Roger that Tig, Houston Control Engaged. Holding on Pad to clear the bubbles and then it will be all systems go.

T-Minus 8 and counting.

Houston Control out.

Damn bubbles.

Canuck and SF, you both are so close to the finish line, you should be able to see the checkered flag and smell the sweet aroma of success!! It's about time we get Houston Control involved here!

SF, 

ONLY 8 MORE SLEEPS!!!!  C.

Thanks for letting us know how its going Anna. Probably not as bad as you imagined. Man can we project, right? HYDRATE. 

Have a great Sunday,

wendy

Hi Anna,

we all recognise parts of our own journey in your story. Great to hear how Harvoni is working for you.

Take care.

Syd

Singsong,

You go girl! Sword in hand!

Glad you're here.  C.

Welcome Anna,

We are glad you found us! You will find everything you need to know here and lots of support. Harvoni is a pretty easy TX compared to many others and even they are much better than just a few years ago. I am sure you have read that and after 6 days already realize it. If you have any mild side effects, they are likely to be gone within two weeks or less.. very transient.

I am on an 84 day TX and I have ** looks at the calendar 9 days left. It has been for the most part no problem at all.

Once again welcome and please do stay with us and keep us posted how you are.

Take care.

SF

Hi Anna, I spoke to you earlier on Mike (gojuman)`s `Harvoni` thread...   this thread ...and just wanted to say hi and welcome again!  

I`m glad you found us, we`re all here to help! 

Hello Anna,

Welcome to the forum, we're glad that you're here!

Harvoni is an extremely effective Tx (treatment) with very few side effects, so you're on a great drug regimen.

In case you need it, HERE's a link to many of the various abbreviations used on the website.

You will notice that many of us have a "signature area" filled in with various information about our Dx, Tx etc.

This helps keep you from having to answer the same questions over and over (e,g. GenoType, Start of Tx, Drug Regimen etc)

Here is a link to How to add information to your signature line.

You'll find many Great resources and friendly people here, we're just a big family helping each other make their journey.

So a warm welcome from ALL of us to you ...

Dave

Thank you all. I could tell reading this particular Harvoni train forum the other day (from beginning until now) that there were so many positive folks and that's what's needed.  I felt through you the thrill of victory (die Dragon, die!).  

I could count on 2 hands the people that knew I had HCV and I was diagnosed in 1996.  Don't know how I got it.  I had no symptoms.  I was not going to do Interferon, and basically pretended I didn't have it - but it was always in the back of my mind.  

I gave blood for the first time in 1996 along with my husband of 21 years and that's when I got the letter saying they didn't want my blood, I have HCV.  My husband didn't.  I read up on every morsel of information morning, noon and night and scared myself silly.  I walked around in a daze for about a month.  Thought I wouldn't live to see my kids graduate.  Then I just stopped reading and decided, I'm just going to live my life.  I was tired of being scared.  I now have 4 young grandchildren. And God willing, I plan to be around for a few more!

Day 6.  I do have a mental image of the Harvoni coursing through my body sword in hand!

Greetings and Welcome to the Family.

No side effects.... 8 weeks course.... it simply does not get any better than that. I am 3 days ahead of you, but have another 159 days to go!  LOL

At any rate welcome and we are here to help each other. Information, support, laughter and tears we share them all.

Regards!

JimmyK

Hi Anna.
 I was treated with Harvoni, had no significant side effects, and am now HCV free. Now it's your turn. Just be sure to stay adequately hydrated as Tig suggested. That's very important.
 I live alone and want to get a cat for a companion, but I decided to start with a plant first. My plant is still alive but it's been mighty thirsty a few times. So I've got some more practicing to do before I get the cat... Lol.

 We've got a very knowledgeable and supportive group here and you're going to fit right in. So make yourself at home, ask any questions you have, and 'enjoy' the Harvoni train ride to a HCV free future. We're glad you're here.

