I made it back from my 180 mile journey on the freeway pretty much without incident. From the freeway back to our house is a fairly narrow 30 mile long stretch of winding road that runs along the river and is fine but people often do tend to tailgate or pass at stupid times ... I go the speed limit but not much faster (I know the road well and it's got some nasty curves and intersections) so I know my going the speed limit tends to piss some people off ... but that's their problem, not mine. I was several cars behind a semi going up a long hill and I don't like to tailgate so I stay back a bit ... well people really tend to tailgate then, not realizing, I guess, that they are not going to get there any faster even if I were glued to the bumper in front of me. Finally the semi pulled off to the side to let cars go then all of a sudden decides to swerve back into traffic right when I was along side him. Needless to say I had to dodge to the left to keep from getting hit by him, no oncoming traffic or I would have been hit, braking would have done no good, he was off the road then swerved at me from the right. We were fine but I did have a few choice words for the idiot driving that semi.

Home now and I plan on staying here till Thursday when I have to go th the ID Doc ... I sure wish there weren't so many idiots on the road ... I'm just glad I don't have to deal with that stress every day like I used to.

Kickin' back now, enjoying the peace ... life is good here "There's no place like home".

Dave

Thanks will do,  Oh, I just had some rage.  HR  sent an email out to all the employees to ask them to fill out some form and if they didn't get the email please let her know.  This person replied to all.  Why do I care.  Do they realize they are  supposed to reply only to the HR.  If we had 100's of employees replying to all it will fill my email box.  This is a pet peeve and I so want to send some comment back.  So I am going to shut off the computer and eat before I do. 

I'll keep you posted about my VL that will be < good number. 

Hi Scott,

Glad you got partial results back already ... they're sure quick there.

I don't know enough about how much the Hemoglobin and Red Blood Cell Count fluctuate on a regular basis so can't really comment there.

Keep us posted on the VL when you get it.

Pace yourself, if you are indeed slightly anemic then you need to take it easy where you can.

Best,

Dave

Still no viral load but I got my CBC back.  Hemoglobin dropped almost a whole point from Thursday to today.  Thursday it was 14.3 today it is 13.4.  Here are the rest.

Just had my 4 week tests done today.  One result it in by the portal is down.  Oh well, it is only the CBC.  I want to see the VL and I am not sure how long that takes.  Probably 24 hours would be my guess being it is a university hospital. 

I can't wait.  Oh, I don't remember if I have told everyone this but my head rushes are gone.  Checked my BP today and it is back to 120/80.  Maybe it was just a dip in BP causing those. 

Since I have been eating very healthy now, I am at 209.  I was 221 when I started treatment.  I didn't lose that because I have no appetite either.  Ironically, I was super sick before I started treatment and now I am always hungry but am eating good.  I'd love to break 200 before treatment is over.  I'll keep ya posted. 

Aniwon els hav trubble spelling?  I hav such problem remembering symple wrds.

Safe travels for you and Jo, Dave! HYDRATE along the way and hang onto that bottle, just in case there are fewer rest stops than required! Wizzzzzzzzz..... 

Thanks Tig/ SF,

"I will cross my fingers that there are sufficient rest stops on the way "

LOL, ya the thought crossed my mind ... with your fingers crossed and my mind crossed I'm sure I'll do Ok.

Congrats on the two wk mark tomorrow SF ... "Time keeps on slippin', slippin', into the future"

Dave

Day 33 is great and day 13 for me.

Have a safe trip tomorrow and with all that hydration, I will cross my fingers that there are sufficient rest stops on the way

Long trips and 3 liters of liquid a day don't go well together.

Regarding smoothies. I had another one last night and although all the ingredients were healthy and good on their own, I think I am best suited for those Oreo Ice Cream Blizzard smoothies... My new blender will make great milkshakes 

We are looking forward to the new information you get after your appointment later this week.

Have a good one!

Cheers

Hey Dave,

I don't think I'd be real concerned about the high eso's. They are one component of your WBC's and can elevate for a number of reasons. If your WBC and differential were real elevated, you'd have more reason to wonder. We typically see mild to moderate fluctuations in a lot of blood tests, these drugs affect everything.

Good luck on your journey tomorrow! Let us know the good news when you get it. Remember the magic 8 ball....

