Author Topic: STARTING OLYSIO & SOLVAULDI / FEB 5, 2015 FINALLY! (Read 19923 times)

Vintag54 · « **on:** February 02, 2015, 03:38:12 pm »

I finally start my Olysio & Solvauldi treatment this Thursday Feb 5th. Can't wait after all this time. I WILL keep this blog updated with my progress and any side effects that ocurr. Have F3bridging fibrosis but no chirrosis.

United Healthcare declined Harvoni for some reason but finally approved Olysio and Solvauldi for 24 weeks.

Year 2000 was diagnosed with hepc genotype 1A, averaged around 4mill viral load. Tried interferon and Ribavirin for 3.5 months in 2008 and viral load numbers went back up so stopped. Probably had hcv for many years before diagnosed.

Today I was nervous and anxious about Thursday but after reading all the good news from you guys i feel little better.

Any thoughts you have please send my way.

Mike · « **Reply #1 on:** February 02, 2015, 04:48:50 pm »

Hi Vintag54,

Make sure you drink plenty of water and be careful with exposure to sunlight (one of the side effects of Olysio is sensitivity to sunlight and you can get a sunburn with minimal exposure).

Other than that, it should be fairly easy treatment - especially compared to the 3.5 months of INTF+RIBV.

Best wishes, Mike

BattleTheBeast · « **Reply #2 on:** February 02, 2015, 06:49:37 pm »

Hi Vintage,

That is EXCELLENT news, Mike is right on the money with his helpful hints. S/O got me to Undetected so I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to be on that TX for 8 weeks.

No worries after the other treatment you have been through this one will be a walk in the park for you!

Another beast will be biting the dust soon!

Here's a really cool online tool you can use to calculate your EOT and SVR dates. I just did mine and honestly even though I have a ways to go it's nice to know. http://www.timeanddate.com/date/dateadded.html?m1=1&d1=31&y1=2015&type=add&ay=&am=&aw=&ad=

Mel

Vintag54 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 02, 2015, 09:25:53 pm »

Thanks Guys !! Really appreciate your thoughts.

Mel thanks for the tool. Will help for sure.

Long_Haul · « **Reply #4 on:** February 02, 2015, 09:33:12 pm »

Hi Vintag, Great you are starting on Thursday. Best of luck cruising through treatment.

AL

kate0b1 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 03, 2015, 06:03:10 am »

@vintage, congrats and welcome.
@mel, where was that tool when i was sitting with my calendar counting the days

kate

RX4All · « **Reply #6 on:** February 03, 2015, 12:18:17 pm »

Hi Vintage!

I am a recent success story. Within 12 weeks, Olysio/Sovaldi cured me of the hellish HCV virus that nearly killed me after contracting it 42 years ago through a blood transfusion. Last year at this time I was fairly certain I was going to die soon.

I had advanced from F3 Fibrosis to cirrhosis within 1 year; the extra hepatic manifestations were numerous and frightening; my immune system was severely compromised.

In August 2104( just 6 months ago!) I cheated death after being admitted into critical care with double pneumonia, massive sepsis, and heart failure.

I had, at best, a 20% chance of survival: Upon admittance, The CCU Docs asked if I wanted to be coded, fully coded, or neither.

You know, prior to that very moment of decision making, I had always told myself that I would rather die than to be put on life support systems. However, when I was actually confronted by this very REAL situation, I immediately abandoned my
Abstract/Hypothetical "decision" . I emphatically stated that I was going to fight for my life, against the odds, and I implored the CCU staff to fight with me and to use every medical means possible to keep me Alive.

I informed them that I had just received notification that my MEDICAID insurance had (miraculously) approved my persistent requests to pay for the Olysio/Sovaldi treatment. I was adamant that I was going to fight like hell to beat my immediate medical crisis: I needed to stay alive in order to start HCV treatment. The medical staff was astounded that I was cured and able to go home in 10 days.

I was Genotype 1b. I had been waiting for decades for an effective, non- interferon, non ribavirin treatment. I was absolutely confident that this specific DAA combo would cure me.

And it did.

I began HCV treatment October 2014l. My viral load exceeded 7 million. By this time I had been trapped within my own body for many years due to a myriad of chronic medical conditions too numerous to list. My body ands soul had suffered a long history of chronic, excruciating Pain and constant, overwhelming Fatigue.

After 2 weeks of treatment the virus WAS UNDEDECTABLE. The virus remained UNDECTABLE the entire remaining 10 weeks.

My lab results were spectacular throughout the entire protocol. After week 12, every test, specifically LIVER FUNCTION tests, revealed NORMAL/IN Range Results.

Post-treatment, I continue to improve physically, psychologically, and spiritually. My entire health has been totally transformed. People tell me I even look like a different, much younger, and vibrant person. Lord knows, I FEEL like a different person...

