Hurray BlueState

thats what we like to hear. It is such a wonderful thing to hear!! Sorry about your drive but so glad you got the bloodwork done 

I am at 7yearsI got some tests every few months for the first few years and the PCR  at a year anniversary for a few years but ya you knowthe energy level is so fantastic, and it will continue to improve 

( at almost a after year, I had an elevated AFP  which is a tumour marker..so I had to get that dealt with)  

I told the Dr, I had killed the dragon and now he had to slay the egg it left behind so Ive been Hep free for 7 years, and cancer free for6. 

hope your foot gets better 

(I also found I lost a lot of weight when my metabolism started working, so that was a nice bonus

WOOHOO!! We all know how exciting it is to hear those results, congratulations! Even though it has been almost a decade since I heard those results, I can still remember my elation. It was a great day around my household, and remains so!

Your journey to obtain those tests sounds harrowing to say the least. What an awful drive! I’m so glad they were able to do them after such effort on your part. The results made the ugly drive worth it!

As for your question on annual testing, most of us did have a PCR test at the one year mark. Whether they feel it’s “necessary”, I don’t know, but my doctors did. I had a PCR done each year afterwards at my annual checkup. While it’s not required, it did wonders to hear those results. They will follow your LFT’s (liver function tests) going forward. The 12 week test after the end of treatment is your next milestone. Continue to do your part, and I have no doubt it will continue to be undetected.

Dear Tig & 5 & Obs....thank you all for your support really lifted me at times.  Well the news...I set off having changed the appointment on the 3hr+ journey to Pattaya & aside from getting lost due to road works & driving for 6 hours...crazy

road works which entailed a complete reversal of 80 kms each way...I get a phone call at 9pm at night with an hour to go...Dr has Covid!! Anyway I had contacted the Hematologist at that hospital & they arranged for me to see her & take

blood for both her & the liver specialist.  He was to call me when the results came through.  Now 3 months after end of treatment.  My foot was so swollen due to the drive I was worried.  However aside from the d-dimer being off the charts

almost at 409 she told me not to worry about it & she sort of agreed that the treatment could have caused the infections & DVT.  Got to stay on it for 6 months at least through 3 months now.  Anyway I am feeling great my energy has been

coming back I'm limping around a bit but moving & even went to lunch with friends today & had the energy.  The Dr rang me on Sunday..its gone he said undetected!!! Woooh...so grateful so very grateful.. Thank you all - can I ask did any of you get tested again after a year? I know its gone I can feel it - so long since.. I slowly am just different.  Good luck to all of you.  xx

Hey Blue,

What a awful situation you’re going through! I must say, you’re powering through the adversity very admirably. I’m sorry you have to deal with the pain and setbacks though. Just when you get one thing resolved two more hit you. Your strength and will to get better are obvious. 

The DVT will resolve following the course of medication. Some of that stuff is horribly expensive. They wanted to put my father on some of it, at the “introductory” price of $500/mo. He wouldn’t agree to it and stayed with a generic. He didn’t have a DVT, but clogged carotid arteries. Did they discuss putting you in the hospital? They can treat you with IV Heparin, which dissolves the clot quick. Of course that depends on your particular case. At least you have several avenues of care in your location. That doesn’t make it any less uncomfortable for you, and I’m sorry you have to deal with so much at the same time.  

Keep us informed when you have time and stay the course! Remember to continue hydrating, that’s very important right now. Be well  

Oh my goodness Blue, what a bunch of crap you've had to go thru.

I pray the DVT dissolves easily and that the probiotic supplements keep working good for you. I decided to incorporate them daily myself just in case.

I'm so sorry you had to go through all of this and even getting shipped off to a mainland hospital. I am happy to hear your lungs and kidneys are ok in all of this.

Please get well soon.

5

Hi all....nice to read your messages!  Before I winge I would like to send prayers to all of you that have friends & loved ones in that hurricane.  So sorry for their loss but a new life door will surely open.

That said I am still in a big mess.  First thrush - antibiotics give me very bad thrush - when I was young I would get it below and a suppository would sort it but now it kills all the good bacteria through my whole system within a couple of days.  First sore mouth - bright red tongue - this time chapping at both sides of the mouth.  When you eat it becomes uncomfortable raw like the skin is off your esophagus & just sore raw feeling through your system.  Colon don't feel much change but down there you loose any lubrication & the only description is like thick white cottage cheese - it is horrible.  So there you have it when it gets that bad don't eat probotic yogurt or anything with milk in it supposed to help but actually makes it worse due to the dairy.  So the best answer is neat live bacteria about 100 million in a capsule form you can get from health food stores works a treat - not over night but 3-5 days you will feel much better.