Day 33 (approaching 5 wks)

Appointment with the ID Doc this week, no doubt we'll go over 4 wk labs.

I'll be asking about the elevated (just out of Range on the High side) Absolute Eosinophil Count but certainly not worried about it.

Also will see when my next Labs will be taken (hopefully wk 8 but possibly EOT, hopefully I won't have to wait until 12 wks post EOT).

I have little doubt the Riba Rx will remain at 1200mg/day since my Red Blood Cell Count is still within Range.

I'm also going to ask my ID Doc if I could Please get a copy of my next Lab results When They Are Complete (I still haven't received any info what-so-ever from her (ID Doc's) office regarding my Labs taken on the 16th of Feb ... I had to get my PCP to get them, fortunately I had the foresight to make an appointment with my PCP for shortly after the Labs or I still would not know the results).

---

Today is going well, busy week ahead (driving and ordering more HCV meds and Appt. with ID Doc).

Normally that wouldn't be a lot to do ... but ... <Take your choice of standard Riba remark Here>.

Had a good breakfast of nuts, dried fruit and yogurt and made a super-charged batch of green smoothies for throughout the day and tomorrow morning before the long drive.

I'll be taking an extra large quantity of H2O for the trip so I can stay well hydrated.

Going to try to get in another 30 minutes of exercise today ... I look forward to the endorphins helping to keep an even keel.

All for now ... Take Care All,

Dave

Yup, good day here too.

I think the exercise really helps ... tough getting motivated but I'm always glad it did it after.

Seems to make it easier to keep on truckin'.

Glad your day went well!

Dave

p.s. Ya, that dragon is goin' down! No mercy here.

Weird, I almost felt pity for 'em for a minute but that's just because we had SO many decades together ... he crossed the line when he messed with the liver ... like I said he's goin' down hard! No remorse!!

I never noticed your dragon  Dave,  That is pretty cool. 

For me, today was a good day.  I went for a walk and wore long sleeve shirt and hat, however face did still get sun so next time I will wear some sun screen.   I am not the person that can sit in side when it is nice out.  I will limit it.  I think I have finally started to figure out this juggling  act.  I did some more cleaning for the move.  I rested, then I went for the walk, then rested, then ran some errands and called it a night at 330.  I wasn't ready to but there is a fine line and I can be running along great then I crash then the anxiety comes.  No anxiety tonight.  The Epsom baths really help to. 

Life is great for me today.  I hope tomorrow is the same.  Funny thing is, It is still good even though I am waking up at 3am or earlier.  I don't get up but I wake up.  I guess that makes a huge difference.  I just flip on the TV and watch old reruns of Married with Children.  Good old 80's risky humor back then.  When Fox TV was on UHF and only came on after 7pm and then shut off at Midnight. 

Also switched my deodorant  up.  My old stuff not working very long.  Probably wont find one.  I know that is the meds, I remember that from last couple of treatments.  Everyone have a good rest of the weekend and stay positive.    

I propose a Dragon Roast in the not too distant future.

Glad ya both like the avatar ... lol

I think he's fairing far worse than I ... HA!

I'd say he's on a wing and a prayer right about now.

Hey, if nothing else I'll drowned him with all this water I'm drinking ... oh, so that's why we're supposed to drink all that water ... Doh! never donned on me before.

Dave

Tig56 wrote:

---

PS: Your avatar is duly noted!

---

 Hahahahaha!!! I just noticed that and it looks like he's going belly-up. You're kicking his butt Dave. Keep up the good work. Scott and Syd, you guys are doing great too. You'll all be dumping out dead dragon meat soon.

Hey Buddy,

Sorry about the insomnia, I still suffer from it. Do what you can to catch a nap during the day. My recliner became my go to place most days. It will improve, but your body is dealing with changes to your metabolism that it doesn't quite understand. So it's reaction is to fight back and everything but your motivation is going a hundred miles an hour. 

Keep feeding it the nutrients you know it needs, regardless of desire. When you can't do anything else, hydrate. Water is your friend!

Have a safe trip to Jo's doctor and enjoy the early Spring weather and new growth. It's a sign of good things to come! Hang in there dude....

PS: Your avatar is duly noted!

Well, so much for sleeping good, finally got to sleep  somewhere around 5 am this morning.

Did sleep in and felt pretty good when I woke up so I ate a quick bowl of cereal and got in 30 minutes on the exercise bike.

