Author Topic: Life Post Viekira (Read 51284 times)

Philadelphia · « **on:** September 12, 2015, 08:57:37 pm »

I felt like such a fraud posting in the On Treatment section, so I've started a thread here. 6 days post my 24 week treatment with Viekira Pak and I'm still upright, warm and breathing. Always good indicators. I've done 4 days at work and worked yesterday (Saturday) at an equestrian event.

Still walking each morning and enjoying it more.

So far so good.

EOT blood tests next week. 17 Sept. We shall see how they look.

gnatcatcher · « **Reply #1 on:** September 12, 2015, 09:09:23 pm »

Congratulations on passing one great milestone; your lab stats look like you're well on your way to another. Glad the rest of us in Hep Forumland will continue to be Graced by your gentle humor.

KimInTheForest · « **Reply #2 on:** September 12, 2015, 09:48:15 pm »

Congrats Philadelphia! Upright, warm and breathing is always a good sign!

Keep up the good work!

best,
kim

slats1056 · « **Reply #3 on:** September 12, 2015, 09:51:13 pm »

Hey Philadelphia, How is spring time treating You down under in the wonderful land of Oz? Great looking Labs if I do say so Myself. Wishing You continued good luck & labs. Maybe I'll start calling You Filly-Girl, chomping at the bit & rearing to go!! LOL.
Fraud!!!! No way, I would say You are a very honest and genuinely caring person Who puts on no fronts. Very glad The Journey has a Happy ending for You. Keep up the good work & I wish You well in all Your endeavors. Wishing You well and good health.

GOD PLEASE GIVE ME PATIENCE, IF YOU GIVE ME STRENGTH I WILL JUST PUNCH THEM IN THE FACE!

sapphire101 · « **Reply #4 on:** September 13, 2015, 01:10:09 am »

Good on you Philly starting new threads.
My style is lurking and 'drive by' postings now that I am on the other side

Doubt if I will ever be totally free from checking in here though because I care so much about all of my forum friends and want to see you all through this craziness.

Per the recent WHO Hepatitis Conference in Scotland, the goal is a Hep C free world by 2030 and that is when I will sign off for good. When no one is left with HCV!

http://www.hepmag.com/articles/WHO_hepatitis_treatment_2501_27757.shtml

gnatcatcher · « **Reply #5 on:** September 13, 2015, 10:41:21 am »

Sapphire, thanks for the link. I can remember when the estimate for the number of people infected with Hep C was 300,000.

Glad you'll be checking in and posting until Hep C is eradicated. I like your motto.

Gnatty

Philadelphia · « **Reply #6 on:** September 15, 2015, 07:02:38 pm »

Slats, spring is gorgeous but it's going to be a stinker of a summer so I'm glad im heading to Canada for 6 weeks!

byebyeC · « **Reply #7 on:** September 15, 2015, 08:21:55 pm »

Please DO keep posting for us newbies. We need the encouragement of knowing someone who has gone before. <3

ms.nomoreC · « **Reply #8 on:** September 15, 2015, 09:38:19 pm »

My EOT labs were good, and my only abnormalities have to do with RB cells. Everything else is fine. Oh my god! Everything else is fine!

This miracle of 0 VL is so big, I'm still not sure how to process it. Friends have cried with joy for me, and I have yet to "feel" this. Not sure why. Maybe my heart is waiting for SVR, only 10 weeks away.

My energy is still a little erratic, with good energy in the AM and a sudden decline after a few hours of steady work. I finish teaching my classes, and I'm so tired I feel like I could fall asleep standing up. I get home and I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do next, especially now that I'm no longer wed to the ritual of pills timed to a certain hour of the day. Then I sleep fitfully, waking between 4-5 am. Perhaps that will change when the Riba is out of my body.

I am clearer, more focused, and less flat in affect less than two weeks from my last pills. That in itself inspires hope. If I felt at least this good most of the time that would represent a significant gain for me. Like Philly, I don't dread my list of too do's like I have in the past.

I'm so optimistic about the next set of labs! It's amazing to think that there is a cure for this--I mean, really--what life threatening diseases get a "cure?" Remission, maybe.

I can't wait to post on the SVR thread!

Philadelphia · « **Reply #9 on:** September 16, 2015, 06:37:26 am »

I tend to over analyse everything so I'm never sure if my post-treatment energy is real, or if I was just really lazy during treatment.

I'm getting more done, I'm walking every day and getting up early to do it. This week I've worked, gone out to dinner on Monday night, gone to a meeting on Tuesday night, had my performance evaluation and I'm flying to Sydney tomorrow to have my EOT blood tests and specialist appointment. While I'm there I'll see my parents. Back to work Friday to finish a nomination for an award for one of my staff.

I don't feel that I drag myself through everything, or that I tolerate the residual sx. Every day I seem to feel a little better.

But of course I won't believe all this is real till I see svr12.

Philadelphia · « **Reply #10 on:** September 17, 2015, 04:03:28 am »

I'm heading back home after an action packed day in Sydney - ferrying around my parents who, let's be frank, move at a snails pace.

But on to the appointment. I went in when I first landed to do my bloods, so they'd be there for the appointment. I'm 10 days post treatment cessation so I figured the bloods would show something in the way of progression.

ALT - 18
AST - 23
GGT - 25
e-GFR - 77
Bilirubin has plummeted to 19
Albumin - 40

All blood chemistry coming back into normal range - bili and alk phos the only ones out of range now.

All haematology coming back towards range and looking better than at any time during treatment. Platelets still low on 79. Hb nearly normal on 111.

Amazing.

Greg says it looks as good as he can hope for at this stage. He's so happy he's just going to wait till 12 weeks post for another test, but said if I wanted a test in 2 weeks (officially that would be my 4 week post EOT) I could arrange one. He said he was pretty confident it would come back as this one has.