Ok now my winge - I was still without energy when I finished the course & within a week I started coughing a bit - no fever but my liver felt inflamed & I had pain at the that side by the ribs.  I became alarmed when I spat out streak of blood., so much so I rang the doctor who I think I told you diagnosed bacterial pneumonia & hence the nitemare with antibiotics.  Sure that cleared 3 days of IV's & tablets anyway about a week later maybe two I had signs of cystitis & I drank loads of water hoping to flush it out...no chance.  I ended up going to the Hospital where again for infection in the bladder, another 3 days of IV antibiotics only this time I took the neat live bacteria pills at the same time & it certainly helped to keep a lid on the thrush.  I finished that a week ago & was supposed to return to see the doc but didn't (its costing me a fortune) My right leg the one with the hip replacement during this infection time & maybe before was very full of fluid edema -- mainly top of the foot & side of the calf.  I did not realise it at the time but the bad time I had with cramps charley horse for days in my calve was a warning.  Anyway the swelling increased not hot not cold no pain just blown up uncomfortable like an old lady!!  I began to feel the swelling was moving above the knee & so I went back to the doctor on the island that knows me as before he suggested a d-dimer test.  This he did yesterday along with kidney test & the reading was high but my worry kidneys were fine.  He sent me straight to the bigger hospital on the mainland - all these hospitals are Bangkok Internation Hospitals & they are fantastic some of the best care in the world just mind blowingly expensive if you have no insurance.  I do have good insurance but only inpatient.  Anyway today all sorts of procedures where done though, one expensive one to find out if the reason is an immune system disorder causing it I refused & had to sign refusal document.  Anyway they did an ultrasound, then blood tests again!! as yesterday for the d-dimer my arms are completely covered in bruises from all the needles!  I saw a Consultant Surgeon in general practice before & after today- he then sent me for blood thinning medication - great I thought...but no another doctor wanted to do this test which I refused & gave me choice of a new drug expensive for 3-6 months or warfarin which is cheap but its necessary to constantly run checks on your levels whereas the other does not require that - I know now I would be spending much more having regular blood tests than for the easier meds despite the expense so the doc was telling me all this stuff about APS & something else the expensive tests - when frankly I am fairly certain its all the drugs & more so the imobility because of the hip back pain & full on rain for 6 weeks now day & night as my system is trying to correct itself.  The plus is today my energy was right back & has been returning the last few days....that obviously is wonderful.  So in the end we agreed an ECG as concerned about the heart & a xray of my lungs.  Concerns of his were embolism & heart attack or stroke.  Anyway heart came back normal, lungs frankly were amazingly better & considering my smoking has been so many years & they were clear.  Also concern for the big C - I am not unaware that Hep C with cirrhosis gives additional risk.  Anyway so now Blood thinners for the DVT - I think all this stuff has been caused by the medication & my body needs to return to normal.  My blood pressure for example was always low.  But if they did it on arrival it would be high every year for my work permit as I have to have it checked & usually I would have to sit there for half an hour until the reading comes down.  Not recentlyits been perfect 123/80 on walk in yesterday after shopping...amazing & today too.  Anyway enough all I can say if you have read this diatribe thank you.  I have had no one recently to speak with also not really wanted to.  So thank you all girls guys & have a lovely day or evening.  Sorry if this sounds like throwning up but I am grateful day at a time it will get better. Long to get the focus off me.  With this DVT I really don't want lifetime medication. Please stay well & safe.

I'd like to know how you know you have thrush, what does it look like? My tongue has felt weird ever since I had covid in Feb.

I've seen 3 dr's and they said I needed more flonase becos it is allergy but that made it worse so I quit that and got a little better...then I quit my antihistamines awhile back and it improved some more and I haven't had any allergy symptoms [except for the tongue but those things didn't make it go away anyway].

so I figured I'd ask you guys here.

thanks everyone, 5.

Hurray Bluestate 

congratulations on finishing the treatment

i smoke rollies have done so since I was 13. I get organic tobacco the process of rolling makes one want that ciggy instead of just lighting up.. I only smoke a few a day.

your salad dressing sounds yummy (and healthy)  I make a similar one but I use balsamic vinegar and maple syrup (I am Canadian ) the mustard certainly helps it emulsify and a flattened garlic clove adds a nice tang 

cheers 

Congratulations on reaching the finish line!

Hi Blue, nothing wrong with crying, you've just got through a rigorous treatment to get cured. I'm sure you'll have lots of emotions right now, esp since you still have other things going on.

I didn't think coffee is bad unless your dr. said no.

I'm so glad you got through tx so well and pray everything goes in a good direction for you.

I'm so proud of you for keep on keeping on.

