Author Topic: To scared to take Eclupsa (Read 31384 times)

Becca333 · « **on:** May 29, 2019, 06:38:46 pm »

Hi guys I am new to this forum. I just found out I was hep c positive at the end of January. I am genotype 3. I got approved for Eclupsa and picked up my 1st month supply a week and a half ago. My issue is I am to scared to take it. I suffer from health anxiety and take medication for it. Any words of encouragement would be appreciated. My plan is to start tomorrow no matter what. Thank you for listening. I know I am very blessed to get approved for medicine.

lporterrn · « **Reply #1 on:** May 29, 2019, 08:28:57 pm »

Brave of you to admit this! Health anxiety is tough. It also isn't rational, so encouragement might not help. However, if you feel logic would help, let me know - you have far more to be anxious about when not doing treatment then doing it. I'm happy to share why, but I want to respect your brave confession.

Becca333 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 29, 2019, 09:00:10 pm »

Thank you immensely for replying. I know in the long run it would be beneficial to start treatment, I just need to get over the initial anxiety from side effects. My plan is to start tomorrow no matter what. My hubby is home tomorrow and can help with kids. You are 100% correct on health anxiety not being rational. Thank you again for taking time to respond.

Lynn K · « **Reply #3 on:** May 30, 2019, 02:08:44 am »

Not sure it will help you but at least from the people here who were taking Epclusa I don’t recall anyone reporting having any issues with side effects. As best as I recall everyone reported having a very easy time with their treatment that shortly after starting they began to feel better as the virus levels in their body was reduced.

Best wishes to you for an easy treatment experience.

Sage · « **Reply #4 on:** May 30, 2019, 11:13:06 am »

Welcome Becca
I am new here too. If everything goes as planned I will have Mavyret today and I plan on starting it tomorrow. We can do this. I tend to hide my feelings even from myself at times so I have no idea what will happen when it’s time to make that first move. Luck be with you

lporterrn · « **Reply #5 on:** May 30, 2019, 01:05:20 pm »

Treatment buddies. I love it!

Sage · « **Reply #6 on:** May 31, 2019, 02:00:26 pm »

Took my Mavyret 2 hr ago and I’m doing good. On hyper alert for side effects and can’t wait to calm down and get over the anxiety.

wavector · « **Reply #7 on:** May 31, 2019, 08:50:30 pm »

I have an untreated anxiety disorder and have no side effects with Epclusa (had a viral load of 2 million HCV 2b pre-treatment). I'm on my last bottle with about 16 days left of treatment, again with no side effects. At this point, I have zero viral load present as of my last lab at 6 weeks into treatment.

I would check with your healthcare provider, Gastroenterologist or Gilead concerning drug interactions.

lporterrn · « **Reply #8 on:** June 01, 2019, 07:05:05 pm »

This is exactly why I am a fan of this Forum. Thank you Wavector - .nothing like direct experience to ease the journey!

LindaBalz · « **Reply #9 on:** June 02, 2019, 08:54:49 am »

got a friend on Epclusa no discernable side effex!
Even is you do get a few, they are not everlasting, most likely.
once u stop the meds they go away....even tho I was on Mavyret, any annoyances did.

You CAN so

Linda

Sage · « **Reply #10 on:** June 02, 2019, 02:29:25 pm »

Hi Becca
I Hope you were able to start your Epclusa. I am on day 3 of Mavyret and no side effects so far for me. We are all here rooting for you

Becca333 · « **Reply #11 on:** June 06, 2019, 02:58:29 pm »

I finally started today. Anxiety is a bitch. I took first pill about 30 mins ago. Wishing for the best. Will keep you updated. Looking forward to being virus free

Becca333 · « **Reply #12 on:** June 06, 2019, 04:38:00 pm »

I took it over 2 hrs ago and the most symptoms I have so far are from my anxiety. I think day 1 is going to be the hardest because you don't know what to expect.

wavector · « **Reply #13 on:** June 06, 2019, 05:19:08 pm »

Becca,

You'll be just fine. Just try to relax and drink plenty of water. We're here if you need us.

