Author Topic: Savaldi & Ribavivrin Week 1 (Read 15738 times)

RWEHEPC · « **on:** January 11, 2015, 05:48:13 pm »

So week 1 of the combo has been completed. The side effects that I have experienced are constant headache, seems like I have to think a little bit harder to remember what I was going to do (but that does happen normally to me), night sweats the last couple of nights (don't know if this was actually cause by the Riba), dry mouth, and some nausea.

I have always been drinking Lavender Dream tea for years. Since starting this a sip of the tea makes me feel like I want to heave. I'm not sure if this is caused by the Meds, but nothing else in my life has changed.

My first week blood draw will be tomorrow the 12th.

BattleTheBeast · « **Reply #1 on:** January 11, 2015, 06:17:39 pm »

Hi RWE,

Congrats on getting through week #1, you might try to drink more water if you can stomach it. If not perhaps some ginger ale might help.

Staying hydrated has really helped my headaches from the medication.

Mel

CE · « **Reply #2 on:** January 11, 2015, 10:25:13 pm »

Hi RWE!
Water, lots of it! I only had one headache at the beginning, none since. I just started week 11. Of course, getting up in the middle of the night for the bathroom gets old, but the water really does help!
Good luck to you in your new journey! Hope all goes well.

Chris

Francis60 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 12, 2015, 03:14:55 am »

Hi RWE,
I am also on weeks 11 same combo, I onlyhad headaches the first week ,and some brain fog. I drink lots of water every day and am sure it is helping.it gets better:).
Good luck

RWEHEPC · « **Reply #4 on:** January 12, 2015, 12:30:05 pm »

Thanks!!

I am drinking about 100oz of water a day. Should I increase that? The headaches are really what bothers me. Nonstop all day long, i usually will take an ibuprofen for the headache and it gets me by.

At night I will take an Ambien to sleep. Gives me at least 5 hours or so before I get restless.

katheK · « **Reply #5 on:** January 17, 2015, 07:41:03 pm »

I am just finished with my first week, well tomorrow, so good to hear that I am not alone in not being able to think. I was wondering what time of day do you take your medicine - do you think it helps to take it at night rather than in the AM. (I also have insomnia and wondered if that might make it worse.) None of these is unmanageable but I would love to reduce the side effects, if possible.

CONGRATS ON FIRST WEEK. Hoping for SVR for you!

RWEHEPC · « **Reply #6 on:** January 17, 2015, 08:27:41 pm »

KatheK: Congrats. Actually all the advice I have gotten so far "Water" is the best. Water Water Water. Second week and I haven't had any thing else besides the headache, foggy memory and restlessness.

kate0b1 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 18, 2015, 06:55:29 am »

I am in week 5 and yesterday I kinda fell off my water intake and felt so crappy by the evening, headache/upset stomach and crazy tired, so yea, water, water and maybe more water. I think I will get some lemons and limes today though, I'm crazy bored with plain water.

kate

BattleTheBeast · « **Reply #8 on:** January 18, 2015, 04:40:32 pm »

Quote from: kate0b1 on January 18, 2015, 06:55:29 am

I am in week 5 and yesterday I kinda fell off my water intake and felt so crappy by the evening, headache/upset stomach and crazy tired, so yea, water, water and maybe more water. I think I will get some lemons and limes today though, I'm crazy bored with plain water.

kate

Hi Kate,

Don't know why but I find it much easier to drink water in either the 8 oz or 16 oz bottles. Maybe its in my head but those mini water bottles are so easy to just chug without thinking and then I just refill it. Wait until I am thirsty again, chug refill and repeat all day. If I think about drinking water and make it a big deal it's harder to do it. So my advise it to always have a bottle handy, try not to drink too much of anything else and when you get thirsty just reach for it. Bedore you know it you will have a ton of water in you!

I am also really picky about the water, Dansani for instance contains four ingredients: tap water, magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, and salt. That's the same thing with Aquafina, Costco Brand, etc. I make sure my water is natural spring with no additives; this makes a huge difference for me. Plus you can always crush up any kind of fruit and throw it in for a bit of flavor even frozen like blueberries or raspberries. Grab a handfull, defrost for a bit and toss in the bottle or you can even throw in your blender then add it to your water. My favorite water right now is called Nirvana, it's inexpensive (no not as cheap as tap water) but has no additives which is really important to me.

Get creative but try to make it just a normal thing to grab some water and don't think about it so much!
Hope that helps!

Mel

RWEHEPC · « **Reply #9 on:** January 18, 2015, 06:43:44 pm »

Kate,

I mix my water with mint for something different. I just use the liquid mint that you can buy where the spices are in the grocery store. It is easier to make a gallon of it because it is hard to control the amount you use in a glass.

Refreshing instead of blah.

BattleTheBeast · « **Reply #10 on:** January 18, 2015, 07:56:04 pm »

That's a great idea too RWE!

