Author Topic: started vp &riba 8 a.m this morning (Read 72698 times)

Philadelphia · « **Reply #100 on:** September 03, 2016, 07:41:14 pm »

It's Time - I was always within an hour or so of talking the meds and I cleared just fine. I also dropped to 400mg of riba after three weeks and stayed on that dosage for the remaining 21 weeks.

LightBeingAtLast · « **Reply #101 on:** September 05, 2016, 05:52:37 pm »

Thanks! Time...isn't most of life about timing!

its time · « **Reply #102 on:** September 12, 2016, 09:23:41 pm »

picked up 2 month lab work
says hbg 11.9 which is teetering on low end normal ... id say its drop since blookwork done on 9/3 ..I feel a big difference ..even more tired now... still out of breath easily which I hope that will change after treatment done...
I want to ask dr after treatment if they can do a full chk up ...heart kidneys etc...think that's crazy?? also started today a pain .. left side but close to upper center... hope that made sense..
hope everyone is doing best they can....

1 day at a time 1 day closer to EOT ( 18 to go )

flutterby, pete and hummingbird57 we are just about there... hope to hear from ya's

its time · « **Reply #103 on:** September 17, 2016, 12:03:50 pm »

13 days to go.... can't come soon enough....

the nausea is really kicking in ....happens more thru out the day now where it was just later in the evening... was trying not to take anything but going to call the 1800 nurse/pharmacy and see what I can and if there any special instructions on when etc...

1 day at a time 1 day closer to EOT...

Philadelphia · « **Reply #104 on:** September 17, 2016, 06:30:24 pm »

I found the last two weeks the worst. More because I was so close to finishing and yet still had two weeks left ...
Hang in there. You are nearly done.

crabby old guy · « **Reply #105 on:** September 17, 2016, 10:06:49 pm »

EOT was 9-1, went for blood work on 9-2 and then got a voicemail a week later that was all broken up and could only make out that they forgot to run 1 test, DUH- the most important one! Left a mess with the nurse and never got a return call. Gotta say the depression is no better, I know there was some before starting and having to put 1 of my cats to sleep in June and my other 2 weeks ago doesn't help, the way I see it is I will not go through treatment again so I'm just going to wait for12 weeks call the doc and get the blood work done and get meds for the depression if it's not better.

Hang in there everyone!

Philadelphia · « **Reply #106 on:** September 18, 2016, 06:40:00 am »

Your EOT blood test tells you nothing of any importance in regards to SVR. Just wait for the 12 week one.

I get the sadness of losing a pet - our old dog is 17 and I dread the day we have to make that decision. I know it's coming, but it's not here yet.

In terms of depression - why not see a dr now about it? you might feel better.

Lynn K · « **Reply #107 on:** September 18, 2016, 11:22:28 am »

Hi it's time

I started treatment for 24 weeks of Harvoni alone. Had a discussion with my doctor about adding ribavirin due to my cirrhosis and prior treatment history. She agreed so at 9 weeks in I started taking 1200 mg ribavirin. At my weight I was just over the 1000 mg / 1200 mg decision line. I had also developed anemia the 2 prior times I had treated with ribavirin.

Anyway after 6 weeks of ribavirin my hemoglobin (HGB) fell below 10 so my doctor dose reduced to 100mg at that point. Had I not become anemic I am sure I would have stayed on the 1200 mg.

I took ribavirin 1200 mg for 6 weeks and 1000 mg for 9 weeks after for a total treatment 24 weeks of Harvoni 6 weeks of ribavirin 1200 mg then 9 weeks of 1000mg ribavirin (15 weeks total of ribavirin)

But there are many people who do not develop serious anemia and have taken the full 1200 mg dose for 12 weeks and even longer. For those that did the old interferon treatments they had a shot a week of interferon and 1200 mg ribavirin daily treatment duration of 6 months

lporterrn · « **Reply #108 on:** September 18, 2016, 11:48:43 am »

It's a good day to start treatment! I had a similar reaction, but it got better on day 2.
Wishing you a safe, successful journey.

Lynn K · « **Reply #109 on:** September 18, 2016, 12:14:43 pm »

Oh hey crabby sorry I missed when you said you had lost your little kitty friends

Sending you a hug

lporterrn · « **Reply #110 on:** September 18, 2016, 12:35:57 pm »

Ooops! I thought I was replying to LightBeing...didn't see page 2. Crabby - my reply wasn't to your message. You hang in there too!

