Gifthealth wrote:

---

Hi Dave.

I completed your train ride 1.5 months ago for my genotype 2b. I completely understand where you are in this process. Keep up your healthy living and positive attitude. Get lots of sleep and remember to stay hydrated. You are taking medications that are amazingly effective (especially for genotype 2b). 

 

All the best....

 

Gifthealth

---

Thanks Gift!

So you're just waiting on 12 wks SVR then ...

It's nice to get word from someone who's been right where I am now ... I can travel, vicariously to EOT ... lol.

Prior to starting Tx I was worried about having to wait a lot (among other things), while this may be true, time seems to be flying by right now. I'm conscious of staying hydrated (have a water bottle with me 24/7)  but I can use all the reminders I can get to make sure I don't get complacent. Nice to know that the meds will do the job ... I feel positive about that, thanks for making it more of a reality though. I don't feel bad at all (perhaps yet) but I am finding it hard to muster any extra energy to get more exercise. Getting to sleep is fairly difficult but once I'm there I'm sleeping very well.

Thanks for the vote of confidence, it's appreciated!

Dave

Shadowfax wrote:

---

Where is the thumbs up emote?   I guess I need to find a jpeg and paste in the image.

Great news Dave!

---

 Tig had to light the fuse on it ... it was an uncooperative Jpeg ... It was only alive for a few minutes (I happened to have the rare opportunity to see it during it's short life). I'm not sure but I think our friend was adding the pic via code instead of via the attachments ... one of those "ya had to be there" kind of things.

Thanks,

Dave

Hi Dave.

I completed your train ride 1.5 months ago for my genotype 2b. I completely understand where you are in this process. Keep up your healthy living and positive attitude. Get lots of sleep and remember to stay hydrated. You are taking medications that are amazingly effective (especially for genotype 2b). 

All the best....

Gifthealth

Where is the thumbs up emote?   I guess I need to find a jpeg and paste in the image.

Great news Dave!

Ready for Day 9

Nothing but Green smoothies and water today ... trying to stay detoxed.

Not to worry, I'll eat some protein and minimal carbs this evening.

Seems to be working, felt pretty good all day today.

As Tig mentioned, got my next shipment of "Dragon Destroyers" today ... (thanks Tig)

... hopefully my viral load is down some from the 9.8 million at SOT.

Too early to worry about that though. It's a relief to have more ammo on hand.

Dave

Duly noted! Glad to hear that you got your next 3 weeks supply of Dragon Ammo delivered. Lock and load....

I'll be cautious and just insert the attachment, lol!

Tig,

Just in case you try any more of those Thermal Thumbs-Up Bombs ...

Hope you're Ok after that bomb went off ... Too bad the fuse was so short, I liked it.

Here's the latest advertising release ...

-- Edited by Linuxter on Wednesday 27th of January 2016 02:27:38 AM

Right on Man!!!  I continued to have format trouble with that jpg., so I'm removing it. 

-- Edited by Tig56 on Wednesday 27th of January 2016 06:08:16 AM

Let's see ... as I scrounge through my ACME Attitude Adjustment Kit ... (AAAK! for short)

AAAK! Contents:

1. Camomille & Valarian Smoothie (lots of fresh fruits and vegies added, of course)

2. Link to Harriet & Family

3. Calming Nature Sounds (CD or Link)

4. Binoculars and Camera to watch squirrels and birds in front yard eat from feeders and play in trees

4. Phone set to "No Ring"

5. Key to lock Gates

6. Slice fresh baked bread

7. Chia seed jam

8. Link to Hepfriends.com

... haven't had to break out the entire kit yet but I will be ready if/ when I need to.

Special - AAAK! Now on Sale* for only $29.95 at an ACME dealer near you (Instructions Included)

* Binoculars, Camera and Phone are not included

Dave

This notice is brought to you by Shameless Capitalist Inc

-- Edited by Linuxter on Wednesday 27th of January 2016 01:28:27 AM

Linuxter wrote:

---

It's early in Tx but those of you nearing Tx, especially those who may have Ribivirin as a part of your regimen, I think you will be surprised that it's not so bad as you may be anticipating.

 

Dave

---

Keep up that positive attitude, especially when Ribavirin is added to the mix. It's a wiley character, be ready with your ACME attitude adjuster just in case!

