Hi Tig, good to see you! I'm doing well, keeping busy with a fitness business we started up, to fill the void left by the local town's only gym closing(pre-quarantine). I lead Taichi practice as one of the classes, my Yoga teacher-friends/business partners offer Yoga and senior fitness classes that we live stream to Facebook and Youtube.

I always enjoy stopping by to see friendly and familiar faces. 

Hello Tim! How goes it? Long time, no see, Brother! I hope all is going well for you

Judy S wrote:

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Hi Iris!!

How funny, I swear that last night, I made a mental not to post today!! I got my 3 month post labs back and No Virus Detected!! Thank you so much for remembering! Wishing you well, Always!!

Hugs,

Judy

 

-- Edited by Judy S on Sunday 24th of May 2020 12:18:19 AM

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 Hi Judy,  Long time no see!     I'm glad you finally got a tx that would get you into the SVR club!

This is great! You worked hard. I'm so pleased it all worked out. 

As I recall, you were working a lot more than most people. How is that these days? I hope you caHow are you feeling?

What a weird time, beating one virus, and trying to stay clear of another.

All the best you.

congrats judy, good to hear you are doing well and felling good

Yes Iris, I feel the exact, same way!!  It's good to have health back; I need it!! I work weekdays in Code Enforcement at the city, from 9 to 5.  I run home to change into casual clothes, then out the door in 5 minutes to switch cars and work our delivery biz with my husband, until about 11pm or midnight. Weekends, we work deliveries 14 hours a day/night, so I just get a moment to pop online here and there while navigating at same time. Still working 7 days a week, lol!!  Very thankful that tx has come such a long way!! I'll jump on when I can and lend support, as well.  Enjoy the rest of the long weekend!

Hugs!!

WOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! Hip Hip Huzzah! Best news ever, right?       

I've insisted on doing an annual blood work, they are ok with that. After having it so long it's still that kind of, Is it too good to be true? scenario in my mind. Hey don't be a stranger, we could use all the support we can give to newbies.

Many blessing of better health! Iris

Very, very happy to be in the SVR club!! Thank you guys!!!

Stay safe and well, everyone!

Judy

Congratulations, Judy!!! Great BIG WOOT for you!

SVR, continues to be the Golden Ticket for all Hep C Warriors. Welcome to the Club

yay

Hi Iris!!

How funny, I swear that last night, I made a mental not to post today!! I got my 3 month post labs back and No Virus Detected!! Thank you so much for remembering! Wishing you well, Always!!

Hugs,

Judy

Hey lady!!! What's going on in your world?, shouldn't you be having a test at 3 months post Tx??? That would have been around the beginning of May right? Has the Coronavirus interfered with you getting your blood work?

You've been on my mind, hope all is well.

BB, Iris

LA traffic is horrible, no doubt. It's why I work nights. We live in Palmdale, which is 60 miles from LA. We're always driving opposite  traffic, thank goodness!

lol, hour commute in L.A.??? that's about 17 miles It's why I don't go over the "hill" anymore...the 405 is friggin famous! one will go 4 or 5 mph and it may take 4 or 5 hours to get there!!

Observer, thank you! Yes, doing treatment again reminded me just how very important drinking water, is. I'm pretty sure it will help to clear the Epclusa from my system and my liver can do it's job better and better. I've got a 1 hour commute each way for work, so include that in my hours. A day off is wonderful!

Hi Iris, it was Cheddy who used to have gastro issues but they are gone after treatment and cure. As for me, I've been taking Prilosec for years after my dr diagnosed me with GERD. I didn't take a single Prilosec during treatment for fear of interaction, and I did get heartburn on some days. I'm now back on Prilosec, but after some time, will stop taking it again, to see if there is improvement. 

Hugs,

Judy

Hey Judy! Excellent news for you, Congratulations!!!

are you saying the heartburn is gone now? Wish that had been the case for me, I had often wondered if the horrible acid reflux was hep C related, I had been on Prilosec in the early 1990's or late 1980's before it was over the counter, then I heard about some horrible problems it was causing so I stopped taking it. Seemed wheat products made it Much, much worse, so I cut all wheat out of my diet and that worked for awhile, but it seems to have returned in the last few months or so, I've been munching Tumms like crazy, but then that can't be good either. It's not every day, so I know it depends on what I am eating somehow, although stress doesn't help and I have a ton of that.