AussieRosa · « **Reply #111 on:** September 19, 2016, 12:17:54 pm »

Quote from: crabby old guy on September 17, 2016, 10:06:49 pm

EOT was 9-1, went for blood work on 9-2 and then got a voicemail a week later that was all broken up and could only make out that they forgot to run 1 test, DUH- the most important one! Left a mess with the nurse and never got a return call. Gotta say the depression is no better, I know there was some before starting and having to put 1 of my cats to sleep in June and my other 2 weeks ago doesn't help, the way I see it is I will not go through treatment again so I'm just going to wait for12 weeks call the doc and get the blood work done and get meds for the depression if it's not better.

Hang in there everyone!

Hi Crabby.
Glad to hear you made it through treatment. I've got 2 kitties, so understand how attached we get to them. They're both getting along in years now and the thought of losing them is just too much to bear. That and depression to boot is a tough combination. Getting some antidepressants soon might provide a lot of relief. Wishing you all the best with everything.

its time · « **Reply #112 on:** September 24, 2016, 08:38:13 am »

crabby old guy please go see the dr. about depression... you shouldn't have to suffer with it... have two cats myself understand completely how you feel... they are family

I can't believe I'm at this point.... including today I have 7 more days to go... three months have gone by so fast... can say that now... I'm glad I did this and hope and pray that the end of December.(will be 12 weeks after treatment) I will have great news and then actually feel FREE, nervous at same time because what if I'm that one that it fails I'm sure everyones fear. however positive thinking does wonders for the mind and body. also hope all the sides have lessen if not gone away... I'm still going to ask about getting a full work up heart lungs etc...
to anyone that browses ... thinking about treatment everyone is afraid of the unknown... how will the sides affect me etc... you don't know and you can start upping your water before treatment and keep going thru out and after that can help if you do have sides theres something to do to try and help with it... and this site... all the people the support to help get u thru it... very thankful for them... 1 day at a time 1 day closer to EOT

its time · « **Reply #113 on:** September 24, 2016, 01:25:01 pm »

continued:

of course under your dr's care they instruct what to and how to handle

Tlk60 · « **Reply #114 on:** September 30, 2016, 12:44:05 pm »

Hello all...I am new to this site...got dx in late July of type 1a...first gastro appointment was Aug. 23...had ultrasounds and MRI and returned to doctor on Sept. 23...was prescribed VP and Riba...I have BC/BS of Florida insurance and am in the waiting stage for approval/denial for meds. THe office visit claim and blood work claims for that date have been processed and paid by insurance but the pharmacy claim for the meds is not showing up on my insurance website yet. Can anyone fill me in on this process and how long it will take before I can get started kicking this virus' butt?

Lynn K · « **Reply #115 on:** September 30, 2016, 04:11:19 pm »

Hi Tlk60 and welcome

As I recall it took about 2 weeks to get my initial denial then another week or so for my appeal. Do you have to use express scripts? They have a contact number that was how I got help to get approved. I was required to receive my meds from them they sent them Fed Ex or UPS had to get one month at a time and could not order until I had less than 1 weeks on hand nerve-racking to say the least.

But from what I understand approval is more likely now than it was 2 years ago.

Good luck

its time · « **Reply #116 on:** September 30, 2016, 09:02:04 pm »

july 9th I sat at my kitchen table and starred at the 6 pills that I was going to start taking for the next 12 weeks in the a.m bunch of thoughts ran thru my head and knowing that once I started there was no turning back... I finally did take them...and instantly wondered what i was in for and was I really ready... and here I am 12 weeks later and about an hour ago just took my LAST batch of meds... once again starred at them but this time thought about that first day and all the days up to today.... said a prayer of thanks.... and took the last 4... go for my 12 week bloodwork tomorrow morning.... now I am very happy that bloodwork prior shows undetected and pray for that again tomorrow however the waiting for the true test in another 12 weeks ( end of December ) ohhh boy.... hope and pray will start off 2017 undetected... and then will actually feel like I am free... weight lifted... cause I still do feel a heaviness carried... thank you to those who took the time to talk with me thru this... will keep posting 1 day at a time ...

its time · « **Reply #117 on:** September 30, 2016, 09:16:55 pm »

