hep c: my husband has found out he has hep c.... any... - HepNS

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hep c

christianliggett•

9 years ago•14 Replies

my husband has found out he has hep c.... any info will very helpful.....

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christianliggett

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14 Replies

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Gibson3359 years ago

Hi,

I was diagnosed about 10 years ago with Hep C genotype 1a. I'd be very happy to talk/write to you about my own experiences trying to deal with the virus.

Personally I found GPs know very little if anything about it, which is frustrating.

If your husband drinks alcohol, he really should stop altogether. The combination of hep c and regular drinking is really asking for trouble I'm afraid!

On a positive note, there are new drugs being developed now and if your husband is prepared to look after his liver for a while, I'm sure they'll soon come up with treatments that don't screw you up! I tried to get rid of my hep c in 2012; the drugs they were using then were very heavy duty, I wasn't looked after properly by the hospital. I ended up with severe mental problems, suicide attempt etc, all because of the treatment - I couldn't finish the course, still have hep c and lost my home and my relationship of 27 years.... I'm not a nutter any more so don't be afraid to get in touch!

If he is offered Interferon I'd recommend saying no until the new interferon free treatments are widely available. It's a hideous drug!

Sorry that all sounds heavy, I just don't want anyone else suffering what I went through!

Please feel free to ask anything you like. I'm not a doctor (I'm a musician), and have tried everything....

Best wishes,

Kit

christianliggett• in reply toGibson3359 years ago

thank u..... i will definitely will....

Woyjvy9 years ago

Your husband is very fortunate. At this time there is a cure. I was diagnosed with HepC 14 years ago. My internist recognized the signs and had me tested. I was referred to a hepatologist (liver Doctor) and placed in a series of HepC studies. I took 4 different treatments before they were introduced to the public. The drug interferon was included in each test. The side effects were difficult but I managed. None of the treatments worked. About 2 years ago drugs began to appear that worked 99 percent of the time. I started taking Harvoni this past March. Today I'm HepC free. The side effects were mild. I just got a headache occasionally. Get in touch with a Hepatologist and have a discussion with him. More information can be found at liver foundation.org. As a National Patient Advocate for American Liver Foundation and Hepatitis Foundation International you are welcome to contact me. Good Luck.

christianliggett• in reply toWoyjvy9 years ago

thank u..... i will definitely will....

Gibson335• in reply toWoyjvy9 years ago

Hi,

Congratulations on being hep c free!

Unfortunately here in the UK our access to the new interferon free cures is not available unless you are a millionaire and can fund your own private treatment.

The cost of these drugs is so high that currently our National Health system is only using them in conjunction with interferon, and only giving them to people who's livers are in an advanced state of decay.

This is a matter of immense frustration for people like me who have spent a fortune on supplements and healthy lifestyles in order to take care of their livers. I am interferon intolerant, I was given this treatment, not looked after at all whilst on this hideous drug, and as a result I lost everything due to the destructive mental side effects.

I just continue buying lottery tickets in the hope that one day I can win enough to fund a trip to the USA and buy my own cure!

So as much as your advice may make sense across the pond, here in England there is little hope of achieving any bearable cure until the pharma companies being the price down to a reasonable level. Could be a long wait, I just hope it happens before it's too late for me...

Kit

Woyjvy• in reply toGibson3359 years ago

I know what you are going through. I went through 5 different studies of treatments. All included interferon and ribavirin. I suffered through all the sue effects also. The Harvoni I took cost over 32,225 dollars a month for 5 months. I asked the pharmaceutical company for assistance. Gilead provided me with a coupon with which I was able to obtain the medicine for 5 dollars a month. I just saw an article not long ago saying that Gilead was considering discontinuing his practice. I would at least try to contact them to see if they will assist you.

Gibson335• in reply toWoyjvy9 years ago

Wow. Thank you, it's got to be worth a try! Maybe I could offer to produce some bespoke music for their ads or something in return for a reasonably priced course of treatment.

I'll let you know, but don't hold your breath!

Best regards.