Comments on: Hepatitis C Drugs Provide ‘Cure’

By: ron

ron — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 17:55:32 +0000

Hi Sandi
Sorry to hear you are feeling really sick on the treatment. It does seem to affect us all in different ways – as your doctor has probably told you. I hope you can hang on in there as you must be coming up to about half way through the treatment now, I reckon. Then it will be time to count down the weeks to the end. Your doctor is right to be very hopeful as geno 2’s seem to have very good otucome statistics.

Wishing you well
Ron

By: ron

ron — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 17:35:40 +0000

Hi Susie
Thanks for the clarification and testimonial about Dr Shiffman. I believe people can be mis-represented by the press.

These articles look like they were written by uninformed journalists. The “big news” looks like a cure has been found. That has led some people (particularly those on treatment) to be confused about the status of their combination therapy treatment – which is exactly the same one being referred to in the article. Several people wrote about this on the Forum.

However, I can accept that Dr Shiffman has been “sinned against” rather than “sinning” himself. Most hepatologists are committed and skilled.

Ron

By: Sandi

Sandi — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 05:04:34 +0000

I started the treatments in June…I don’t really know much about it other than it makes me really sick. I have Hep c type 2 if that makes any sense. My dr. is here in San Diego, and seems very hopeful, but I am real tired of being sick.

This is the first time I have been on a blog, so if I make mistakes, sorry.

Sandi

By: Susie

Susie — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 18:20:32 +0000

Ron, I spent some time with Dr. Shiffman when he did my friend’s 7 year post treatment biopsy. He was quite upset about the article and was misquoted. However, he made those statements when the trial information that he was waiting for, no further liver disease, and still undetected, 5 years post treatment, became available. I just don’t see how this is bothering all those patients. Dr. Shiffman is an incredible hepatologist and any patient would be fortunate to be under his excellent care. I wish I lived closer to Medical College of Virginia.

By: ron

ron — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 09:50:48 +0000

Hi Bill
Sorry to hear that you didn’t win the battle – wishing you success on winning the war however. They say that even a failed attempt still gives your liver a rest from the virus, so there is some positive.

Yeah, journalists. In my little experience of dealing with them, they are usually as uneducated as most of the general public – so usually on a quick learning curve in order to write their story. Sometimes the subtlety does escape some I guess – and that’s where the likes of Shiffman play them at their game!!

Shame it has such negative ripples for those affected by the virus.
Ron