He is REALLY pleased. He says he doesn't want to jinx anything, but it's looking good.

And it was very nice that my parents were there to hear that.

A good day.

byebyeC · « **Reply #11 on:** September 17, 2015, 05:30:25 am »

Cheers Philly!!! May more and more be on your way

gnatcatcher · « **Reply #12 on:** September 17, 2015, 07:56:37 am »

Double congrats, Philly -- on the great lab results and your promotion to Global Moderator.

Your humorously frank comment about your parents moving at a snails pace brought back fond memories of walks with Dad after a stroke left his right leg gimpy. The pace is actually rather blissful if one can forget about all zillion pressing matters rattling around in one's cranium.

Gnatty

Philadelphia · « **Reply #13 on:** September 18, 2015, 11:13:12 pm »

I'm now officially on two weeks holidays. Today I've done nothing but sloth, sort out entries for our upcoming equestrian show and process refunds. I'm about to wrangle the online FEI (Federation Equestre Internationale) entry system to do our World Cup entries. Wish me luck, this is uncharted territory for me.

HazelAustralia · « **Reply #14 on:** September 19, 2015, 08:48:13 pm »

Wow that is great news Philly. And world cup?!
How fast do you slouch now?

Philadelphia · « **Reply #15 on:** September 21, 2015, 06:58:57 am »

It's interesting - I don't know that I'm doing significantly more, but I am happier doing what I choose to do.

I walk about 3km every morning with the dog. Today I finished off some important paperwork for our upcoming show. I hung out some washing then headed to town to do some jobs. I went food shopping which took ages because the stupid trolley wouldn't go straight and I spent ages wrangling it. I had to go to the pet shop. And the carwash.

I came home, got the washing off the line, emptied the dishwasher and put stuff away, then cooked dinner. Chicken fajitas with bell peppers, guacamole, pico de gallo, slaw, etc etc etc. I forgot to put out the cheese can you believe it?

Now I'm about to continue writing a report for one of my staff.

Been a good day!

Philadelphia · « **Reply #16 on:** September 22, 2015, 08:48:57 pm »

Just had a call from St Vincents hospital. My 10 day post EOT VL is undetectable.

byebyeC · « **Reply #17 on:** September 22, 2015, 09:30:22 pm »

Woo hoo Philly!

You've killed your 10 day test!

Walkin' on Sunshine! Oh-oh! Walkin' on Sunshine! Oh Oh Oh! And, don't it feel GOOD!

slats1056 · « **Reply #18 on:** September 22, 2015, 11:56:16 pm »

Philly, why try to please the whole world when all You have to do is please Yourself!!!!

Philadelphia · « **Reply #19 on:** September 26, 2015, 06:04:46 pm »

Continuing to poke along in the holidays and get little jobs done, or do nothing and that's okay too.

I have spent a lot of time in front of the computer doing entries, publicity and social media for our upcoming equestrian jumping show.

Except for yesterday when I had to clean out a water trough under a tree, hack away fig branches, rip out lupins and get stung by stinging nettle.

Nonetheless my days flow, I am sleeping well and enjoying this brief down time from work.

Philadelphia · « **Reply #20 on:** September 26, 2015, 06:08:57 pm »

Oh and I haven't had anywhere near the cramps I my legs that I had on Tx. Used to get them mainly at night. Haven't had one for well lover a week or so.

KimInTheForest · « **Reply #21 on:** September 26, 2015, 07:15:14 pm »

Quote from: Philadelphia on September 26, 2015, 06:04:46 pm

Except for yesterday when I had to clean out a water trough under a tree, hack away fig branches, rip out lupins and get stung by stinging nettle.

I could use those stinging nettles right about now, Philadelphia. Nettle tea is a good source of iron. Our nettles won't be out for another 6 months…

kim

Philadelphia · « **Reply #22 on:** September 26, 2015, 07:21:00 pm »

I loathe my stinging nettles. I have them edging in on my fence line and around the Chook pen. I'd send them all to you if I could.

byebyeC · « **Reply #23 on:** September 26, 2015, 07:31:06 pm »

Very good news about the muscle cramps Philly!

Love seeing how great you're doing

Marianne

dearprudence · « **Reply #24 on:** September 29, 2015, 08:13:47 am »

Hi all,
great news Philadelphia! Global moderator to boot! I am now almost 2 months post treatment and feeling better every day. sleeping better, starting to get my energy back too. I am on vacation in the mountains right now and did about a 3 mile round trip climb to a lake yesterday. coughing a bit, but breath coming back, achy muscles last night, but no big deal. after dealing with months of riba fatigue , I feel terrific this morning!
Keep posting - (you too Kim) - 12 week svr will be here before you know it!
Prudence

KimInTheForest · « **Reply #25 on:** September 29, 2015, 11:05:24 am »

Hi Prudence. Good to hear from you and that you are doing better daily! I don't think I have pulled out of my anemia totally yet. And I am now 2 months post-tx too. Will have some labs done later this week to find out where things stand in terms of my hemoglobin, etc. I doubt I could do a 3 mile climb to anywhere right now. But it will all come back, in time. Your vacation in the mountains sounds lovely!

kim

Philadelphia · « **Reply #26 on:** September 30, 2015, 12:04:08 am »

There's a big push on at the moment in Australia to have the new DAAs listed on our government funded medication list.

My blog post today is dedicated to those people and organisations who have been working so hard to get our message across in the media. It's also a plea for people to speak up themselves if they feel comfortable doing it. It's time for access.
http://blogs.hepmag.com/gracecampbell/2015/09/hepatitis_c_australi_4.html

byebyeC · « **Reply #27 on:** September 30, 2015, 12:10:40 am »

Wonderful Philly! Marianne virtually patting Philly on the back!

I pray their and your endeavors will pay off quickly for all whom are still waiting.

