Author Topic: Starting Harvoni 2/16 (Read 32070 times)

grodeestok · « **on:** February 13, 2015, 03:22:24 pm »

I've been reading these forums and decided to join in the discussion after receiving my meds. After hearing about various side effects I thought it best to wait until I got home for a few days to see how the Harvoni affects me. I travel for a living so I'm a bit anxious about that. Super excited at the prospect of a cure after my 12 week treatment. I've been aware of my hcv for 20 years and have self treated with milk thistle extract, maitake d fraction and various supplements plus fasting and cleansing for the past 2 decades waiting for these new generation drugs. I'm gt 1a, viral load 1million , mild liver inflammation but no fibrosis, alt and ast both 80. I'm very impressed with the support in this forum and look forward to sharing my journey. Best to all you warriors!!!!

Islandgirl · « **Reply #1 on:** February 13, 2015, 04:48:54 pm »

Welcome grodeestok! You are certainly giving yourself a nice post Valentine's Day present

I also used milk thistle extract, etc. for many years prior to the Harvoni. BTW, my doc requested that I not take any of that while on Harvoni - she has no problem with the supplements, just felt I should not take them during TX. Good luck; I'll be looking forward to hearing more from you as your treatment goes forward! ....Islandgirl

grodeestok · « **Reply #2 on:** February 13, 2015, 05:13:23 pm »

Thanks islandgirl ! I'll check with my doctor and see how she feels about the milk thistle, etc. Good input!

kate0b1 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 13, 2015, 05:16:07 pm »

Welcome grodeestok and best of luck, you should be ok with the travel, i weirdly have been away several times while on the meds (i really never go anywhere lol) but have been away twice so far and am leaving for florida on wed. (i could have NEVER done this when i was on triple therapy, i could barely walk the dog around the block).

kate

grodeestok · « **Reply #4 on:** February 13, 2015, 05:23:52 pm »

Thank you for the info Kate! Yeah the early treatments were never a viable option for me. So glad this finally came before the crap took too big of a toll on me. After reading other stories on here I realize how incredibly fortunate I am.

Lynn K · « **Reply #5 on:** February 13, 2015, 11:21:38 pm »

Hi and welcome to the group.

Different people have different experiences with side effects many have minimal sides just mild headaches. So just don't anticipate problems before they occur is my thought.

Good luck on treatment

grodeestok · « **Reply #6 on:** February 14, 2015, 12:40:49 am »

You are correct Lynn K. As I have no choice about traveling I'm just trying to err on the side of caution.

grodeestok · « **Reply #7 on:** February 17, 2015, 08:00:15 pm »

So because of the bad weather I didn't get home until today, Tues the 17th. Took my first dose at around noon and no discernable effects! Hope this continues. Take care all and success is ours!!!!!!

Bituman · « **Reply #8 on:** February 17, 2015, 09:18:33 pm »

[quote author=grodeestok link=topic=2193.msg14194#msg14194 date=1423866232
Yeah the early treatments were never a viable option for me. So glad this finally came before the crap took too big of a toll on me. After reading other stories on here I realize how incredibly fortunate I am.
[/quote]

You said it better than me. I feel so lucky and admire those that went thru the earlier, awful treatments...unsuccessful...several times! Tough, tough folks.

Have a feeling you are going to do great. I'm about a week and a half ahead of you and so far, nothing remarkable.

Like you I travel on business. I just got back from an overnighter. I'm curious about how you are planning to manage your pills on the road. At over $1000 each, I'm a little paranoid about losing even one. After way over thinking it, I finally stuck two pills in a small pill case and carried it in my pocket. I didn't even want to leave it in my hotel room! Any thoughts on managing pills on the road?

Bob

grodeestok · « **Reply #9 on:** February 17, 2015, 09:51:07 pm »

Hey Bob! I have so much respect for the people who have toughed it out with those earlier treatments and multiple times. I feel like a big baby worrying about the side effects of Harvoni. As far as carrying the drug on the road I plan on using the daily pill case that came with my package from BriovaRx, but only for the amount of days I'll be gone. I'll probably put that inside a gallon sized ziploc bag for extra insurance. Now that I've started I'm as concerned about missing a dose as losing a pill! And I'll certainly keep them with me. I've already set a daily alarm on my watch to remind me to take my meds the same time each day. Hope you continue to have a positive experience. I'll be keeping up with your posts and please let me know if you come up with any ideas on managing treatment while traveling! Take care and a giant victory to all on this journey!!!