Hi SF,

I'm looking forward to hearing from you regarding your treatment soon, keep us posted ...

... I've got all my fingers and toes crossed in hopes that comes very soon!

So far I've only had to take Ibuprofen once during Tx and that was a defensive move to stave on what I felt was a headache coming on ... either the Ibu helped or the headache never fully developed. I have to keep working at drinking enough water but that's likely the key to tolerating the Riba more than anything. My instructions were to also eat a little something when I take it.

Don't think the Sovaldi has much if any side effect here.

Dave

Hey Dave,

Glad to hear that. Yes regarding the Tylenol vs Ibuprofin, I had read that and it makes perfect sense. I take very few pain killers, in fact all my bottles are thrown out due to expiry and they are almost full. Seriously, if I take 12 Aspirin a year, it's a lot and the regular strength so I have been lucky.

I have to believe as long as I don't start popping the pills, the effect on my liver will not be a huge problem and no thinning of the blood that could be. We shall see what I need once I start my TX.  

After today, Week 1 will be complete.

Virtually no side effects to report other than not having much energy during a walk yesterday. This may also be due to a bug, flu bug going around the community right now so I may be fighting that off, I did get a flu shot and have been eating pretty well so I think if I did catch it, it may be minimal.

It's early in Tx but those of you nearing Tx, especially those who may have Ribivirin as a part of your regimen, I think you will be surprised that it's not so bad as you may be anticipating. I will add that I do drink a LOT of water every day as well as Cranberry, Orange and Lemon juice and have been eating small but regular meals throughout the day. I'm also trying to get a little exercise, at least 3 times per week.

Pharmacy called this AM and I'll be getting my second 14 day shipment of meds tomorrow (Yay!).

Tomorrow, onward to Week 2.

Dave

Hi SF,

Thanks for the kind words and yes, none of this is anywhere near as bad as I had anticipated. Sides may increase some and I kind of expect that but I look at it like this ... if I'm feeling something from the meds, I know they are working. They are, in fact, kickin' some *** and I'm fine with that.

Re: the Ibuprofen, it probably depends on amount of liver damage so do what your specialist(s) recommends.

I have stage 3 fibrosis and the Infectious Disease Dr said that low dosages of Tylenol or Ibuprofin (per what's noted on each bottle) were OK to take but that Ibuprofen is processed by the Kidneys where Tylenol is processed by the Liver. I choose not to subject my liver to anything that makes it work harder right now, therefore the Ibuprofen.

Actually, I take only two pills or possibly 4 pills per day if needed so it probably doesn't make a lot of difference.

Knowing that Ibu=Kidneys Tyn=Liver does help me choose one over the other.

Thanks SF,

Dave

Day 6 already! Good going! This is going fast.

I have a question and will research it here as well. Regarding medication for headache, you mentioned you would take Ibuprofen. What is the preferred one to take. I was told by my NP on Friday to take nothing but Tylenol. No aspirin or anything else for the prevention of thinning the blood and that Tylenol would not do it. This was after our conversation about why an endoscopy was mentioned.

The exercise you are getting sounds great. I will use a treadmill. All in all it sounds that you are tolerating this very well. This is great and gives us yet to start optimism.  You are 1 day away from 11 weeks to go. Great achievement.

Day 6

Head seems a little foggy today, took me ~ 2 minutes just to pick out a sweatshirt to wear. Lower gut didn't feel so good this AM, I hope I'm not getting stomach flu that Jo has. Gut feeling better now, brain still foggy though.

I suppose gut issues could be from changes in diet too so I'm not jumping to conclusions re: this.

Mood is pretty good, feels good to be on day 6 already ... Tx seems to be going by fast.

Dave

Edit: Went for 1-1/2 mile walk, felt like 10 ... walked about half speed but it's a nice day and needed to get out in some fresh air and sun.

I'd better study up then ... with a title like that someone might get the impression I knew what I was doing, lol. (I'm totally wingin' it here). Hey, made my first really healthy one a short time ago ... the whole process was a bit on the messy side but I'm sure I can refine that a bit. (It helps to make sure the blender bottom is screwed on tight

Dave

 p.s. Headache today, hydrating but that doesn't seem to help ... going to try Ibuprofin.

-- Edited by Linuxter on Monday 25th of January 2016 01:03:58 AM

Linuxter wrote:

Another day down, on to day 5.

