Travel in the second week of treatment with Veikira?

[HazelAustralia]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for your invaluable words, ideas and support. It's really helped me heaps already, just in deciding to go ahead and pursue treatment with a bit more knowledge.

Last I heard I was looking at treatment sometime in the new year. I just returned from an appointment where I was told that someone has dropped out of the compassionate program, the drug company have given the hospital another pack, and if I want it, I can start next Wednesday. I said - yep. Yes please!

That's the 16th December. On the 28th I have a 12 day trip to Kerala, South India all planned, paid for, leave taken from work etc. It's about a 14 hour flight. Doc said fine, I can take the drugs with me. I am just wondering, given that many have said that the first two or three weeks can knock you around, what do people think about travelling during that time?

I'm trying to get everything planned and I am really happy to have a date. It's only now seeming real.

Best wishes

Hazel.

[jakas]

I am doing the same but after 4 weeks of starting. I think you should be fine. Just keep drinking water and only bottled water at your destination of travel Kerala.
Avoid too spicy food as south Indian food can be hot.
There is an Indian probiotic called VIBACT, take that as soon as you get there so you will avoid any stomach problems. Good Luck !

[BillT]

Hi Hazel,
            I'm glad you have the chance to treat and welcome to the club.I say go on the trip and enjoy yourself.Not everyone is getting leveled by the meds so there's no way of telling how they will effect you.It sounds like the trip is a done deal so do it and deal with everything else as it comes along.

[Philadelphia]

Weeks three and four I was hammered. I agree with Bill. You deal with what happens. Adjust your expectations if you need to. Be kind to yourself. Have fun!

[NYCHEPCMAN]

Insurance rejected treatment but doctor says to expect to be approved soon.

Question for those who took Veikira (no Riba) - during the 12 weeks of treatment (or after), any particular period where work or travel was difficult? Is a cruise out of the question?

I can take off the entire treatment time but don't want to if I don't need to - also have family in Florida so would be nice to get out of cold for a few weeks....thanks for your insight

[Philadelphia]

Everyone seems to deal with sx differently, and sx seem to be different for each patient. Most people will tell you it's the riba that makes it hard and for people with minimal liver damage that's true ibelieve. Cirrhotics might find treatment a little harder.

I found the first month challenging. Once my ribs was reduced to 2 tabs a day instead of 5 it was plain sailing.n

Good luck! I blogged my entire treatment (24 weeks) going back to March this year. Link is in my sig below.

[Lynn K]

Hi NYC

I was on Harvoni with Ribavirin so not exactly the same and everyone is different but just for reference I traveled to Italy from Washington state for a week which is hard enough on your system if healthy and I was about in the middle of my treatment. The walking tour was a bit tiring but would not have missed it for the world. I also went on an Alaska cruise 9 days after I finished my treatment.

I also worked full time plus on treatment and I have cirrhosis.

So basically it is up to you. Just know yourself and if you are tired take a break and don't push yourself too hard.

Go down to Florida and soak up some sun you will feel better than staying home is my advice. 

Best of luck
Lynn