TIK60 WELCOME!!!
it took about a month for it all to get squared away... my dr put in for harvoni.. I laugh cause I hear him in my head saying ohh its no big deal.. just 1 pill a day etc... well it was denied which I didn't know till I got letter in mail and then stating they would cover the vpak and riba... which I then rec'd phone call from express scripts waiting for confirmation to send 1st shipment... they were good.. they would call to sched again by mid 3rd week and I would have within 2 days.. went back to dr and said so much for the 1 pill a day ... now 10 pills a day either way... very thankful for them... have now completed my 12 weeks as of tonight...
keep us posted how things are going and when you start... good luck

Tlk60 · « **Reply #118 on:** October 01, 2016, 02:23:50 pm »

Thanks so much...so I hope I only have 2 more weeks before I can start treatment...just like everyone else...I have a lot to live for and four precious small grandchildren that I must watch grow up! I just need to learn patience.

I walk 4 miles a day trying to get myself healthy for treatment and pray side effects aren't too bad.

its time · « **Reply #119 on:** October 01, 2016, 08:26:00 pm »

TIK60
that's great that your already active... keep that going...but also if you get tired listen to your body.... I was told when I first started by others water, water water... it helped I feel too...if you look on the first page there is a couple spots where water was talked about... i'd give dr call..and ask thou of rec amount he suggest for you..

have to say it felt weird not taking meds today after 12 weeks... i'll adjust real quick thou lol
lots of prayers that end of dec I will b blessed with "cured" ... so mentally nerve racking .. what if... ugggg but still staying positive... goes a long way ...

Tlk60 · « **Reply #120 on:** October 04, 2016, 06:41:12 am »

Well got up at 4:30 am to take my morning 3 mile walk and noticed mail on the counter. Opened it to find that my insurance had sent my request for V Pak and Riba to Prime Therapeutics to provide "pharmacy drug benefit management services." After reading page upon page of gibberish I find that I have been denied Riba and the reason section was blank....on to the next letter....same as above but for V Pak...denial reason...."You have not been prescribed Harvoni...you do not have an FDA labeled contraindication to this drug, you do not have severe renal impairment or end stage renal disease" The explanation of me not having a contraindication for the drug states that I do not have a health condition or risk factor that may cause harm if I take the drug?

Soooo needless to say I continued on with my walk and only got 1 mile in before I fell apart and came back home. I am so frustrated!!! So I am not sick enough? I have to wait until my kidneys and liver are damaged beyond repair? How in the world is this okay for someone to work really hard, pay into insurance only to be denied life saving therapy? I really need some encouragement right now and some direction on which way to go.

Philadelphia · « **Reply #121 on:** October 04, 2016, 08:40:11 am »

Tlk I'm not from the US so not overly familiar with your insurance companies but it appears that sometimes you have to appeal their decisions. Those that do seem to get their drugs - it just takes a little longer. I believe there are patient advocates that can help the process along and I'm sure someone will chip in with lots more info for you.

Keep your chin up, you'll get there.

its time · « **Reply #122 on:** October 04, 2016, 08:55:13 am »

TIK60
I'm sorry to hear such a hard time ....beyond frustrating..
have to get in touch with your dr I know mine before process started had said it will most likely b rejected and then he would have to write an appeal in regards and how patient needed this treatment...
and if its past that ask your dr whats the next step...
good luck TIK60 it will all work out...

Tlk60 · « **Reply #123 on:** October 04, 2016, 09:59:01 am »

Thanks guys. I have pealed myself from the ceiling...hahahaha...now I am mad! I have a call into my doctor's office and am trying to be patient and wait to see what they have to say. (whether they file an appeal or if I need to) It has already been almost 3 months from the time of diagnosis to this first denial from insurance. I have had numerous blood tests and ultrasounds. I was reading that my insurance settled a class action law suit earlier this year for denying patients exactly like they did me. I guess that law suit didn't do much good. Now I just have to try to manage the stress because that isn't good for my health either. I will keep you all posted.

Tlk60 · « **Reply #124 on:** October 04, 2016, 10:01:41 am »

It's Time...I am so happy for you that you finished your treatment!!!! I will of course pray that you get the much wanted "Cured" in December!

Lynn K · « **Reply #125 on:** October 04, 2016, 02:20:45 pm »

Hi Tlk

Looking at what you wrote "denial reason...."You have not been prescribed Harvoni" and not seeing your entire letter is it possible you insurance prefers you be prescribed Harvoni and not Viekira Pak with ribavirin?