Becca333 · « **Reply #14 on:** June 06, 2019, 05:30:50 pm »

You guys have no idea how much I appreciate all of you. No major issues so far. Playing and dancing with my little ones to stop thinking about it. I am grateful for being approved for medication right away. Wish I didn't wait so long to start it. Here's to a virus free future for all of us.

Sage · « **Reply #15 on:** June 07, 2019, 02:12:37 am »

Oh Becca, I’m so glad you worked through your anxiety

LindaBalz · « **Reply #16 on:** June 07, 2019, 08:10:29 am »

Becca,

Is it one pill per day? with Mavyret it was 3 at one time per day, not always easy on the stomach!

Linda

Becca333 · « **Reply #17 on:** June 11, 2019, 01:12:46 pm »

Yes it is one pill a day. Day 3-5 were very rough. Today I am taking my 6th pill. Feeling more human like today. Was bed ridden on day 4 and day 5 was massive headache. Hoping that was the worse. Now I am worried that it won't cure me.

KimInTheForest · « **Reply #18 on:** June 11, 2019, 07:58:29 pm »

Quote from: Becca333 on June 11, 2019, 01:12:46 pm

Yes it is one pill a day. Day 3-5 were very rough. Today I am taking my 6th pill. Feeling more human like today. Was bed ridden on day 4 and day 5 was massive headache. Hoping that was the worse. Now I am worried that it won't cure me.

It will cure you (almost certainly - more than 99% likelihood). Many of us found that drinking a LOT of water would help prevent headaches and even make them go away if we had one while on treatment.

good luck to you!
kim

Becca333 · « **Reply #19 on:** June 11, 2019, 08:06:50 pm »

Thank you I hope it does. I am genotype 3 and I keep hearing that it is the hardest to treat. When I first got diagnosed at the end of January my viral load was 200,000. Then my last one a couple months ago was over 3 million. My liver imaging said normal in size and no evidence of fatty liver. My fibro test was 0.24 F0-F1. And my Acti Test was 0.53 A2.

KimInTheForest · « **Reply #20 on:** June 11, 2019, 08:11:05 pm »

I was genotype 3 too and was cured with Harvoni + ribavirin, because Epculsa wasn't available at that time (2015). Epclusa is curing genotype 3 along with all the others. I think it was the first pangenotypic drug (cures all genotypes of Hep C without addition of anything else).

kim

Lynn K · « **Reply #21 on:** June 12, 2019, 05:31:27 am »

Genotype 1a was originally the hardest to treat back in the old interferon days. I was genotype 1a treated three times with interferon based treatments and had no response. When the new DAA’s first came on the scene I treated and failed with Sovaldi and Olysio being a prior null responder with F4 cirrhosis made my odds somewhat lower. I retreated with Harvoni and ribavirin for 24 weeks and was cured. My pre treatment viral load was 2.4 million. If these new meds can cure someone like me have faith you will be cured too.

Best of luck!

Becca333 · « **Reply #22 on:** June 13, 2019, 12:34:28 pm »

I made it through my 1st week of treatment. Today I take my 8th pill. The last couple of days have been good. Hoping for an easy 12wks with undetected results. Thank you everyone for responding and helping me through this.

KimInTheForest · « **Reply #23 on:** June 13, 2019, 12:48:16 pm »

Good going, Becca!

shouldhave18 · « **Reply #24 on:** June 13, 2019, 10:40:50 pm »

I was diagnosed in August of 2018, Genotype 3. I finished treatment in December. Had blood test end of March and I successfully cleared the virus. Did my best to drink a gallon of water a day. Had minimal side effects. Don't skip any doses! Experienced a little fatigue toward end of treatment. 6 months out from treatment and I have days where I feel better than I have in years. So thankful for Epclusa. Just take it one day at a time and before you know it, you will be SVR too. You got this.

