Starting day 6 of Sovaldi/Ribavirin - GT 2a

[JAF]

Hello all. I'm new to the forum so please bear with me. I am a 56 y/o woman, was diagnosed HCV+ in 2000 but was probably infected in the mid 70s. From 2003 to 2013 I did not have health insurance so the only thing I was able to do was monitor my enzyme levels with yearly blood work. I was told they were slightly elevated but stayed consistent over the years.  Well I finally received health insurance and got to address medical issues that arose over the 11 yrs without proper care. I was referred to a great internist, finally found out my genotype (2a) and I was brought up to date on the newer forms of treatment. My liver shows no signs of fibrosis so my doctor was eager to get me started. Having done research over the years I was disappointed to find out I wouldn't be a candidate for a one pill a day treatment. I knew ribavirin's side affects were harsh but I also knew I would beat this virus one day. I have been blessed with a healthy life so far and I do not tolerate pain well. Today is day 6 and so far the only things I've experienced are feeling tired and having a headache. I was concerned about anxiety and breathing issues because I'm already being treated for both of those. Although there are times when I feel my heart racing, it usually subsides with relaxation and deep breathing. It's only week 1 of 12 but finally taking action and reading about each persons experience has me in a much better place. Thank you to all who put their story out there for the rest of us. I hope I can do the same for someone with questions.

[BillT]

Hi Jaf and welcome to the forum.There's a lot of information here and the people are a great.I'm on the Viekira and just started.From what I've been reading the headaches seem to be fairly common,especially with those taking the Ribas.Everyone is saying drinking lots of water helps with that.I'll let someone else jump in on that one.Your in great shape from the sound of it and you're going to beat this.GL

[JAF]

Thanks Bill. I was never much of a water drinker but that was one of the easiest adjustments to make.  The tips on here have been amazing. Thanks again and keep fighting

[BillT]

I know what you mean about the water thing Jaf.I'll drink it but it has to have coffee in it.

[Tess1971]

Definitely take the meds with a glass of water even if you are drinking something else at the time.  I found that taking the sovaldi in the morning with my first cup of coffee and a breakfast bar worked best for me.  Then I took the ribavirin an hour or so later with my second cup of coffee and more breakfast.  I took the second dose of ribavirin with dinner.  I drank water more than usual on and off all day also. I got dehydrated a lot during treatment,  My mouth would get so dry I had trouble swallowing unless I downed some water………..it was like having no saliva. So definitely keep hydrated !!!

[JAF]

Thanks Tess. I have been drinking a lot more water than usual. I'm tempted to add flavoring but I'm not sure if the artificial sweeteners will make it less effective. Finishing up week 2 tomorrow. So far only one bad day when I had a migraine the entire day. I realize side effects will worsen as the meds store up in my system but I'm being told having little to no effects 2 weeks in is a good sign. Thanks for the advice.

[BillT]

Hi Jaf,

       I finish up my second week on Friday and I've only had one bad day also but that one crushed me.I almost feel guilty when I read about everyone else's problems with the side effects.Maybe we can get out of this with a cure and the least amount of problems.Glad to hear you're doing so good and congratulations on week 2.Cheers

[Tess1971]

I had no side effects at two weeks either………Being healthier than most on treatment I am sure helped me a lot.  I consciously made a point of eating even healthier than I usually do.  Side effects did not start for me until at least 4 weeks down the road, but, were not too bad and erratic, they came a went periodically.  I did have trouble sleeping at that point and that is when the itching began slowly.  Like I said it came and went and what I ate did make a difference.  Certain foods seemed to aggravate things.  Once I realized that I made adjustments to make them less.  I never had sides like some did here and I am thankful since I worried my age and that I had had hepc for over 40 years with a viral load well into the millions would be a factor.  I felt my worst the last two weeks of treatment and figured it was my body reacting to being saturated with the ribavirin at that  point.  It did all work out in the end is what I want you to all know though.

[Endless Summer]

Hi Jaf -- Let me give you some encouragement -- I just finished same treatment (Solv + Rib for 12 weeks) last Friday.  I'm 55 years old.  Liver is in good shape (F0-F1).   Like you i was concerned about all the nasty RIB side effects that i read about before i started.   Guess what?  I breezed through it and actually felt better the longer i took it -- no discernable side effects.  My week 4 blood test indicated that the Hepc was NOT detectable.  I have another blood test tomorrow and am confident that the nasty virus has been killed!

One day at a time while taking meds Jaf -- don't worry about tomorrow ... enjoy each day to its fullest!

[JAF]

Thank you both for the info. It really helps.

Tess hearing it from someone who's been there is so helpful.  I believe knowing your body and being well informed is the best way through this. I had sleep issues prior to treatment so the doctor suggested I take my 2nd dose of Ribavirin by 4pm. I know it won't always be this easy but it will be worth everything I have to go through.

Bill so happy to hear it's going well for you too. I had symptoms pre treatment that I never related to the virus. I was constantly shaky and had no appetite. I seem calmer but still get bad heart palpitations from time to time. It's much better than being a ball of nerves 24/7. Since I'm calmer, my appetite has returned which is great. I lost 40lbs between 2013 and 2014 and couldn't put even a little of it back on.  Two weeks on treatment and I gained 4 lbs.

Good luck to both if you. I'm going to my doctor Nov 13th and I have a list of questions for him. I'll keep you updated

[JAF]

Endless Summer that is awesome. Congratulations!  Like I said in my last comment I can tell I'm feeling better already but I do worry about anemia and insomnia. My doctor said we can monitor symptoms and treat accordingly. It's so encouraging to hear that every person has a different experience.  Even though treatments are easier and shorter than they were with interferon, it still sounds like a rocky road. I think I mentioned in my initial comment, I've been through some hard times but besides 2 kids and an appendectomy I've never really been sick and I don't tolerate well like some people.  But one thing I am is a fighter!  Thanks again and please keep posting.

[JAF]

I have a question for those of you who are not so new to treatment.  When i had my first blood work done pre treatment in September the doctor called me on the phone a week later and said everything looked good for the amount of time I was infected (about 40 yrs). My ultra sound showed no masses and he definitely said I had no cirrhosis. Before this board the only thing I was knowledgable enough to ask was genotype and condition of my liver. I was waiting till my 4 week labs to ask everything I've learned from research and this forum. Today I received a call from his assistant to tell me she authorized my last 8 weeks of meds and asked if I had questions. When I asked about my fibroscan she told me it detected a wide range result between f2-f4. Doctors notes confirmed no cirrhosis and I was told he will probably do another fibroscan at my appt in Dec.  Has anyone ever received such a broad result?  F2 isn't so bad but F4???  Below I will add the other stats I found out today. Trying hard not to get discouraged.

[JAF]

Update:  as I suspected I have not had a fibroscan yet. Pre TX doctor tested GT, VL enzyme levels, etc.  Had an ultrasound to rule out cirrhosis or cancer. This was all he needed to determine course of treatment. Doing 4 week labs in Nov and follow up visit Dec 7th. Fibroscan will be scheduled. Was told blood work is not accurate in determining levels of fibrosis, thus the wide range. Does this sound right?