Hep C Discussion Forum

A couple of things come to mind and I don't want to repeat what the others have said, but I'd like to expound on them a little. The fact that your liver is still in good shape gives you the time to wait for better (easier) options. There is absolutely nothing wrong with your desire to get rid of your life sentence. With the newest treatments, this is no longer a life sentence. It can be stopped and in short order. I have had the displeasure of going through Interferon treatment twice and you won't like it, not one bit. It should be effective, certainly with all of those other drugs they want to give you, but as Gracie mentioned, there can be life long side effects from their use. I'm dealing  a number of problems from them. Sure they cured me, but at a cost. If you're healthy enough to wait, I recommend seeking a newer protocol and leaving the Interferon behind.

If you read the info I left below, you will see that the treatment you're being offered is no longer recommended in your case. I know you're in the UK and things are a bit different than the US, but not significantly. The medical professionals all follow the current guidelines, but unfortunately it's the money that often determines their actions. But regardless of difference, they are avoiding the use of Interferon/Riba if there are better options available. That's because the new DAA's are far easier, have better rates of success and often offer shorter courses of treatment. The side effects are also easier to deal with during treatment. Some people are experiencing lingering joint and muscle pain with the Sovaldi (Sofosbuvir) combos, but many aren't experiencing any problems at all. If you add Interferon and Ribavirin to any combination, you will experience far more side effects than I believe you want. If you're responsible for children and a husband that depend on your help daily, you should know that the Interferon/Ribavirin combos will among other things, cause anemia, extreme fatigue and can cause you some emotional distress. Basically, it can make life a challenge, even on a good day. 

Ultimately the choice is yours and all we can do is share our thoughts and experiences. Do your homework and question everything. Your doctors should be willing to explain your options and should absolutely know what the current recommended treatments are and what are soon to be released. If you meet a doctor that doesn't understand your desire to seek the best, shortest and easiest treatment available, you need to seek additional counsel. You are always welcome to ask us anything and we'll do our best to help you find an answer. Best of luck to you!

Hmmmmm yes I could wait. I know it's irrational but I just want to rid myself of this life sentence.   i know my mum was diagnosed too late (she already had cirrhosis) but sometimes it feels like the wait and see approach is suffocating. 

I just can't explain it I'm a positive person the glass half full and all! But in these dark moments can sometimes feel overwhelming. And I just can't afford to sink in self pity with young kids and a husband who is dependent on me (registered blind) 

i know I sound ungrateful and whingy but I just can't explain it. I should be and am extremely grateful to god that I am still in very good health. 

Hello again Dopey, yes I think I would ask about one of the new non-interferon treatments, if I was in your position. 

I`m sure you must be impatient to start another treatment to rid yourself of this virus, but with such a healthy liver you don`t need to be in a hurry, you have time to wait. 

When are you seeing your nurse again? 

Just to add to what I said, the treatment with sofosbuvir would be in a combination with another drug called `ledipasvir`, and together they are known as Harvoni.  As you are tx experienced without cirrhosis (I`m assuming you haven`t progressed that far in the last 2 years) the alternate choice, according to the NICE guidelines, would be Viekirax, which would also be for 12 weeks, and your chances of success would be excellent for both of those 2 drug regimes. 

Do let us know if we can help any further with all of this, I know it must be confusing.  Treatment options have moved forward at some speed since you were here last time, even in the UK!

Here`s another link about the new `all oral` treatments now available in the UK, and note that it says this..."All those with genotypes 1 and 4, should now be able to access the new non-interferon based treatments with shorter treatment times and less severe side effects."

http://hepctrust.org.uk/news/oct-2015/nice-announce-criteria-access-daklinza-harvoni-viekirax-and-exviera

Try not to worry, it will all become clear soon enough, and you`ll be on your way to clearing the virus once and for all. 

Hello again, Dopey, welcome back! 

I`m very glad you`re planning your next treatment, and now is the best time to go for it since the new NICE recommendations came out earlier this month for `all oral` treatments in the UK.  I must say I agree with your nurse that Sofosbuvir would be your best option, and you wouldn`t have to do Peg interferon + ribavirin with it.   Simeprivir is no longer amongst the recommended treatment regimes, so I`m surprised you you were offered it as an alternative.  

Here`s a link to the new treatment guidelines for the UK..

http://hepctrust.org.uk/new-treatments-genotype-1-determined-nice-october-2015

As I remember, you don`t have advanced fibrosis as of your last fibroscan.  Have you had a more recent one since then?

Good to hear from you again, and best of luck!