Becca333 · « **Reply #25 on:** June 18, 2019, 05:58:09 pm »

I usually take my medicine at 2:30-2:35pm every day. Today I lost track of time and took it at 3:30 which will be my new time. That isn't going to mess anything up right? I also been getting pain in my liver area. I hope that means something good. In 1 day I'll be 2 weeks in.

Becca333 · « **Reply #26 on:** June 18, 2019, 05:59:40 pm »

I usually take my medicine at 2:30-2:35pm every day. Today I lost track of time and took it at 3:30 which will be my new time. That isn't going to mess anything up right? I also been getting pain in my liver area. I hope that means something good. In 1 day I'll be 2 weeks in.

lporterrn · « **Reply #27 on:** June 18, 2019, 08:33:00 pm »

won't mess up anything - you can even go back to your old time if you feel that was more convenient.

Sage · « **Reply #28 on:** June 19, 2019, 01:02:11 pm »

Becca I’m glad your side effects improved. I can hardly wait to hear you say the virus is undetected.

Becca333 · « **Reply #29 on:** June 19, 2019, 02:27:30 pm »

My 4 week appt is on the 1st. Fingers crossed.

Becca333 · « **Reply #30 on:** June 27, 2019, 05:24:52 pm »

Today makes 3 weeks. I took my 22nd pill today. Monday the 1st I meet with my GI Dr for 4 week check up. I noticed I am bruising easier and I still get headaches off and on but nothing unmanageable. I am starting to get more energy. Praying for good results.

LindaBalz · « **Reply #31 on:** June 28, 2019, 09:16:45 am »

3 weeks in! how great is that? you can do this. the side effects don't sound too bad. they will go away at the end and you will be cured!

Linda

andrew j · « **Reply #32 on:** June 29, 2019, 06:46:19 pm »

Yes.

Re: the pains in your liver area - I used to get those ... for years I got them, and maybe more during Tx.
They started disappearing at about 1 yr. post-Tx.

Water should moderate [what should be only mild and transient] headaches.

As Linda says - you seem to be doing fine!

Sage · « **Reply #33 on:** July 01, 2019, 12:04:24 pm »

Got results from my blood test. Went from 3,260,000 to undetected. Happy dance! Becca, wishing you great results too.

Becca333 · « **Reply #34 on:** July 01, 2019, 02:32:34 pm »

Congrats!! My 1st set of bloodwork got ordered today. I am going to go tomorrow morning and get It done. I am so nervous it isn't going to come out good or it is messing up my body. Like you my last viral load was just over 3 million up from 200,000. Praying for undetected results. We got this. We are going to defeat this dragon

Becca333 · « **Reply #35 on:** July 03, 2019, 08:22:04 pm »

I just finished my first bottle. Tomorrow makes 4 weeks. Waiting on blood test results to say undetected. I had to go to hospital cause anxiety sometimes gets the best of me yesterday and they did a bunch of bloodwork and my liver enzymes were normal. Hoping that is good sign.

Lynn K · « **Reply #36 on:** July 03, 2019, 09:35:57 pm »

Yes normal liver enzymes are a great sign good luck

LindaBalz · « **Reply #37 on:** July 04, 2019, 12:31:51 pm »

Hey Becca

a friend I convinced to get treated got Epclusa and he just found out yesterday after the 12 week treatment he is UNDETECTED, after having Hep C since 1993!

you are next!

Becca333 · « **Reply #38 on:** July 08, 2019, 10:31:25 am »

I got my 4 week blood test results. Everything is in normal range and I am UNDETECTED! I am so happy and relieved

lporterrn · « **Reply #39 on:** July 08, 2019, 12:41:17 pm »

Yahoo!!!!

LindaBalz · « **Reply #40 on:** July 10, 2019, 06:24:52 pm »

Ditto to that Yahoo to you Becca!!!!

Linda

Ps soon you will be posting on "after Hep C treatment" forum!
And still cured!

Becca333 · « **Reply #41 on:** July 13, 2019, 05:43:06 pm »

I can't believe on Thursday will be 6 weeks. I am almost halfway through treatment. Hoping for good results for everyone. I can't believe I was so so scared to start it. The side effects are so minimal it almost seems to good to be true.