Tiger · « **Reply #10 on:** February 18, 2015, 11:05:12 pm »

Hello, everybody,

I also want to throw in my utmost respect to those who have gone through the nightmares of the previous treatments - I have a friend who went as far as 4 and a half months on those weekly injections, lost all of his hair, including eyelashes and eyebrows, but wasn't able to finish the 6 months because of the allergy that basically rotted his skin - he was covered with blisters all over... and then couple of months later he discovered that the virus was back... it took him 2 + years to get some of his hair back (not all of it) and he is still infected to this present day... and not being from or at least in this great country he doesn't have access to these new treatments, at least yet and nobody knows when they will reach those second and third tier countries...

So I feel truly, truly, truly blessed to have started my Harvoni treatment 3 days ago!!! (My story if you're interested: http://forums.hepmag.com/index.php?topic=1806.msg14438#msg14438)

After reading some of the threads here I was also concerned about Harvoni side-effects, I want to thank you all for some great advice that was able to find here and also received personally from Lynn and Kate.

I want to share my experience so far - maybe it can be an encouragement to somebody starting out: it's my 4-day and my goodness, not only I have no side-effects whatsoever, but I haven't felt this well in a long time - I feel revitalized and haven't had this energy level for quite some years! Keeping fingers crossed that it continues so and hoping and praying that by the end of my 8 weeks it will be gone for good!!!

Best of luck to everybody and thank you all!

Momof3 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 18, 2015, 11:42:11 pm »

Today was day 8 for me and I have had literally no side effects. I had a bad headache day 3 and that is it! I have 3 small kids 6,2,8 months and I have been totally fine! No change to our routine. I am still out walking with the kids also taking oldest to and from school,gymnastics, swimming etc, we even had a double park day yesterday! I am super greatfull to treat now with new meds and applaude all that have done those horrible treatments previous. It almost makes me wonder if it is working. Shouldn't I be feeling worse? I woke up for the first time in my entire life feeling rested the other day! Good luck everyone on our treatment!

grodeestok · « **Reply #12 on:** February 19, 2015, 07:00:26 am »

Well day 2 came and went and fortunately nothing to report! Just like momof3 I'm wondering if this is actually working. Today I leave for business for 4 days. Just hoping this continues. Wishing you all a great day and continuing success! !!

Amj1951 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 19, 2015, 07:23:51 am »

Hi grodeestok - Welcome to the forums. If you fly in your travels make sure to drink extra water!! Its all in the water!! I don't know if anyone has said it yet but drink at least half your body weight in ounces. Ex. 100 pounds needs 50 ounces of water. Flying though I'd try and throw a extra bottle in. I have traveled a little and think others have too for trips (Fun) and I have had no issues except the worry over my pills. They are so expensive.... do we take them.. leave them behind.. put in safe. That is what I thought about : ) e have another fly fishing trip planned for next week and I'll be thinking about the pills again. : ) My 3rd and last bottle arrives tomorrow. (I am on the 12 week treatment and was undetected at 4 weeks.) Woo hoo!!!

I think most have the symptoms or minor ones like chills or more headaches, etc.. the first week ten for most it is easy. I have had no issues other than too much energy and I wasn't sleeping as long as normal but now its getting back to normal, so no complaints though to get rid of this nasty disease I think we can all do anything for the 8, 12 or 24 weeks required!!

I hope it goes easy for you : )
Meredith

grodeestok · « **Reply #14 on:** February 19, 2015, 09:45:17 am »

Thanks for the input Meredith. I had not heard that formula but will keep it in mind! I've always been a big water drinker so that's no problem. I have noticed feeling thirstier than normal . Congratulations on being 2/3rds done! Glad it's going so well for you.

grodeestok · « **Reply #15 on:** February 20, 2015, 06:51:34 pm »

Finished day 3 and 4 with no problems. I guess I'll just use this thread as my journal to report my labs and if any side effects begin. As long as I don't grow a toe out of my forehead this Harvoni seems like pretty amazing stuff!