So my dear Vintage, my heartfelt message to you is that you WILL Slay the DRAGON.

Keep your EYE on the PRIZE. Trust me, any side effects you may experience can be eased by your PCP or Specialist.

Best Regards!!

RX4ALL

anniesummer · « **Reply #7 on:** February 04, 2015, 08:33:04 am »

Congrats on getting the drugs! I also did the Sovaldi Olysio combo, after having had hcv for about 30 years. I also was diagnosed with a vasculitis sometimes found with hep c called cryoglobulinemia. No cure for it but to cure the hep c. The vasculitis did more damage than the hcv, and I still have pretty serious neuropathy, especially in my feet. The good news, after only 3 weeks on the combo, I was ud. A recent blood test showed I am still ud, 2 months after finishing the drugs. The really amazing thing is, as of my most recent blood test, no more cryoglobulins in my blood! I went through the treatment with virtually no sides, other than mild headache and fatigue the first 2 weeks. I did stop taking the drug after 60 days because of kidney disease, and certain little symptoms I was experiencing told me they might be taking a hit. Of course I was concerned about a sustained viral response, but apparently I am cured! So many of the issues I've been dealing with for years have already resolved! I used to get awful muscle cramps while sleeping - bad enough to wake me up and get me moving to work them out. I don't suffer with these any longer. The brain fog is beginning to lift, and my energy is slowly returning. Some issues, like the numbness in my feet, may take some time, but I feel like I have a new lease on life. Best wishes to all out there starting these drugs - they really are miraculous! But the biggest change has been my attitude! Facing each day with the fear that your body is slowly falling apart is not a good way to live your life. I feel like I've been given a new start on life, and know I have many years of good health ahead of me. My choice not to take any of the old, damaging and often unsuccessful treatments - and wait for something like this, worked in my favor, and I am so blessed.

sunrise · « **Reply #8 on:** February 04, 2015, 09:18:27 pm »

Good evening vintage
I wish you the best of luck on your treatment. I started my sovaldi olysio treatment on September 29th. so far I'm still undetected. I did the treatment for 12 weeks, and besides the joint pain and my increased appetite, I got thru treatment pretty well. I did have some aanxiety issues, but subsided as I was coming off meds. Slay those dragons! Will be watching your progress...Blessings Sunrise

badbradley · « **Reply #9 on:** February 05, 2015, 06:31:41 am »

Vintage, Good luck on your treatment journey. It was a tolerable treatment for me. I had the usual sun sensitivity, mild headaches, couldn't stay asleep for more than a few hrs at a time. That lasted for about 4 - 6 wks. That was the toughest part for me. So heres my usual beginning treatment advice - lots of water, take meds at about the same time every day, whatever schedule is most convenient, and take both meds together. I watched a blog on you tube - The persons Doc advised him to take Sovaldi first, then Olysio 3 hrs later. He logged every day of his treatment and a week after end of treatment, Doc tells him he's cured - no virus to be found! Three months later- relapsed. It would seem to be a no brainer taking both meds together but Doc advised him so that's what he did. Anyways, Best of luck to you. Slay the beast!
Brad

badbradley · « **Reply #10 on:** February 05, 2015, 06:46:22 am »

Hi anniesummer, Congratulations on your SVR8! Always good to see that news. Looks like another dragon down! Also good news that Cryo is gone. My kidneys felt like they were struggling some towards the end of treatment so I stopped my multi-V,cut back protein and anything else that would potentially affect my kidneys. Blood work at EOT looked good so no lasting issues there. I'm also doing the long WAIT - just about over. Best of luck on your SVR12! Brad

Vintag54 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 05, 2015, 01:17:52 pm »

Well it's its Thursday and I took my S/O two-hours ago.

I want to THANK everyone for responding back with good feeling. Thanks again and will keep everyone up to date with progress.

HCV over 30 yrs.
63 yrs
Genotype 1a
Viral load in orbit.
3.5 mos of interferon/rabavirin

sunrise · « **Reply #12 on:** February 05, 2015, 03:18:48 pm »

Yay vintage!
Your on your way to UD its incredible how fast the virus dies off. Don't be dismayed if your 4 week labs aren't completely down. Sometimes its takes another week or 2, but stay on course. You are gonna do GREAT!!!....Blessings Sunrise

Vintag54 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 08, 2015, 12:00:20 pm »

Morning All,

Well it's day 4 on S/O. I do have a slight head cold but still all is good for 63 yrs fighting the Dragon. Drinking plenty of water and taking both pills at 10:45am same time everyday with food.

