Hepatitis Forums
Hepatitis C Main Forums => On Hepatitis C Treatment => Topic started by: AndreaM on March 31, 2016, 01:33:41 pm
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Hi!
I took my first dose of Harvoni last night. Day 1 of 8 weeks. Knock on wood, but I don't seem to be experiencing any side effects. I'll be thrilled if it continues this way!
Here's my info:
Confirmation of hep C: 2/2014
Genotype 1b
Viral load
2/2014: 1,727,510
3/2016: 169,738
Liver Inflammation: 2
Fibrosis: 1
No liver cirrhosis
Started Harvoni: 3/30/2016
I'm pleased with the drop in the viral load over the past 2 years because I haven't been taking the best care of myself. I gained back about 60 lbs. that I lost 2013-2014.
Stupid question. Can I reinfect myself with my own razors or toothbrush as I clear the virus?
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Hi Andrea and welcome to the forums.There has been several discussions about reinfecting yourself and everyone seems to be different in their thoughts on it.Some did nothing different and some(like me)didn't want to put anything to chance.I went to the dollar store and bought some 4 packs of toothbrushes and cheap razors.I think this is one of those "whatever makes you feel comfortable" things.I think almost all of us agree that once you get the undetectable news it becomes a moot point.I just stayed with my initial game plan of changing things every week until I got to EOT.As I said some didn't do anything different and all made it to SVR,and it's just whatever makes you feel more comfortable.Congratulations on starting and wishing you a easy tx. :)
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Hi Andrea,
I am 16 days into my harvoni treatment. Overall it has been fairly uneventful. I did feel a little off the first week. I read a post that someone said they felt 'medicated', I thought that was a perfect way to describe how I felt. I only had to take tylenol once so far for a minor headache. But all of that has gone away. I do get a bit fatigued, but I don't rest as much as I wish I could. I am also doing 8 weeks and like you keeping my fingers crossed that it will be long enough. I am changing my toothbrush every week. Sterilized all of my nail clippers, etc. I toss my disposable razor once used. I just want to do whatever I can to give myself the best possible outcome. Best of luck to you and welcome! Brie
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Hi, Andrea. Welcome to the forum and all the very best with your treatment. Please keep us updated on how you're doing throughout.
Rosa
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Welcome to the Harvoni train, AndreaM! I'm in 5.5 weeks now w/Harvoni, 12 wk course, and I have to say I feel the most normal I've felt in years as of this week. Don't need naps anymore, more cognitive clarity, don't need 8-10 hrs of sleep anymore, 7 hrs of pretty good sleep works again, and feel good! So settle back and just take care of yourself, eat well, stay hydrated, try to avoid unnecessary stress, and enjoy the journey to SVR. FT
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Hey Andrea,
The way I figure it, by the time your 3 months of treatment end, you will likely be on to new razor blades anyway. Harvoni is so good at destroying the virus ASAP, it is difficult for me to imagine that a new "re-infection" could get hold. I'm with Bill though, this is you shot at getting rid of HCV once and for all so, why take any chance. get new blades or, go ah-natural...tee hee.
most find treatment easy and some feel incredible...and yes there are those that have the challenges. Let's put in this way...slaying the dragon is an absolute gas. Sharing stories with cronies on this forum where everyone gets everything that you are going through. I have made friends on this forum that I just know is for life. The knowledge of actually being cured is the most amazing feeling you can have. You likely will experience the Harvoni High...wooohooo!!!!weeee!! and then, watching the numbers change like magic. You are lucky.
Enjoy the ride even if you hit a few speed bumps. The fears and the difficulties can be stuff you make jokes about. Have fun.