Tiger · « **Reply #16 on:** February 20, 2015, 07:24:54 pm »

Grodeestok, so you and I started on the same day - Mon, Feb 16... and it seems that so far our experience is almost identical - sure hope it stays that way! Nothing negative to report whatsoever - on the contrary! This Harvoni sure seems like a true miracle drug to me - within an hour after I took my first pill I already felt different - I mean, better energy-wise, and it's been that way since! As yourself, after reading others' experiences I was concerned that I would a get a headache, or wouldn't be able to sleep or function, but so far I have no side-effect at all!
I only have 8 weeks to go and sure hope it does it - my doc is positive about it - she says I should be UD after the first week or 10 days... Knock on wood! I won't know it until EOT though - when I'll be doing the bloodwork, but I sure hope that's going to be the case and wish you all the same.

grodeestok · « **Reply #17 on:** February 20, 2015, 08:08:00 pm »

Hey Tiger! If you don't mind keep me posted if you experience anything. This will be interesting. ...at least for me. How come no labs until EOT?

Tiger · « **Reply #18 on:** February 20, 2015, 08:40:12 pm »

Will do

Re: no labs, I also was expecting that she would order 4 week tests, but when I got my meds and called the nurse who is the key person there, and she said no labs until EOT, she literally said: you will probably have no virus in a week or 10 days, but you come in 8 weeks and we'll see if it worked...

Now thinking about it, it started to make sense - the 4 week labs will only make a difference for me in a sense that if its UD I'd feel better and if it's still there I'd get scared - but I'll keep taking it in both cases, right? The bigger issue there is 8 weeks vs. 12 weeks, but the doc is really confident and given that few months ago she got my wife cured, I have every reason to trust her.

Besides, I've seen in many different studies and docs stating that if patients satisfy two preconditions: VL is <6 mil and no Cirrhosis, meaning f<4 they would only need 8 weeks and that they would be about 45% of all patients. I sure fall into both of these categories, so I just keep my fingers crossed!

grodeestok · « **Reply #19 on:** February 20, 2015, 09:52:33 pm »

Good point about 4 weeks vs 8 weeks /EOT. I suppose the lab numbers are more important for further study in the long run. EOT and follow up SVR are really the important ones.

That's so great your wife has been cured.

I'm in the same boat with you on preconditions for 8 week treatment but they put me on 12. Go figure.

Tiger · « **Reply #20 on:** February 20, 2015, 10:26:38 pm »

One other precondition that I forgot to mention is to be treatment-naive - but as I remember we have that in common too. There's one member who was on 8 weeks too and just took his/her 56-th and last pill today: http://forums.hepmag.com/index.php?topic=1806.msg14810#msg14810 - s/he was UD at 4 weeks... Hope and pray that s/he gets to SVR!

Re: my wife, surprisingly she had a different GT - go figure... Unlike me, she most definitely hasn't been involved in any experimentation last century and yet got it anyway - that's why I suspect dentist/beauty salon and things like that...

Anyway, Harvoni was not out yet and besides it's specifically approved for our GT (1) and she went through 12 weeks of more general Sovaldi/Ribo combination which worked!!!

grodeestok · « **Reply #21 on:** February 20, 2015, 11:11:22 pm »

I am treatment naive. One thing is I take BP meds but they do not interact with Harvoni according to Gilead.
It's so great to hear about people being cured. I remember going to the doctor after I first found out (1992) and being told there's nothing he could do.

Lynn K · « **Reply #22 on:** February 20, 2015, 11:30:16 pm »

Why did he say there was nothing he could do was it because of the BP meds not being okay with interferon?

Amj1951 · « **Reply #23 on:** February 20, 2015, 11:35:46 pm »

Quote from: grodeestok on February 20, 2015, 11:11:22 pm

I am treatment naive. One thing is I take BP meds but they do not interact with Harvoni according to Gilead.
It's so great to hear about people being cured. I remember going to the doctor after I first found out (1992) and being told there's nothing he could do.

Hi grodeestok and everyone, Being told that had to have been a scary feeling. I am sorry you went thru that.

My 3rd bottle came today. I felt like kissing the Fed Ex guy. I was so happy he probably thought I was getting a check : ) ha!

I hope you are all having a good Friday night. We went to dinner and then had a yummy Sprinkles cupcake. Has anyone else tried those? They are worth everyone ounce on the hips! I am just thankful its not down the street.

Time to walk the dog... call it a night.

