How do you feel physically after becoming undetectable

[virgha828]

Just wondering how everyone feels physically after becoming undetectable? Have not started treatment yet but soon will. I'm hoping that all these body aches subside.  Not sure what I'm really supposed to feel like after having this for 19 years.

[yag1064]

Good morning virgha828,

   I have been undetectable for 10wk. I can't say I noticed a difference. I still have to take the medicine for 2 more weeks. That is making me feel sick. But I did noticed that I am starting to feel l more social. I know that when treatment is over and the virus is gone. I will have more energy. On a more personable side, I know what I felt like when I got the news that the virus was undetected. I felt free. Free from all the self inflicted pain I have been going through since I was told I had it.
   This really begins the larger issue about how the mind can effect your health by thoughts. I see a lot of posts asking about side-effects. Side-effects are negatives brought on by whatever. Don't lose sight of the positive. That you will no longer have the virus within you. It's one less obstacle in my life. I would like to see more post with positive thoughts. All of us have our personal stories about how we got here. My intention is to help. Through this forum I hope to get to know many of you and be uplifted by your bravery to be free of the virus.

Just the beginning,

yag1064 

[Mike]

I noticed a difference when I became undectable - I had more clarity of thought. Even though the INTF and RIBV was kicking the crap out of me, I could tell, once the side effects wore off (and the virus remained clear) I would feel great.

Today, I feel the best I have in 20 years. I don't have the Hep-C fog (once it leaves you, you'll know what I'm talking about), I'm more sociable and have a lot more clarity (sharpness). This is how I felt before I started having Hep-C symptoms, beginning in 1999.

It took several months for the side effects to wane. I'm feeling great now and really noticed the side effects wearing off about mid-June. I have more energy and motivation to get those things done on the "To-Do" list.

Best wishes, Mike

[lporterrn]

I've been working in this field since 1997, and most patients who clear hep C say they really notice a difference. Research supports this. As for me personally, I honestly don't know. For a long time I felt fantastic, but I had an unrelated medical issue show up that had hep C-like symptoms. It is now under control, but we'll see. What I know is simply this - hep C or not, I need to get enough sleep and daily exercise, and eat right and keep stress levels down. Easier said than done, but the results are so good, that it is getting easier to practice what I preach.

[virgha828]

Thank you all for the information. I found  out yesterday that the combo i will be on is the solvaldi and ribavirin because my type is 2. Ive been seeing S and O mostly on these posts. My PA said that they should get an approval and have the meds in 4 weeks. I'm llooking forward to starting and finishing! I'm sure the mental stress reduction after being cured is huge .  After so many years of this disease it will be very nice to think about the future and not have those  thoughts of looming gloom and doom!  Good luck to all!!

[yag1064]

Hi virgha828,
      My treatment also had interferon and Ribaviran and Solvaldi. Yes, that treatment is a little tougher but with the right frame of mind you will should get through it just fine. Treat yourself kindly. Do whatever makes you feel better. Rest when you are tired, eat when you can. Drink plenty of water and try to get in touch with yourself. Do a check in. How do I feel today? Notice those messages and adjust what you do for the day accordingly. For myself I don't feel like I have the energy to cut the lawn. So I don't. My critic tries to make me feel bad by calling me lazy. I don't listen. I know who I am and this is temporary.
   All I am saying is have fun with it. You will get through this. It is now within your future to be free from this invader. It is healthier to smile then to be afraid.
   For me it is about setting up the right environment for the medicine to work. And I guess I did a good job because I have been undetectable since the second wk. of treatment. I finish the treatment on the 24th. I haven't fully realized what not having the virus and not taking the medicine will be like. I have my dancing shoes on, ready to go.
    I see no reason why your experience will not be as good as mine. Don't dream about being virus free, live it. Try not to allow the negative emotions that arise to drain your energy. Right now you need all you can make.
   I see there are a lot of caring soles here. You will do fine.

Blessings,

  yag1064

[virgha828]

Ty yag ,

There is so much in my life going on right now I almost put it off.  I have a daughter and twin 2 year old grandsons living with me one that was born with cleft lip and palate who is going through periodic surgeries and issues himself. I am a care giver to them as well as working full time. I really am counted on.  When talking to a friend she put things into perspective and i made the decision to go ahead now.  After reading your post, i feel even better about it. 

You are right about doing things according to how you are feeling.  I know i will have to push through my work day if I'm not feeling the best but at home we will just have to have others pitch in for the next few months (without guilt).

I am so happy to hear you are almost finished with your treatment, i will watch for your posts. Its realy amazing to be able to take part in a cure that is for such a horrific disease .

The best to you , Virginia

[yag1064]

Nice to have a place to come too, and caring people who listen.

    May you be happy, in all your journeys,

yag1064