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Good luck with treatment Andrea - it's easier than it's ever been for most people. People on the board will be a great support for you. Use them, they don't mind :)
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Hi again, AndreaM -- I didn't answer your question re: razors & toothbrushes. I haven't been changing these as some others have, but may start once I'm UD, which I am hoping and praying will be shown on my next blood labs @ 8 wks. I also plan to talk to my doctor about this issue next visit. Did you ask your doctor about this? Some people are adamant to change them out, some aren't. Don't know the evidence on this one, but maybe it needs to be done. Have a great Saturday! FT
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After 4th week, and undetected VL, I changed toothbrushes, even they were new.
Not taking a chance with it.
Exit the building, and the door locked behind!
LOL
pansy
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I just bought a weekly pill organizer and have decided to pitch the current toothbrush and use a new one the following week. I'm also going to use a razor once from now on. I bought a bunch of cheap toothbrushes and razors at target. I know it's wasteful, but it'll only be for a short time.
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I say do what you need to. It's not like you're going to change toothbrushes daily for the rest of your life!
I needed the pill organiser so I had a visual representation of whether I'd taken a tablet or not. Saved my bacon a few times.
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Philadelphia,
I'll be changing my toothbrush weekly. That's the same reason I got a pill organizer. I've taken every dose, but this gives me that visual representation.
Have a good day, everyone!
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Andrea,
I'm on day 140 so you got this!.. congratulations and welcome to the class of 2016!
Best always,
Greg
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Great news!! After 11 days of Harvoni, my viral load is below detectable limits!!
*slams door* Adios, Hep C!!
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wow andrea!!! that's fantastic!!! Amazing the power of Harvoni. They have 6 week programs now. I remember being upset getting only 12 weeks. Those badboys were likely dead in 4. Keep up the good work.
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Week 4 labs...undetected! Woohoo! My next labs will be taken at 8 weeks (EOT).
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AndreaM, you've now moved from the caboose on this train to the "UD car"!!! So glad to hear your news.
I inquired yesterday at my doctor appoint about treatment length, as I hadn't seen anywhere the reason why there can be 8 wk or 12 wk length except due to VL number. Is the virus "hiding" somewhere or is there a cycle? I was told there is no "cycle, but the virus is in both our bloodstream and liver cells. Once it's UD in the blood, it is still in the liver cells and therefore why so many of us are on 12 wk. regimens. Keep up the good fight, FT
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Hi, FutureThinker! Here are my original stats:
My viral load was 169,738 at the start of treatment.
Confirmation of hep C: 2/2014
Genotype 1b
Viral load
2/2014: 1,727,510
3/2016: 169,738
Liver Inflammation: 2
Fibrosis: 1
No liver cirrhosis
Started Harvoni: 3/30/2016
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I will be at 2 weeks on Harvoni tomorrow! I won't get labs done until the 4 week mark.
But thanks to all the fantastic support on this forum! I am now confident, to go from treading water to swimming!
Yes I still have symptoms, mostly indigestion and fatigue at this point.
I just want you all to know that this forum has kept up my spirits more than I can ever express!
Thanks to each and every person who posts with reassurance that I too will be starting a new life for myself and my family.
Sincerely,
Morab
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I must ask Morab, is your name like that of the horse breed?
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Yes, instead of using my real name I chose a horse breed. We have an Arabian mare that was bred to a Morgan Stallion. We are expecting a little Morab foal in June. LOL
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How exciting! Philadelphia is actually the name of my good TB x Aust Stock Horse jumping mare. I bred her too. :)
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Philadelphia, When is your foal due? Ours was not planned. We got a gelding, turned him in with the mare...oops we are excited now to welcome a new foal!
I am so ready to have renewed energy so I can ride again. We have a small Morgan that I ride. Are you in Australia?
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Philadelphia IS the foal. I bred her in2001. Her dam died when she was 6 weeks old -snake bite - so I raised her. For an orphan she's turned out great. Orphans are often spoilt little toads. She's a hoot - makes me laugh a lot. :)
Yes I'm in Australia.
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wow great story Philadelphia! Not easy raising a foal. My dad did it once with a milk goat!