Hi Anna,

Welcome to the forum! So glad you joined us and shared the good news of starting Harvoni treatment. You're on a very good program and it works! Just stay compliant, eat right, don't overdue it and hydrate. You should be drinking at least 3-4 liters of water daily. That will reduce any side efffects that may come along. Fatigue and occasional headaches seem to be mentioned most often. Water seems to be magic with this treatment.

I want to give you a link to some information on Harvoni. It will better describe all of these things and will give you updated information on the cost of treatment. 

If you have any questions, please ask. You can find a lot of info using our search function at the top. The recent posts tab on the same line will show you in bold text what conversations have been active since your last visit, as does the chatbox. 

Harvoni Info

Hi All,

I'm new here. I am on day 5 of Harvoni. Am a real drug lightweight. My only companion at home is my cat.  So I decided I would take first dose in the morning, so if I had some crazy reaction, I could call the doctor, call my kids. Do something quick. As it turned out I've had zero side effects. Someone else mentioned this thought in a post and I felt the same way. I thought they must have given me a placebo. But would they charge me $2700 for a placebo? Answer is no. I am beyond thrilled that my body is handling Harvoni so well. Anna

On second thought.. Gilda

Wendy,

... and if ya absolutely, positively have to have an Ice Cream Icon ... here ya go.

(Cut and Paste away)

Thank you Jimmy, I love it, now I can be......

Hey Sis.

How about a T-Shirt?

OMG Syd that was the best. Great start to the day reading that! And you are welcome Canuck. We need an ice cream emoticon. if there can be a spam one there has to be an ice cream one!

Ah syd, you kill me!!!! lol, from sushi land to sausage rolls, love the stories - you and jimmy are a good influence on one 'nother (while yer waitin). Talk 'bout feeling all grown up - I got an icecream coupon and I'm not sharin! Thanks Wen - gonna get me a lolly!  C.

Jimmy, 

tragedy!!! I cant see the clip you posted 5 days ago because it has been "disabled". 

And yes, however you want to do the maths 24 Weeks is a loooong time and seems like at least 3 times longer than 12. I am at week 19 now and feel like I have been pludging around in circles forever while all these other smart ar$;! Jump on and off trains before my very eyes. Not really, I know how lucky we are and that's it's all about the end result, no matter how long it takes. I feel extra happy whenever someone finishes Tx or gets a tick at the end of12 weeks too. 

Sometimes it's just hard work being a grown up, even when you're 68!

Syd 

Good ole toilet Humor.  LOL

Toilet humour??. Did someone mention the word toilet??? Forget left and right, I have a bit if a problem with all that anyway.

My oldest son lives in Japan - i have covered my nose with a sock to avoid the wafts of testosterone - and read the gear thread here with interest. He became what is known as a "hoon" driver and went out to illegal drift nocturnal meetings in industrial by ways when he first got his licence. His father helped him convert a Datsun 180b into some fuel injected v8 so he managed to avoid the police in the one and only chase he was involved in. But he hates the nanny state attitude to driving in Australia and determined to go to Japan where drifting was bigger and the police presence smaller. 

He gradually set up his own export business and sells mostly car bits to enthusiasts around the world. He is happily married and my oldest grandchild is a dear little Four year girl. 

Minor diversion to explain why I was in Japan, at a restaurant with my son, who having spend his childhood in my company, is non surprisingly all too aware of my penchant for toilet humour. We were at a restaurant and he said make sure you use the toilet here. Some decent time later I walked into a deliciously clean cubicle with a toilet that looked like a cross between a throne and the dash board of large passenger plane. It had arms on both sides covered with buttons and controls. There was water- in a spray - intense, medium or gentle. Hot, warm or tepid. Water in a stream - intense, medium or gentle. Hot, warm or tepid. Of course,I was keen to experiment with them all. When I got to water in a stream, (warm) the Japanese accuracy of the target was uncanny. I felt a little embarrassed, flushed even (pardon the pun). It took me several minutes to find the off button.  Forget the blossoms, snow fields, galleries, fashion - if you're in Japan, just find a good toilet. 