Marianne

dearprudence · « **Reply #28 on:** September 30, 2015, 08:47:48 pm »

Quote from: KimInTheForest on September 29, 2015, 11:05:24 am

Hi Prudence. Good to hear from you and that you are doing better daily! I don't think I have pulled out of my anemia totally yet. And I am now 2 months post-tx too. Will have some labs done later this week to find out where things stand in terms of my hemoglobin, etc. I doubt I could do a 3 mile climb to anywhere right now. But it will all come back, in time. Your vacation in the mountains sounds lovely!

kim

Thanks Kim, it is! Really needed this now. Good luck with the anemia - slowly but surely things will go back to normal for you and for all of us. Please post results from new bloodwork.
All the best, Prudence

Scoutdoy · « **Reply #29 on:** October 01, 2015, 02:32:58 pm »

Good for you Philly! Pinch yourself.... Because it's real. I am excited for you. Hope your partner down under (Cal) gets the same results.

Scout

Philadelphia · « **Reply #30 on:** October 02, 2015, 09:09:09 pm »

I continue to maintain the New Normal. I have energy, even though sometimes I am very very lazy. I've worked out that is laziness not fatigue. I have no excuse.

I feel my hb is climbing, because my morning walks are getting faster and I'm not as winded. I've dropped more than 5 minutes over the space of a 3km walk.

I have to be careful not to gorge on stodgy carbo loaded foods (I love dairy based fats like cheese and cream and triple cream brie is live heaven on a stick) because it just sits in my stomach. But there's not much I can't eat and I'm putting some of my treatment weight loss back on. I just have to be careful not to put MORE on than I lost! lol My gastrointestinal system is the best it's been for years (read into that what you will).

All in all, I feel okay. My fingers are crossed that I have dealt HCV a sufficient blow as to kill it

Scoutdoy · « **Reply #31 on:** October 02, 2015, 09:19:04 pm »

Hey Philly, the odds are so high in your favor. Honestly it would be a rare thing to have the numbers you have achieved so far to relapse, really! I am happy for you,,,now gracefully grow older and enjoy the natural aches and pains along the way

Scout

Philadelphia · « **Reply #32 on:** October 03, 2015, 09:08:09 pm »

It's a glorious day here today. So I wrote a blog post about it. And hope. And gardening.
http://blogs.hepmag.com/gracecampbell/2015/10/hepatitis_c_walking.html

Scoutdoy · « **Reply #33 on:** October 04, 2015, 12:08:27 am »

Nice blog Philly

Scout

beto · « **Reply #34 on:** October 04, 2015, 12:51:44 pm »

Beautiful Philly,

Love how the story keeps us in the moment, the humor and the honesty. Not until the last sentience do we hear anything about Hep C. Never an "indulgent" word of misgivings or your disease. The story is about living life simply, in the moment gratefully. What a wonder place you live in...you are blessed. Thank you for your refreshing words.

Philadelphia · « **Reply #35 on:** October 12, 2015, 08:49:20 am »

I'm back! I've had the busiest of busy weekends. ACtually the past few weeks have been crazy.

We ran our first ever World Cup Qualifier showjumping competition this past weekend. This is a big deal. There are only 14 WCQs held in Australia this year and ours was one of them. The winner of the Australian League is invited overseas to compete at the world final. So we had to get it right.

Combined with the WCQ we ran four days of jumping over three rings: around 2200 rounds of showjumping, over 400 horses, 200 riders. On Friday night we were involved in running a fun comp - a ride and drive with Body Exell, 5x world carriage driving champion and other drivers, along with some great showjumpers.

I did the entries and admin before the event and then live scored during the event.

We webcast it as well, so if you follow the link to the World Cup class on Saturday, scrub forward to about 2:43 into it, you'll miss the preamble and get the speedy second round. Watch for Chuggy and Cristalline and Cera Cassiago. Both gorgeous.

http://www.wildcoltproductions.com.au/webcast/rewatch-tamworthworldcup2015.aspx

Philadelphia · « **Reply #36 on:** October 23, 2015, 08:59:10 pm »

Still alive! This working full time deal really sucks sometimes. I mean, when am I meant to get my coffee? Clean my house?

Anyway, I'm back at work full time in a time of intense restructuring, revised budgets, expectations and of course it is the last term of the school year and therefore the busiest.

I'm getting my work done, my weekends are full and I actually think I need to rest from time to time. Last week I went to Sydney for the weekend, worked all week, had two after hours meetings and tried to keep the balls in the air at home. Clean clothes, clean house, food on the table etc.

I will have to let go of something and right now it's housework.

Apart from that, nothing much to report. I think I am okay - with the hot weather rolling in, me spending so much time on my feet or sitting at a desk I'm seeing some oedema in my ankles- not bad, but something to be aware of. Everything else is normal. At one point I had a few people tell me I looked tired. A $40 bronzer fixed that. Bronzer applied. Evidently it has miraculous energising qualities.

Philadelphia · « **Reply #37 on:** October 26, 2015, 07:06:26 am »

Nothing much to report! Still working. I had a lovely weekend off this past weekend - I did nothing much at all. A smidge of housework, a little bit of gardening. It was lovely.

I'm sleeping well, eating well and feeling well. The dog and I walk every morning and we both love it.

12 week post EOT blood tests in four weeks. Feeling okay about this.

dearprudence · « **Reply #38 on:** October 28, 2015, 02:51:02 pm »

Quote from: Philadelphia on October 26, 2015, 07:06:26 am

Nothing much to report! Still working. I had a lovely weekend off this past weekend - I did nothing much at all. A smidge of housework, a little bit of gardening. It was lovely.

I'm sleeping well, eating well and feeling well. The dog and I walk every morning and we both love it.

12 week post EOT blood tests in four weeks. Feeling okay about this.