5

Hi - ya all...well today was my last pill feels like a mountain though I take a pill every day for thyroid it really isn't the same.  I am so relieved I managed to follow the protocol & was rarely late more than a hour or so taking it.  Also the water I've noticed I cut down my water & my skin and tops of my fingers looked dry & like I'd been swimming for ages!  Within half an hour & half bottle of water completely changed.  I have one more problem that has showed up.  The muscle cramps have gone but I know they are somewhat serious - I think partly they were caused by stopping smoking & coffee.  It was too much all at once.  So roll-ups are fine & maybe 2 coffees which is very little for a coffee addict. 

Tig dear...yes I always get thrush from antibiotics & it can take a while to right it.  I just got the bacteria in pill form 1million live bacteria you can get from health food shops.  It has taken about 10 days to feel completely sorted.  It is very painful & for me has got worse over the years if good bacteria is compromised.  Luckily the Epclusa did not cause this that would be a nitemare for sure.  I only took antibiotics 7 days!!

I am left though with my right leg top on right side just below last 3 toes has edema which is proving very difficult to get rid of.  There is also a little build up on right front of same leg in the middle by the shin about 6-8 inches like a bulge but it indents a bit.  So because I've had it in the other leg cramps etc but any swelling reduced quickly I'm not sure it could be a DVT - more because I'm not moving enough.. the problem there is my spine.  The pain is terrible after about 15 mins & I have to sit down.  I also checked the accupuncture points on the foot & would you believe it both areas on the foot & shin are related to the right lung which is where I have had the problem.  So I really need to stop the smoking or continue to reduce that.  This one is the hardest addiction for me.  Anyway enough just slowly trying to do more.  Been into town alone & enjoyed the time & as long as I could cross a road walk a little I felt better.  The other thing is a lot of past memories coming up & I'm crying a lot...frankly think its ridiculous as I should be so grateful to be free of that terrible virus.  Love to you all.  Thanks for reading x  Roll on 5th December when I get final blood work

Hello, Blueslate and congrats for the coming end of treatment! I remember having thrush during my course of treatment. It was awful, and so painful. Mine affected my mouth and throat so harshly I couldn’t swallow for a week. A compounding pharmacy made a solution for me called “Magic Mouthwash”. The lidocaine in it was a blessing! I’m sorry you had to deal with that, along with the other issues. The good news is it’s almost over! 

Sept 13th , that's next Tuesday

I'm so glad for you that you are where you are and are on your way to cured!

Thanks all of you for your wonderful support.  I seem to have got over the bacterial pneumonia.  As for the smoking I am having a few roll ups which seem to have put a stop on smoking much at all.  I have the last pill on 13th September will be very happy to finish.  Still in process of getting my internal bacteria back as antibiotics give me aweful thrush.  I got some good bacteria 1 million a day which is slow bringing it back.  Otherwise my body is functioning much better - changed my diet so that I am having a lot of salads & mixing my own olive oil & balsamic vinegar with some dijon mustard & brown sugar.  It has made a real difference & seems to be acting as a detox as well making me very regular & easy.  Energy levels are still pretty bad - the next stop is to lose some of this weight.  I am so very grateful.  My girlfriend told me again there would have been no help for me either for the arthritis or the Hep C in the UK - the health service waiting lists are simply enormous.  Do take take care everyone & thank you for helping me not feel alone.  I will come back with my results in December.

OMG Fantastic news!

Seems you just got started and now you're well on your way to full recovery, what a blessed day.

And let me give extra kudos for getting that other serious dragon off your back!!! That is a great start so keep it going! the first two weeks were hardest for me. At the ren faire they call the smoking area the "Dragon Zone" Looks like you may have slain two dragons with this battle! Yeah!

blessings, Iriss

  BluuuuuuueState. Hurray hurray so glad the stars lined up and made sure you are where you need to be.

undetected!!!!!    such fabulous news, and yes it IS emotional!!!!

you have slayed the dragon now the next month of meds will just make sure there is zero chance for that nasty virus to ever return 

The pneumonia certainly does take some time to heal, but ya the blood is worrisome. 
thats interesting about losing the desire for ciggys a silver lining from the pneumonia

WOOHOO!! Welcome to Club Zero  

It sounds to me like you’re in the right place, at the right time! How absolutely perfect that is. We are all thrilled with your good news. Keep on track and continue hydrating like water will run out tomorrow, lol! You got this 

Blue, @ undetected!!!!

Hi - 5, Iris, Observer & Tig....wow amazing & for sure divine intervention.  I spoke with my dear friend yesterday who is in UK - she said you know Nic you would still be waiting for the hip op here & litte chance of Hep C treatment.

