1. The first treatment attempt was unsuccessful even though I responded well and viral levels were undetectable. The 6 month treatment was not long enough, (in hind sight), and it came back in 6 months.
2. The second treatment was discontinued within 3 weeks as my being obese and resulted in a fatty liver, which increased the side effects to an unsafe level.
3. Now that I have shed the pounds, changed my lifestyle to include regular exercise and diet changes largely due to Weight Watchers, I have a good chance of success in my 3rd and final attempt to be rid of this monster that threatens my quality of life and ultimately, my life itself.
This is an article that tackles head-on, the widely missed issue of the new drugs not working on certain genotypes of the disease. (Genotype 3, (the one I have), does not respond to the new drugs).http://blogs.plos.org/workinprogress/category/clinical-trials/
I know I am really going out on a limb, posting such personal info, but I want to do something worthwhile and above all, (I hope), helpful to others facing this devastating disease and hopefully keep my sanity in the process. Please come back and feel free to comment if you or someone you are close to is facing interferon treatment.