Hi Philadelphia,
It's so great to hear how well you are doing!!! )))))

I know I haven't been on here in awhile, but I am feeling so good that I am making up for lost time. Hiking, cleaning out the attic, winterizing, etc.
Just got blood results from my gp - anemia is gone! I kind of knew it would be because of the way I have been feeling. 12 week EOT blood work next week and then Dr. visit with ultrasound on Nov. 9th. Will post results.
All the best, Prudence

KimInTheForest · « **Reply #39 on:** October 28, 2015, 07:06:21 pm »

Quote from: dearprudence on October 28, 2015, 02:51:02 pm

I know I haven't been on here in awhile, but I am feeling so good that I am making up for lost time. Hiking, cleaning out the attic, winterizing, etc.
Just got blood results from my gp - anemia is gone! I kind of knew it would be because of the way I have been feeling. 12 week EOT blood work next week and then Dr. visit with ultrasound on Nov. 9th. Will post results.
All the best, Prudence

Good to hear from you Prudence. Haven't seen ya round here for awhile. Glad to hear your anemia has resolved. I think mine nearly has too at 13 weeks post-tx. I am feeling much better. But I will know for sure after Nov 1 when I have my next labs. Have been on daily iron supplements because I was low on iron. So I'll find up how much my ferritin has gone up as a result of the supps. I am probably still low.

Best,
kim

Philadelphia · « **Reply #40 on:** November 03, 2015, 08:19:48 am »

I've been so busy!!
http://blogs.hepmag.com/gracecampbell/2015/11/hepatitis_c_when_goo.html

Philadelphia · « **Reply #41 on:** November 14, 2015, 03:04:40 am »

Still chugging along. GEtting stuff done. I feel quite good, considering I'm back at work full time and this is the busiest time of the year for me.

I get blood taken in 2 weeks and that will provide me with my 12 week post EOT results. I haven't had a blood test since 10 days after treatment finished, so it will be interesting. I have no results to gicve me any guidance as to how post-treatment is going. No SVR4

Here's hoping all is well.

Scoutdoy · « **Reply #42 on:** November 14, 2015, 11:00:45 am »

Your still gonna be undetected Philly... And your gonna be "cured" I am a few weeks behind you on the EOT waiting game,,,,ugggg it is a little stressful waiting for that last test

Scout

beto · « **Reply #43 on:** November 14, 2015, 12:35:36 pm »

what scout said Philly,

You so got this. Waiting for results is bad enough for all of us but to have to endure what some are going through because of bureaucracies is disconcerting. Sometimes I can't even pick up a call from the docs office. I let them leave a message and then I check it with incredible trepidation. I have informed the gals in the office when they call to hurry up and say"undetected" and not preface with any yakity yak. I am such a wuss.

We are the forerunners of an incredible time in medical history, so you'd think that everyone involved on any level of the medical, pharmaceutical or insurance field would sense the gravity of this momentous time and not treat us all like another day at the office or worse, an annoyance. How hard is it to understand how frightening it is for all of us to await lab work that could reveal horrible news. Seriously, is the cost of lab work so daunting that we really need to make the inflicted wait.

When I tried to overcome the denials and would speak to the insurance people, my situation was so perfunctory to them. They were so clueless as to my torture and at the sametime so simpleminded and myopic in attempts to just get off the phone and make me go away.

Thank god for the folks in the industry that are sympathetic to our journey and for forums like this one to put all of our likeminds together.

Scoutdoy · « **Reply #44 on:** November 14, 2015, 03:23:12 pm »

Well said Beto

Scout

Philadelphia · « **Reply #45 on:** November 14, 2015, 04:17:04 pm »

Oh, I should add that my specialist was happy for me to have a week 4 blood test and I have a pathology request form in my pile of HCV related paperwork I can use if I want. It's not that he refused it. But he did say my results 2 weeks post were so solid, with liver markers remaining stable and bilirubin and haemoglobin coming into normal range that a week 4 post test would most likely only show what my 2 week post tests showed.

So if anyone's to blame it's me. I just decided I was sick of being poked and prodded. And if I've relapsed ... Week 4 ... Week 12 - doesn't matter when it happened, there's nothing I can do about it so I'll just wait for the definitive test.

beto · « **Reply #46 on:** November 14, 2015, 05:09:38 pm »

I sort of went on a tangent there Philly...apologies. I guess I have heard so many stories of denials and folks having to wait for labs. Actually there have been a lot of folks along the way that have been most encouraging to me. A gal from Walgreens that fought me through the process and did not even get the business in the end and my docs office has been cheering me along and been supportive. I suppose there are other numbers that quench the docs concerns enough to wave PCR. So beto is now chillin', until his next rant

Still

Philadelphia · « **Reply #47 on:** November 14, 2015, 05:24:57 pm »

Oh, I quite understand why you'd rant ... Your health care system is very different to ours.

We have a universal health care coverage system that is taxpayer/government funded, so the quibbling over the cost of tests and the like is not as pronounced. It has its disadvantages for sure - right now we are fighting for universal access to the new HCV drugs for example. But in terms of diagnostics, hospital admissions, general health care and Drs visits, it's a reasonable system.

It gets a bit tricky when you are looking to add new expensive treatments to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, which is our public subsidised system. But once those drugs are added, they are generally universally available for about $30 per month or $6 if you are low income.

Right now we are in the middle of a big push to get th DAAs listed.

I don't directly pay for any of my treatment in a public hospital, and most major teaching hospitals with top Drs are public ones. I pay through my taxes, and I consider that very fair. I see one of Australia's top HCV experts, have access to one of Australia's best liver clinics which is also at the cutting edge of trials and research (I'm involved in one trial myself) and have access to ultrasounds, gastroscopies and top care. Costs me not a direct penny.

sapphire101 · « **Reply #48 on:** November 20, 2015, 01:06:44 am »

I am curious about universal health care cost to the individual, what are your total taxes Philly? in relation to your income. How much of a bite is it really?