Meredith

Tiger · « **Reply #24 on:** February 21, 2015, 01:34:03 am »

I am on BP meds too and was also briefly on cholesterol med but my liver panel shot up and was taken off in couple of months.

Yeah, I remember talking to the previous GI doc in 2009...
He told me, well... treatment... yeah... GT1 - it will be a year... 50% chance... but, you know, then given your your weight and build and VL of 4.5 mil, I'd give you 20%...

Thank you very much! By then I already had a friend who had GT2 (supposedly the easiest to get rid of with interferon) and lost all of his hair including eyebrows and eyelashes after just 2 months (8 injections) and then almost died of allergic reaction by month 4 and still didn't get rid of the virus... and 3 years later still didn't get all of his hair back...

There was only one piece of somewhat good news that the doc allowed - he said, in 2-3 years, supposedly, there will be something new coming out that will be added to this interferon treatment and is expected to increase your chances maybe to 70%...

Well, here we are 5 years later and my VL surprisingly is down below 0.5 mil (can it be Milk Thristle and the fact that I no longer drink at all and also work out regularly?) and there's this one pill @ $1200/day for 8-12 weeks which reportedly has 98% success rate specifically with GT1!... and I'm I'm still only at F2... knock on wood, keeping fingers crossed!!!
As Readynow said in the neighboring thread after his/her 56-th last pill:
God Help Us All!

Lynn K · « **Reply #25 on:** February 21, 2015, 07:05:55 am »

I was diagnosed with hep c in 1990 I did the old interferon mono therapy 3 shots a week for 6 months and also did a round of interferon and Ribavirin 6 months and interferon Ribavirin plus a clinical trial med.

Null responder to all. Meanwhile my biopsies went from F1 to F2, F3 and F4 cirrhosis in Jan 2008. I wanted to treat with interferon riba and telaprevir but they would not let me as the likelyhood of success was about 14% and a danger I could decompensate from treatment.

So there I was wth cirrhosis waiting for treatment and hoping my liver didn't go into failure from 2008 till 2014 when I was able to take Sovaldi Olysio for 12 weeks. I became undetectable at week 4 and was UND at EOT but when tested 12 weeks after finishing treatment the virus was back at where it left off at 2 million.

So now taking Harvoni for 24 weeks with Ribavirin added later in hopes the added riba could increase my chances a bit more.

Hoping for the best EOT May 4th test for SVR late July

grodeestok · « **Reply #26 on:** February 21, 2015, 09:58:15 am »

Lynn K. I think that was the doctor's response because the success with interferon is so low and they hadn't paired it with riboviran yet which was new . It was just the impetus I needed to seek out all the information I could on alternative treatments and on the disease and cutting edge research. It led me down a really wonderful path.

Tiger Are you still on BP meds and not on cholesterol stuff? My ast and alt were higher than I think they've ever been right before treatment . I've been on the BP stuff (lisinopril and clonidine) for 6 months. Wondering if they might be responsible.

Tiger

Tiger · « **Reply #27 on:** February 21, 2015, 11:48:28 am »

Lynn, my goodness, you've done it all! Hope and pray this miracle Harvoni does it for you finally!!! Admire your attitude and how you're give us all support! Thank you!

Grodeestok, yes, I'm on Hyzaar. I only took Lipitor for about 2 months. For many years my ALT was consistently at about 5-10 points above norm, with AST staying normal, but after 2 months of Lipitor both were double the norm, so I stopped that and then Harvoni came along in about a week. Will do he liver panel 4 weeks into Harvoni - was scheduled before I started it so that would give some insight and then will do everything at EOT...

Keanu2015 · « **Reply #28 on:** February 21, 2015, 03:28:29 pm »

Quote from: Lynn K on February 21, 2015, 07:05:55 am

I was diagnosed with hep c in 1990 I did the old interferon mono therapy 3 shots a week for 6 months and also did a round of interferon and Ribavirin 6 months and interferon Ribavirin plus a clinical trial med.

Null responder to all. Meanwhile my biopsies went from F1 to F2, F3 and F4 cirrhosis in Jan 2008. I wanted to treat with interferon riba and telaprevir but they would not let me as the likelyhood of success was about 14% and a danger I could decompensate from treatment.