If this is the case the solution maybe to have your doctor prescribe Harvoni for you instead.

Is there a reason your doctor wanted to prescribe Viekira instead of Harvoni for you? There is probably a phone number you can call for information on the letter but if your pharmacy benefit manager is anything like mine express scripts bring patience to the call and expect to be routed to different people (some who can't pronounce the drug names) but eventually you might be able to get an answer of what they do want you to do to get treated.

Best of luck to you

Lynn K · « **Reply #126 on:** October 04, 2016, 02:29:18 pm »

"The explanation of me not having a contraindication for the drug states that I do not have a health condition or risk factor that may cause harm if I take the drug?

"

I believe that is correct that you could only be prescribed Vikira Pak instead of Harvoni if you have a contraindication against Harvoni and that if Harvoni is not contraindicated that is their preferred drug at least that is what I am reading from what you posted from the letter you received.

Personally I would prefer to take Harvoni if that is the situation here. One pill a day for 12 weeks and no ribavirin just as effective and no risk of ribavirin side effects

Tlk60 · « **Reply #127 on:** October 04, 2016, 08:26:33 pm »

Thanks Lynn K...spoke to my dr office today and they said the reason the prescribed V Pak and ribo is that it was in my ins formulary. Apparently my version of BCBS is different and Harvoni is the preferred drug. seems as if it was a misunderstanding of my coverage by my doctor. Ugh... they have now submitted a request for Harvoni....so waiting again to see if that will be approved.

Tlk60 · « **Reply #128 on:** October 04, 2016, 08:36:09 pm »

Also Lynn K I believe I am relieved that I may be able to take 1 pill a day and no ribavirin because from what I have read...it comes with pretty severe side effects.

Lynn K · « **Reply #129 on:** October 04, 2016, 10:13:58 pm »

Well some people have more trouble with ribavirin then others do. I took ribavirin for 15 weeks. I did become anemic while in treatment and that is a very common side effect but it doesn't affect everyone. Some people have an easy time with ribavirin but it is great to be able to avoid it if you can.

its time · « **Reply #130 on:** October 05, 2016, 11:38:28 pm »

tik60 glad to hear that its figured out

u should be on your way to starting in no time..
the riba as lynn k stated everyone is different as some people have reaction to the harvoni too as I have read... less likely but have read some... and if don't have to take riba that's great....
I just rec'd my EOT bloodwork and did not become anemic which really shocked me ... I thought for sure was happening as each time my bloodwork was done my hemoglob. would keep dropping BUT news today it actually went up

I'm happy with that and still UNDETECTED .... although again don't feel that weight lifted yet ..staying positive thou... not that I am rushing to December but I kinda am lol praying for that CURED..
the worst for me on vp & riba i'd have to say was the heart racing / pulse felt like going to pop out of skin... but that wasn't for the whole treatment although when happening felt like and eternity.... and I have the riba couph which dr on Monday gave me antibiotics says bronchial... going back tomorrow for re check
Keep us posted tik60 one day at a time... drink water and stay positive especially if you feel things are hard that day... does the body wonders

Tlk60 · « **Reply #131 on:** October 06, 2016, 04:08:01 pm »

Another frustrating day...got a call from a doctor's office to schedule a liver biopsy...

....I had spoken to my doctor and we had decided IF my insurance company required a biopsy I would prefer to have the fibroscan...so image my surprise when I got a call from a doctor I did not know telling me my doctor had referred me for a biopsy?

I went ahead and let her schedule it for next week on the off chance that my insurance insisted on it. I called my doctor's office and was told "We didn't order that." Well who did?? I didn't.

Of course my doctor was out of the office so the lady on the phone said she would send my doc a message and see what she wanted to do. As far as I know, my insurance has not requested anything..the specialty pharmacy has denied coverage for VPak and Ribo because I haven't tried Harvoni yet so a new order for Harvoni was submitted on Tuesday? I am just left shaking my head. Enough already...please just let me start my treatment! I know others have waited longer than 3 months to get started but I am beginning to wonder if I am ever going to get going with treatment!

its time · « **Reply #132 on:** October 08, 2016, 09:47:05 am »

posted 12 wk EOT bloodwork.....question reg ast & alt does that usually fluctuate??? meaning even within range anytime you go for bloodwork will it always b different or should it b the same... since treatment it had gone down but this last one went up a couple.... should I start to worry?