I would guestimate mine at around 20% of my annual income (that is both my state and federal). Then my personal health insurance is taken out on top of taxes.

Does anyone in Australia opt for boutique insurances on top of the universal if they can afford it?

KimInTheForest · « **Reply #49 on:** November 20, 2015, 01:35:15 am »

Our Canadian health care system is similar to what Philly has described for Australia. I am taxed at about 15% for my taxable income because I am low income. That percentage would be a bit higher if I had more income. I pay nothing for medical insurance from our government-funded medical plan. And I have never paid for any medical care, tests, doctor visits, hospital stuff or anything, with the sole exception of my recent Vitamin D test which cost $60 but would have been free if a specialist had ordered it instead of my GP.

We can pick what doctor we go to and even what specialists we go to. I have always been very impressed with the Canadian health care system. (I grew up in US so have known a different system there.) Some people in Canada also have 3rd party insurance for extended coverage - mainly if their employer offers it. I have never felt a need, and couldn't afford it anyway. But really, everything I have ever needed medically has been covered for free here (free to me, that is) - with the exception of the new Hep C drugs.

When it comes to accessing the new Hep C drugs, it is much the same problem as everywhere else due to cost of drugs. In the province I live in, I was not covered to take any of the new Hep C drugs (the DAAs) because I was treatment naive. I would first have to try and fail at interferon before I would be covered for the new drugs. That's why I went the clinical trial route for my Harvoni. And it worked!

kim

Philadelphia · « **Reply #50 on:** November 20, 2015, 03:22:39 am »

It's difficult to answer how much tax I pay as it's a sliding scale dependent on the amount you earn. Certain percentages of your income are taxed at certain amounts. I'm pretty well paid, so I slide into the second highest tax bracket so a certain percentage of my income is taxed at that rate. But not all of it, if that makes sense. I've put a table below:
Taxable income

Tax on this income

0 – $18,200 - Nil

$18,201 – $37,000 - 19c for each $1 over $18,200

$37,001 – $80,000 - $3,572 plus 32.5c for each $1 over $37,000

$80,001 – $180,000 - $17,547 plus 37c for each $1 over $80,000

$180,001 and over - $54,547 plus 45c for each $1 over $180,000

Plus 2% Medicare levy.

So I pay $17,547, plus 37c for every dollar over $80,000 plus 2% medicare.

I'm hopeless with percentages but I'd say I pay about 25% of my total gross income in tax.

I pay a reasonable amount, but I consider the amount I pay fair. I earn more than many, so I should pay more than many. We only pay federal income tax. It goes towards covering education, health, social assistance for those who need it, roads, much infrastructure etc. There are other taxes you might pay if say, you buy a new car or a house (stamp duty etc) but our income tax is the main tax paid by wage earners.

Healthwise, everyone is covered for all the important stuff. There are waiting lists for non-urgent surgeries, but if you get carted into hospital with a heart attack, you have a premmie baby, meningitis, cancer, burst appedix etc - you are covered. No questions asked. No other coverage necessary.

Many medications are subsidised.

Some people have private heath coverage but it's not necessary.

Philadelphia · « **Reply #51 on:** November 21, 2015, 06:28:42 pm »

In news guaranteed to make me feel better, I booked my flights to Cuba for January. Flying out of YYZ, into Jose Marti. Life's too short to waste it on wishing I'd done something.

beto · « **Reply #52 on:** November 21, 2015, 07:23:30 pm »

Right on Philly...Via Cuba...it's on my bucket list too

gnatcatcher · « **Reply #53 on:** November 21, 2015, 08:49:44 pm »

Taxes: I just looked at the 2014 spreadsheets I made for our USA household. We paid 24.1% of our total income (30% of AGI) for income (federal, state, and local), property, Medicare, and Social Security taxes. We paid an additional 2.7% of our total income for medical and dental costs not covered by employment benefits. Our medical costs will increase markedly in retirement, and we'll lose other tax-exempt benefits now provided by the employer. Philly, our federal and many state taxes have the kind of tiered rate structure that you illustrated, but you pay a higher percentage because your government covers a lot more social services than ours does. As a result, your crime rate is much lower (our neighborhood is once again being besieged by thefts and burglaries).

Enjoy Cuba!

Gnatty

Philadelphia · « **Reply #54 on:** November 27, 2015, 05:51:57 pm »

My weekend be like ...
http://blogs.hepmag.com/gracecampbell/

sapphire101 · « **Reply #55 on:** November 27, 2015, 10:28:17 pm »

I can't wait to hear it worked!!!
Let us know the minute you know because we are all holding our collective breath around the world for you.

Philadelphia · « **Reply #56 on:** November 29, 2015, 06:47:36 pm »

Some 12 week blood test results have come through - not VL yet though.
ALT 14 - dropped from 18
AST 22 - dropped from 23
GGT 22 - dropped from 25
Bili 20 - I think it was 19 last time but it got as high as 150 and was 40 when I started so I'm happy
Hb 112 - I think that's what it was last time, it's proving slow to move
Platelets 70 - still crap, not moving up, but they are always low sadly
INR 1.5 - up a smidge.

Without a VL it's still inconclusive, but these look good to me.

gnatcatcher · « **Reply #57 on:** November 29, 2015, 08:03:58 pm »

They look good to me, too -- I think you've got it made.

Scoutdoy · « **Reply #58 on:** November 29, 2015, 08:59:23 pm »

Your numbers look good philly

Scout

sapphire101 · « **Reply #59 on:** November 30, 2015, 01:27:00 am »

Great great news Philly your ALT/AST would be up if something was brewing again in virus land. It is OK to relax a bit and be cautiously optimistic.
You've got this!

Philadelphia · « **Reply #60 on:** December 07, 2015, 04:39:22 am »

I posted in the SVR12 thread that I was told I have kicked the hep c virus. It was an amazing feeling.