Endorphins seemed to tune my mood up but I don't feel much like doing much else now.

I'll make a batch of smoothies in a bit, need to keep the nutrients up.

Have to make the 180 mile round trip journey to Jo's doctor Monday. Tried to time it so we don't hit major traffic then it's not too bad.

Everything in the yard thinks it March or April, stuff is starting to bloom very early this year.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend.

Dave

Syd - terrific news about the next round. Glad to see I am not the only one that projects and ends up having worried for n reason. Progress not perfection wendy hahaha

And very happy to see that your side effects have lessened Scott and you are feeling better. 

Dave,

i missed your post. Wow that sof is ripping through those dragon babies at a cracking pace.

So happy for you.

Scott,

you sound better too,

Syd 

Scott18927 wrote:

---

Syd, I am glad to hear you got the next round.  That is Awesome. 

 

And Dave, that  is super great news.  Man, your  results actually recharged my batteries.  I am so happy for you.  I got mine on Tuesday, hopefully Tig's magic 8 ball says that same about me.  I am right behind you and am very confident. 

 

Side effects have died down on me.   My Liver Doc said no change or increase in meds for a couple of weeks.  He actually said that  all my symptoms are most likely related to HCV meds.  Still have PCP appointment on Monday to talk about head rushes when I stand up.  Not going to up my Zoloft.  I will continue to take 50 mg a day for now.  Today was great  and even better after  I read your news Dave. 

---

 Thanks Scott,

Yup, you'll likely know by next Friday or so ... glad you got in to see the liver Doc and that the sides have tapered off. I felt great today, of course and hope the sides will just stay mellow. My PCP says do more exercise if I possibly can, the natural drugs (endorphins) will help tame the low mood (depression) part of the side effects as well as have other good benefits.

Later,

Dave

Sydhanrahan wrote:

---

... my big news is that after all the anxiety of what to say when they refused another round of treatment, the Registrar just said yes. And he phoned the hospital pharmacy to make sure Sof/Riba/Dac will be there when this lot runs out on March 4. 

I am so relieved. May feel like I've been run over by a train rather than been riding one, but sooo relieved. And yes feel so lucky that drugs come into the PBS on March 1st. 

 

Syd

---

Hey Syd,

Sorry I missed the news, got all caught up in my labs ...

Congrats, very glad to hear you are approved and will be able go on with the extra 12 wks without skipping a beat.

Great news. I know it's longer on the Riba but it'll be worth it to have the insurance you will achieve SVR !

Dave

Thanks Lori and Ari,

I'm glad this milestone was here ... I'll sleep well tonight 

Dave

Syd, I am glad to hear you got the next round.  That is Awesome. 

And Dave, that  is super great news.  Man, your  results actually recharged my batteries.  I am so happy for you.  I got mine on Tuesday, hopefully Tig's magic 8 ball says that same about me.  I am right behind you and am very confident. 

Side effects have died down on me.   My Liver Doc said no change or increase in meds for a couple of weeks.  He actually said that  all my symptoms are most likely related to HCV meds.  Still have PCP appointment on Monday to talk about head rushes when I stand up.  Not going to up my Zoloft.  I will continue to take 50 mg a day for now.  Today was great  and even better after  I read your news Dave. 

I'm so happy for you Dave!!!

Hey Oh Canuck,

... that'll be Cake with Ice Cream eh! ... LOL

Tnx,

Dave

WHO is hysterically happy?, she said, mouth gaping open, jaw hitting floor, followed by hooting noises. Jeesh, just a wee step in the right direction - you are soooo cool and understated!! From musta been about 6/7 log to 1!!!! Unreal! <15 hahahahahah. GOOD ON YOU. Cake! 

Thanks Gropergetter!

I can only imagine actually drifting at sea but it feels like drifting at sea for eons and finally seeing land in the distance ... I know it's there and I know I'll make it, it's just a matter of paddling and paddling and paddling by hand those last 2.9 miles. I will get there ... Land Ho!

Dave

Way to go Dave, the meds are doing their thing.  When you get this kind of report it really makes the tx worthwhile.  Hoping and praying this does it for you.  Can't wait for the UND and SVR      

Tnx Wendy! ... appreciated. 

YIPPPEEE go Dave!

Thanks SF,

Well both (All) be HCV-Free in the not too distant future.