went to dr mon for sinus and cough (riba couph) gave 5 day antibiotic says sounds bronchial...went back on wed head feeling better but not the cough .. gave me cough med now and said sounds like bronchitis ughhh its Saturday I finished the 5 day pak but still feel off in my chest

Lynn K · « **Reply #133 on:** October 08, 2016, 11:50:18 am »

ALT and AST vary all the time. Normal range is normal range no worries.

its time · « **Reply #134 on:** October 08, 2016, 12:11:53 pm »

Lynn K THAAAAAANK U

its time · « **Reply #135 on:** October 15, 2016, 09:23:20 am »

ok another question.... after treatment finished.... is it 12 weeks or 44 weeks or even a year from treatment that you are able to say cured (praying every day that that will be the news)

its time · « **Reply #136 on:** October 15, 2016, 09:33:34 am »

not going to lie .. although keeping a positive vibes...it is nerve wracking that there is that possibility of falling into that 3% that doesn't

I still have that weight hanging on me...

Lynn K · « **Reply #137 on:** October 15, 2016, 12:30:25 pm »

The old standard with interferon based treatment was 6 months post to say cured. But with these new medicines the odds of cure at 12 weeks post not detected (SVR12) is 99.8% which many doctors are now calling cured. Some doctors are more conservative and prefer to wait until 24 weeks post to say cured.

I tested at 44 weeks at my annual regular blood testing just for addituonal peace of mind especially because of my prior treatment history and having cirrhosis. Really that test was not needed I just wanted to be sure.

I totally understand your concern been there myself. I think your odds are better than 97% but anyway anything but 100% and we all are afraid we will be on the wrong side of the numbers. All we can do is wait and hope for the best but really the odds are very much in your favor

Good luck!

FutureThinker · « **Reply #138 on:** October 15, 2016, 12:41:14 pm »

Hi Its time -- The term "cured" is given when your VL is still undetected at 12 weeks after your last pill. There is a tiny chance, and I stress TINY, that one can relapse, I believe it's < 1%, up to what appears to be 24 weeks. However, I want to stress it is a very small chance!!

The thing is, there isn't anything you can do to change this --- it's whether you carry a variant or not. You have no control over it and it's either there or not. I, too, have given lots of thought to all of this and my advise is not to worry about it and get on with your new life! Lynn K has a great saying that may help:

"Don't borrow worry and disappointment from a tomorrow that may never come"

So have a great day!! FT

its time · « **Reply #139 on:** October 24, 2016, 12:24:52 am »

love that quote!!!
thank you for that....

have a couple more questions... hopefully not answering the one myself...
cooking with alcohol... ok

not oK??? it evaporates...

the other ... I know there isn't a def time but about how long till meds are out of your system???

Lynn K · « **Reply #140 on:** October 24, 2016, 12:33:35 am »

Cooking with alcohol removes the alcohol content if not all is cooked off and you can taste the alcohol this should be avoided if you have F3 fibrosis or F4 cirrhosis.

As a general rule the majority of any medication will clear the system in 5 to 6 half-lives. For Harvoni, with a half-life of approximately 48 hours, that means 10-14 days or so. At 14 days < 1% of a medication with a half-life of 48 hours will remain. Understand this is not an exact science.

At 48 hours/2 days after stopping Harvoni, 50% remains, at 4 days, the second half-life, half of 50% or 25% remains, 6 days 12.5%, 8 days 6.25%, 10 days half of 6.25% and so on. Every 48 hours half of the remaining medication is cleared/eliminated.

its time · « **Reply #141 on:** October 24, 2016, 06:00:53 am »

Lynn K
Do you think vp & riba are about the same time frame???

thank you for such a quick response...

another I think about.... my husband ... he gets tested (been together almost 10 years ) ... but what are the chances he could b infected and come out later in years and if I'm cleared (God willing that I can be blessed with that news end of December) then I could b at risk again too ...would b like a ping pong going back n forth???

Lynn K · « **Reply #142 on:** October 24, 2016, 02:03:34 pm »

Found this from the FDA

ribavirin has a multiple dose half-life of 12 days, and it may persist in non- plasma compartments for as long as 6 months.

The reason they are commenting about persisting in non plasma components is because of the high risk of birth defects to babies born to mothers who are taking ribavirin that they want women who took ribavirin to wait at least 6 months post treatment to become pregnant. But otherwise the half life in blood is 12 days.
I know for me my red blood cell count had returned to normal 10 days after I stopped taking ribavirin.

