Progress Report...

[Gator714]

I've been reading this forum for some time and it's been quite helpful, so I guess it's time to add my experience to date.  I'm 58 and acquired the Hep C from a surgery about 30 years ago.  I've been aware of it for many years, but it never caused any issues so I pretty much ignored it.  Finally decided to deal with it this year and initial test results came back fibrosis stage 0 and virus count 280,000.  Insurance approved eight weeks of Harvoni, which I began in March.  Had the four week test last week and it is now undetectable.  Was instructed to finish the remaining Harvoni (DUH) and come back in three months for another test. 

I've been taking the Harvoni in the mornings on an empty stomach with a 12oz glass of water.  There have been no side effects whatsoever, really no different than a vitamin pill; pretty much a non-event.

[gnatcatcher]

Gator714, welcome to the forums. Glad that you are like most Harvoni patients and are having an easy ride (as did I). It's great to hear that Harvoni was made available to you while your liver was still in excellent shape (you had no fibrosis and a very low viral load). Congratulations on being undetected. An undetectable viral load at the test three months after the end of treatment will mean you're officially cured.

Gnatty

[Gator714]

As a follow-up, I have finished the Harvoni and there were never any side effects at all, nothing.  Have to go back for a final blood test later in the summer; but the virus was clear by four weeks, so I tend to think that will still be the case.  Just for the record, from my experience, there is absolutely no reason to be wary of this treatment.

[Mimi]

congratulations!!! i am on viekira pak with ribavirin which has me very tired some days but its all manageable and after 2 weeks my viral load went down from 14,000 to just 12 . hopefully i'm on the road to recovery also... on week 5 now out of 12.

[gnatcatcher]

Gator714, I'm glad to hear your continued good news.

Mimi, you have a tougher row to hoe, not only the 12 weeks versus 8 but because of the riba. Glad it's manageable. Yes, with a VL of just 12, you're off to a great start.

Gnatty

[Mimi]

yes, the riba is not too pleasant... oh that was starting viral load of 114,000,  not 14,000.  so its very reasuring to get it down to 12 in just 2 weeks. anyways keep well 

[Gator714]

Went back for a follow-up check, it's been seven weeks since finishing the Harvoni.  All liver functions are well within the normal ranges and the virus remains undetectable.  Go back for one more check-up in September and then I'm done!

[gnatcatcher]

Excellent, Gator! Looking forward to congratulating you when you've taken the official cure test in September.

[KY]

Thanks, Gator714 for the excellent report.

[Gator714]

Well, it's been about five months since finishing the eight weeks of Harvoni and I had the final test early this week.  Got the results today; all liver functions normal and the Hep C.....undetected!  According to the doctor, I am now considered cured and the matter is closed.

Again, let me reiterate for anybody who is wary of this treatment: I had absolutely no side effects whatsoever and the entire course of treatment was uneventful.  I would strongly encourage anybody considering the treatment to go for it.

[KY]

Gator714, great news. I am almost finished two weeks after completing 2 months of Harvoni. I am also undetected. I did have some side effects: extreme exhaustion. But the wonderful thing is the past few days my energy level has come back and I feel totally normal. In fact, I feel great. So the two months of tiredness was totally worth it to get rid of this nasty virus. Thank you, Lord! And thank the folks on HEPC Forum who always encouraged me.

[gnatcatcher]

Excellent, Gator! Looking forward to congratulating you when you've taken the official cure test in September.

And now I get to do so:
CONGRATULATIONS!Gator, have a wonderful rest of your life!

[Gator714]

KY:  I'm glad you did the treatment!  Your case was similar to mine, so I'm sure it'll turn out just fine.

Gnatcatcher:  Thanks for the encouragement!  This is the only place I've been able to discuss the experience.

I had this treated at a major medical center in a very major urban area, they treat LOTS of patients.  It's interesting that the doctor told me, in their experience, the Harvoni success rate is actually higher than what is published.  He said it's been closer to 99% and most people have very minor or no side effects.