I spoke with my provider this morning and the plan is to monitor and wait. Since I did the 2 drug therapy in 2006 and D/C'd I would currently be recommended for 48 wks. I am glad I have an option. I am lucky that my progression has been so slow considering how long I have been diagnosed. I think I contracted it in the early 80's.

The only reason I want to get started is that I have put it off for so long. That being said, the plan is to wait. I just want to get it over with but I would love to only have 12 wks with a higher success rate. I emailed my provider today so I'll hear from them soon. Our plan was for me to return in January for a follow up if my labs were good and voila! Thanks everyone.

All your numbers look good! Without an urgent reason to start treatment now I think I'd opt to wait for the newer meds due to be released soon. Do you have any reasons that require immediate Tx? I wish I had that choice but am at week 19 of probably 48 and that new low side effect, quick term treatment sure sounds appealing! Good luck

My labs from last week just arrived and were all within normal range! They have always been normal or slightly elevated, on a few occasions high, but these made me happy.

AST  30  ALP  63  ALT  55

Total bili 0.9

Thanks, I am good ole 1a, grade 2 stage 3 I think. ( I know how important it is but I swear its that or the reverse) New ultrasound normal. 3 biopsies over 16 years, some progression of disease but no cirrhosis. Awaiting latest labs from last week. I have not had a viral load test in a long time, obviously if I start tx I will get one. I am waiting to hear from the VAMC reference my new labs. I am considering asking to go on and get started. I have one year remaining on this contract I work under and it will not be continued due to budget cuts. If I am lucky it will become a civil service job. So the time may be right.

I think the VA will be a good choice, the provider said they limit the number of people being treated at any one time to ensure quality of care. I am service connected so it's free to me.

For me the sides were lack of sleep and just feeling a little sketchy/self conscious. Not so much the flu, but my hematocrit was getting low. Lots of anxiety. Ambien and Paxil did nothing. Lexapro and Seroquel made me talk to people who weren't there! I've also watched my brother in law die from liver disease so I know how ****ty it is. I was glad that my ultrasound was good, no fluid. Well, I'll stay in touch! I'm supposed to be working.....

Hi and welcome Bradley.

We have had 2 Members who used the VA. I'm in Australia, and contracted my HepC working as a Medico in the Australian Army in Vietnam in 1969-70.  I had difficulty in getting approval from our DVA as I was accepted for cirrhosis but they claimed the HepC was not proven to be Service related. Approval came through after I finished my 48 weeks of treatment ( just after I turned 70 yo)!!  In the USA, Vietnam Vets.  have a high incidence of HepC, possibly related to vaccinations using air-guns.

If you let us know your Genotype, Viral Load, Liver Function tests, and what treatment you had previously, we would be happy to answer any questions.  New drugs will be approved in late 2013 or early 2014, but Forum Members (including myself) have had success using the current Medications. Good luck. Cheers.

Hi Bradley and welcome to the group! I'm a VA patient but not using them for treatment. I do rely on them for some lab work and they are always willing to help if I request it. I have done a lot of research on HCV and the VA is always very involved in it. If you're near a VA Medical Center I think you'll experience good care and prompt attention to your side effects if you have any problems. 

I couldn't imagine going through treatment while dealing with groups of Special Forces trainees! I understand why you made the decision to stop Tx. Your physical requirements were in total demand and these meds take that choice away. Someone to support you and an office job will make the demands of Tx easier. However, it's still no walk in the park and it will take your devotion and a commitment to succeed. With your background however I don't think that should be a problem for you. Keep us informed of your decision and let us know what your lab tests say when you know. It'll help us with any questions you may have with you progress. I'd also like to tell you thank you for your service to the USA, as a former Navy man, I appreciate what you did!

I have to start with a gripe! This board is logging me out, showing my updated bio in one box but not the editing box, etc! Trying to present a complete bio to answer questions, haha. I'm going to do treatment in the next few months. Quit once several years ago, though I was responding, see bio! Have a better half to root for me this time and an office job.

I'm really starting to wonder if better (more effective) treatment is going to arrive in the next 12 months. If not I should just get started. I plan on using the VA, I have already seen them twice. Anyone with experience using them?

Hello Bradley, welcome!  I`m sorry to hear you`re been having problems updating your details.  I`ve just looked at your user profile and your bio information is in the correct place.  If you`d like to include a couple of lines to appear underneath all your posts, go to the `Signature` option in your profile. 

There are new drug treatments in the pipeline, and a lot depends on your genotype and state of liver health as to whether it`s best to get started on another round of tx (treatment) now or whether you can afford to wait.  If you could give us more details then it would be easier for us to respond to your question. 

Best of luck anyway, and let us know if you need any more help with updating your info, we`re happy to help.