Best wishes on you new and improved liver!!! Blessings, Iris

You do look beautiful and happy Judy...

drinking a lot of water should be a lifetime habit for us all. 

you sure work some long hours... Im sure your energy will improve soon...as will your digestive issues...having a working liver makes a big difference 

Awww, thank you friends, so much!! I'm loving Club 0!

I love hearing that gastro issues are gone, wow! That's amazing. My treatment cough is already starting to go away, after only 2 days without Epclusa. I do still feel dehydrated, so I'm continuing to drink lots of water. I've had to cut my daily work hours down to about 9 to 11 hours daily, and been taking a full day off each week. I just got home from 12 hours of work and am ready to fall right asleep. I think it's going to take some time to get my energy back, and fortunately, I am able to get more rest. I'm just SO very grateful, thankful, happy, and tired, lol. Hugs to you all.

P.S.  Your skin looks fabulous!!

Judy, this is very good news, though I didn't doubt for a moment that it would come.  What an enormous change in the DAAs.  I'm so glad you found them.  I'm glad you found this forum, too.  It's a joy to witness people getting though to Club 0.

As for the heartburn, etc:  I had lots of digestive disturbance that my doctor couldn't figure out until I was diagnosed with HCV. She still wasn't sure, but I used to get sick after many meals, and had a number of gastro issues.  Guess what?  All gone.  In my case, I have had nothing but improvement and hope the same for you.

Congratulations on your great labs.  Please continue to share the updates.  Be sure to continue healthy habits and water intake.  It takes a bit for your body to get back to "normal".

Thrilled.

Cheddy

Judy says " no more Epclusa to take! "

woohoo!! , 

and yes! welcome to club 0

Thank you, friends!!! I am super happy, especially since I was unable to defeat this dragon in 2012. 

Although my dr said I could still take my Prilosec...just wait 4 hours after taking Epclusa, I didn't take a single Prilosec for the 12 weeks. No Tums, either. I just drank water and put up with the heartburn, knowing it was just temporary and a small price to pay. Lol, I also completely stopped taking my Neurontin, which my dr has me on for menopausal but flashes. I know it's used for many purposes, including seizures, and I read that other types of seizure meds may interfere with Epclusa, so stopped that, too. 

My 7 pm alarm went off yesterday. Lol, there was no more Epclusa to take! I've got to turn that off. Labs in 3 months, my dr said. Can't wait!!

Here's a Done With Treatment pic. 

Hugs,

Judy

Thats fantastic Judy...

welcome to the dragon slayer club 

WOOHOO! Congratulations, Judy!! That’s what it’s all about

Your bloodwork is excellent, just as I expect it should. I already know how happy you are and am so very happy for you. It’s the beginning of a new day and I know you recognize the size of your victory! Enjoy every second of it!

yay Judy.

I took my final Epclusa pill 8 hours ago. 12 weeks of treatment, done, yay!! I asked my dr for some labs and they showed UND in week 10. Also, my ALT, AST, ALP, and Bilirubin are all down and back to normal.  

Although I get the flu shot every year, I did get terribly sick with my first flu in about 40 years, last month, due to weakened immune system. Naturally, my labs showed very low levels of WBCs, RBCs, Platelets, but dr says they should all be back up in 120 days.

I'm SO happy to have been able to complete this entire treatment this time, and with minor side effects. Thank you to all friends on here for the helpful and informative support, as always!! I wish you all good health! 

I'm going to try and attach my labs, here.

Hi 5,

I'm glad to hear that good news. I imagine there's always going to be something, so I gladly accept those things these days, and I'm very much looking forward to feeling life after a cure. I love hearing things like this; it gives me good, positive vibes. 

I'm still down for the count, 1 week now. It's incredible how much rest I'm needing, and even though I'm drinking a lot of water, I still get thirsty. I think 2 antivirals dehydrate me an awful lot. Maybe that's why I've been dizzy since adding the Tamiflu and Z Pack. Don't have much appetite, and lost a little weight. Happy about that part, lol.

oh friends , i'm so sorry to hear how sick you are , have been.

this is the first year that i only needed one zpak and one day off from work for the sinusitis in YEARS; and it usually starts back up by this time in january and i am NOT sick...

like i said, the first time in years. getting cured a year and a half ago and getting my gallbladder out has made a big difference in my health.

of course my feet and hands/fingers are still on course with mild pain and swelling but i can handle that for now .