No complaints, stopped by the grocery and picked up a couple of items for making smoothies will try one tomorrow.

 Later,

Dave________________________________

 I'm renaming you "The Smoothmeister"!

Cheering you on as always. Nice going

You're on a roll. Keep up the good work.

Another day down, on to day 5.

No complaints, stopped by the grocery and picked up a couple of items for making smoothies will try one tomorrow.

Later,

Dave

Haven't tried yogurt in the smoothie yet but I did watch a few videos for making green smoothies.

I think I'll ask Matt to see what he thinks over at HepC & Nutrition.

Working on day 4 here, all is going exceptionally well. More than half way through my first week ... only 11-1/2 more to go.

Seems as though the Sovaldi is making me sleep like a baby and improving my mood a bit.

No notable side effects to speak of, so far this is WAY easier than I had anticipated, I'm hoping that this continues through at least most of Tx.

I think it helps to know that I need to drink lots of water and eat for my liver.

I used to get Vanilla Greek yogurt but I think it's pretty fattening (which I don't need), now I'm trying to get No Fat and add some fruit and/ or a small bit of honey instead. It's good that you are now enjoying yogurt, I don't really know if it's good or bad for liver but I would imagine the No Fat is very good for keeping good bacteria working for us.

Dave

Hi Dave

I have never had or made a smoothie so that is why I had asked (Don't judge me lol )

So did you try the no fat yogurt yet? Honestly before this past summer, I could not stand yogurt although I always wanted to like it. Something changed and now I have it almost everyday and always the 0 fat, 35 carbs, no sugar so it's like a free treat with no guilt.

I also googled them last summer and some sounded really good and others, not so much. We will see where this goes!

Hi SF

Smoothie was pretty much an experiment, didn't have a recipe but just cut the tender tops from a fist sized piece of broccoli and threw those in the smoothie maker (pretty much the same as a blender but has a spout). I added one carrot sliced in ~ 1/8" slices threw those in then added ~3/4 C milk and 1 tsp honey. Then I turned it on and blended for ~1 minute. Poured into a large glass (I have ball jars that have a handle) and drank/ spooned the mix until it was all down the hatch.

The only drawback with the above was that the chopped broccoli tended to float on top so I probably didn't mix long enough or who knows what I did wrong.

Tomorrow I'll try using some no fat yogurt in place of the milk (or perhaps along with milk, not sure).

During the summer I'd use ice but it didn't see right in January.

Usually I google these things but was wingin' it this time ... perhaps someone will chime in that actually knows how to make a proper vegie smoothie. Probably a good addition to the Hep C and Nutrition page.

Dave

Excellent news!

Great start to this trip. Now can you share your recipe for that smoothie?

Keep well

Cheers

Good day today, went to my PCP and told her I am now on Tx.

Got copies of all initial tests for my records.

PCP took labs for:

1) Iron level (may need to quit taking Iron Rx but wanted to know current level)

2) Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (for approx. baseline)

3) HepC Panel (for approx. baseline)

I updated my Alt/Ast in signature below.

Just drank a 20oz Broccoli/ Carrot smoothie (a little milk and tsp honey added), wanted to feed the troops that are fighting the battle.

Didn't go for a walk today, trip to Dr Office and grocery shopping might count a little toward some exercise.

Downing lots of Cranberry Juice and Water.

Baking some homemade bread as I write this.

All in all, it was a great day, was in a good mood all day.

Dave

Tnx Tig,

Doing great, was extra tired this AM so slept in a while (not to worry, took my meds right on time).

Got an appointment with my PCP tomorrow to get hard copies of initial test results (VL, Genotype, HGb, AST/ALT) and discuss stopping my Iron Rx during Tx. Also this is the first I'll have talked to my PCP since getting approved for Tx so wanted to get her in the loop and coordinate getting labs @ 4 wks.

All is well, drinking lots of H2O ... other than not feeling like getting up doing great.

Think I'll try to get out and take a walk this afternoon.

__________________________________________________________________

Edit: Short but nice walk felt good to get some exercise.

Very mild headache (not bad) this evening front of head, drinking lots of water.

Also very slight nausea ... could be a bug, Jo's not feeling well today ... I doubt either is the meds.

__________________________________________________________________

Thanks for all,

Dave

Hey Dave,

Wishing you a good day #2! Wash that pill down with a big glass of H2O and then throw a slice of that homemade bread and some of that Chia Jam. Maybe if you sprout some of it first it'll tickle all the way down! You're twice as far as you were yesterday. Remember that...