I didn't research Viekira Pak but expect it would be similar.
Hep c is not considered by the CDC to be a sexually transmitted illness. While there is a somewhat higher risk for those who have multiple partners, engage in rough sex practices or in the presence of HIV the CDC does not suggest the use of protection in long term monogamous couples. There are many here who can attest to the fact that while they have hep c their significant other does not.

I totally understand your concern but you will both be fine he hasn't gotten hep c previously he won't now

Good luck

its time · « **Reply #143 on:** November 11, 2016, 10:50:19 pm »

lynn thank you for all your information....very helpful...

went to my primary dr last week ... he did ekg and heart sounds good... does want me back in 3 months may still do a stress test etc...
still have couph but is not like it was than goodness...have lots of energy best part...
hope everyone is doing best they can....
will be back soon

its time · « **Reply #144 on:** November 27, 2016, 12:49:12 am »

well the riba cough is officially gone... thank goodness... can breath with no shortness... just over all feel a lot better... and still on count down till I go back for the 12 week bloodwork... end of December...
hope everyone is doing best can be...

its time · « **Reply #145 on:** December 12, 2016, 10:26:12 pm »

on count down .... 12 days till I go for 12 week bloodwork....nervous as anything!! but it is what its going to be.. and just praying for a good outcome...
feeling pretty good... happy to say...
hope everyone is doing best they can...

its time · « **Reply #146 on:** December 12, 2016, 10:40:09 pm »

was just thinking...all this time I never knew what stage I was / am....
looong ago had a liver biopsy done came back mild years after that had another came back inconclusive because they didn't get enough tissue but what they did say of what they did get was mild?? which that still didn't make sense not enough but could say mild.....
question then ... before I go for bloodwork should I b asking my dr for script to see what ..where I am???

Pete · « **Reply #147 on:** December 13, 2016, 02:01:24 am »

Hello again It's Time - I forgot that you would be closing in on 12 week SVR about the time I would be ending treatment.

About your question regards to your fibrosis staging. I think everyone should have a definitive score in that regard. Actually, I'm surprised you weren't required to have your liver checked for fibrosis staging prior to treatment. Perhaps speak to your Dr about something less invasion than a biopsy, like a fibroscan or fibrosure testing. No need to rush to have it done at this point. Try to relax for now, your almost to the finish line. Ask your doc to set something up a little ways down the road so you'll have a baseline to work with going forward. Everyone is praying for your SVR 12!

My best,
pete

its time · « **Reply #148 on:** December 22, 2016, 11:35:07 pm »

pete how have you been doing / feeling

you must be finished with treatment any day now???
thank you so much for the prayers.... been doing a lot of that myself.. I go Saturday morning at 7 am for bloodwork... will keep posting.... when I talk to doc about results I will ask him about the fibroscan....
thank you
one day at a time ....

Pete · « **Reply #149 on:** December 24, 2016, 12:20:52 am »

Hello there Time, I am now finished and waiting to see how things work out. I'm doing reasonably well, thanks for asking. You seem in pretty upbeat. I recall you had a rather significant drop in your hmg early on. Happy to hear all that worked itself out.

All my best and keep us posted,

Pete

its time · « **Reply #150 on:** December 29, 2016, 11:58:40 pm »

pete
when do you go for your bloodwork???

I do have a question for anyone that may know.... I just noticed tonight that the top of one foot is bruised and the top of the other foot in a section has some discolor?

anything possible??? I know I did not bang the tops of both my feet ... and the day before twice in the morning once before I even got outta bed was just turning and the room was not stable and then happen again when I finally did get out of the bed...didn't get up to fast ...that was my first thought... of course anything that goes on I'm going to think its all tied into the meds... the after affects...
I did go for my 12 week bloodwork Saturday wasn't to be sent out till tues ... now just counting the days till my phone rings with the results..... I pray lots every day..

Lynn K · « **Reply #151 on:** December 30, 2016, 12:07:04 am »

Just thinking it looks like you are a little anemic from the ribavirin.

