Genotype 2- Just started Sovaldi and Ribasphere

[CarolE]

Hi folks,

I am happy to find this forum. This is my whole story, not really an issues thread.
I wasn't quite sure how to post here.

I found out I had Hep C in a routine test and was surprised, but I read somewhere that 10% of people don't how they got it....or something like that. It was 8 years ago approximately. I am almost 65.

My friends with Hep C ALL told me not to get the cure, and they all had tried it. My doctors really wanted me to hurry up and do it. They were pressuring me, I thought. I had no symptoms and my levels were all good. Then I switched doctors because my insurance switched and he told me I should wait and that a better cure was down the pike. That's what I wanted to hear.  I was so happy to find him. He is still my doctor.

Then I wanted to get the cure, and when the facility got the right price (free for me) I started. Also before Medicare because there might be a big co-payment for me.

I started yesterday and was very nervous about side effects, but it was fine yesterday...and today.

I may have had a bit of shortness of breath, or maybe I was just nervous. I am pretty sure I felt a bit speedy, but that was kind of welcome. I feel tiny bit jittery but not in a bad way. But by night I was tired and slept normally.

It was funny for me to decide if I felt short tempered. I am usually over controlled, so even that could be welcome.

I hoped I would feel less hungry, but I even think I felt a bit more hungry. I hope not. No nausea at all.

Maybe these symptoms don't just start with the first pill anyway. 

I am eager to read about how it is for others who just start off with this particular combination.

Thanks,

Carol

[KimInTheForest]

Welcome to the forums, Carol. And congrats on beginning treatment! I am sure it will go well for you. You are doing 12 weeks of Sovalid+riba, I assume? Just remember to drink plenty of water. Helps with most side effects, if you start to experience any.

I did 12 weeks of Harvoni+ribavirin, so I am familiar with the ribavirin part of your treatment. It's different for everyone, of course. But I found treatment pretty easy. I had some side effects, but they were all quite manageable, temporary, and and well worth it to rid myself of Hep C.

all the best to you!
kim

[Endless Summer]

Hi Carol,

I have GT2 as well and have been on the same TX for 11 weeks -- I'm on my last week of Sovaldi and Rib.  Let me give you some encouragement -- I have had no discernable side effects and quite frankly feel better than ever.  My blood test at 4 weeks showed that Hep C was undetected.

I think my appetite grew as well.

Stay positive! 

[CarolE]

Thank you both above for your answers!  I am glad to hear again about the water. I did start drinking a lot and I am a bit thirsty, so that helps.

How much water do you drink? A Half gallon? More?

[KimInTheForest]

Thank you both above for your answers!  I am glad to hear again about the water. I did start drinking a lot and I am a bit thirsty, so that helps.

How much water do you drink? A Half gallon? More?

I was drinking about half a gallon of water a day - maybe a little less. But I drink other fluids too.. tea, juice. That all counts. Some people drink much more than that on treatment. But I worry about washing away potassium and magnesium from too much water-drinking, since you pee those out.

kim

[Cal]

Welcome Carol,

Just to reiterate to drink water and more than normal, as ribas dry you out. However be sensible. You can wash out electrolytes with too much weeing and losing potassium or sodium can be dangerous in itself. Just have a bottle with you and remember to sip. Your lips and skin might dry out too, so use a soap free wash like Aveeno and moisturise your whole body daily.

Congrats on getting on tx, you'll be fine. We're here to support you on your exciting journey. Cal

[BillT]

Welcome Carol.You're going to do just fine.I just started a few days ago and the people here are full of...um...support.Yeah that's the word I was looking for. I think your friends may have been talking about the interferon treatment.That was very ugly but this one is a breeze compared to that.Stay with it and GL.