Firstly, the public hospital liver clinic I attend only prescribes a 12 week course of treatment. They did not check for viral load at the 4 week mark, even though I brought this up- it was a standard blood test only. "We don't do that here".
Treatment experienced ( Pegasys and Ribivirin), which caused massive physical, cognitive and emotional changes, many of which were only starting to subside, after five years, before commencing the current regime.
The morning after my first dose of the new combo. I felt wonderful! Crystal clear mind, energy and optimism. This left after four days. As the treatment progresses, I am feeling worse. Currently I'm at week nine. I have severe neuropathy to the hands and feet, an itchy face, a flat mood, joint aches and the expected fatigue. It is as though it has triggered the Hepatitis into overdrive!
Is there an option of getting a further 4 weeks of the medication via a GP here in Oz? I am unsure if 12 weeks will do it for me, and I loathe to be back facing another treatment round if unsuccessful.