Of course, with a liver as shot as mine, I still have issues to overcome. My INR and platelets are still low. Everything else apart from my WBC count is now normal, just these three things. The platelet/INR issue indicates my liver is still struggling on some fronts, but that news has to be balanced by my amazing ALT (14) and AST (22). These are totally normal.

It's a swings and roundabouts sort of thing.

Being three months post treatment, I hope to see continued improvement. I may. I may not.

What I do know is for a while I'm going to lay down my arms against the foe. I have an ultrasound on Friday but apart from that and a follow up GP appointment I'm not thinking about hep c for a few months.

Instead I'm thinking about Canada. About seeing my daughter. About a holiday in Cuba. About relaxing. I'm thinking its time for a break from my year of dealing with hepatitis C.

I'm pretty sure there's a blog post in here somewhere.

KimInTheForest · « **Reply #61 on:** December 07, 2015, 01:49:37 pm »

Quote from: Philadelphia on December 07, 2015, 04:39:22 am

Instead I'm thinking about Canada. About seeing my daughter. About a holiday in Cuba. About relaxing. I'm thinking its time for a break from my year of dealing with hepatitis C.

Hi Philadelphia. I PM'ed you with my phone # & email in case we are able to meet up when you come my way.

kim

Philadelphia · « **Reply #62 on:** December 18, 2015, 06:10:07 am »

I've just finished my last day of work for 2015. It's been a hell of a year, but I've made it through to the end. I've made it, but my hepatitis C has not. I left it along the side of the road some time in May and haven't looked back.

I've been back full time all term, after three terms of part time work. At first it felt challenging and uncomfortable. I wasn't used to it. Now it feels like normality. I'm looking forward to 2016 and I'm sure my staff will be pleased to have me back on board properly.

In 7 days I head off to Canada to visit my daughter and travel with her to Cuba. It'll be awesome. I'm a bit of an instagram tragic, so as usual I'm going insta the heck out of my travels all over Canada, the eastern seaboard of the US and Cuba.

I've made it to the end of treatment, the end of the working year and I guess New Years Eve is just around the corner!

HazelAustralia · « **Reply #63 on:** December 18, 2015, 06:52:19 am »

Congratulations and have a great trip

slats1056 · « **Reply #64 on:** December 18, 2015, 10:44:59 am »

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Liver Year to all.

Hope all goes well and You get a well needed chance to relax and forget about the B.S. from the past Year. Maybe have a good Cuban cigar as a celebratory act. Just don't inhale!!!!LOL

Seems You will be facing some drastic weather changes along Your sojourn. Enjoy

ms.nomoreC · « **Reply #65 on:** December 22, 2015, 12:56:53 pm »

Wishing you a fabulous journey and happy holidays!

I'm still trying to wrap my brain around my SVR--zero and undetectable!!

Do you remember who initiated the end results forum thread--it's name?

Cheers,
Truly ms.nomoreC

Philadelphia · « **Reply #66 on:** December 22, 2015, 02:48:56 pm »

Sapphire started it. I've said it on my blog but it bears repeating - congratulations! I'm so pleased we got to finish treatment together, it was great to have someone else walking the same journey, charting the boundRies of our lives from living with HCV to living without it. I am sure your dad knew this would be the outcome.

Philadelphia · « **Reply #67 on:** December 25, 2015, 08:57:53 pm »

Well, as a treat for finishing treatment I'm leaving for Canada - now. Boarding my flight. If anyone wants to see my travels, I'm on Instagram - @janiekibble. Can't wait to see my daughter in about 18 hours. Thanks to those Canadians who have offered travel advice and also offered to meet up. I'm going to do my best!

Philadelphia · « **Reply #68 on:** January 01, 2016, 01:18:35 pm »

Happy New Year from Vancouver. It has been gloriously sunny, but cold and crisp. I've had a great time thus far. I've done an awful lot of walking and enjoyed it very much. Van Dusen Gardens, Capilano suspension bridge, Stanley Park, downtown Vancouver, East Van ...

Went to see Star Wars and Brooklyn. Loved them both but really loved Brooklyn.

Lots of eating too! From upmarket to food trucks, nothing is safe. A bit more time here, some time on Vancouver Island, then off to the east coast.

So far so good!

Philadelphia · « **Reply #69 on:** January 03, 2016, 02:40:18 pm »

Vancouver Island is mighty pretty and also cold but sunny. We caught the ferry to Schwartz Bay and then bussed it to Victoria. Victoria is very quaint in places and the sort of "old" I expected to see when I first set to Vancouver - but didn't!

We are off to the BC Museum today, and Tofino bright and early tomorrow. I fly out for the states on 6th Jan. Not quite sure of plans yet!

I get mighty tired by the end of the day but I'm also walking about 8-9km a day.

I'm instagramming the whole thing of course - @janiekibble

slats1056 · « **Reply #70 on:** January 03, 2016, 05:14:46 pm »

Sounds like You are having a wonderful time! You go girl, Well deserved time off to have fun!

Philadelphia · « **Reply #71 on:** January 15, 2016, 07:30:35 pm »

Since I last posted I've been to NYC, Key West, Biston and now I'm in Ottawa. I'm actually sitting in a Chinese restaurant looking out at snow banked up in the street.

I'm tired at night but I have enough energy to walk miles every day and to cross multiple time zones.

So far so good!

HazelAustralia · « **Reply #72 on:** January 15, 2016, 08:03:06 pm »

Hi Philly,

What area did you stay in NYC?
I was there in September (after a conference in Kansas - that was a change!).
We stayed in lower Harlem on the right of the top of the park
if you are looking at a map. I really enjoyed that neighbourhood.
And how does Ottawa French sound? Glad to hear you have
beaucoup d'énergie

Hazel

Philadelphia · « **Reply #73 on:** January 15, 2016, 09:13:40 pm »

Last time I stayed in Manhattan I stayed in Chelsea. Mostly I stay with friends in Montclair NJ. Less than half an hour on NJT and I'm at Penn Station. And cheap

Philadelphia · « **Reply #74 on:** January 15, 2016, 09:15:58 pm »

And I haven't heard much French here at all - I'm in Ontario and it's not as prevalent as it is in Quebec. Boston accents are something else though.