Get Well friends, and stay well

Wow, Observer, that's a long time to be so sick. Yes, those were my words, too...felt like death. Truly. I couldn't even walk well at Kaiser, 2 days ago. You had pneumonia, on top of it. I'm so glad you're starting to feel better, now. Get and stay well!

Cheddy, you went through this last year, too. Terrible. I haven't had a flu in about 40 years, and now many of my friends have this very bad virus this year. I couldn't fathom this much time off, but had to completely change my mindset on that. I didn't leave the house yesterday; just rest. Today I'm feeling better; finally no big coughing last night. I did get dizzy and a bit nauseous last night. My body is likely surprised with 2 different antivirals and an antibiotic. I did call my Hep C dr on Friday, from Kaiser...his office is actually in the same, huge building complex. I left a message with his nurse; he should get it tomorrow. I have no idea if he will want to see me or do labs. I'll post here when I know. I've got 28 days left on tx. I'm quite curious how my labs would look.

Wow, you guys. That sounds really awful. The flu warnings are high this year. I had bad bronchitis, flu, and breathing issues last year so I'm being careful. I remember that Tig had it bad.

Yes - rest!  Sometimes we just have to give in to heal. I'm sorry, Judy, that you are getting this all at once. Your body is doing some major work fighting the hepC virus and to get other viruses and rib pain on top of it sounds really excruciating.  Hang in there and knock them down. You're loaded up with treatments, but do not hesitate to return to your doctor or urgent care if you feel the need.  Are you going in for a follow up.

Take care, friends. Eat and drink well, and again, rest.

Awww Judy you poor thing.

I had a terrible flu/ cough leading up to Christmas...it turned into pneumonia   I couldnt lie down for two nights because of that cough, I couldnt breathe without coughing...my ribs hurt my upper back hurt and I even strained an unused muscle in my stomach.... I almost went to the hospital but was too tired and coughing too badly to drive there in the middle of the night. When I did go to my Dr. and explained that I felt like death...he said well, people do die from the flu... the complications of the flu, like pneumonia...

 so I let my family know Christmas was up to them and just lay around ....healing . 

  I am just starting to feel better now (unfortunately I struggle with immune issues so its taken a while) 

that warm air in the car must be terrible for triggering the cough. Im glad you are letting yourself heal and resting... a cool air humidifier made a big difference in my recovery.

I hope you feel better soon

Thanks, Tig. I'm glad you're getting over this bug. It occurred to me, I'm on treatment in the middle of cold and flu season. I'm drinking lots of hot tea and water. Wow, I haven't taken 5 consecutive days off from work in forever but really, just the warm air blowing in through the car vents starts a coughing attack, then watering, hot eyes, etc. My ribs are so sore from days of ridiculous coughing. Finally realized that rest is the only way to get better.

Hi Judy,

Sorry to hear you’re feeling so poor right now. I’m just getting over the exact same thing. I picked it up while traveling and something similar happened last year. I was so ill. I hope you get to feeling better soon. Be doubly sure you’re drinking plenty of fluids and rest. Nothing is more important right now. There have been several reports on some bad strains of flu this year. Pneumonia is no fun either. 

You’re getting closer all the time! Stay in touch and get well soon.

Thank you, all!

I've got 29 days left on Epclusa. 2/3 done. I am very sick now, however. I wasn't sick with anything for 5 years, but now this is the 2nd time sick, while on treatment. I've been off work 5 days, now. Went to doctor yesterday and I have a flu virus, ear infection, bronchitis. Xray showed no pneumonia. I get a flu shot every year...had 1 in September. This is my 1st flu since childhood...I'm 52. 

So now I'm on 2 antivirals....Tamiflu and Epclusa. And antibiotics...z pack. Codeine for the cough. Going to get through treatment this time, though! Never have time for rest but now have no choice. 

Still have not had labs done since start of treatment, but I did notify my liver doctor this time that I am at Kaiser again.

Wishing you all a very healthy, happy new year!

Judy, hopefully you will have the same sides I did... Zero to None.

I am also a Side-effect magnet, but other than the very occasional and tiny headache, I was just water-logged from following Tig's advice.

In fact, I am still in the habit of guzzling a lotta wotta.

I think you'll be rid of your C and be able to move on to other less life-altering things.  Welcome back, and thanks for checking in.