The news while waiting yesterday for the bloodwork re: the pneumonia which is weird because I have had no fever...Doctor on the island is going to liase when I go to get checked on Monday or Tuesday.  Today she is still a bit worried about it as it takes time to recover - still a little blood 

blood but no pain so I will just keep quiet, eat & sleep & heal.  The CBD that way Iris sounds good for me ...& yes after all these years looking over my shoulder for smoking its now legal is so ironic.

Ok so as I'm waiting to see the Doc...I was phoned by the Hep Doctor...he just told me VL....I'm undetected!! Amazing its so emotional.  Thank you so much you are good people & I go back 5th December so one more month of Epclusa generic + 3 months.  Woooha. - I did not want to stop smoking cigarettes as I had given up so much stupid I know...but the desire has been lifted for a cigarette the last 6 days which is absolutely incredible.  

Oh man that does not sound good at all. My husband was coughing up blood once and it turned out to be tuberculosis. The swelling sounds just crazy, ouch! I can't help but think something else might be going on. I'm sure you will follow up with the health care team. 

It sounds so beautiful where you are Use it it to you're advantage. 

It won't be Long and this will all be in the past! Already been 4 years since I cleared, wow! Time does fly! 

Personally I found smoking the oil made me cough so much more and I was getting so short of breath the dr. gave me a rescue inhaler. A chocolate chunk with thc and cbd in the evening makes for pretty restful sleep.

Obs, isn't that hilarious? we snuck around and now when it's legal we just can't do it anymore...cue the ironic song....lol

Keep on healing!

Iris

Awww Bluestate

You poor dear  What a relief that it is pneumonia. Coughing blood must have been kinda extremely terrifying. Hopefully you are going to start feeling better really really soon with the IV antibiotics and youll probably be happier being an outpatient and not being stuck in the hospital. Keep drinking that water .
interesting that your Dr didnt blame the CBD oil for triggering your sharp and moving pains its probably just your poor old immune system and damaged liver not being able to process.

Ive had pneumonia and it is very overwhelmingly awful 

Those enzyme numbers are great!!! Cant wait to hear about your VL. Do let us know 

HI Blue,

I'm glad you got on the IV tx for the pneumonia . Get well quick.

I look forward to your Wednesday post and the VL

An update...after coughing up blood & generally freaking out - I got to see my doctor yesterday.  He sent me to pulmonary & I haven't smoked now for 4 days nor had any desire after 50+.  Decided it was bacterial pneumonia which

frankly is a relief - they decided they wanted me in for 5 days hospital for an IV antibiotic.  The cost with everything else was prohibitive like $1,000 a day only for the bed...then meds etc.  so I am going outpatient for 2nd IV today!.

I am very sick still but woooping as also at the end of everything I went back to the Hep C doc & he reckons I may only need another month of Epclusa.  My blood work looking much better but at the top of the range or at the low end not much inbetween.  AST is 29 ALT 38.  The WBC is high at 10.42 but I think that is to be expected.  He is waiting for the VL which should get on Wednesday.   I told the Dr about the CBD oil he didn't think that was the cause.  The same as observer...here in Thailand they just made it legal on 9th June...& now I cannot.  I thank you all for the support I have really needed it so very grateful that I found this place. Blessings to all of you on our spiritual & life journeys.  

Hi Blue,

I hope you are feeling better than you were.

Yay for only 3 days left now

Please let us know how you are doing and how your labs are doing.

Feel better.

5

Hi Blue,

I’m sorry you had such a bad reaction! I can’t for the life of me understand why CBD oil would cause such a problem, especially in such small amounts. Is it possible that it wasn’t pure, and had something else in it, like a high solvent content? Did it taste off? That probably scared you to no end! Please let us know how you’re coming along. I would try and find out where that oil came from as well. Experiencing that kind of pain from two drops of pure CBD oil doesn’t sound right.

Congratulations on reaching the half way point! Are you keeping up on your water intake? That’s so important. Keep yourself hydrated and flushing out those toxins. 

I hope you’re feeling better!

Oh yikes! 

Thats scary stuff Bluestate, have you reacted to CBD before?  I have had to give up all forms of cannabis (which sucks after being a daily consumer for over 50 years while it was illegal and now that its legal in Canada, I cant partake) 

I sure hope the pains stop soon and you can get some rest and feel comfortable.

my long term HCV and even the DAAs that cured me, left me with some nerve problems that come and go and move from shoulder one day to my knee another day, to burning pain on my feet (peripheral neuropathy) to no pain, I hope that you and your Drs are able to figure out whats what. 

You are almost done your 12 weeks? Hurrah for that.

