New Diagnosis, First appt with Gastroenterologist tomorrow

[Mendeemoo]

Hi all!
I have been lurking here reading for the last 4 weeks since I got my Hep C diagnosis. Since my first big appt. is tomorrow, I figured I would introduce myself!

I am fairly sure I have had it for about 30 years and have a good idea where it came from (although I really think it is irrelevant!) 3 years ago I started getting bad liver enzyme results when I had my yearly physicals. The nurses would even ask me if I was a heavy drinker. Guess it's a good thing I rarely drink!!  This year my thyroid also took a dive. In discussing my thyroid, and feeling like crap all the time this last year, my doc added the Hep test when he tested the thyroid again.

I was quite shocked to see a positive result. Not shocked about having it, but shocked that is has never shown up before. In 2010 and 2011, I had 4 major surgeries. I can't believe no one tested me before! One surgeon even remarked that my surgery was a little more difficult because of my huge liver LOL.

I am rambling so I will get to the point :-) I am genotype 1A and my viral load is 8,126,830. I will be asking my Doc for the Sovaldi / Ribavirin combo, and I got signed up for the $5 Sovaldi Co-Pay yesterday.

Based on what I have been reading on here, the side effects do not seem too terrible. I program income tax software and my busy season is starting now, so I am trying to plan if I will need any time off. I also seem to remember one of the drugs having a sensitivity to sunlight?

Thank You all for sharing your stories. I think I would have been a mess without reading "real life" :-)

[Mike]

 Hi Mendeemoo,

The SOL+RIBV is well tolerated in most individuals, and you should be able to work while on treatment. RIBV does have side effects, which can include fatigue, shortness of breath, anemia and so on.

Your physician will be closely monitor you through blood work and consultation with you.

You may want to talk to your doctor about Solvaldi and Olysio (S/O), as with this combination, you can avoid the side effects associated with RIBV. S/O has great results with genotype 1 infected (90%+ cure rate)

The other issue with side effects is the length of treatment. Will it be 12 or 24 weeks?

S/O combination for treating GT 1a is 12 weeks which the shortest available.

Olysio, however, causes photosensitivity, which can result in rashes and burns with minimal  exposure to direct sunlight (you'll need to wear long sleeved shirts, hat, sunscreen & sun glasses while in the sun).

What you want to ask your doctor is: What treatment protocol will give me the highest chance of a cure?

You should be able to work taking either S/O or SOL+RIBV or SOL+INTF+RIBV.

Best wishes, Mike

[Mendeemoo]

Thanks Mike! I think will all the reading I was confused 

I was reading about the Olysio, but must have confused it with the ribavirin. That is the combination I was looking for. I remember the 12 weeks and photosensitivity now. I can live with long sleeves for 3 months if I will be cured!

[Mike]

I'm glad I could help, Mendeemoo.

Let us know how the appointment goes and if you any have questions.

This is a great forum to get information, discuss issues and get support..

We are all stronger working as a team!

Best wishes, Mike

[willie g]

Hi. See if you can get solvadi oylisio combo.from what I read here it has less side effects and I am on it,not bad because no ribv will help but it's between you and the doc and I ain't no doc. Yet I write like one. Only kidding. Welcome.    WILLIE g