Living Without HepC

I saw my consultant yesterday and talked through my current haemoglobin levels and extending my treatment.

During the discussion I discovered I had heard the wrong numbers last week when I rang MyNurse about my blood test results. Brain-fog again. My haemoglobin did drop from 11.9 but only to 11.1 (not 10.1 as I had thought). I was worried that a 1.8 drop (as I thought I had) over a five week period was a serious drop – and the beginning of a rapidly downward trend toward concerning levels.

I am reassured my haemoglobin levels are within what is expected at this last stage of the 48 week long haul – and there isn’t any concern at the moment about me flying. So I can achieve the objective of getting to Spain soon. And a few moments ago Mynurse rang to let me know my haemoglobins from yesterday’s tests are back to 11.8. What a relief.

She did add that my Neutrophils have dipped slightly and asked me to have another blood test next Monday; she is speculating that I am usually tested on a Monday (before the weekly injection) and this week I was tested on a Wednesday, two days post-injection, so that may have impacted on the results. So back next week for another Monday sample!

My consultant was very helpful and supportive around the issue of extending treatment and we discussed the pros and cons of a longer period on treatment.

Having reflected on that information, and weighed up what my body and heart are saying at this stage, I have made a considered decision to end this treatment at Week 48 as planned. I wanted to be sure I have done everything I can to support this treatment regime working because I am committed to clearing this virus - whatever it takes. However I think the cost to my body, to my life and to those around me of living on this treatment for a longer period of time would be greater than the small improved percentage chance of clearing this virus. I am still optimistic and feeling positive about the outcome I will achieve at the end of 48 weeks.

So I am now back to feeling tired but content. And optimistic and hopeful. From their demeanour, attitude and comments I can see that both my consultant and Mynurse view my current level of functioning as typical of the last few weeks of the long haul. I can expect to find everything, including work, tiring. And I need to focus on taking care of myself, getting to the end and recognising I am not 100% at the moment - and not expect myself to be.

That’s just made me laugh out loud - I haven’t been 100% for so long now I can’t quite remember what 100% means! However, I have adjusted and reduced my expectations on my everyday functioning so many times over the past weeks and months I have no doubt I can re-adjust again. So I guess I am saying I am not 100% of the very reduced level of functioning I was at last week.

This entry was posted on Thursday, September 8th, 2005 at 12:09 pm and is filed under Journal. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.