LC

That is a bit of anxious making days, I was relieved to get a test at 4, 8 then 12 weeks, it would seem as though they would want to get an idea early on, you know, just in case, but maybe it's because this stuff just always works?! My dr. didn't think a test at 1 year out was necessary either but I insisted an I'm glad I did, it's really because we need that confirmation, like folks don't get it unless they have walked in our shoes. For me it was really had to "believe" it ya know? Good to hear you are coming along well on your journey.

Hey Obs, congratulations on your 4 year , excellent!

See you soon Judy, rock on!

BB, Iris 

oh yea, i was having a lot of blood tests even with the 3 month trial period... AND i still have needles here from 97.... 

i am planning on taking them to the docs office in jan and ask them to dispose of them; i hope they do to keep the world safe from unused needles. ; don't want someone to get ahold of them if i throw them away

The fine tuning of the drug protocol has improved and changed in even 4 years...I did treatment called Holkira pak with ribivaron, 3 pills twice a day. I had to have weekly or maybe biweekly bloodwork mainly done to monitor the Ribivaron and had a couple of VL tests done..I cant remember the protocol, all I know is I was in the blood clinic a lot....I was pretty fuzzy headed and had ever changing odd side effects...(nothing like the interferon days of course ) but annoying none the less....

Im glad they have continued to improve the DAAs to the point where people are getting cured with almost no side effects.  Its miraculous really... and brilliant researchers 

I am so grateful to be cured of HCV 

its the 4 year anniversary of my end of treatment 

i enjoyed knowing my VL was und early on, but maybe it's too stressful for those that fluctuate during TX. :(

These new daa's work so well that protocol had to catch up with that fact.

Thank you, Tig!!! 

Oh yes, the old stuff they used to treat us with did a lot of damage. It affected every part of me, from my skin to my B/P, eyesight, digestive system, just everything, really. I was just last night looking at the folder I kept from 2012 treatment. It was 3 inches thick, filled with weekly lab tests, hospital visits, dr visits, printouts from this forum here, daily medication schedules, labels from neupogen, epogen, interferon, research finds on helpful foods to eat, vitamins to take, spreadsheet for my multitude of weekly lab results, questions for my dr., etc.!! None of that, this time around!

My dr says that he won't do any labs until after the 12 weeks of treatment, unless I have issues. He says that it won't affect the treatment plan, so no need. I am mighty curious, though! But I will be patient. 

Judy,

Well isn't that refreshing.  I'm delighted that you are doing well.  Keep up the good work, good nutrition, water consumption, and oh dear precious sleep.

Obs,

Now that's a Christmas tree of a fitting scale.  Sounds lovely.  Happy, stress-free, Holidays!

good to hear from you Judy your tx sounds like it's being good to you .. will you test soon or how do they do that now?

Hi Observer!

I'm picturing an adorable bonsai tree, lovingly decorated with treasures. Life is good.  Hugs. 

5 weeks! Hurray...

Im so glad you popped in...I was thinking about you and your battle with Ye Ol Dragoon 

Isnt it amazing that you havent missed any work?!? Yay . And 9 hours of sleep whooohooo *heal body heal*! 
Also glad your neuritis has stopped...hopefully with a healing liver it wont be back

Happy holidays to you and yours...

Today I decorated one of my bonsai trees with my great grandmothers tiny tiny ornaments from the 1930s . 

Hi all, just checking in to let you know that Epclusa is doing its job. I started week 5 yesterday! I'm getting over a cold virus with cough that I've had for 2 weeks. Prior to this, I haven't been sick at all for 5 years! My doctor says my immunity is down with treatment, which I already knew. 

Really, my only side effect has been my occipital neuritis, which I've had for 30 years. It rarely bothers me anymore at all, but it's been present daily, giving me the pain in my head, neck, shoulders, back, through the pressure points. However....that completely Stopped 4 days ago!! I'm SO happy about that!

I haven't taken a single day off work, but I do sleep solid for a good 9 or more hours. It's been a night and day difference from treatment in 2012!

Wishing everyone good health, happiness, and Happy Holidays!

Judy

Judy S wrote:

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Cinnamon Girl, your grandson is adorable!! So happy for you! This disease and treatment gives us a new outlook on life, I believe. 

 

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     Thanks!  And yes, it does, in many ways. 

     Keep going, you`re on your way!

judy, hopefully the liver will defat at bit when the virus clears on outta there