Thanks again all of you.  I am sorry to hear the forum will close.  I did something really stupid & my doctor is 4 hours drive away.  I have 4 more days on the 12 week course & someone came to see me yesterday & I had two drops

of strong CBD in my coffee....a few hours later I was in a lot of pain my liver is totally swollen & pressing against my lung so its difficult to breathe....I couldn't sleep all last night due to the pain.  I can't sit or lie down its constant pain & stabbing too  - never  before had swelling a little but not pain like this.  I then coughed up a bit of blood.  So I rang the Doctor ...he's on day off.  It was a tiny streak of blood  very very little   I don't want to take ibruphen (Neuophen) I'm scared too just drinking green tea & two spoons of porridge.  I don't feel sick.  It seems to me that pains have been moving around my body like the cramp & gout for a few days.  Wonder if this is the same.  Sorry that's all I can write....can't think because of the pain x

Hey Blueslate, sorry I'm late to the party Glad you found us!

The folks here are fantastic, they have offered many shoulders to cry on and brought out the pom poms when it was time to celebrate, I too struggled with this beast for over 40 years and this place has helped to ground me when I was waiting for the right treatment for me to come around.

So much great information and support. I am so glad to have had this board to come to, and I hope we can be there for you too.

Glad I popped in, good to see you Tig, 5, Obs!! Hope everyone is enjoying their summer so far!

Blessings, Iris

Awwww Blue  

you are such a warrior sweetheart, Im soooo happy you are living where you are and have people that can help you with your meals , its so important to have support.and coffee  
It sounds like you have been having a really brutal go.  The cramps I can relate to, I had full leg charlie horses that wouldnt stop..(I still get cramps if I run out of my magnesium glycinate), but the gout  and the back ..poor poor you!  
I cant guarantee it but when I finished my treatment and was cured of the HCV , my metabolism started working better and i definitely lost a fair amountplus had the energy to exercise again

Stay strong youre getting there  

Hi Blue,

wow, it sounds like you have been on a roller coaster! 

It does sound like you are managing really well for all you've been through.

I hope that leg thing is all better now, couldn't hurt to have your liver doc check it out on the 15th.

We all look forward to your next labs

You are doing so good

All that have wished me well & given your time to write...thank you so much!!  It amazes me that after getting great results you return to help others get through it.  Had a bit of a fright over the last couple of weeks.  It started with my right leg on the inner calf a small lump.  I definately think it may have been a blood clot.  It disapated over a few days and I thought it would be fine with a few leg exercises I continued as I spend a lot of time on my bed after the hip op & particuarly as my feet had edema on and off after going to town walking & driving.  Unfortuntately a few days later a cramp began on the back of the right leg calf.  It was continuous but the pain was bearable & the calf fairly hard.  Then the gout started boy was that painful, I had to take para.  It lasted about 5 days in the right foot big toe and at the same time the cramp moved down towards the ankle.  Anyway it all lifted completely what a relief!! However yesterday I drove to the mainland to get my visa stamp & the car serviced.  Over the previous few days my ankle was very swollen full of water & it wasn't reducing on the bed or after sleep.  Just before the night before I went to town as a pillow didn't appear to work I put a box under the foot of my bed to raise it & it did the trick...my ankle returned to normal.  It was swollen when I returned yesterday but this morning its fine.  However on the outside calf of the leg I was shocked to see many blue veins not spider similar to varicous veins they looked horrid & I am sure came from all the problems cramping & gout from before.  Now the positive I've changed to carnation & I am a total coffee addict so 3 a day is now usual.  Thank for the feedback on that treat!! I am so lucky as I have this homestay in Thailand & we built a restaurant too believe me if I was in UK I wouldn't have been able to even get shopping in let alone cook so I am so very grateful for my staff & have no doubt that finding myself here on this island was absolutely divine intervention.  My energy at least yesterday was ok.  My back is very painful walking after about 10 mins, but I found that if I sit for a minute or two I can walk again for a few minutes.  The next goal has to be getting this weight off as I am still 100 kgs.  If any of you that have kept me positive head out to Thailand you are very welcome to come to spend a few days with me here, its called Journey's End...its beautiful.  Ok I go back to Doc on 15th so nearly done for retests.

BlueState, 

I totally agree with Tig about using sugar and crème in your coffeedont sacrifice enjoying your coffee. Coffee is very good for your liver and you deserve to drink it the way you enjoy it.

Hi Nicky,

I'm sorry you're feeling like a bucket of poo, but trust me, we've been there, and we know exactly how difficult a time it is for you. The best advice is to treat yourself like the champion you have proven yourself to be already, and commit to fighting even harder toward your goal. It's not an easy journey, as you well know, but it's worth every ugly day of it. When you achieve SVR following the completion of this, you're going to feel like you've reached the summit of Mt. Everest!