Hi Mike,

Yes, a little exercise is good, I'll need it after eating toast/ sandwich/ nachos ... I can see I certainly have the bread group covered. Couldn't help it though, I baked it yesterday and it's sooo good.

Ya, today was easy peasy ... we'll see if I say that in 2 weeks from now, LOL.

Dave

Linuxter wrote:

---

Day one went very well ... Thank You All for the support, it is GREATLY appreciated!!

**(Special Thanks Tig ya really helped me get this far ... all I have to do now is sit back and enjoy the ride)

All meds for the day are down the hatch.

 

Thanks again,

Dave

 

---

Since you're posting here I assume you lived through it - so far... lol. Well done Dave and only 83 more of these and you'll be good-to-go! If your still alive in the morning maybe we'll get you started on some light exercise tomorrow.

JimmyP wrote:

---

I did want to ask about anyone with experience post-treatment. Months? Years? Days? after when did you start feeling back to normal or better

---

Hi JP. Welcome to the forum . I like your style with the healthy eating and staying adequately hydrated and if you continue this after this last 4 weeks of treatment are over then it will help with recovering from the effects of the treatment meds. The time frame Tig56 gave applys in my case. The depression, irritability and fatigue caused by 24 weeks Sov / Riba took about 6 months to completely get worked out of my system after my treatment that ended 1-2015. In my case I was hospitalized / institution bound (due to unrelated health issues) for most of this recovery period and was unable to stay adequately hydrated nor eat healthy. Based on that, I expect you may be feeling more energetic and have an improvement in mental health sooner than I did. I also took melatonin during that treatment for insomnia but no longer needed it soon after EOT.

 Congratulations on completing 20 weeks so far and wishing you well for this last 4 too. We have a very friendly and supportive group here and we're glad you found us. I hope you stick around and keep us up to date on your progress. Keep doing what you're doing and SVR will be in your HCV free future.

Day one went very well ... Thank You All for the support, it is GREATLY appreciated!!

**(Special Thanks Tig ya really helped me get this far ... all I have to do now is sit back and enjoy the ride)

All meds for the day are down the hatch.

Thanks again,

Dave

Thanks SF,

Was thinking about ya this AM and rootin' for ya getting your Tx going soon.

Thanks for the kind words, please keep us posted as you learn more on your Tx.

Stuffy head was probably from my sinus issues (or was that sinus tissues ...?)

Best and Be Well,

Dave

Linuxter wrote:

---

First dose is down 83.5 more days to go.

I'm using the Daily Meds Journal and a calandar to document compliance (plus my girl is checking on me).

Drank 16oz water with the first dose and will be sure to consume at least 64oz/day min. (Likely more, I just always have a water bottle with me plus I have juice).

It's been about an hour and a half and my head feels a little like it's full of tissue paper but other than that I feel normal.

Yup, nice to be on that healing train.

 

Dave

---

          Trying to visualize how your head feels. I can`t remember the last time mine felt normal so perhaps mine will be the opposite.  So glad you are finally on the train and day one has been good. Keep us up to date. You have been much help here to so many people and you have such a positive attitude. I think I can speak for quite a few people when we sit here and watch and wish you nothing but the best and of course SVR.

Cheers

Hello Jimmy (JP),

You are our second "Jimmy", so if you don't mind, I'll call you JP! Welcome to the forum, I'm so glad you introduced yourself. We have a way to add your treatment protocol and some bio history to your signature line, if you're interested. It helps us understand your history and current status when replying. You can find that link "HERE". 

I'm not surprised that you're having episodes of the Riba Rage. It's a very common problem that is unfortunately part of the drug's adverse effects. It goes away after treatment, but Ribavirin can and often does take up to 6 months to completely clear your system. I had issues for an entire year after I ended treatment. It's not a particularly friendly drug, but it's effective, very effective and that's why they're still sending it our way. I think in time it'll be the way of the Dragon, but until then, keep compliant and take it. Sounds like you're getting close anyway, congrats for sticking with it. You'll notice improvements once you're finished, but don't expect it to happen overnight. You're close, it could take months, but you're improving everyday as you progress through those months of recovery. Just stay positive and know that it's definitely worth what you're experiencing. Some folks have zero problems and fly right through without much trouble, but typically it takes awhile to get back on track. Knowing the Dragon is dead makes up for some of the those moments! The fatigue will improve fairly soon after you're through, just maintain your healthy lifestyle and keep active. Remember your body has been through a war and it needs time to regroup and get it's army back in order. Once that's accomplished, you'll notice the difference. 

