Personal stories about antiviral treatment for hepatitis C
Content provided by Healthwise
Personal stories about antiviral treatment for hepatitis C
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
Frank, age 29: I would like to try combination treatment with peginterferon and ribavirin to try to keep my liver healthy. I realize that I may never have liver failure, even if I don't have treatment, but I want to feel like I've done everything possible to prevent it.
Rick, age 50: I was shocked when I tried to donate blood and found out that I had hepatitis C. My liver enzymes have been up, but my liver doesn't show any signs of damage yet. I'm glad. I hate the thought of having a treatment that might make me sick, and I really don't believe that my liver will be damaged. I am just going to keep visiting my doctor to keep an eye on my condition.
Nina, age 45: I have two teenagers, and I really want to stay as healthy as I can for as long as I can while they grow up and have their own families. My doctor says antiviral treatment is the best chance I have of staying healthy and active, so I am going to take my doctor's advice and have treatment.
Karen, age 53: The side effects of treatment worry me. It also costs a lot of money, and it doesn't help everyone. I don't feel sick, even though my doctor says that my liver enzymes have been a little high for about the past 8 months and my liver biopsy showed some mild damage. Because of my concerns, my doctor and I decided to keep checking my liver enzymes and repeat the liver biopsy in a few years.
Credits
| Author | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology |
| Last Updated | August 27, 2007 |
| Last updated: | August 27, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman |
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.
Search
Where Does it Hurt?
If you're experiencing aches and pains we can help you find answers. Find out what your symptoms mean for your health.