Philadelphia · « **Reply #75 on:** January 31, 2016, 12:48:52 pm »

Cuba = Amazing. I'm back in Vancouver now. More later when I can think.

Philadelphia · « **Reply #76 on:** February 13, 2016, 04:40:36 pm »

I'm back from my travels, but my typed communication is limited. A car full of Czech tourists totalled our taxi in Varadero and I got a broken arm. I'm plastered from fingers to shoulder. It is of course my right arm and I'm right handed.

I've seen both the Cuban and Canadian healthcare systems in intimate detail.

So it's short sharp drive by postings for me for a while.

The accident happened on my last full day in Cuba and my last week overseas so I was lucky! And it was a really nasty accident so to only get a broken arm is also lucky.

Cuba is an amazing country and I am so glad I went.

KimInTheForest · « **Reply #77 on:** February 13, 2016, 04:55:43 pm »

Ouch! What a way to end your globe-trotting adventure, Philadelphia! But yes, isn't Cuba beautiful? My mom & I attended the annual Latin American Film Festival in Havana back in the 1990s. Had a wonderful time. Travelled to other parts of Cuba too. Great memories.

kim

AussieRosa · « **Reply #78 on:** February 14, 2016, 02:15:51 am »

Welcome back, Philadelphia. So sorry to hear about your accident. Hope you mend quickly. All the very best!

HazelAustralia · « **Reply #79 on:** February 14, 2016, 03:44:09 am »

welcome home!

Else · « **Reply #80 on:** February 14, 2016, 01:46:31 pm »

Philly, I'm so glad you escaped with relatively minor damage. I suppose a broken arm in paradise at the end of a vacation beats a broken arm slipping on wet pavement while taking out the trash at home. Again, all things being relative.

I had to google Varadero. What eye-candy those images are! Wishing you speedy mending and healing.

Philadelphia · « **Reply #81 on:** March 01, 2016, 06:08:32 am »

Today is the day DAAs become available for Australians with hepatitis C.

I marked it by attending a community health workshop/forum on hep C and the new treatment protocols. I spent a little time this morning thinking how lucky I had been to be able to access DAAs early and how this amazing drug breakthrough has come too late for many.

I flicked off emails to my specialist in Sydney and the GI specialist I was seeing here in Tamworth. I thanked them both for their advocacy and hard work. My specialist in Sydney wrote 30 scripts today and says he will be writing many many more. The GI guy here is running workshops for GPs in the area next week so they are up to date with the new treatments and how our system will be set up to manage everything. It is vital that as many GPs as possible are brought on board to lift the burden of the easier cases from the liver clinics, leaving them to provide support GPs and time to be able to treat them most challenging cases.

It's the start of something amazing.

Philadelphia · « **Reply #82 on:** March 15, 2016, 11:55:52 pm »

I have my 24 week post treatment blood test due on Friday. I'm in Sydney for a conference so I'll zip over to the hospital and get them to do it then. Hopefully will have easy results back onMonday/Tuesday and the VL a week later. Here's fingers crossed for SVR24. X

I can't believe I am nearly 6 months past treatment. I've been so blessed to access DAA treatment before the majority of Australians and therefore get 6 months treatment and 6 months healing in before many people have started. Being being really sick has to have some benefits I suppose.

Speaking to the nurse specialist there, it appears they are really busy. REALLY busy. They have a lot of people on the books wanting treatment. St Vincents is one of the largest clinics in NSW if not Australia and they have people coming to them from all over the place.

Philadelphia · « **Reply #83 on:** March 28, 2016, 01:58:37 am »

This Easter weekend is the first sizeable chunk of free time I've had off since
A. I returned from my trip to Canada, Cuba, and the US
B. I broke my arm
C. I returned to work full time this year

I can't say I spent it doing anything particularly exciting. Unless you count shovelling 7 wheelbarrow loads of horse manure exciting.

Of course there was always today's vacuum, mop and clean session. Scintillating.

Or perhaps you think treating your poultry flock for scaly leg mite exciting.

Maybe you get excited by stripping out the hen house bedding, cleaning the run and carting away two wheelbarrow loads of bedding litter.

Or maybe the idea of moving another two wheelbarrow loads of straw to the Chook pen, crawling into a tiny space and re-bedding their house is fun (hint- not so much)

When all this is combined with a recently healed arm about which you have stern instructions to USE it, but not TOO much use - well let's just say I probably did too much.

I'm dying for a shower - I'm filthy dirty

Philadelphia · « **Reply #84 on:** March 29, 2016, 09:14:02 pm »

SVR24.

Mostly normal results, an uptick in haemoglobin to 119, INR 1.4, platelets a real issue - dropped again. 56. Not sure what they will do about that. They have fallen steadily since part way through treatment. I have an U/S in two months so they will be able to tell me more then. I'm concerned, but I am also pleased to have the other results to go with the crap one.

But SVR24. Yay.

That dragon has died well and truly.

gnatcatcher · « **Reply #85 on:** March 29, 2016, 09:27:06 pm »

Philly, glad you've joined the SVR24 gang. My platelets dropped (down 33 K/uL) since the SVR12 labs, too, but the ones I've got left have an increased MPV (Mean Platelet Volume) -- I'll ask my PCP about that when I see him on Thursday.

NYCHEPCMAN · « **Reply #86 on:** May 12, 2016, 10:32:47 am »

Just to update all of you - two weeks post treatment - feeling good but once in a while I feel slight sensations from my right side - dont know if its my liver, gas or just paranoia

. Can't wait for my week 12 tests to see if I beat the dragon.

