And this coming from the guy that brought me the "nuts". 

LOL Family.

Don't do it Dave!!! They have rooms for people that talk like that. They've got funny locks on them and all the walls are covered with blue padding. Nurse comes around every so often and gives you some juice and a cookie. Next thing you remember, two weeks have gone by. Shhhh, they might be listening!

Hang in there buddy, you're homing in on two weeks. Great progress is already being made!

Hydrate......

Thank you all for the encouragement, it's appreciated!

I'm doing good, just in the heat of battle right now ... I WILL persevere!

Sure is great having you folks around, let me tell ya ... this place is a blessing, for sure!

I suppose I'd better not but I was thinkin' about takin' a few pot shots at that durn drone ... lol.

I can see the headlines now "Wild Man Claims Dragon Slaying Drones Attacking!"

Dave

Greeting Brother Dave,

The Riba is in fact rather hard on some and that definitely includes me. Pre treatment my consistent bench, albeit using a Bow-flex Extreme consisted of reps at 410 of 25 x 8 sets. That was 10/14/15.

Today 02/04/16 I can get maybe 6 reps in x 3 sets.

I lost 25 lbs on treatment and that was somewhere in the neighborhood of 10% mass. In 11 weeks mind you so yes significant.

Now on recovery mode yet I have a new series of 16 weeks of that stuff ahead of me.

But you know what? Dragon slaying is a tiresome task. Not all are up for it. But the goal reached is the wreath of the victor and well worth the effort toils and turmoils.

If it were an easy thing to slay a Dragon, wherein is the glory of victory?

Hang in there brother and give it no thought. You WILL WIN and then before you lies the path of the true Victor to whom belongs, the spoils of WAR.

Breathe deep and smell the victory before you.

Your Brother in This Fight

JimmyK

Day 16 is great! I hope the breathing resolves itself and you are feeling more comfortable very soon ... like tomorrow.  Please keep us posted just in case the drone fails. 

Hi Dave,

It does sound like Riba related fatigue. You're certainly perfused through and through by now, so it's going to start having an effect on you. It's part of the process unfortunately, but you can be assured that you're feeling better than your Dragon. The fatigue and anemia are signs of effective action by your medication, it's working Brother. I could tell the difference between a respiratory thing and the Riba. It will be interesting to see the results of your first blood tests. Riba will affect the hemoglobin and RBC's, it's common and normal. They'll keep an eye on it. Just take it easy, rest, continue your nutritional program and push the water. Hang in there buddy!

Day 16

Breathing is very labored today, got some chores done but just doing a few things exhausted me.

I'm still flip-flopping as to whether it's the Riba or upper respiratory crud, if shortness of breath from simple activities is a symptom of the Riba, it's probably that.

Other than being tuckered out I'm doing great, slept in this morning to allow myself to rest, I'm keeping up on the water and getting plenty of nutrition via the green smoothies and a just few carbs and protein on the side.

... onward.

Dave

Well I found the Coconut water.  I don't really care for the test but read that article and will try some spices to make it better.  I just chugged it down like a glass of whisky in grade school.  LOL.  Maybe I will acquire a taste for it. 

The benefits are amazing according to that article.  I'm a little hesitant on something that is put in a container but it says only additive less than 1% natural fruit sugar which from my understanding is bad.  Maybe I will look for other brand without that. 

Here's some good information on the topic of today, Coconut Water. You never realize the benefits of things like this, until times like these make you get off your duff and look! Perhaps we should open up a mail order nutritional supply! we've collected some good ideas.

http://www.seedguides.info/coconut-water/

That is great recommendation Jimmy.  I too will go get that.  Today, I am not wanting to move off couch.  I went straight from bed to couch.  I got a lot of computer work done today so I have motivation (Because I hate paperwork)  but I just don't feel like moving.  I do have a dog so I have no choice.  Besides the quick trips out earlier for her to go to the bathroom, I have been on couch all day. 

Time to get dressed up and head out in all this snow for her to walk.  I am dreading it big time, but I can't do that to her.  Besides, I Always feel better after exercise no matter how much I don't feel like it. I just hope I don't get the cramps.  I can feel my calves every time I walk, just getting ready to have a Charlie horse.  I will try the coconut water.  Not sure where to find that. 

