Being co-infected hiv and Hep c

[ubotts]

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The Dr called me and told me I have genotype 1 and 2 hepatitis...

I will have to start treatment, but she said I can wait till September, after the summer,
so that's what I am going to do..

I was hoping I didn't have to go though this, but I gotta do what I gotta do..

If anyone of you ever been on those hep c meds..please give me some feedback.
The Dr said because I am co-infected, I will be on meds for 12 to 18 months..
oy ve..
She said I would lose weight..  that's OK I needed to lose weight anyway, but I will
look sick and hair could possibly thin out...
She said I would be depressed on this medicine, so they will help me with that..

Boy I am not looking forward to this crap....

From now until September, Ill have plenty of time to let this absorb into my brain, and hopefully, feel more comfortable than I do right now..

If anyone has any input on this, please respond..

I know we are all different and meds
might effect some people different that others, so time will tell....

[wishihadacat]

U, although everyone reacts differently, but the side effects that the treatment for Hep C - pegylated interferon and ribavirin - can be very difficult to deal with and your description of them is right on the money. Genotypes 1 & 4 seem to be the most difficult to treat. I've had type 4 for close to 30 years, and when I tried the meds for it last year they didn't work. I threw in the towel after 6 weeks because of a terrible rash that wouldn't respond to anything, and my Hep C viral load remained static at 200,000.

Nevertheless, its worth going through because if left untreated, Hep C can cause liver cancer. If you need support over the coming months, know that we're all pulling for you. Hang in there,

David

[rick21007]

I am posting on this thread--if a totally different subject I apologize in advance but my understanding is the some of the meds used to treat HBV including Interferon are the same as for HCV.


I am co-infected with HIV and HBV.  While I have not had to go on meds for the former as of yet (infected two years) my doctor told me on Friday last that I may need to go on antivirals for the HBV. (due to my high HBV VL) Apparently this is a bit tricky since the meds for HBV reportedly can reducde the effectiveness of the HIV meds if and when I will need to go on these.  My CD4 is staying up--last was 460.   I am debating whether to go on meds or not for the hep.  My liver enzymes are good and I had a CT scan last summer which showed no liver damage.  I had acute HBV back in the spring and summer of 06 which was about the worse thing I have ever had.  My doctor told me she is going to consult with someone who specializes in HIV/HBV co-occuring treatment protocols and then we will meet again the end of Feb. to make a decision. 

It is also my understanding that some treatment protocols involve going on HAART to treat both viruses because there is a known overlap in terms of response of  HBV to the HAART regimen.  Anyone  have experience with this?

I know the drug treatment for HCV can be brutal.  I have seen people going through it but my question would be how this will affect your HIV drug response.

Best of luck.  Not an easy decision to have to make.

Rick

[ubotts]

Well thank you both for your replies..
Tomorrow I go to the doctors and I will learn more of whats needed of me.
My tcells right now is 161..a bit to low for me to start anything right now..

They did say I dont have to start treatment till after the summer if I like..
So I guess what I have genotype 1A isnt a bad as I thought..

Like I said, I have many questions to ask my doctor when I see her tomorrow..
Then Ill let you guys know whats what..

thanks for your input time and patience with my questions..I appreciate it very much.
ciao for now..until tomorrow...bye

[BT65]

Ubotts, please have the doctor explain anything you're not clear on.  Like Ann said in another thread, that's your right.  Keeping you in my prayers-