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What degree of risk am I taking in forgoing a treatment and remaining on the sidelines until an acceptable treatment in my circumstance is formulated.
 
 
Dear Dr. Chung,
 
 
 
I have hepatitis C and have probably had it for over thirty years. I had a biopsy and am in stage 2. I stopped drinking alcohol, limit all medications, rest, exercise, take vitamins and eat a well balanced diet virtually without red meat.
 
My ALT and AST have always been slightly elevated, never above double the normal limits. Most recently those scores were within normal range and one point above normal range which is my ongoing goal. My doctor tests me regularly for changes.
 
I look healthy and feel good. I work in a field that requires a lot of energy and focus. I am not inclined to Peg-intron because of the side effects which would render me unable to work. I have no one to fall back on. My question:
 
What degree of risk am I taking in forgoing a treatment and remaining on the sidelines until an acceptable treatment in my circumstance is formulated.
 
Thank you
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Dr Chung Writes-  
 
 
If you're genotype 2 or 3 you have a very good chance at a cure (80+%) with 6 months of treatment. if you're genotype 1 the numbers are about 42-45% with 12 months. you may want to think about treating if you're in the first category. you could watch and wait if you're genotype 1
 
 
  Dr. Chung      
 
 
 
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