Hang in there ... you'll be seeing good results soon my friend.

My Best to you,

Dave

Great news Dave,

This totally made my day and I am elated to see you get those results. You have been working so hard and hanging in on the tough days. SVR is clearly coming your way.

I don't know what else to say, your blood work results say it all. Contrats and keep up the good fight.

Thanks Tig,

I knew you were right before when you said the Lab results would recharge me but I don't think I realized quite how much ... makes it all worthwhile.

Thanks

p.s. I'll try to find a way to scan or get electronic results but I think most of the rest is uneventful.

HCV RNA Quantitative = <15 DETECTED (was 9816581 on 11/06/2015)

HCV RNA Log <1.18 DETECTED (was 6.99 on 11/06/2015)

Red Blood Cell Count 4.49 ... range= 4.20-5.80

Platelet Count 201 ... range = 140-400    (was 174 @ day 3 of Tx)

ALT 15 ... range 9-46 (was 25 @ day 3 of Tx and in November of 2015 ALT was 41)

AST 17 ... range 10-35 (was 20 @ day 3 of Tx and in November of 2015 AST was 35)

My assessment is that everything is going in the right direction but not sure about the Absolute Eosinophils being 508 ???) Thoughts ??

Thanks Mike,

... You'll probably have to put up with a few more posts from me between now and SVR but I will certainly enjoy posting that one 

... From what I can tell, the virus is detected but just too little to accurately test.

Dave

Ya, that's nothing. Amazing how fast it knocked down your 10 million count, isn't it? What very often used to take months, now take a couple weeks. That doesn't make the ride all that special, I know what a weight it is to just make through the day sometimes. You'll do it, I have confidence in you! Don't forget, HYDRATE! 

Congrats on the impressive test result Dave. That's an excellent sign that the medicine is working. That's way better than my 4 wk result when I was on Sov/riba. Keep doing what your doing since it's obviousy working well. You'll be posting an SVR result before too long.

-- Edited by wmlj1960 on Saturday 20th of February 2016 09:46:10 PM

Quantitative = <15 DETECTED

Log <1.18 DETECTED 

Red Blood Cell Count is 4.49 ... range= 4.20-5.80

Only thing Out of Range is:

ABSOLUTE EOSINOPHILS 508 ... range= 15-500 (at war with virus?, fighting along side meds perhaps?)

... Yup, I'll take this over any lotto - any day!

Whatever ya do ... don't sell that 8-Ball!

I'm not worried in the slightest, had I waited till day 30 it could well have said UNDETECTED ...

Battery Recharge = 100%

Water, Rest, Water, Exercise, Water, Water ...

Dave

Outstanding Dave!! Now this is the new meaning when people say, "You're on some good drugs, man"! Congrats buddy! Does the result say anything about <15 detected or undetected or just <15? Doesn't really matter, <15 is nothing. By the time you had the test ran and returned anything left would've been mopped up and thrown out. I told you my old magic 8 ball was spot on the money, not the lotto, but this is even better!

Tig,

Funny you should rattle my cage like that ... the Doc did the same thing and Rx'd me 30 min. exercise 3-5x/ wk ...

To All,

... and the official 4 wk Lab results are:

Viral Load @ day 28 was ... <15  (Remarkable!) That's a drop from ~ 10 million

Yup, Sof/ Riba DOES work ...

... I think I can safely say that we won the first battle ... the war's not quite over yet but the dragon is in major retreat with his tail between his legs ... We will squash the giant, there is NO DOUBT! (I do say WE ... because you all are a part of this and I thank each and every one of you for being here along side of me!)

Hang in there fellow dragon slayers, the meds DO work and soon we will all be/ or already are HCV-Free! We Got This!

 Timing is good, as you might expect, today is turning out a smidge better than yesterday ... Lol. 

Dave

-- Edited by Linuxter on Friday 19th of February 2016 09:08:03 PM

Hey Dave,

No slacking buddy! Up and at em dude!!! Move, move, move!!!! How's that for my boot camp speech? I've got a old metal garbage can that I can take my night stick and make some noise if you need me to wake you up!

Keep your chin held high, today will be a better day. My magic 8 ball says so and it's never wrong! It's not too good at the lotto numbers, but perfect the rest of the time! Let us know when you get the lab results, we're anxious to share the improvements with you. Hang in there my friend.... 