I want you to allow yourself the occasional luxury of sugar and cream with your coffee. You're sacrificing so much already, between the loss of sleep, the resulting fatigue, the aches and pains of treatment and the isolation, it's okay to give yourself permission to enjoy a cup of coffee the way you want it! Limit it, you can do that. Continue to drink water like there won't be any left for tomorrow, your mind and body will be so much better for it!

If you're drinking a lot of lemon water, don't forget to rinse/brush your teeth soon after. The acids will harm your teeth otherwise. I was on Interferon, Ribavirin and Victrelis for 28 weeks. The Interferon caused a significant amount of dental bone loss and sadly, I lost some teeth as well. I'm going through extensive dental work now related to all of that. I went through treatment in 2013 using the old school treatment drugs. I'm glad you don't have to experience those horrid side effects and the lifelong problems they have caused. The DAA's have improved both the outcomes, and reduced the side effects immensely. I tell you this only to provide you with a window into the past. We're here to support you and share our journey with you. We understand your bravery and the discomfort that getting healthy involves. It's worth it!

You're a Warrior among friends, and we're here to help you battle your Dragon. It's a mean and nasty beast, but you have it on its knees now. Kick it while it's down, give it no quarter. For so many years, that lizard has caused you grief and ill health, and it's time to return the favor!

If you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to share them with us. You're going to beat this, that I'm certain of! Keep your chin up, stay positive, and treat yourself well. Of course, drink water until you feel you can't drink another drop, then drink another glass! You can do it, I know you can...  

Hang in there Blue State, I too was beyond exhausted during treatment, I would crawl up the stairs, brushing my hair was tiring, standing to try to cook was just too muchand emotionally it felt too much, I was frequently on the edge of tears so I know how tough it can be.

but.now I have great energy and it was worth it

Hang in there Bluestate, rest, water and eating well are all you need right now.

Hi - just going into 9th week of TX.  Very tired & only sleeping 2-3 hours at a time.  27 more days & back for tests at 12 weeks.  Did some study to find the protocol seems to come under Astral 4 study which is the only one that was done for 24 weeks.  However they did not publish this study only the one for the 12 weeks & the one with the additional drug Ribvirin over 24 weeks ( not sure of spelling) as for the 24 weeks of just Epclusa it stated there was not a noted difference in the result from 12 weeks!!  I have to say I am uncomfortable being expected to take it for 24 weeks..it feels quite toxic but I am not allergic.  My kidneys are taking a beating pee colour has completely changed to light yellow feel the need often to go yet sometimes a lot & other times surprised it is so little.  Definately still inflamed liver though not as uncomfortable as 2-3 weeks ago.  Eating well never lost getting hungry still trying not to snack & just have breakfast + pills about 10.30am & then a meal 4-5pm & thats it.  Drink water, lemon juice, tea lots.  Cut back on sugar & cream in my coffee...I know not good.  Definately relieved that I am finally on TX after all these years.  No intention to get Hep B vax at the moment also in a safe place so no concerns about the other viruses or whatever they are floating around.  Exercise is extremely difficult to do as the worst side effect is the fatigue even taking a shower saps my energy so praying that my energy will return to a decent level.  Brain fog is slight.  Best wishes to all.  

So sorry to hear about your rash, it makes sense that its toxins. I get a lot of annoying  skin stuff when my immune system is struggling. I hope you can get some relief or that its short lived. I had days or weeks of major itchiness when I was doing treatment. 

Sorry youre feeling low emotionally, it is a hard slog some days. but each day is closer to healing.  Do make sure you are eating as well as drinking water. I had to take my meds 2x (12 hours apart) a day and with foodI spoiled myself with cinnamon buns or other treats. 
 
Take care, and let us know what dr says , Obs

Hi Blue,

Sorry to hear about the rash. Is it widespread or localized? A mild rash on these medications may come and go, but you should contact your doctor if it’s severe. You don’t want an allergic reaction to go unchecked. Mild symptoms tend to come and go. They can be treated with OTC therapy after your doc agrees. I have no doubt that your upcoming appointment and tests will be outstanding! Keep drinking that water. It’s liquid gold for you right now! 

Here‘s a link to some additional Hep B vaccine information. Mine was a 2 shot regimen that didn’t provide the planned immunity. That was a long time ago and I didn’t repeat it. Getting HBV and HCV together is never desired! Not Liver approved!! 