I used to buy Mint Water when I lived in the Bay Area, it was all the rage! I think it's called MetroMint. Then Mint started giving me heartburn so I stopped drinking it but it truly is very refreshing!

I think I just might have to try it out again and see how I react to it.

Now you really have me thinking for summer, make some alcohol free Motijos with Fresh Mint, Sparkling Water and some citrus fruit!

Mel

kate0b1 · « **Reply #11 on:** January 18, 2015, 08:56:29 pm »

Thanks for the ideas guys, I noticed the other day at work someone gave me a bottle of water (I can't remember the brand) and it actually made me thirsty drinking it, I usually drink from the filtered stuff at home, I like the idea of small bottles that may feel more manageable and I'm stopping on the way to work for some fruit lol

amh · « **Reply #12 on:** January 20, 2015, 07:35:28 pm »

Hi everyone.
I received word today that I am approved for savaldi/ribavirin. I've already heard from the pharmacy and should receive my meds sometime next week.
I am scared to start treatment but after reading other people's posts realize how lucky I am that my insurance is covering treatment.
Hoping I can make it through treatment with minimal side effects. It is very encouraging reading all of your experiences with your treatment. I will admit I hate not feeling well and I am a horrible patient so I need all the encouragement I can get to make it through the next 24 weeks.
Thanks for listening .

CE · « **Reply #13 on:** January 20, 2015, 07:49:30 pm »

Welcome amh! You will do fine! The end result is worth any minor inconveniences! I am on the same treatment. I am about done with my 12th week.
Stock up on your water supply! Start eating lots of heathy food, lots of green leafy veggies, as the riba attacks your red blood cells.
Good luck and keep us updated with your progress, because we all care! May your battle begin!! Best wishes! Chris

BattleTheBeast · « **Reply #14 on:** January 22, 2015, 08:59:16 am »

Amh,

You can do this, it's worth the sides to get to the end of the journey and add all those years back on to your life. This has taught me so much, I eat way healthier than ever, drinks lots more water and actually have learned to listen to my body more. I am trying to look at it as a blessing in disguise and it's giving me the opportunity to live a much healthier life style.

Mel

RWEHEPC · « **Reply #15 on:** January 22, 2015, 11:44:28 am »

Well I am on week three and got my blood test results back on Tuesday. Dr. informed me to keep taking the same amount because the results still looks good.
I'm not exactly sure about all this, but have gotten an app for the MAC to keep track of all the blood work so I can compare. Next blood test will include the HEPC panel. The only thing that was slightly elevated was my RDW.

Basophil Absolute
0.0 thou/mcL Normal

Date
Jan 19, 2015 08:35 a.m. EST

Reference Range
thou/mcL - 0.2 thou/mcL

Eosinophil Absolute
0.1 thou/mcL Normal

Date
Jan 19, 2015 08:35 a.m. EST

Reference Range
thou/mcL - 0.7 thou/mcL

Monocyte Absolute
0.6 thou/mcL Normal

Date
Jan 19, 2015 08:35 a.m. EST

Reference Range
thou/mcL - 0.8 thou/mcL

Lymphocyte Absolute
4.0 thou/mcL Normal

Date
Jan 19, 2015 08:35 a.m. EST

Reference Range
0.8 thou/mcL - 5.0 thou/mcL

RDW
14.1 % (High)

Date
Jan 19, 2015 08:35 a.m. EST

Reference Range
11.0 % - 14.0 %

MCHC
34.1 % Normal

Date
Jan 19, 2015 08:35 a.m. EST

Reference Range
32.0 % - 36.0 %

MCV
89 FL Normal

Date
Jan 19, 2015 08:35 a.m. EST

Reference Range
82 FL - 100 FL

Hematocrit
43.9 % Normal

Date
Jan 19, 2015 08:35 a.m. EST

Reference Range
41.0 % - 53.0 %

Hemoglobin
15.0 gm/dL Normal

Date
Jan 19, 2015 08:35 a.m. EST

Reference Range
13.5 gm/dL - 17.5 gm/dL

Red Blood Cell Count
4.96 million/mcL Normal

Date
Jan 19, 2015 08:35 a.m. EST

Reference Range
4.60 million/mcL - 6.20 million/mcL

Neutrophil Absolute
4.5 thou/mcL Normal

Date
Jan 19, 2015 08:35 a.m. EST

Reference Range
1.7 thou/mcL - 7.6 thou/mcL

WBC Count
9.2 thou/mcL Normal

Date
Jan 19, 2015 08:35 a.m. EST

Reference Range
4.0 thou/mcL - 10.0 thou/mcL

Platelet Count
270 thou/mcL Normal

Date
Jan 19, 2015 08:35 a.m. EST

Reference Range
140 thou/mcL - 450 thou/mcL

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Author Topic: Savaldi & Ribavivrin Week 1 (Read 15738 times)