Also, today I have had some serious sugar cravings which  I gave into.  Stomach  feels awful after eating 15 Oreo Cookies.  And I am sure this doesn't help the cramps and hydration. 

Thanks Jimmy,

Much appreciated!

I'll see if they have any at the grocery we normally go to.

We live remote so don't get to big chain stores often, but it's likely they probably have some locally.

I'll pick some up to have on hand.

I like the concept "all-in-one" "pleasant delivery system" ... I'm a fan of easy ...

Thanks,

Dave

Keep up the great work Dave!

Now for a bit of personal observation.

We all know we need to remain hydrated and those of us who have taken Ribamonster know that cramps can occur. We tend to run to a banana and vow to drink more water.

I personally feel it is smart to add Coconut Water. It takes from the drudgery of constant water intake by adding a pleasantly flavored drink that is a great source of potassium which supports the cramping problem at the same time as increased hydration.

Hydration + Potassium in one pleasant delivery system.

My 2 cents for the day.

JimmyK

Onward to wk 3

Today went well, little bit of Riba Rage was trying to rear it's ugly head but I walked away per advice ... so far it's controllable.

Jo's not feeling up to par either so we kind of tried to lock horns a few times but we both backed off (pretty easy, we've been together 22 years this month).

Tiny bit of nausea this morning until I ate some cereal fine after that.

No headache today, slight bit of extra tension in neck and shoulders but nothing bad.

All in all, good day.

1/6th done with Tx.

Dave

Ya, Tig just reminded me I need to hydrate, we all need to remind each other, it's Soooo helpful to stay hydrated.

Hope that lotion helps. It also has (link --->) Ceramide-3 which helps the very thin, upper most layer of our skin.

Bananas have a lot of potassium, good idea, helps keep the charlie horses away. Drink More WATER (reminding self).

Dave

oh and something brand new just happened when I walked across the room.  My calf went into a cramp.  Once, I moved it in a different direction and saved it from the cramp.  The second time dropped me. 

Since I traveled today, I think I am lacking fluids.  Going to eat a banana and pound some water.  Hope it helps. 

Thanks.  I will definitely check out those lotions.

Probably Drones ... OMG! ... the horror of it ... (Major Drama)

I've become a "Person of Interest" ... Egads!!

(Do I need to go back to my alias?) ... Linuxter

Buddy, I have a Magic 8 Ball, that works..... I know what you're doing, and not doing! The Ball doesn't lie. 

Another thing for the rash (I've been lucky so far, knock on wood) is "Eucerin - Eczema Relief" Body Cream ... works well for me to sooth and repair skin. Fragerence free, non greasy and has Oatmeal for relieving the itch ... it works. Says you can use it on 3 month old babies so I don't think there's anything too harsh in it. Freddie's sells it, probably most pharmacies too.

Just wanted to pass that on, I use it for dry skin and to keep atopic dermatitis from cropping up.

Dave

Tig,

How could you have possibly know I am slackin' on the water today, in fact I don't have my usual glass bottle of water on my desk right now ... I'm off to hydrate NOW!

Thanks,

Dave

Dave,

My man, the smoothie machine!! You're doing great dude!! Keep it up, I'm watching you....  HYDRATE!!

Scott,

You're definitely experiencing the SFX of Riba. That stuff didn't treat me well at all. But as you've heard, the best course of action is to remove yourself from the flame immediately or you will go off. Man, there were a few times I had trouble returning to my imagined non Hulk form. Boy I'd get pissed off at the stupidest things. I'm thinking they should give us a button to wear on our lapel that warns people to stay clear. Maybe one of those mood rings would work! Hang in there bud. Laying back is a good idea!

The rash can really be irritating and I found Zyrtec antihistamine and Caladryl lotion helped a lot. The doctor should approve them both, but you should call anytime you add an OTC medication to your protocol. I didn't have to use it everyday, but often enough to know it can help relieve some of it. Stay out of the sun too. Riba and the sun do not mix well together. If you're in the bright sun, you should be wearing good sunglasses too. 

