Just took my first dose of Solvadi and Ribi

[dragonslayerinprogress]

Well today was my first day. I have panic disorder (not too bad within the last few years) but I feel them hitting again.
I have to say I'm a bit anxious now and scared.
Can I get feedback on meds from anyone doing this treatment of Sovaldi and Ribi. I'm just trying to get through the first hour knowing that I'm not going to have an allergic reaction to the drug. Side effects, we will deal with. Not sure when they start, praying I don't have any, and all will be good!
Thanks

[KimInTheForest]

Hi dragonslayerinprogress. I think you'll do fine on your sovaldi/riba treatment. How long is your treatment? 12 weeks or 24? I Did 12 weeks of Harvoni/riba last year. The riba side effects for me were all manageable and tolerable (although they don't exactly make life fun). Hemolytic anemia was the main thing for me. My hemoglobin fell below normal quite early because I started treatment at bottom end of normal, and it kept falling through my 12 weeks of tx. It's just one of those things that you get through, knowing it will end when the drugs end.

I also had a persistent dry cough from the ribavirin, and the famous/infamous riba rage issues.

Just focus on what you're gaining - a life without Hep C. That will help pull you through any side effects you may experience.

And drink plenty of water each day. That will help lessen side effects.

Good luck!
kim

[AussieRosa]

Hi, DragonSlayerInProgress. I had my first day of treatment yesterday, and like you I suffer from panic disorder. I got a very faint rash and had visions of allergic reaction racing through my mind. Posting and reading here calmed me a lot. All I can say is try to remember to fall back on what works for you when you get overwhelmed with anxiety. I use mindfulness, breathing techniques and meds when nothing else helps. There's loads of great meditations on youtube too. Just search on relaxation or meditation and you'll have hundreds to pick from. They really work too!

Good luck with your treatment. And keep posting and letting us know how it's going. 

[dragonslayerinprogress]

Thanks everyone. I have been itching for almost 2 years so the rash won't be any different for me now lol. So far, all good. Just a headache that comes and goes but been drinking lots of water. Not sure how many times I'll be up tonight. I read the thread where you got the rash really quick. Can I ask what med you take for anxiety? Haven't taken a pill yet today but probably should tonight or I won't sleep. I have xanax and normally take .50mg
Other than that, feeling good and ready to slay this dragon!!!!  My hemoglobin when I started was 13 or so, so hopefully, they won't go farther than 8. My platelets however were 47,000. They were 76,000 in April and that was when Dr. said I had cirrhosis. Never had a fibroscan like an idiot. I trusted the fibrosure. I was an F-2 in 2013 but I have had more than enough stress with family in those years so maybe stress added to it.

I'll have to find my bloodwork and update my signature line.

[Laura]

DragonSlayer,
I am in week 5 of 12 of Sovaldi and Ribavirin. The only way I am getting through it is to be very focused on the goal. The day before I started treatment, I read through the package inserts and almost gave myself a stroke. I was scared to start the treatment. The thing to remember is that no one gets all the side effects. Get into a routine, and be as proactive as possible. After my shower, I apply lotion to most of body, or at least the areas that I know tend to be itchy. i didn't have full blown nausea but a queasiness, and ate a lot of crackers and soup, which the queasiness from getting worse. Drink a lot of water. The first 2 weeks weren't too bad, felt like I had the flu. Week 3 the hemolytic anemia kicked in, and weeks 3-4 were very, very hard. My doctor reduced the Ribavirin, and this week I am feeling better. The queasiness went away with the dose reduction. The important thing is to acknowledge your fears and release them, practice mindfulness, pray, whatever works for you. But be in touch with your body, and ask for help and/or call your doctor's office if things seem too far out of whack. I put off calling my doctor for a couple of days because I wasn't sure how bad was too bad -- trust yourself!

I hope this helps. Please keep us updated on how you are doing.

[AussieRosa]

..... Can I ask what med you take for anxiety? Haven't taken a pill yet today but probably should tonight or I won't sleep. I have xanax and normally take .50mg ......

I take Clonazepam. Not sure what the brand name is in the USA. It's Rivotril here in Australia. I used to take Xanax, and prefer it, but the government recently placed it on permit only prescription and most doctors are extremely reluctant to go to those lengths to prescribe a med. Especially when there are alternatives more easily prescribed. As long as it works, I'm not complaining. I use it for anxiety and insomnia.

Hope you managed to sleep well.

[dragonslayerinprogress]

Done with day two. Felt pretty good today. No headache but just some dizziness that comes and goes. My blood pressure since starting has dropped 20 pts. I find that odd. I normally run low but the past few years of stress has put them around 123/ 80 and such. Last night I was 107/71 and tonight 105/67 so I am not sure what's  causing that but feel at peace. Pains in my joints disappeared today and I actually felt kind of normal. Praying that maybe, I'll  get through this better than I thought only to kick myself for not starting it in 2014 when I was still at a f-2. They h insight is 20/20 so st least I am doing it now while in early stages of cirrhosis.

Any notice swelling in feet or eyes and face? That has been happening for several months upon waking. Not sure if it's protein being low or a deficiancy, or just plain old hcv. Weakness and muscle cramps in feet, calves, hands, and fingers have really set my mind to get this done. 4A might be the cause as well as ribro. I know they all go hand in hand. Ready for day three. Night everyone and God Bless
Irene

[dragonslayerinprogress]

Well, today is day 10. Day 8-9 was okay but by evening, low grade fever, chills, and body totally hurting. It felt like I was run over by a truck. I think I finally fell asleep at almost 6 am this morning. Ready now to take a nap. The first two days I felt really good "arthritis" speaking but now, not so much. I also noticed I hadn't drank as much water for the past 2 days so wondering if that affects it. Today, staying home and drinking lots of water. It's a good thing to be able to work from home but haven't worked that much this week. It was nice to fire up the torch today. Going to try again tonight just to keep my thoughts focused.

How's everyone else doing?

[chuck3a]

Hi Dragonslayer
on the swelling, I have the same problem with my feet, the last 2 weeks my right one the swelling just would not go down, I tried a tens unit (electro-stimulation) on my right calf and thigh, before I went to sleep and it worked wonders, the next morning it was back to normal. the leg cramps are still there but not as bad, and the swelling went down in my right foot. did not have the problem with the swelling going down on my left foot. you might give that a try

[dragonslayerinprogress]

Thanks. I have a tens unit but when applied to calves my toes instantly cramp. In my 3rd week now...2 days through. Swelling is not in feet or calves but around ankle bone. Wondering if he pc made arthritis worse?

[dan98584]

end of week 3 for me mostly nausea and some insomnia so far. 21 weeks to go.. we can make it