Thank you Scott, Syd, Ari for posting,

Mornings tend to be much better for me, yesterday was an exception, but today is fine.

Didn't get a ton of sleep but do feel recharged a bit anyway.

Off to the doc ...

... as far as I know, no lab results yet.

Thanks,

Dave

(Day 31) I'm 0.369047619048th (1/3+) of the way there

I really feel for the people having issues during treatment. I thought I was going to breeze through it initially but between weeks 4 and 6 things started to fall apart. I was on tx for 24 weeks and it was the last three that really did my head in.

Like other's have said, part of my issues were to do with my not being in control. I felt torn between doing what was absolutely best for me and stopping it as it was making me feel so ****. Had to do a lot of self talk about bigger pictures. And remembering what a friend often tells me - 'really it's just a blip on the radar'

Re taking drugs, my system doesn't tolerate any prescribed antidepressants so I use a natural one - lucky for me the one I use is compatible with Viekira Pak. For anxiety I use Valerian which was an unknown with tx so I was off that and missed it.

My Doctor prescribed Zopiclone for sleep (half usual dose). It was ok initially but in the end it made me feel more weird so I stopped and learnt to live with sleepless nights.

One thing I found out on an earlier occasion is that prolonged use of Zopiclone combined with Codeine can make one become suicidal - something to be wary of; makes me wonder about some of the ****tails we are prescribed

I will find out if I have reached SVR on 8 March - the suspense is palatable 

I'm thinking of everyone doing it hard and am inspired to hear the different ways people are finding to cope.

Aroha

Ari

Hi Scott,

so glad your ankle has settled down and sorry to hear about 'head rushes'. What exactly to you mean by that? Feeling faint when you stand up? I know my heart beat is a bit erratic and I am often aware of it boom booming in my chest which I definitely never had before. But I just thought if it takes me out with a heart attack at least it'll be quicker than liver failure.

Putting you on Zoloft at the same time as beginning treatment wasn't a good idea. Just gives you another variable to add to the mix of what's making you feel bad. I think I told you they doubled my antidepressant but I was familiar with it and that made it a plus.

my big news is that after all the anxiety of what to say when they refused another round of treatment, the Registrar just said yes. And he phoned the hospital pharmacy to make sure Sof/Riba/Dac will be there when this lot runs out on March 4. 

I am so relieved. May feel like I've been run over by a train rather than been riding one, but sooo relieved. And yes feel so lucky that drugs come into the PBS on March 1st. 

Syd

Sorry to hear about the depression.  I tell ya, once you think you got a feel, then a new symptom comes up.   You know all mine.

I am going to start trying to have a more positive outlook.  Heck, I am getting treated finally and literally have been trying for years.  So that is my number 1 feel good, all the rest of the stuff are just speed bumps, or switching rails to a different line. 

Hope you feel better tomorrow.  Hope you get your results tomorrow.  I think that will give you a boost.  I know it will me. 

Day 30

Mood swings, headache and fog all day, drinking tons of water but it doesn't seem to phase it this time.

Took some Ibuprofen to try and tame the headache so I can sleep tonight. I think the Riba is trying to make up for lost time since I've done relatively well so far throughout Tx. Hey, it the dragon is still alive, it's feelin' worse that me, I'm sure of that.

Dr appt. with PCP tomorrow ... touch bases and if labs are in discuss them and mood swings.

D

SF,

Glad to see ya back.

I hope all goes well with your Tx and all.

Best Wishes,

Dave

Greetings,

I am having a hard time responding to this thread. Y'all are in my prayers and I know that He Listens.

I am by far the most undeserving person here. Absolutely beyond doubt I make that statement.

God Bless y'all if even but a fraction as He has me, and you will be fine.  ;)

Warm Regards

JimmyK

Scott, just take care of yourself.

Dave, waiting for your results ... Day 30 wow.

I have been a little absent but will try and remedy that.

I don't think I  am there yet but I will do that after my appointment on Monday.  I am going to a completely different PA/DOC at the VA on Monday since mine is out of town.  So,  let me see what they day.  If it gets any worse I will  definitely go to the ER.  I mean hey, My deductible is paid in full.  LOL

Scott,

My post is regarding the bad head rushes you've been having recently, that doesn't sound normal to me.

Dave