Started with headache and doc says take Tylenol ok, after all these years of being told not to take Tylenol. I feel fatigue but at times feel like I have more energy. Not sure if it's wishful thinking or real yet. I don't know what to feel in just 4 days but this is not bad at all.without this head cold I would be feeling better and be able to judge my true effects better. Light sensitivity for sure but have sun glasses and sun block. I schedule my 4-week follow up with my Gastroenterologist and three lab
visits for viral load testing.

This is all so exciting yet nervous feeling. After all this time, living with the hepc misery I can't believe there is a cure. Living with hepc fatigue, foggy brain, and now in F3 fibrosis getting much worse, I can look forward to a NORMAL life feeling balanced.

Thank all of you for a good start with all your good support.

"More than prepared to Slay the Dragon !"

Bob

sunrise · « **Reply #14 on:** February 08, 2015, 12:08:04 pm »

Hi warriors
It's a wierd feeling yes. I remember always feeling like I was getting a cold. Its definitely the s/o. I think its from your immune system reacting to the strong DAAs. I talked to both Gilead, Janssen as well as my doc. All said small amounts of vitamin C is fine. Check with your doc, but it really helped me....best wishes on your journey with treatment. I am 7 weeks post s/o treatment and so far UD!!! Blessings Sunrise

Vintag54 · « **Reply #15 on:** February 08, 2015, 02:00:33 pm »

Has anyone been told by their doctors what to eat (fats, no fats, etc...) during treatment?

Any help appreciated. I am going to call my doc on Monday or even Gld/ JJ.

Thanks, Bob

sunrise · « **Reply #16 on:** February 08, 2015, 04:05:40 pm »

Guess that would depend on level of liver damage. Any coconut oil or olive oil is good for you. Try to stay away from high salt or high sugar. I always ate with my meds at 6 pm as it helps the medication stay longer in liver

badbradley · « **Reply #17 on:** February 08, 2015, 07:16:35 pm »

Try to illlminate processed foods as much as possible and you will be doing good.

Vintag54 · « **Reply #18 on:** February 09, 2015, 09:05:45 am »

Brad did your doctors tell you to cut out caffeine, sweets, and exercise a little if you can?

Bob

badbradley · « **Reply #19 on:** February 09, 2015, 09:30:07 am »

Doc said nothing about diet. I have been a "healthie" since diagnosis 3 yrs ago so I was good to go concerning diet. I did not give up caffeine, 1 - 2 cups per day. May have served me to though as I had Insomnia the first few weeks of treatment. My understanding is the meds increase the effects of caffeine.
I am an avid jogger. I lightened up on resistance training because it intensified headaches. Good luck on treatment!
Brad

Sweets! NO GO!

Lynn K · « **Reply #20 on:** February 09, 2015, 03:51:55 pm »

Just had my morning egg mc muffin and coffee I am a very bad eater and not so good with the water either.

My doc just said drink more water and take ribavirin with food.

Trying to work on the water some days are better than others

Dragondy · « **Reply #21 on:** February 14, 2015, 10:55:19 pm »

I just completed 2nd week of Solvaldi/olysio. I swear I felt better on day 1. Really better than I have felt in years.

Vintag54 · « **Reply #22 on:** February 14, 2015, 11:43:08 pm »

Well I'm on day 9 and doing well. More energy and mental awareness. Still itchy skin and headaches and joint pain but all doable. Had my first lab yesterday and hoping for lower numbers for sure.

Boy what a BIG difference from interferon/rabavirin.

With the Lord and this support team on my side I can't loose.

Bob

sunrise · « **Reply #23 on:** February 15, 2015, 12:17:40 am »

Best wishes on yor treatment dragondy.I like your name. I completed a 12 week course of sovaldi olysio, and i am still UD at the 4week post tx. labs. Next labs for 12week post is March 17th. Your side effects sound very similar to mine. I was an early responder, at 4weeks into tx l was undetected. Although they say in the studies it is not always an indication of SVR, my doctor feels l beat it. I pray he is right. Even if not UD at 4weeks don't fretas sometimes it takes alittle more time. Again best wishes and drink lots of water....Blessings. Sunrise

kate0b1 · « **Reply #24 on:** February 15, 2015, 07:48:01 am »

@vintage54, pretty much anything is better than inter/riba, i made it 22 weeks on triple therapy, i stand in awe of people who did it for 48. best of luck with treatment

kate

Vintag54 · « **Reply #25 on:** February 15, 2015, 09:09:17 pm »

Well all I just got my first lab results back after week 1 completion. My ALT and AST were well within range. First time in 18years. That a good sign. Another lab test this Friday for same hep panel, then March 6 the big viral lab test.

Wish me luck.

Bob

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Author Topic: STARTING OLYSIO & SOLVAULDI / FEB 5, 2015 FINALLY! (Read 19923 times)