You're accompanied by a lot of great people on this treatment we all now refer to the "Train". We have 3 of them now, the Harvoni, the Viekira Pak and now the Sov/Riba Train. Linuxter (below) just started today. He'll chime in here and welcome you soon. I'm sure you can provide him with some very useful tips to make his journey easier. Thanks again for introducing yourself. I'm glad you're here! Good luck and stay in touch!

Hi Jimmy,

Thanks for the first hand news on how the trip is going for you, it's appreciated! Your Tx must be twice as long as mine, I'm glad to hear that you're nearly there and test results are just where you want them so far. The finish line is within sight, good job, may your future labs be Undetected! SVR make room for one more, Jimmy will be moving it very soon.

Hey Jimmy, save me a seat at the SVR station, will ya?

I'm interested in Post Sovaldi/Riba Tx too ... Weeks, Months?

Dave

First dose is down 83.5 more days to go.

I'm using the Daily Meds Journal and a calandar to document compliance (plus my girl is checking on me).

Drank 16oz water with the first dose and will be sure to consume at least 64oz/day min. (Likely more, I just always have a water bottle with me plus I have juice).

It's been about an hour and a half and my head feels a little like it's full of tissue paper but other than that I feel normal.

Yup, nice to be on that healing train.

Dave

Good luck this morning Dave! Let us know how things are going and how you're feeling. Let the healing begin!

THE MT. RAINIER SCENIC RAILROAD VIDEO:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7LB1QjcuqQ

Thanks SF,

I'll make sure this train starts out slow enough that Shadofax will easily catch up.

It'll be great to have you on board. There's plenty of room for any and all that want to take the ride.

Dave

Tig,

I'm glad indeed to have those Hep Warrior friends now ... I'll get my armor shined up tonight, it'll still have a few dings but hey, I've fought battles before ... I'll be ready for battle in the morn.

Dave

Excellent News!

This is great and you are clearly more than ready to start tomorrow morning. I will be following this to be sure. I hope I will join you soon and get on this train the same time.

Just a great post to read at this very moment and please keep us posted daily if you can.

Thanks Ari,

... "eye on goal" ... "eye on goal" ... "eye on goal" ... I've got this.

... rails have been inspected and certified, good to go.

Dave

The thing with dinged up armor Dave, is you know it works! Your sword is sharp and your Hep Warrior friends are right here beside you. It's your time to enter the battle and we're happy to lead the way. Don't worry, you're going to do great. Shine that armor and get ready, for tomorrow we fight!!! Good luck!

I can feel the excitement from here!

It's got to be good - keep your eye on the goal post, remember the bigger picture and stay on the rails 

Aroha

Ari

Da Plane ... Da Plane is here! (That one's for you Tig ... lol)

Houston, the meds have landed ... My first shipment arrived today!

I start Treatment tomorrow morning!

I don't know whether to be happy or terrified ... (perhaps more happy than terrified but it's a bit of a mix, for sure).

All Aboard ... the train will be leaving the station shortly.*

* Funny, I just pictured me sitting on the train, feeling very out of place with my dinged up armor on and my new sword in hand, everyone staring at me while I sit there with a big grin from ear to ear ...

Dave

Hi Vanessa,

Undetected at wk 4 is Very Good news indeed and it's nice to hear that this drug combo does what it's supposed to do.

Best of luck on getting through the rest of your Tx and may you see SVR shortly after.

Hopefully you can get another test at EOT, but I can understand why they wait ... 12 wks post is the only one that Really counts.

Keep us posted, thanks for the nice thoughts.

Wishing you Well,

Dave

Hi Dave.  I'm just ahead of you on the sov+ riba train.  I have 4 weeks to go.  Undetected at week four.  My riba was reduced from 1000/ d to 600.   My doctor only does VL test at 4 weeks of tx and 12 weeks after finishing.  The NP said not sure if the insurance would pay for more than these two, so I'm going to call them.

Best of luck.  I'll certainly be waiting for your CURE post.