My own Interferon- therapy has not yet been finally finished.... Regarding the fact that I don't have many alternatives I am quite thankful and happy to take my chance. I am looking forward with a positive mind!
On march 27 1996 my doctor started the Interferon- therapy.The first injection of 3 million units was applicated at noon. Exactly 8 hours later I began suffering under some of the well documented side- effects which are: weakness, nausea, shivering and fever. Therefore I decided to inject the next doses myself at 7 p.m. to sleep while the side-effects appear. I think that is the easiest way to get along with that important application. In the following 3 months I have to inject three times a week 3 million units of alpha interferon. I choosed monday, wednesday and friday. After these three months the doctor will decide whether to continue or not. I was informed that all liver values will increase during the therapy, but that reaction seems to be normal when infected cells are eliminated.
During the second week of the therapy the side- effects have reduced, except of that weakness, which appears like I had an acute liverinfection. I think, most of the patients would not be able to work physically, even normal concentration is affected adversely.
After the first month of my therapy all values look quite paradoxical.....
After the second month all values look very good. The therapy will be continued and at the end of the third month there will be the specific RNA- test which indicates whether the virus has been killed or not.In my case there is a great hope on this!
28.03.96 03.04.96 18.04.96 08.05.96 21.05.96
Bili 0.88 0.67 0.34 0.44 0.58
GOT 24 18 13 10 9
GPT 55 44 28 13 10
GammaGT 23 24 20 17 16
aP 116 111 111 111 109
Amylase 72 98 91 247 207
After three months with 3 million units alfa interferon three times a week I had the PCR test.
HC- Core- Ak positive HC- NS 3- AK negative HC- NS 4- AK negative HCV- RNS positive Hepatitis C Virus PCR quant. negative HBs- Antigen negative HBc- AK positive HBs -Ak negative Hepatitis B Virus PCR quant. < 1000 Hepatitis C- AK positive
It seems that I really made it! In about six weeks I will have another PCR. For now it's my birthday!
My second PCR- test after my Interferon- therapy proved that I am HCV RNS positive again. The same for HBV!
My values are higher than 'before' Interferon.
GOT = 44, GPT = 106, GammaGT 26
Anyways- I'll restart the Interferon therapie with a higher dose ( 6 m/u ) and with a longer duration- at least half a year. Right now I am a bit depressed but I won't loose my positive attitude, maybe I'll be negative one day.....So I have to fight that mighty dragon again- and I will!!
Chances to respond in a second therapy are not smaller!
September, 3. The first test of the transaminases after the start of Interferon (No.2) showes very good
results:
GOT = 30, GPT = 73, GammaGT = 39
That means my body respondes on that treatement again. During the first two weeks I had some of
the well known side- effects again. Especially a very bad joint pain must be mentioned. A hot bath
and one paracetamol pill helped me than. In the third week I almost feel 'normal' again.