So there I was wth cirrhosis waiting for treatment and hoping my liver didn't go into failure from 2008 till 2014 when I was able to take Sovaldi Olysio for 12 weeks. I became undetectable at week 4 and was UND at EOT but when tested 12 weeks after finishing treatment the virus was back at where it left off at 2 million.

So now taking Harvoni for 24 weeks with Ribavirin added later in hopes the added riba could increase my chances a bit more.

Hoping for the best EOT May 4th test for SVR late July

Hi Lynn,

I was wondering.. Do you think that herbal shake supplements aimed at liver health such as UltraNourish from Natural Wellness are safe to take during Harvoni treatment? I've read a bunch of your posts, respect your opinion and hope and pray that you get well for good this time. I am also F-4 cirrhosis 0.90, A3 severe activity. I started Harvoni yesterday.

Lynn K · « **Reply #29 on:** February 21, 2015, 07:46:51 pm »

For my honest opinion I really find no value in any herbal supplement at any time but I know others feel differently.

That being said in the clinical trials I doubt they checked every possibility of any med or supplement we might consider taking.

So my personal thought is to not mess around and take anything while on Harvoni give the milk thistle and the liver shake a break while treating and to definatly check with your doctor about anything you are considering taking.

After SVR you can take your herbal stuff if you think you need to to try to help your liver.

Wishing everyone SVR soon

Lynn

Keanu2015 · « **Reply #30 on:** February 21, 2015, 08:40:50 pm »

Hi Lynn,
I had come to this same conclusion with the help of others here today. I appreciate your help!...

Hope everyone beats this nasty virus..

Thank you

Tiger · « **Reply #31 on:** February 23, 2015, 07:29:28 pm »

Grodeestok,
This is the first day of our week 2 - how are things with you?
I'm afraid to say that so far I've been doing great - definitely feel better and nothing negative to report at all! Knock on wood and keeping fingers crossed!

grodeestok · « **Reply #32 on:** February 23, 2015, 07:34:15 pm »

Hey Tiger, Same here nothing negative to report. Feeling great. Was a little dizzy on day 5 but I don't think it was the Harvoni. I went a long time without eating. I took the meds on an empty stomach yesterday and didn't have time to eat till an hour later and no problems. I sure hope this stuff is working!

Keanu2015 · « **Reply #33 on:** February 23, 2015, 08:13:23 pm »

Hi guys,

I'm on day 4. Although I was able to have a good 30 minute cardio session. I have had the two main symptoms, headache and sleepiness, tugging at me all day. Not an easy day at all. Taking everything I have to take care of my sons and keep this ship afloat. Hope everyone is well. Looking forward to better pain free days!

Tiger · « **Reply #34 on:** February 23, 2015, 08:47:37 pm »

Hi Keanu2015,
I've been doing 40 min of cardio every other day and also sauna/steam after that. I thing to emphasize, especially if you have headache - drink a lot of water! My pharmacists told me that is mot necessary and is more important for those who are also taking Riba, but everybody here on this forum emphasizes that drinking water is important and really helps, so do that and especially of you doing cardio and therefore sweating, even more important to keep yourself hydrated!
Best of luck to all of us!

Keanu2015 · « **Reply #35 on:** February 23, 2015, 09:47:09 pm »

Hi Tiger,

I've been going 30 every other day as well. I think the steam/sauna is a great idea too. More ways for the body to clear the dead virus and cells. Yup I've been pouring distilled water down my throat like it's going out of style! thx. One great thing I have noticed is that my side sticker pain upper right side is subsiding daily. I'm praying it will leave me for good. I'm so tired of living like this. Hope we can all be free in 2015!

grodeestok · « **Reply #36 on:** February 25, 2015, 08:14:26 pm »

Hang in there keanu2015. You can do this. Tiger how's it going?

