life after treatment

[meshell93]

Hi all
Can anyone explain how you feel after treatment and you've cleared the virus? Do you notice that you have more energy? Loose or gain weight? Brain fog cleared?
Thank you and I'm so happy to those that are slaying the Dragon! I start s/o tomorrow 1a and been tired now 20 years

[lporterrn]

It took me awhile, before I felt better, but yes, far less fatigue and brain fog. However although I am clear of HCV, I do get these from time to time just like others my age. Getting cure of hep C doesn't cure you of having a human body - in order to stay well, it means putting in some effort.

[jberlin]

Hello,

Note that treatments are changed from my experience, and also that everyone seems to tolerate things differently, but I started feeling better pretty fast after my last interferon shot, and within three weeks felt I was 90%.  I had lost weight, but worked hard not to gain it all back, and I haven't nearly 2 years' later.  Not having to fight those billions of viruses should allow your body a bit more energy.  On the treatment you are on, your viral load will go down drastically within a few weeks. So, perhaps you can keep notes on how you do during and post treatment to update people here. Good luck!
jack 

[Mike]

I cleared the virus and was declared cured a last week. The brain fog is gone, I have 100% clarity of thought and feel great. It took about 3 months for the medication to wear off (I completed treatment [SOL+INTF+RIBV] in April). It seems to get better each day.

Best wishes, Mike

[Mikey M]

I felt better within the first week of treatment.  I started exercising, and continued to feel better and better.  I have been doing a weight thing and have lost about 15 lbs in the 9 weeks.  Brain fog is gone.  Seriously, I didn't know how bad I felt until I started feeling better.  Had my 2nd check and all my vital signs are normal. 3 weeks to go.   Mikey M

[meshell93]

Good to hear and I will keep a journal and also help continue the support.

[meshell93]

Can anyone also tell me what cured means? Are the cells just sustained or the virus killed?

[lporterrn]

Although we use the term "Sustained Virologic Response" it means that the virus is permanently gone. A better term would be "virologically cured" - why not just say cured? Because those with cirrhosis still have a liver disease, virus or no virus. Let me know if this makes sense.

[meshell93]

Thank you. Yes that makes sense but I thought once you're "cured" your liver regenerates itself?

[Mike]

The liver can rejuvenate. However, scar tissue cannot, which is what cirrhosis is (scarring of the liver). This doesn't mean that a cirrhotic liver can't improve in overall function once the virus is cleared - but the scarring will remain.

As far as "cured" goes: If a child had the Measles  when young, and, after treatment the viral infection was cleared, you would say the child was "cured."

The same is true with Hep-C: If the virus is eradicated through treatment and remains so for 12-24 weeks after treatment ends (sustained virological response [SVR12 or SVR24]), the term "cured" can be applied.

Best wishes, Mike

[willie g]

Makes since TO me the. Willie g. Ps and after WERE #cured# we cannot still get hepatitis AGAIN. Right? Just like a normal person(are there any normal ones left?)  Can get it ,so can we.even though it doesn't show anymore doesn't mean we can go back to old behaviors like drinking etc.Right? Willie g.  8 th day was not good for me as I. Posted SOMEWHERE else.weird,I thought I was all done with side effects such as hot.fluid,foggy etc.like before I started.any input on that folks. Sol and illusion GENO 1. 1200000 vlc. 7.1our thks. Willie g