KimInTheForest · « **Reply #42 on:** July 14, 2019, 10:34:33 am »

Quote from: Becca333 on July 08, 2019, 10:31:25 am

I got my 4 week blood test results. Everything is in normal range and I am UNDETECTED! I am so happy and relieved

Congrats Becca! And congrats Sage too! You both saw those magic words - undetected - on your lab results. Good luck with rest of your treatment.

kim

Becca333 · « **Reply #43 on:** July 27, 2019, 05:25:26 pm »

Four more pills till I am on my last bottle. Hoping for a quick month. I was reading about people experiencing withdrawal symptoms after finishing epclusa.

KimInTheForest · « **Reply #44 on:** July 27, 2019, 05:33:11 pm »

Quote from: Becca333 on July 27, 2019, 05:25:26 pm

Four more pills till I am on my last bottle. Hoping for a quick month. I was reading about people experiencing withdrawal symptoms after finishing epclusa.

That's great that you're 2/3 through Becca! Good work!

LindaBalz · « **Reply #45 on:** July 28, 2019, 08:53:09 am »

Quote from: Becca333 on July 27, 2019, 05:25:26 pm

. I was reading about people experiencing withdrawal symptoms after finishing epclusa.

Well just had a friend finish epclusa recently he had NO withdrawel symptoms and is now cured. Try not to over think, (I am like that too) you WILL be fine.

Linda

Becca333 · « **Reply #46 on:** August 03, 2019, 06:23:46 pm »

I started my last bottle on Thursday. Praying for good SVR results. I remember in the beginning I was to scared to start them and held on to them for 3wks

KimInTheForest · « **Reply #47 on:** August 03, 2019, 06:26:55 pm »

Quote from: Becca333 on August 03, 2019, 06:23:46 pm

I started my last bottle on Thursday. Praying for good SVR results. I remember in the beginning I was to scared to start them and held on to them for 3wks

Way to go, Becca! It will be done before you know it.

kim

Lynn K · « **Reply #48 on:** August 03, 2019, 08:41:03 pm »

The odds of success are very much in your favor you’ve got this!

Becca333 · « **Reply #49 on:** August 22, 2019, 06:38:32 pm »

I started my last week of treatment today. Hoping everyone is doing good. Can't believe I am almost done already. Side effects were tolerable. Hoping I have no post treatment issues. I really need to stay off google

LindaBalz · « **Reply #50 on:** August 25, 2019, 09:09:08 am »

I have issues but I have no idea what they are from. Prob old age.. Boy its been like yesterday since we saw your first post....I am sure you will be great and cleared for good! Get/keep/healthy habist (ie exercise. eating better but don't go crazy etc) and yes we ALLLLL need to do less google!

Linda

Becca333 · « **Reply #51 on:** August 27, 2019, 07:46:06 pm »

Tomorrow I take my last pill of Epclusa. I go back to my specialist October 7th. Hoping I stay virus free.

Becca333 · « **Reply #52 on:** August 28, 2019, 10:13:39 pm »

I took my last pill today. I finished my hep c treatment. Hopefully I stay undetected. Thank you everyone for the support. I will be in post hepatitis c treatment forum

Lynn K · « **Reply #53 on:** August 29, 2019, 12:12:51 am »

Congrats on finishing treatment your odds are extremely good for remaining virus free and being able to call yourself cured!

LindaBalz · « **Reply #54 on:** September 01, 2019, 08:59:07 am »

When do u get your next bloodwork? Going for a fibroscan?

Becca333 · « **Reply #55 on:** September 01, 2019, 09:41:25 am »

I go see my specialist on October 7th. My initial fibroscan was f0-f1 no fibrosis. I did score an A2 significant activity.My stomach looks like I am a couple months pregnant cause it is extended. I'm hoping my digestive tract is just getting back to normal after DAA.

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Author Topic: To scared to take Eclupsa (Read 31384 times)