Tiger · « **Reply #37 on:** February 26, 2015, 12:08:14 am »

Going great, thanks, grodeestok! I can't think of anything that would be even remotely unpleasant. So much so that knowing what a potent drug this is and that's it's almost freaking $1200 a pill, at times a doubt may sneak into my brain whether it is actually doing anything at all... but then I realize that l am actually feeling better already... So it's all good! Knock, knock, knock on wood and cross the fingers and all that!... How about you guys - hope you're so too!
Keanu2015, any updates?

kate0b1 · « **Reply #38 on:** February 26, 2015, 06:29:43 am »

@grodeestok, update on traveling with/on meds. I just got back monday from a 5 day trip. I put my meds (5 days worth) in a small bag and carried them with me in my purse (well i don't know if you carry a purse or not). i did not want to put them in my suitcase because i checked it. I felt well for most of the journey, it was warm so i was able to drink my billion gallons of water daily lol. i did get cranky a little easier but that may have been my kids

. anyway the point is you will do fine being out and about.

kate

grodeestok · « **Reply #39 on:** February 26, 2015, 08:37:49 am »

Tiger everything is good here. I understand the doubt. Hard to believe something so great is so easy. What's the catch?
Kate glad your trip went well. I've been traveling every week and no problem at all. I don't carry a purse but I do carry a back pack so I keep them in there in a weekly dispenser inside a heavy plastic zip lock bag to protect from an accidental water bottle leak.
Keanu you Ok?

Keanu2015 · « **Reply #40 on:** February 26, 2015, 09:49:22 am »

Good morning friends!

One week in! I didn't get much sleep last night but not because of the drug. My 10 year old has this phobia about being last one to sleep so I have to stay up longer every night. Last night I was exhausted so I snuck into bed around an hour after him and he caught me ugh. I just couldnt do it all over so I fought him on it. I ended up getting much less again. I get more pain if I dont sleep but even that is getting less. Hanging in there, thx for all your thoughts and encouragement! you guys are aces! Grodestock and Tiger sounds like you guys are on a magic carpet ride! lol Thats fantastic! Kate sounds like you're doing very well also! Keep sucking down that agua! lol I just had 48 oz before and after my cardio! I feel great about this too.. I really do. The gift of a lifetime. Hope everyone is feeling fab today!

Momof3 · « **Reply #41 on:** February 26, 2015, 11:56:33 am »

Today is day 16 and I have been feeling great! No sides really but I have been going to bed a bit earlier but I think that's just my kids draining me lol. Last night my baby was up three times and then my 2 year old climbed into bed And my oldest who is almost 6. Hubby works nights so I was too tired to fight with them! Lol this better not become routine! It is deffinetly not happening again tonight! I got my first labs back no viral load though, that will be done at my 4 week labs. ALT down from 35-13 AST from 28-17 platelets up from 198-218 so things are looking good. Daily routine hasn't changed and am feeling great!! Hope everyone has a good day!

Tiger · « **Reply #42 on:** February 26, 2015, 12:03:21 pm »

That is fantastic - UD in 2 weeks - Heartiest congratulations!!!
That's inspiring to all of us, really!!! Way to go!
I won't be doing VL till EOT, but will have ALT/AST/etc. results some time midway and will report. Best of luck to all of us!

Keanu2015 · « **Reply #43 on:** February 26, 2015, 01:20:48 pm »

Hi folks,

Tiger you misunderstood her! lol She meant she didn't have a VL tested, just Alt/Ast!

Hi Momof3, Great stats! and I can totally relate to the kids thing! lol Hang in there!

Tiger · « **Reply #44 on:** February 26, 2015, 01:37:32 pm »

Oops, sorry for the confusion!
Well, I believe that's what is called wishful thinking!...

Well, may it turn into a prophesy!

Tiger · « **Reply #45 on:** March 09, 2015, 12:47:02 pm »

Hello, everybody

Hope you all are doing great!
It's the first day of week 4, so just a brief note to say that nothing new to report - no complications, side effects or other complaints and all seems to be going smoothly so far, knock on wood, etc.
Hope the same holds true to all of you out there and soon enough we'll be free of that damn thing.

Tiger · « **Reply #46 on:** March 16, 2015, 05:31:15 pm »

Hi there,

A quick update on day 1 of week 5:

1. Started the second bottle this morning:

2. In terms of SE or any unusual sensations - no complaints or even observations whatsoever, everything going smoothly! Like I haven't been taking anything...

3. Had my liver panel done this morning (ordered by my PCP for a different reason - no VL for now - that will be done @ EOT) and results are already in:
Great news - all normal!

My ALT hasn't been normal for many years now - was always at least 10-20 above norm and was double the norm last time it was checked, but it's back to normal now, so Harvoni must be doing its magic! (knock on wood and fingers crossed).

