Week 10 of SOL+INTF+RIBV

[Mike]

I just completed my 10th week of triple tx, which included SOL+INTF+RIBV.

I'm genotype 1a and a previous non responder (48 weeks of RIBV+INTF). I've had Hep-C for 30 years and was dx in 2001. Grade 2 fibrosis.

My baseline VL was 9,000,000ul/ml. It was checked again after 1 week of treatment and was 103ul/ml! 3 weeks later, it was undetectable!

Side effects have included periodic headaches, muscle aches, minor itching, dry mouth at night, mild cough, some sleep issues, dry skin and fatigue. The side effects have been managed with Tylenol extra strength, plenty of water, skin lotion and rest. It hasn't been near as bad as the first treatment.

I take my last shot on 4/11/14 and 12 week VL 4/18/14. If everything holds, and there is no indication it wont, I should be undetectable at week 12!

Solvadi is a true miracle drug and game changer!

If there's hope for me; there's hope for everyone! Stand tall and hang in there. 12 weeks goes pretty darn fast!

Best wishes, Mike

[lporterrn]

This gives me goosebumps of hope. Hoping you have the best possible outcome.

[Mike]

Thanks Lucinda,

I have some real hope now. But more importantly, anyone thinking about starting treatment has hope.

Has the therapy been fun? No. But it is manageable - especially with a short 12 week course (i.e., SOL+INTF+RIBV).

Hep-C is a pernicious bastard that is going to get stomp out for good (and I'll see this in my lifetime).

If you're sitting on the fence regarding treatment, please look at the new options. Especially, if you've been unsuccessful in the past The 12 week course is so much easier than the 48 weeks, many of you, myself include, endured in the past without benefit. I remember praying: God get me trough week 17, week, week 29, week 38..

In fact, when I talked to my GI in late December, after researching the new tx breakthroughs from previous year, the thought of starting INTF again almost made me not move forward. I'm glad I chose, otherwise.

I'm a realist - and  I know I'm not out of the water and a relapse is still a possibility.

But the news has been good thus far, the journey has been manageable, and hope is very much alive.

Don't sit on the fence - get treated and let's kick this pernicious bastard called "Hep-C" to the curb...

Best wishes, Mike

[jberlin]

Wow, how far we have come.  Mike, great post and absolutely the right message.  From what I have read, your chances should be north of 75% for cure at this point, and if UD at week 12, around 90%.  Can't wait for your late July results from that blood test, but I predict UD then too!

Hoping you join me soon in the 'I beat Hep C' cured club!  -jack