Bob V

I am a 50 yr-old male Firefighter/paramedic who on a random blood test done by my fire dept found out that I had hep c. I had a needle stick in 1996 and was only tested for hiv which was negative.I never had any symtoms. I was in shock, became very emotional and scared. for approximately one year all I did was research on the web ,read books,and joined a support group here in Tampa. After hearing everyones stories at a few of the group meetings and specking with my Doctor. I decided to do a round of treatment. AT that time it was interferon 3 times a weak and four ribavirin pills. I am a genotype type 1b stage 2 grade 2 on my biopsy. The first treatment I did for 1 year and it did not work. It was a difficult treatment. I experienced a lot of side effects from nausea,fatigue and general weakness, loose of hair,poor appetite,muscle and joint pain, skin dryness and rash. like I said it was very hard but I survived the treatment. The treatment did not work for me. At that same time the FDA came out with the combination treatment Peg Interferon and Ribavrin. My doctor ask me if I was up to it. I had just finished with the first treatment. I ask my family if they could deal with me and another year of being a mad man they agreed. It was in my best interest and I was determined to win this battle. After another year of mild depression no meds needed and all of the other side effects from the first treatment. Again I was a non responder. Now I run a support group. The 2 years of treatment had some success. I went from a stage 2 grade 2 to a stage 2 grade 0 on my last biopsy. So there is some success with doing the treatment. Thanks for letting me tell you my story.