Here are the details in case you're wondering:
Dec 09, 2014: AST-33, ALT-65 - Start Lipitor
Feb 03, 2015: AST-49, ALT-100 - Stop Lipitor
Feb 16, 2015 - Start Harvoni
Mar 16, 2015: AST-21, ALT-26

Best of luck to everybody!

grodeestok · « **Reply #47 on:** March 19, 2015, 12:49:30 pm »

Hey Tiger, that's great news. I did have a few headaches during week 2 but nothing since. Went for viral load and liver panel yesterday. I'll shout back when I get results.

grodeestok · « **Reply #48 on:** March 20, 2015, 05:58:50 pm »

Just got the call from the doctor's office after 4 week labs. Undetected and liver enzymes normal. Seems too good to be true but I'll take it!

Tiger · « **Reply #49 on:** March 20, 2015, 06:20:36 pm »

Fantastic! Congrats! I hope my VL is also there or rather not there

and theoretically we should already be free of this damn thing - keeping fingers crossed, knocking on wood and all that, but, well, another 3 weeks of dropping those golden, no - diamond pills and then another 12 weeks of the wait... As stupid as it may sound, I'm gonna get drunk in July (just once), provided all goes as we hope it will...

Hang in there co-warrior and comrade in arms!

We're getting there - God willing!

grodeestok · « **Reply #50 on:** March 20, 2015, 06:35:19 pm »

Thanks Tiger. I'm sure you're undetected too! I still have 8 weeks of tx to go but I'd have to agree this calls for a celebration. Just gonna postpone it for a few months.

Tiger · « **Reply #51 on:** April 16, 2015, 04:50:53 pm »

Well, here's an update:

I finished my 8 week treatment on Sunday.
Had gained about 8 pounds in the last three weeks - eating sweets like crazy: muffins, donuts, chocolate, ice-cream, etc...

Went for EOT appointment and bloodwork today - the results should come back next week - will keep you posted, hopefully will be joining the ever-growing "waiting" group for 12 weeks with EOT UND and then hopefully also ever-growing group of "had had"s with SVR12 - wishing all to join that group soon!

grodeestok · « **Reply #52 on:** April 16, 2015, 10:29:36 pm »

Looking forward to hearing your results! And I'm sure they're going to be great!

MEG · « **Reply #53 on:** April 17, 2015, 04:29:00 pm »

Congratulations Tiger!!!

Wow...there's a whole group of us finishing or close to finishing tx right now. My last dose in on Sunday......wooooooo!

Here's to us all celebrating CURE!

BTW, My appetite has gone nuts this past week especially---but I was steadily gaining weight throughout therapy. I thought that it was because of my inactivity(too fatigued) but I think that it may be combination because I drastically cut out carbs, if I'd eaten any less, it would have been dangerous.....I did indulge on Easter ;-) What's another 1-2 pounds. I'm toward the end and I'll have to diet/exercise anyway.

Actually, been afraid of going on the scale in weeks---but I've felt it in my clothing with each passing week....I hope it slides off as easily as it creeped on!

Tiger · « **Reply #54 on:** April 21, 2015, 08:33:57 pm »

He-he-hei!!!

Just went to the online portal of my doc/hospital and they just posted the results -
HCV RNA Not Detected!!! - Yahoooo!!!

Prior to that:
Jan 2010 VL - 2.7 mil
Jan 2015 VL - 0.5 mil

AST - 23 (Prior: mid-treatment: 21, Before treatment: 49, one before that: 33)
ALT - 35 (Prior: mid-treatment: 26, Before treatment: 100, one before that: 65)

So, now I officially transfer to the waiting team - till mid-July.

Thank you all for being absolutely fantastic - and wholeheartedly wishing everybody still not done to follow me to the waiting team and then in 3 month on to join all the others already on the SVR team!!!

Tiger · « **Reply #55 on:** July 07, 2015, 09:21:00 pm »

Hello, everybody!

Very happy to report that another HepC case bites the dust:
12 weeks post TX to the day - HCV RNA Not Dectected!!! AST - 27, ALT - 33
So I am officially graduating from the "waiting group" to SVR12 group - Yahooo!!!

Very, very happy and wish you all the same ASAP!

Thank you all for being absolutely fantastic and best of luck to everybody still battling this damn thing - you'll get there!

Viva Harvoni!!!

Yours truly,

Tiger

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