Hi Scott,

Week two here, things actually seem to be leveling off, I've had tastes of all the major Riba side effects so far but they seem to crop up then go away as my body adjusts to the changes. Had one day I thought would never end, foggy brain, felt very drained then the next day I felt great, even a bit supercharged. Now when I get anything out of the norm I hit it with lots of water and a smoothie with lots of vitamins and minerals ... so far it does seem to stave the sides off nicely.

I've been switching up the smoothies, changing the greens, next time fruits, just what ever seems right at the time ... but I don't make the same thing every day. Been trying to switch up the protein too, meat one day, fish another, just nuts and seeds the next etc.

For some reason I haven't been craving carbs much which is totally unusual for me. Normally I love toast for breakfast, sandwich for lunch, pasta for dinner ... now not so much. I do still like them, just don't crave them so much. This is all since SOT, perhaps it's the smoothies, whatever it is it's probably a good thing. I don't need the glucose, mine was pretty high before Tx (I think part of that was the carbs but some due to the HCV, I think). Hopefully I come out of this with a better balanced diet and things like elevated blood pressure and glucose subside.

Side effects of Riba are like the weather around here, blink and it will change.

Dave

Thanks.  Yeah I got it on my arms and back too.  I have some prescription cream for my face and use an oatmeal gold bond for my arms and back.  I already suffer from dry skin and I live in Colorado so it is very dry here.  Normally it is just a few patches but now my whole biceps are covered and back feels like a lizard's scales. 

I catch myself just going in a circular pattern of anger, like "what if" scenarios.  For example, guy leaned his chair back on plane so I tapped my foot and knee to hit the chair because he was in my space.  I was Just trying to pick a fight.  I am usually really laid back.  I caught it and put on some pink Floyd and went to my happy place.  If I hadn't of, I am sure it could have escalated and been on the nightly news. 

I guess I just need to detach for the next few months.  Only 7 days I my behavior is changing a little.  But then again, I hate traveling.  Fortunately I don't have to travel all the time for my work.  Just every once and a while. 

RIBA rash can show up anywhere on body. Usually forarms,chest,back and legs,and face-cheeks. At some point you could get very dry skin, I did.  The rash showed up on my arms.

The mood-anger thing is riba-rage, I remember it well. One time I got very angry at my wife for rinsing fresh vegetables in warm water? I thought she should be rinsing in cold water- and it went downhill from there!!  Be aware that you can pop your top over the stupid little things. It helps to just avoid the things that set you off, just walk away -cool off and it will be ok.   Keep up the hard work.  RC

Today has been one week for me on treatment.  I have experienced some changes in my mood.  I have been getting aggravated pretty easily.  A little depression but like someone said below, I seem to snap out of it rather quickly, where the interferon would make me sulk in my depression. 

I still have the gout in left foot.  Sometimes it is so painful, I have to take 800 mg ibuprofen.  If it stays through until next week, I might go get it looked at.  Also, my shoulders hurt real bad.  I've been a battery technician for 10 years so several times a month, I lift hundred pound batteries over my head.  I don't do this every day but it is not uncommon for me to move 15,000 lbs of batteries a few times a month.  Funny thing is, I have never had any pain in my shoulders.  Since I have started taking treatment, both my shoulders hurt like I strained the muscles but I haven't done any lifting since I started treatment last Tues.  I sure hope this pain goes away before my next install.  I can't even lift my right arm above my shoulder height without massive pain.  Left one hurts too, but not as bad. 

Also I get a rash bad at night across my cheeks and nose.  It burns.  Not sure if anyone else gets this?

I read some of the smoothie recipes.  I am definitely going to head to store this weekend and find me some quick mixer.  I eat a couple of bananas a day, I have strawberries, apples, blueberries.  But I just don't get many vegies.  So, Dave, looking forward to reading more of your recipes.   

I know how you feel. That was my worst symptom of menopause. Soooo tired, fall right asleep and then wake up an hour later and toss and turn all night. It happens occasionally now, mostly when I have something on my mind that I can't stop thinking about. But for the most part, I'm more tired at night. And once it hits, I have to go to sleep right then. No more late night parties for me lol. 

Still got a couple months to wait to see about SVR. Darn annoying this wait! Wish with all the money these drug companies are making that they would come up with a simple test that has same day results and is cheap to do.