Web md says
Symptoms common to many types of anemia include the following:

Easy fatigue and loss of energy
Unusually rapid heart beat, particularly with exercise
Shortness of breath and headache, particularly with exercise
Difficulty concentrating
Dizziness
Pale skin
Leg cramps
Insomnia

Also mentioned bruisingas a possible symptom but you should ask your doctor about this.

its time · « **Reply #152 on:** December 30, 2016, 12:45:13 am »

lynn k I def. will touch base with my dr....thank you for the information...
I'm curious thou... right before I finished treatment my hemoglobin was at 12 it actually went up slight .... and have been feeling pretty good.
but again I will def talk to my dr tomorrow...

Lynn K · « **Reply #153 on:** December 30, 2016, 12:50:01 am »

Ok didn't realize you were almost 12 weeks post.

Do you know your pre treatment HGB? I got down to below 10 (9. 8 ) and had to dose reduce from 1200 to 1000mg and then stabilized at 10.1 for the rest of my treatment. But my HGB returned to almost pre treatment levels within 10 days EOT

its time · « **Reply #154 on:** January 01, 2017, 03:58:27 pm »

hi lynn
when I started treatment my hgb was 15.4 ...when I finished it was 12 and I guess that's why I was never reduced from 1200 ... although going thru treatment I did feel the drop .. I was tired ... but September 30 was my last day of treatment and since had been feeling pretty good...

I will be talking with my primary this week and I know I will hear from my g.i by end of week with my 12 week post treatment results...
I did get some results back and did see that my ALT & AST are within normal range but I also know that doesn't mean anything... counting down the days ....

its time · « **Reply #155 on:** January 03, 2017, 10:38:17 pm »

have a question in addition to the prior post...

I see that some people get 6 month post bloodwork and some 3 months ... does it matter

if all is ok at 3 months is there possibility that at 6 months a change??

Lynn K · « **Reply #156 on:** January 03, 2017, 10:57:01 pm »

I have seen odds of cure at 12 weeks post is 99.8% I personally haven't heard of any relapse after 12 week SVR.

I asked to be tested at 6 months and again at 1 year but I was a 3 time null responder to interferon based treatment and relapsed after 12 weeks of sovaldi and olysio so really just wanted to test for my own peace of mind. At 18 months post treatment last September I only had my normal blood testing done no viral load. ALT and AST were still in normal range. Just had my blood testing today in preperation for my annual liver specialist visit. I will be 2 years post EOT in May.

To answer your question most doctors consider 12 weeks SVR enough to say cured but under the old interferon treatment days people had to wait for 24 weeks to say cured. Some doctors are just hanging onto the old interferon day standard of cured.

its time · « **Reply #157 on:** January 05, 2017, 06:28:57 pm »

result is in ..12 week post treatment..... I AM FREEEEEEEE !!!!!
when I was on hold it was a crazy feeling knowing I was going to hear my results at any second.... when the receptionist told me was negative ... I didn't get it lol I said nothing ...she then said no trace of hep c and told me to go out to eat w my hubby and daughter and celebrate n if she could come too... (she has been amazing thru all this with me.. the receptionist ) .... I just couldn't believe what I was hearing.... IT'S DONE... GONE . THE MEDS WORKED ..THANK GOD TO THE HANDS THAT CREATED THEM.. it doesn't feel real yet. for me when I have to fill out paperwork asking if any trouble with and check which apply I will have a big smile...
I will ask to b tested again at 24 weeks also mental thing...

THANK U ...everyone on this board.... couldn't of done it without you...even thou I could talk to my husband he really didn't get it...
running out to eat ...will be back

I pray for all to have the same ....

andrew j · « **Reply #158 on:** January 05, 2017, 08:33:37 pm »

Fantastic news, Its Time!
Congrats!

I can really feel how happy you are - like I was!

Best wishes,

A.

Lynn K · « **Reply #159 on:** January 06, 2017, 02:10:43 am »

All right it's time great news. Enjoy your dinner, Happy New Year and Happy New life!

Clare2222 · « **Reply #160 on:** January 07, 2017, 03:29:31 pm »

Hello all, I'm new here. I don't live in the USA but there are no forums like this where I live and I don't know anyone on treatment so hope its ok to get involved here. I've found it a great help reading your posts while on treatment myself. I've got about ten days to go on vp & riba.

andrew j · « **Reply #161 on:** January 08, 2017, 01:15:33 am »

Hi Clare ... and Welcome!

... Of course it's OK to get involved here!

Pete · « **Reply #162 on:** January 08, 2017, 01:59:27 am »

Hello there it's time.. I just read you 12 week results. Good for you! Surely a Happy New Year for you and your family.

Best,
Pete

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