HBV Vaccine Info

Thanks to all of you for the useful replies.  I am having a rash now here & there not too many - like little pimples coming & going small with a white head.  Toxins I think. Interesting about the Hep B, I did not know it was a series.  I know when I first came to Thailand living about 13 years ago I had one Hep A...but did not go back for the 2nd.  I am getting some very rough days, metally memory lapses & tired.  I feel ok some mornings - other days I feel terrible but nothing particular - rare headaches.  I do hope that I get a good result at the next visit.  As for the Kefir yes I read where it originally came from.  I think it is normal to have an upset stomach & I do know you are supposed to start of slowly but as someone did it for me in a pint mug I kept drinking it.  Now I'm back to normal.  Very happy to talk a little.  I don't speak Thai so I spend a lot of time alone presently.  That should change now the country is opening up.  I am a bit freaked out as although the hip replacement is good now - 2 years on exactly my back is bad since & I have arthritis badly in one vertibrae now 3 years on where I haven't returned to the UK I have aged so much that I don't think I can go back...here is praying that I can do that as I must even for 2 weeks soon.

Hi 5,

I should’ve used the correct terminology. Following the second half of the series, you wait a given amount of time for the antibodies to develop. I never did, and haven’t repeated the series. I’ll ask my new doctor what he thinks about trying again. 

hey Bluestate ,

oh yes I remember the peeing all night from  the water consumption, but flushing those drugs out make it worth it.  Thats wonderful that your liver enzymes are lower.  
I lost some weight after I was curedI think my metabolism just wasnt working well. Livers have a lot of jobs.

I also did not get the covid jab I am quite sure I had it in the very first month of the pandemic the rules in Canada at the time were very strict about even testing people (you had to have been to China or exposed to someone who had ,have a high fever. etc ) so I never got the test and we werent allowed to get antibody tests to see if we had had it.

When I did kiefer it gave me diarrhea, my dr guy said its a genetic/ancestor influenced food and the nomads that discovered it are from the Caucasian mountains so unless I have that ancestry,  my body wont tolerate it. Which I found sad because I really loved the taste and ritual of it. (My sister gave me the starters/seeds/blobs and I would add milk shake it in a little mason jar every night)

anyhoo.. thats great that youre 1/3if the way through 

Tig, good luck with the new doc .

What do you mean by you didn't respond to the b shot ?

I haven't got the hepB shot but still wonder what you mean.

Hello Blue & 5 

So glad you got an explanation from your Doc. It is uncommon to extend out to 24, but we all have circumstances that warrant changes to protocol. I have zero doubt that you will be successful. By your next appointment, your LFTs and VL will be right where you want them

You have to do your homework when it comes to starting a new dug regimen. I didn't respond to my Hep B vax and haven?t repeated it yet. I do recommend getting it. The older I get, some of these latest and greatest vaccines are sounding better! I go in next week to meet my new Doc. The worst part is all the paperwork/online preparation before you can say hello! 

Hydrate! 

Hi Bluestate,

I'm glad the doctor explained to you about the length of treatment.

I haven't had the covid shot either but did get omicrom in January. I had the worse sore throat ever and it took nearly 6 month for my mouth to feel better.

I'm glad your blood tests are better and that you feel more like walking.

Yep, the peeing is too much but also good for us.

I'm in the U.S and our insurance covered the whole tx but a cure for HepC at the good price you get is a good deal too.

I bet the medicine is knocking out that virus as we speak

Take care, 5

Hi Observer & all.  Firstly Tig I spoke to my Doctor it seems that because I have had it so long 30-34 years I think because after 1989 I have not been at risk.  Found out by accident in 2003.  Anyway he said for 12 weeks its about 80% whereas with 24 weeks its higher I think he said 94%.  I can see its not often done alone usually with another drug - I told him I had not had the jab but bolstered my immunity, he said I should & I just looked at him.  He then said I should get the Hep B vax - that I do not have a problem with so I may do that.  I do think he knows what he is doing so very happy for that.

He gave me 2 more months supply so my costs so far just over $2,500.00 (if that helps anyone - because the costs caused me not to get treatment for so long)  I think it may cost me in total about $4,000.   The AST & ALT levels are down well  AST is normal range, ALT not quite about 10 points off & my platelet count is normal range where it was low.  Although they said my kidneys are fine I don't think they've been working properly for some time & although not ascites I have been holding water quite bloated & massively overweight.  Lost a bit after a month on the meds 4kgs but sure now it will come off if I can clear this.  All last night I was peeing every 2 hours last night much more than the water I'm drinking though I am drinking loads more while on the meds as suggested.  As for exercise its been so difficult because every muscle & bone aches.  Anyway I walked all day in the hospital - had to kill an hour after blood taken & so I walked all over two blocks.  It took me a couple of days to recover but undoubtedly I am feeling better & desire to move is returning.  Qi Gong I have done before glad you find it helpful - today my aches are pretty much gone...sure its to do with all that peeing.  I slowed down on the kefir as it effected my stomach too much so I shall continue but with smaller amounts.  Like a cup not a pint mug!! My feet have tingled & a bit numb for a few years now, I smoke which is probably why, however I found that taking B1 seemed to help that & now its not too bad at all.  Anyway all keep well & thanks for the tips & support.  So two months he just gave me & said he will next time check my VL.