I did have a hard time sleeping on the triple, so maybe the RIBA is the culprit.

I am envious of anyone that can sleep well. I have suffered from insomnia for years. I can fall asleep just not stay asleep. I use Sleep1 http://www.nutrition53.com/pages/sleep1

or you can google it and the ingredients. It says take 2 but since I am petite, I take one and no nasty side effects. Worth some checking into.  

Gracie,

Fingers and toes crossed that you'll sleep like a baby from here on.

I have trouble getting to sleep but once I'm there I sleep like a log.

Hey, you're getting closer to that SVR ...

Dave

Harvoni made me sleep like a baby, and 4 weeks post, still sleeping well. Sure hope that stays!

26 months SVR and before treatment  I never had a day when I couldn't lay down and be asleep, all night, every night. After treatment, tinnitus and insomnia rule my night. My old doc gave me Trazadone 100 and it works sporadically, but I don't like relying on it daily for sleep. I keep hoping it will cut me some slack one of these days. The good news is insomnia and tinnitus can drive you nuts, but HCV can kill you, slowly. I'll gladly lay awake at night and count "whiney SVR sheep" til I finally get a few hours per night. The trade is worth it... 

Hi RC,

I take a 100mg Trazadone and a 25mg Benedryl at night or I'd never get to sleep, been that way for a couple of years.

I try not taking the Benedryl sometimes and if I'm lucky I can get to sleep but usually not.

Had a couple of nights lately where I couldn't sleep even with both so I'm kind of all over the map with sleeping.

Dave

By day 12 I couldent sleep a wink. Consider yourself lucky you can!!    RC

Thanks Mike,

I appreciate the kind words.

I think what I'm experiencing right now is better described as brain fog and lethargy, I just don't feel motivated to do things. Everything seems like a chore. It ebbs and flows, afternoon and evenings are better than morning.

Difficult to distinguish what's physical and what's mental for some reason.

Dave

  The riba took a good while before it started affecting my energy so I'm hoping, based on that, your lack of energy is not riba related but rather a result of too much sleep, but that's not a bad thing - you need plenty of sleep. The walks helped me with my depression so it will hopefully be the same for you. Keep up the good work Dave, you,re doing great! 

Day 12

Over 1/8th of the way there. Soon I'll hit the 2 week mark.

Doing fine but sleeping a lot, don't have any extra energy until I'm up for a while then not a lot.

No problem eating, been pretty hungry throughout Tx so far.

I hope to take a short walk this afternoon, It's not raining right now, I should take advantage of it.

My mood is pretty good, very tiny bits of depression but they don't last and are easily overcome.

Catch Ya Later,

Dave

Hey Scott,

Try not to over do it, gotta keep some reserves to fight the battle.

Just made myself a tall green smoothie, fuel for the troops.

Sorry to hear about the gout, not really a distraction you need right now.

Wishing you the best,

Dave

Dave, I am feeling it today too.  I felt so good yesterday that I might have over done it.  Today, I could hardly get out of bed.  But I forced myself to head out for a short walk and now I am going to be on the couch the rest of the day.  My mood is still very good, but I am getting joint pain, I also got s gout attack in my left foot.  Not sure if that is related to the meds.  I am not eating any trigger foods. 

Hi SF,

All is going well, no reserve energy (I feel extra lazy) and it's all sort of a mind game but I don't feel bad.

Yup, Day 11 (actually 10.5 which works out to being 1/8th of the way there). Time seems to be going by quickly (good for now but I need it to slow back down once SVR ... LOL)

Keep us posted on your situation, thanks for stopping by.

Dave

Hi Dave,

I am guessing this is day 11? The forum posts a day ahead depending on the time we post. I have my time set correct but it still wins 

It sounds like you are still doing great and tolerating all this very well. Please give us an update when you get a chance.

Have a great weekend.

Hi Scott, glad you found your way back.  I hear what your saying about the PEG.  Some people are interferon intolerant, and that's just the way it is.  You will do well on the Sof-RIBA-  the RIBA can get a little difficult at times, but knowing what S/X to look out for really helps.   The RIBA ramped me up with Sof on my first round, but the Peg kicked the riba"s butt on the second round.( kicked my butt as well).  I feel there are minimal S/X from Sof.

