

Interferon fucked with his head big time, but he made it though the treatment. He had more problems with the anemea and rashes caused by the ribavirin than anything else.

[The_Dark]

I should add...

Talk to your family and close friends. Let them know that if you take these pills.. You are going to change as a person. You may get really cranky and seem like a completly different person. But. it's eother that or die of liver failure. True friends and family will stick wioth you and give you the support you need.

[ManicQueen]

I should add...

Talk to your family and close friends. Let them know that if you take these pills.. You are going to change as a person. You may get really cranky and seem like a completly different person. But. it's eother that or die of liver failure. True friends and family will stick wioth you and give you the support you need.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well said.