Philadelphia · « **Reply #87 on:** June 17, 2016, 04:06:58 am »

So, just leaving Sydney after two solid days of health stuff. Gastroscopy yesterday, neither good nor bad news there, slight deterioration but not much since my last one 1.5 years ago.

All bloods looking pretty good. Alt 15 (steady for months now), same with ast at 23. Ggt 21. Creat 64. AFP looking nice at 6.1. A drop from high in 60s or 70s at treatment start, to 8 at svr12 and 7.3 at svr24. Albumin looking good, steady as she goes at 45.
Bili sitting round 16-19 for 6 months now. Platelets still crap but up to 59 from 57. Meaningless increase but you have to take your joy where you can. INR steady at 1.4.
Everything basically normal but platelets, INR - and wbc a smidge low. Basically normal. Pretty amazing that part.

Had U/S today, no one said anything except what I already knew - two cysts, portal hypertension, crappy scarred liver. Should get results in a few days. Greg (dr) says no fear of liver failure now- should not decompensate from this point. It is holding its own and even has some reserve. Main concern is cancer, as my liver is not regenerating as others are, hence raising my chance of getting HCC. He says I have to be absolutely vigilant about my 6 monthly scans. This is also in line with the research that came out of EASL.

So some good news, some ordinary and we await the scan results. I'm about 8 months post treatment and I feel better so that must count for something!

gnatcatcher · « **Reply #88 on:** June 17, 2016, 07:14:27 am »

Philly, that AFP drop over time is impressive! Did Greg also say that HCC caught early is easily fixable? That's what my hep doc said. You're cured and you're reliable as far as remembering to get scanned, so have a nice, long life!

slats1056 · « **Reply #89 on:** June 17, 2016, 04:11:29 pm »

Philly,

Slowly but surely. I would rather be the tortoise than the hare! How many old rabbits do You see hanging around?

NEVER FORGET THE THREE TYPES OF PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE!

THOSE WHO HELPED YOU IN THE DIFFICULT TIMES.
THOSE WHO LEFT YOU IN THE DIFFICULT TIMES.
THOSE WHO PUT YOU IN DIFFICULT TIMES.

Philadelphia · « **Reply #90 on:** July 12, 2016, 06:37:48 pm »

It's clear that while I might be tired at times, when push comes to shove I can get lots of things done so I am also a bit lazy.

The last week of term I was super busy as our federal election was taking place and I run the polling place at my school on Election Day. So I worked Saturday from 6:30am till 11:30pm, then up and at 'em for a nearly flight to Sydney on Sunday and a three day conference. Home on Wednesday to get ready for a four day horse show I do the office and admin for. So on Thursday through till Sunday I did four more 6:30 till 10:30 days managing 2000 rounds of Showjumping, with tetchy riders, anxious parents and busy coaches/trainers.

Monday I had to head to town, Tuesday I had to go meet people because im getting some renovations done and needed to choose tiles and bench tops and handles and colours and stuff. Today - nothing. I'm going toput on trackies, clean the Chook pen, maybe do some housework and then just lie round.

I could NEVER have done this in the year before treatment.

AussieRosa · « **Reply #91 on:** July 12, 2016, 06:43:20 pm »

Glad to hear you've got so much energy, Philadelphia. Keep powering on!

HazelAustralia · « **Reply #92 on:** July 13, 2016, 10:25:09 am »

Great to read your news Philadelphia,
best wishes, H.

Philadelphia · « **Reply #93 on:** December 01, 2016, 02:41:27 pm »

Saw Greg for my usual 6 monthly check up. He threw a fibroscan in as a bonus and the results show downward movement - from 23.9 to 19.1. That's great.

He, being greedy, wanted more. No doubt other, less damaged individuals are giving him greater results but I am old and scarred so I take my hard won successes with far more joy than he does.

Blood test results will be back next week and he will email them to me. Scan today and they'll contact me if they need to.

Fingers crossed everything will be going along okay.

slats1056 · « **Reply #94 on:** December 02, 2016, 09:34:15 am »

Hey Philadelphia,
Any and all improvements are always a plus for the battle scarred veterans of the Hep Wars , right! Good to hear the news. Chin up and keep on chipping. Always good to hear from You . I have a little time off so I turned on the old computer and You popped up first! Glad to count You as a cyber friend and look forward to more good news from You!

CHOCOLATE COMES FROM A TREE , SO THAT MAKES IT A PLANT. RIGHT? SO , WHY DON'T YOU EVER SEE A CHOCOLATE SALAD?

$:-\$

Philadelphia · « **Reply #95 on:** December 02, 2016, 03:15:08 pm »

Thanks Tommy, hope you are holding your own in the post-hep peacekeeping process too. Always a pleasure to catch up with fellow veterans.

Philadelphia · « **Reply #96 on:** December 08, 2016, 01:18:13 pm »

Important results: PLATELETS UP - from 59 to 72!

Everything within normal range now except bilirubin (20), platelets and INR.

ALT and AST up a couple of points but that could have something to do with having eaten two huge bowls of tiramisu before I found out it was drenched with Kahlua. Or maybe it's just up because things go up and down sometimes.

beto · « **Reply #97 on:** December 08, 2016, 04:57:14 pm »

nice!!! Glad you are coming around. Takes a while to heal for some of us.

FutureThinker · « **Reply #98 on:** December 09, 2016, 12:39:50 pm »

Hey Philly! Good to hear things are moving in the right direction for you. And that's what is important -- even if it's slower than we'd like. Progress is progress!

My energy level remains lower than I'd anticipated, but over the past several weeks I've seen an uptick, so for some of us, this recovery just takes some time. My GP recommended a vitamin/mineral blood test to see if she can encourage my recovery, so we'll see what that shows. I know others have had such tests and found deficiencies.

Again, good to hear from you and keep us posted! I remain optimistic for all of us, FT

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