RC

Hi again Scott! It's good to see you and glad that you're getting things squared away. (Navy joke) Former HM3 here 73-79. 

I'm looking forward to following your progress and wish you the easiest of rides....

That's great news Scott. Welcome aboard and may you have a smooth, succsessful ride straight through to the SVR train station.

Scott,

So far I seem to be tolerating the Riba quite well (but then again it's still early in the regimen).

I am drinking lots of water as well as fresh lemon juice and other fruits and vegies (smoothie style).

Don't know if it really helps but seems to ... maybe helps keep the toxins moving through my system (that's the plan anyway).

Yes, nice to have you aboard this train ... we got this ... it's Dragon Slayin' Time!!

Dave

Thanks.   And Dave, I think this is cool that we have such a close start time.   It will be interesting.  I don't think anything will compare to interferon but, what do I know, I have not had this combo and the Riba is still pretty toxic

welcome back and third time's the charm! 

Hi Scott,

Welcome back to the forum, glad you're here!

As you probably already know, you'll get LOTS of great support and top notch information here.

Congrats on getting started on Sovaldi Riba, I'm on day 10 now so barely ahead of ya.

A special welcome to the Sovaldi Riba Train ...

... keep us posted on how it goes.

Best of luck in your Tx, your chances are Very, Very good seeing how you are Genotype 2 and now on Sov/Riba.

Later,

Dave

I finally got started on the Sovaldi and Riba.  After what seems like years of trying to get treatment through the VA, I decided to go through my insurance and it literally happened within a month.  Today is Friday and I started on Tuesday.  I have been symptomatic for a couple of years now with morning nausea, sometimes I get sick at night.  Real  bad anxiety and insomnia.  I don't know what was mental and what was really the Hep C but I am amazed.  After the second day of taking the medication, I am not getting nauseous in the morning anymore.  My appetite is huge now.  I am not getting the painful bloat.  I can't imagine how this could start working after just taking 4 days worth of meds.  But I am not making it up.  I have so much energy now. 

I wish the whole 12 weeks were like this but I know it might level out.  I have genotype 2b and my odds are real good.  Last night, I started getting muscle pains and today I have joint pain and a possible gout attack.  But I'll take that over the bloat and nausea. 

Anyway, I love this site and I will be checking in.  It feels good to be able to share good and bad with people who are going or have gone through this. 

I introduced myself a long time ago.  I will do another quick one here.  I had a blood transfusion in the early 90's.  It is possible I got it from that or from a tattoo.  However, I got it, I discovered it In the Navy in 1999/2000.  The Navy immediately put me on Peg/Rib and I made it a few weeks but couldn't handle the depression.  Didn't have any family around or support and the Navy is no place to take those meds. 

I attempted it again in 2008.  This time, I was placed on antidepressants.  Still couldn't do it, after the second injection, I was not right in the head.  They pulled me off it right away.   Finally, I went to the University of Colorado hospital, got a Fibroscan and stage 3 fibrosis was enough for my insurance to give me 12 weeks.  Well, they approved me for 8 weeks and if I am under 25 Viral load then they will give me the last 4 weeks. 

Just want to thank all of the regulars for being here for everyone. 

Day 10 and All is Fine (but a little under the weather today)...

I think I may be fighting off a flu bug, upper respiratory is making me cough a little and I feel totally drained. Jo has had this bug for a couple of weeks now, I was hoping not to catch it.

The good news is that I'm eating very well, just had a bowl of rolled oats to keep my strength up and will have a green smoothie shortly. Getting plenty of sleep. I think I may win this small skirmish, I did get a flu shot last October but ya never really know if those will be effective since they don't protect against all variants. I feel positive so I'm doing what I can to fight on multiple fronts ... I think it's a good thing I started consuming large quantities of vegetables and fruits when I did.

Could all be the meds, I suppose, I've been taking them for a while now ... hopefully that's what's up.

At any rate, I got this ... I will persevere!

It's pouring rain and I don't have the energy or I'd go for a short walk ... think I'll make it a short day and go to bed early tonight. On second thought ... forget the walk.

Dave