Ken's Story

I have finished forty eight weeks of combination therapy. Hoorah! Although I am still taking some support medications it has been one week since my last interferon shot. In my mind it’s a momentous achievement to finish treatment for the hepatitis C virus.

The treatment journey is a strange process that may have different effects on different individuals. There does however seem to be similar stages of treatment where psychological changes follow a course. From about week forty to the end of treatment I found it difficult to imagine that I had come so far in my treatment. Contemplating the end of treatment became disruptive to my weekly routines and survival.

I began to anticipate “the end”, however finishing treatment still seemed a life time away. By week forty five my growing anticipation turned into an extraordinary energy that I can only describe as manic. Initially my upbeat feelings seemed good however they soon turned into obsessiveness to accomplish many tasks. I knew it was impossible for my energy levels to be so high whilst on the treatment drugs and that the discipline in my weekly routines only allowed me short bursts of energy. I didn’t wish to burn out mentally or physically so I decided to increase my anti depressant medication.

Towards the end of treatment I just wanted it to stop. I had become sick of the restrictions in my life and I needed to “break out” like a teenager might do. I can’t think that I have ever experienced such depression and heaviness in my life before. And then treatment suddenly finishes! It is a great feeling when the box of interferon in the fridge is empty. I am not sure I could have endured much more. I am very happy to finish now.

The reasons I had embarked on such a difficult treatment journey was for one reason only – the hepatitis C virus was affecting my health. It seemed that my thoughts about having the “virus within me” had become nonexistent whilst surviving the treatment itself.

I have not been in denial about the hepatitis virus. I am not unrealistic about my chances of cure. I do however feel happily “divorced” from the virus now. I am so very happy to complete the treatment.

Post Script:

I got the all clear from the treatment Nurse six months after completing treatment in April 1010 to say that my Hepatitis C virus was undetected. In November 2010, one year after completing treatment I was still “undetected” and therefore my illness was cured. 

Ken, WA

Page last updated: Friday 07 October, 2011