Really Tired

[MickD]

Hello I just found this forum and have been reading through some of the posts.  I've had hep c for about 30 years, genotype 3.  Have never done any treatment as the doctors told me that it wasn't severe enough and I didn't want to try interferon.  About a year ago things got a lot worse for me in a lot of ways and this last year has been the worse for my hep c ever and I can now actually really notice the symptoms of fatigue, aches and pains, stomach problems, swollen feet and legs, fogginess in my head and just no get up and go and feel like I could sleep all day everyday.  My doctor is going to start me on treatment as soon as they can get it approved by my insurance.  Since I am genotype 3 I guess I have to have a longer treatment of the Solvaldi and ribavirin or whatever it's called, sorry I can't remember.  I am worried about the treatment and if I will feel worse than I do now.  I don't know if I am cured after the treatment if that just means the virus is gone and won't get worse or damage my liver more and I will still feel the same as I do now, or will I actually feel any better.  Just from reading today I heard about Harvoni and don't know anything about it and need to ask my doctor about it.  I have been waiting for over 2 weeks now for the approval from my insurance and it is a little frustrating.  I have severe depression and am working to get it under control and am a past drug addict and have been clean again this time for a year now. Prior to that I had been clean for over 10 years.  I'm glad I found this forum and will continue to read through it and appreciate the people that take the time to post here so I can actually hear from people that are going through the same thing as me.  Doctors are great but it's not the same. 

[ma snart]

Welcome Mick,
You are at the right place, you really have to study though, read all you can it will help you. Example Harvoni is only for Geno 1
Solvaldi will be your godsend though, learn all you can about it, go to Gilead's website and sign up for support path assistance, these people can help you get approval and can also help with large amounts of copay assistance.
There are great people here with a vast knowledge amongst them to help you through this, you will make it. I am helping my wife though it now at week 6 of 24
good luck to you.
Ma Snart

[MickD]

Thanks for the reply and the info on Harvoni.  I went to the Gilead site and signed up for Support Path, and will continue to read about this treatment.

[lporterrn]

Hi Mick,
Thank you for posting. It sounds like you are dealing with fairly common concerns - ones that many of us have struggled with. Yes, you have a shot at being cured - really cured.

Congratulations on your one year of recovery. I don't know if you are active in a support system (such as a 12-step program), but if so, this may be the most important thing you can do.

Also, be proactive with side effects. Your doc should be helpful with that. You can find info on the Hep http://www.hepmag.com/articles/2512_24160.shtml site, and more at the HCV Advocate http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/treatment.asp

People will help you out here on the Forum by sharing what helped for them. When you start treatment, be sure to post a topic on the "On Treatment" board http://forums.hepmag.com/index.php?board=28.0

[MickD]

Thanks for the reply.  I will check out the links you listed.

[CE]

Hi MickD,
I too am genotype 3. I had HCV for over 30 years from a blood transfusion and never knew it till last year. I started Sovaldi and Ribavirin on Nov. 1st. I was apprehensive as to what to expect. BUT, I feel great! I work full time, did all my own decorating and cooking for the holiday. Never slowed down. I usually get tired earlier in the evening during the week, but I do get up at 4 am!! My hemoglobin was the only thing that got hit hard. It got very low, but is now slowly going back up. I changed to a healthier diet. My 8 week blood results showed all liver enzymes back to normal and the virus is undetected! That alone gives me all the more energy to continue on for the next 16 weeks to keep this beast out of my body for good!
Everyone here is so supportive and sometimes just knowing you are not alone in the battle. All the best to you! You can do it!!

[MickD]

Thanks for the reply.  It's good to hear from people in the same situation as me and to see what it is like.  Glad you gave me an idea of what the treatment is like for you as I have been wondering.