Syd

Well this is my one week check in. I can say quite happily that I have successfully knocked out 4% of my treatment plan!

Wait I can make it sound better than that!

I only have 96% of my pills left to take.

Oh man no way hold it one more try.

Of the 168 days I was given I only have 161 remaining to go.

Oh hell no that reminds me of County Jail crap.

Let's see, hold on these folks need help...

Ok took care of that now where were we?

Linuxter wrote:

---

JimmyK wrote:

---

Linuxter wrote:

---

 

You must mean your other left ... right?  

---

 Probably. Just not sure how to compensate for the down under thing.

(I can't begin to tell you how disappointed I was when I flushed a toilet in Rio and it went the same direction as in Texas.)

<futile attempt at a save here>

 

---

 Worked Jimmy, hate to tell ya but that only works with sink or bath water ... now you'll have to take another trip to re-confirm.

So which way does it turn in space?

Will the airline send you there?

 

D

---

 A sink or bathwater? Mystery solved thanks. Since I did not go down there to pee I sure ain't going down there to take a bath. They have those nasty mosquito's now and a President being thrown to the curb. (She is all kinds of pissed off and wants the UN to step in! LOL her own people saw get out and she calls on The UN )

You are asking me which way it turns in Space? What, since I got off Riba or you?  LOL

JimmyK wrote:

---

Linuxter wrote:

---

 

You must mean your other left ... right?  

---

 Probably. Just not sure how to compensate for the down under thing.

(I can't begin to tell you how disappointed I was when I flushed a toilet in Rio and it went the same direction as in Texas.)

<futile attempt at a save here>

 

---

 Worked Jimmy, hate to tell ya but that only works with sink or bath water ... now you'll have to take another trip to re-confirm.

So which way does it turn in space?

Will the airline send you there?

D

Linuxter wrote:

---

 

You must mean your other left ... right?  

---

 Probably. Just not sure how to compensate for the down under thing.

(I can't begin to tell you how disappointed I was when I flushed a toilet in Rio and it went the same direction as in Texas.)

<futile attempt at a save here>

Hi Jimmy,

You must mean your other left ... right?  

Hope all is going Ok for you two ...

Best Wishes,

Dave

Hello Syd.

When it comes to weather, trust me, Jimmy is prepared. 

Look to the left ~~~~~~>

Too much time on his hands.

Canuck this is for you!

http://www.dairyqueen.com/us-en/Blizzard-Fan-Club/?localechange=1&

Jimmy said :  ".... I also can take a very dry approach to things, but then it comes out looking like this ...." - this is where someone adept with attaching things inserts a picture of the deluge in Texas which is seriously interfering with dry humour. Also, somewhere in here, is room for a joke about wet pants (don't you think Syd?), and Tom, you devil, we want a full explanation about these dreams!

Wendy, hey thanks for the heads ups about DQ birthdays - really?? Next time I get to the big city, I'm going there! You pulling my leg?

