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Hepatitis C Main Forums => Living with Hepatitis C => Topic started by: joemac on November 12, 2014, 12:13:50 pm

Title: Third time lucky?
Post by: joemac on November 12, 2014, 12:13:50 pm

Hi
I'm two weeks into 12 weeks of interferon/rib and sovaldi. I've had hep C for thirty years and had two 6 months sessions with interferon/rib in 2003 and 2005.
I'm glad I found this site; for something that affects so many people you can feel very isolated on treatment, well I have in the past anyway.

I was interested in the way people talked about "brain fog" lifting mid treatment. At first I thought they meant a side effect of the drugs but then found out that having difficulty concentrating and being unable to focus, can be symptomatic of hep C.
This is a revelation for me and very exciting as I have struggled with these issues and get very frustrated at not being able to think clearly when talking to others. Alternatively I may be getting dopey in my old age so not getting my hopes up too much.
Thanks for the advice and tips. Good job.

Title: Re: Third time lucky?
Post by: Mike on November 12, 2014, 01:38:11 pm

Hi Joemac,

I completed the same treatment in April. I noticed the fog lifting around week 4, and could tell the treatment was working. I just felt more mentally aware - in spite of the side effects of the RIBV and INTF.

I've been virus free for about 8 months and there is no cognitive fog at all. I got my old self and intellect back!

Best wishes, Mike

Title: Re: Third time lucky?
Post by: joemac on November 12, 2014, 05:59:00 pm

Hi Mike
That's good news on both counts. Congratulations on being virus free.
If the treatment works for me it will be interesting to see who my old self is!

Joe

Title: Re: Third time lucky?
Post by: Mike on November 12, 2014, 06:18:57 pm

Hi Joemac,

I think treatment will work for you. It gave me the best chance of beating the virus. Sovaldi is a real game changer, and with RIBV and INTF it hits the virus on 3 different fronts.

Best, best wishes on slaying the dragon, Mike

Title: Re: Third time lucky?
Post by: BattleTheBeast on November 12, 2014, 11:53:56 pm

Mike,

I saw your comment on RIBV and the INTF along with the Sovaldi hitting the virus on 3 different fronts. Can you explain that? Do you think that choice was better for you than the new S/O or Harvoni? I know it worked but do you have thoughts as to why?

Just curious as I travel this new road, if I don't end up beating it this time I want to be armed with as much information as possible when I attack for round 2, if I need to have a round 2. I am not going to give up until I win.

Thanks so much,

~Mel~

Title: Re: Third time lucky?
Post by: joemac on November 16, 2014, 06:33:02 am

Hi Mel
I'm no expert but this is my own simplified view of what's happening; the interf makes little guys who point at infected cells so your antibodies know what to kill, the Solvadi steals all the infected cells food so they can't replicate and ribV mops up any areas that are clear and keeps them clear - three fronts. A bit simplified but gives me a handle on it. Someone might put me right now : )
Joe