Hey Blue, 

it sounds like your path has led you to a wonderful peaceful place to live and I know when you have kicked the dragon out. you will flourish.  I see you mentioned that you cant exercise much but I have to share the simplicity and power of doing a bit of qigong every day.even if you just are sitting on the edge of your bed and do the breathing and do some basic simple arms practices it will help 

I made a rule for myself because I know if I do them after coffeeI might miss a day then miss a month then quit..so I do 5-10 minutes while Im in my nighty (but after I pee of course haha) I dont get dressed until Ive done minimum 5 and I keep it super simpleonly do 4 or 5 different exercises and I can feel a huge difference in my arthritis and my balance and I can actually walk up the stairs right foot then left foot. I have been having to walk lead with right foot right foot right footfor years thats an unexpected change and Ive only been doing them faithfully for  a month or 6 weeks. theres a lot of videos on youtube , I found them a bit hard to absorb and put into practice (I a high functioning dyslexic and often get instructions confused )  but Id happily private message you the article link I got my simple practice from 

do you suffer from cramps? Like leg cramps at night or anything? 
I am super glad youre getting treatment and Im glad you found this board 

Obs

Making the kefir now & have all thai kale & blueberries so let you know how that daily smoothy goes.  Should be ready in 48 hours.

Thanks 5 - yes I will speak with the Dr.  I suspect now it was just about keeping to a low fat diet.  My diet is really good its really inability to exercise for the last 2 years & damage being done fatigue etc.  I should be able to swim now when I tried a little while ago the leg went up & my head went down into the water..the weight of the metal in my leg I had no strength to bring it down. Actually it was quite funny...now my muscles are much much better & healed so I will try again soon.

So grateful to read your story Observer. Just like mine - I think I was infected then around 1985.  So sorry yours came through transfusion.  I too did not want to go interferon/peg I saw many people with side effects & not surviving.  I thought I was clear until 2003 when I went to get a check to find I had clamydia boy did they give me heavy antibiotics for that one - about 3 courses.  Anyway when they tested they asked if I wanted a Hep C.  The result of which they called me to return.  Frankly I was in shock & my parents needed a lot of my time then.  Years of fatigue followed - the rest is so similar to you including energy work & later reiki classes. I have no doubt that Chinese herbs work well but could not clear it though got me back on my feet & working,  I am acutely aware that some divine intervention brought me to this place in Koh Chang 7 years ago now where I have 6 Bungalows & very little to no stress, wonderful thai look after me which would have been completely impossible in UK with the total hip operation or the drugs for this dragon.  Still not able to do much exercise because of long healing.  However in two weeks of TX I was weighed at the local hospital a couple of days ago lost 4 kgs with food etc the same! So glad to hear life is so much better for you now.  

Hi from me too Blueslate. Welcome 

I am one of the people who was misdiagnosed with Hep B a few days after my transfusion (1983) turned my eyes bright yellow the useless Drs only advice was to avoid butter so being of the hippie persuasionI went to a naturepath and went on a huge regimen of vitamins and healing foods but HCV is a tricksy dragon..so while I was doing everything under the sun to deal with my misdiagnosed HBV the actual HCV was quietly wrecking havoc to all my systems then in 1990 I moved and got a new family Dr. and told him about the HBV so he tested me and of course it was negative so I figured I had fixed it with diet etc but.. I was still always sick with weird stuff, and plagued with fatigue headaches tooth problems arthritis (and on and on) I asked for and was tested for HIV twice because I was always sick {but I didnt have Hep B} and I wanted an explanation. So over the years I tried foods and vitamins and every immune building flavour of the month remedy I could learn about, from keifer to apple cider vinegar to pigs thymus glands  I tried acupuncture and Chinese herbals, reiki. But I was till very very sick and bare  functioning. Then I got a letter from the Canadian Red Cross that said my donor had been infected with HCV and I should get tested I did and low and behold I was positive for HCV. 

anyhooI refused the early interferon treatments and tried to continue to muddle along with all the alternatives I could find but continued to deteriorate and luckily in 2015 I was able to get on one of the new treatments (I was at stage 4 and had cirrhosis) I did 3 monthsbecause of the level of illness they added ribivaron to my DAA , it was a hard slog but I survived and am *relatively * quite healthyalthough the decades of hosting a  dragon have altered most of my systemsnow that it isnt replicating and destroying more of my cellsI am very happy and relieved to have a new lease on life.

anyhoowater and rest and regular meals are your best companions  to get you through this.