SF, Me too, don't drink - a "nice" drink really is a complete dismal waste on me - I could only possibly stomach/enjoy one if it was heavily disguised as a very sweet dessert, but I wouldn't enjoys it's affect on me the next day. I have (maybe/sometimes/rarely) one drink per year, at New Years (cheap date), and always wondered why I felt like I had a hangover the next AM, from having even just one! ... NOW!,  I finally got it figured out ... it is just definitely NOT tolerated by my very pre-occupied liver. I did all my serious (copious) practicing and experimentation with overdosing on alcohol in high school - thank god it made me so ill (poisoned myself actually), repeatedly!!, (real dumb kid) until I ran out of new varieties to try (new ones required, so as to prevent the dry-heaving at the aroma of the old ones I had already O.D.'d on)! I plum ran out of "affordable" alcohol choices on my budget. Thank goodness street drugs for kids are so much more easily obtained and cheaper too eh! (joke! BTW). This inadvertently self-imposed, early immersion programme (of intensive noxious behavioural modification alcohol 101 training), turns out, helped me, immensely, to prevent a life long addiction to alcohol, which could have easily progressed with me, and happens to run in my family (in various forms). Slow to learn, I took the "regular class lessons" and then for good measure, remedial classes for dummies for a couple years, before I learned something! I learned ... that I was JUST NOT GOOD at alcohol for some reason! I think you had mentioned some mild sides? - thus, the only reason I dredged up the topic of feeling "drugged", or having "hangovers"? In the first half of my treatment I felt something "like" a hangover in the AM, in this later half of treatment, that sensation has lessened. My rather minor but notable headaches in the first half of treatment, which (I think?) were a side, have also lessened 1/2 way through. 

ONLY 12 more days of Harvoni, tick, tick, tick - nice! And Syd, at the dacla 3/4 mark?!! It won't be long now boys and girls ... we'll be coming round the mountain soon! Jeesh there seem to be lot of cars on this Harvoni train eh?

I have every confidence in gojuman. He will do the right thing. I have as much confidence in gojuman, as I do in dear Jimmy K and his dear Mrs.  C.

Canuck wrote:

---

Hey SF,

Are we almost there yet?? What is it - like 2 more weeks to go?? Do you really have a double coupon for DQ? Can you get me a coupon too? Has it stopped snowing there yet? Isn't it kinda too cool there for ice cream? Why don't you just send your coupon to me? Is it true, what I heard, that you had a hangover?

You should set the record straight, other wise, you know ... people talk and make up stuff to fill in the blanks when left to their own devices. Like ... this thing about you being on drugs. 

---

         Hi Canuck,

         The weather here has been beautiful and was 24 the other day (C people or 75 F)  No snow and yes I have now TWO coupons but they are for select stores only here... sorry  

Hangover? I have never been drunk in my life .. honest. Don't judge me so no clue what it would feel like other than what I have seen with others suffering.

I am at day 72 with 12 left to go. This being Wednesday and my EOT, last pill May 2nd.

That being said there is a new fellow around that really needs to start his medication, he has it and like many is afraid to take it. We are trying so hard to support him, especially Jimmy who has gone the extra mile big time.

I am glad you are both ok Jimmy with the flood!

SF

I am with you guys on hurricane season. Been a while since anything major hit here THANK YOU GOD but have to be vigilant. In my area it is those no name storms that seem to do more damage. 

Thanks Tig.

I can always run to "The Other Place" in The Hill Country. I just have to make sure I have a back up plan if pills are due and I am sitting there with no freaking lights.

Oh and I do keep a good eye out. This is my go to site to see what's up. ~~> http://www.tropicwx.com/

Gulf Temperature and what is coming off the coast of Africa are my two deciding factors on what DEFCON level I operate at.

JimmyK wrote:

---

For me what will be interesting is the upcoming Hurricane Season. When IKE came through we were without power for three weeks. In the middle of treatment that could be a concern so I am considering the what if's and will take appropriate precautions.

Jimmy

---

 Hurricane season starts the first of June. Since we'll be watching the weather reports together, I have an idea. Since I'm also on the Gulf Coast, we can hopefully be sure that the same named storm won't hit us both. You're welcome to join me any time the water and winds get to be too much. I was going to say to take the short route across the Gulf by boat, but the train ride south might be a bit drier! I'll get up and make sure you take your silver bullet, but you have to make breakfast! 

Thanks Ladies, we appreciate the thoughts and concerns.

We play a lot here to keep each other close and to try and lighten the load we each carry, always remembering each other and knowing we are not alone. This is a pretty cool family.

The rain did a lot of damage all around us, but our neighborhood was spared as far as damage is concerned. My trash cans ended up down the street but that is about it.

The grand-kids are here with me still as their school remains closed. Probably open tomorrow. Carol got Monday off work because of no electricity and her workplace has an electric operated gate. (That was kind of funny because her boss would have had them their working without lights with the doors open but they could not get in. LOL)

We never lost power here at the house which pun or not was shocking. Sunday over night was a heck of a light show and pretty loud.

For me what will be interesting is the upcoming Hurricane Season. When IKE came through we were without power for three weeks. In the middle of treatment that could be a concern so I am considering the what if's and will take appropriate precautions.

That is about it from here. Day six for me and too boring to report on. The biggest problem with treatment is 5:55a LOL.

Jimmy

Yes Wendy,

I was thinking about Jimmy and Carolyn in the flood. I saw the tv reporter who rescued some poor disorientated type from some raging rapids and for a moment I thought many that IS Jimmy. But then he looked too elderly and far too submissive to be Jimmy. Jimmy would be making some wise crack on camera even if he had just seen his life pass before his eyes. He'd be leaving behind something more craggy and substantial than a mere grey sedan. He might be saying a prayer but he'd more likely to be remarking that that near death experience was a piece of cake compared to the Hep C treatments he's endured. 

No I think they're on terra firma having their own special Harvoni party. Clyde might have been allowed out from the aquarium for a few hours to dry off the green fur he's been accumulating and Sonny might even have been prised off that poster on the wall. 

And we just don't want to go near the subject of whether or not there's underpants involved.

Syd

with the flooding in Houston, Jimmy very well may be running around naked. Hope you are doing ok my friend.

Canuck - sign up for the birthday club on DQ's website and you will get lots of coupons! (how do I know this?)

Hey SF,

Are we almost there yet?? What is it - like 2 more weeks to go?? Do you really have a double coupon for DQ? Can you get me a coupon too? Has it stopped snowing there yet? Isn't it kinda too cool there for ice cream? Why don't you just send your coupon to me? Is it true, what I heard, that you had a hangover?

You should set the record straight, other wise, you know ... people talk and make up stuff to fill in the blanks when left to their own devices. Like ... this thing about you being on drugs. 

Jimmy K,

Has there been a back-order event in the harvoni spring-wear dept.? I was kinda hoping to see the latest outfit versions being modeled by now ... have you found your pants yet? Maybe you lost your t-shirt too?  C.

Shadowfax wrote:

---

I agree with Syd,

No slacking

---

 Ok you asked for it.

You get the bag.

So what else is "up for grabs"?

Syd I did that special for your type of humor.  LOL

Ok Syd has dibs on the banana.

Personally I will take the title 5:55 as it has meaning for me.

Jimmy

Thanks Jimmy.

Well there's certainly a range of symbols. I'll take the banana. 

Syd

Sydhanrahan wrote:

---

Hey Jimmy,

we're all waiting for a wonderfully appropriate, out of left field on treatment clip.

Syd

 

 

---

 Ok went out to left field and found this.

Have no idea what it means but.....

I agree with Syd,

No slacking

Hey Jimmy,

we're all waiting for a wonderfully appropriate, out of left field on treatment clip.

Syd

Thanks SF!

That is kind of trippy. Folks here do get involved with each others journey. Makes for a much better ride!

Jimmy

Finally Jimmy!

I will just say that just before 6:55 EST or 5:55 your time I was actually watching my clock knowing that you were about to get on the train. It was a great way to start my day.

This time you got this!

SF

Hi Tom,

Well first pill was this morning so have not yet taken the dreams for a test ride. I remember back when I used to smoke and trying to quit if I used a Nicotine Patch I would dream some crazy stuff. So I am prone to drug induced vivid dreaming so I will see.

JimmyK

How were the dreams, Jimmy??? Huh, how were they??? I slept NORMALLY last night, but the dreams were again four-stars and maybe a little more fun!  Looking forward to hitting it again tonight.  Who knows.