When do you speak with your doctor about this? At a minimum, you need 24 weeks of treatment, imo. While you're not cirrhotic as an F2, you have a high ALT, indicating there is some damage and inflammation going on. You have an extremely high viral load, indicating very active replication and you're a geno 3. I would talk to your doctor about considering Sovaldi and Daclatasvir for 24 weeks. The SVR rates are extremely high and you'd be able to pass on the Ribavirin. Adding it to Sov/Dak isn't crucial with Geno 2 or 3. The viral load doesn't limit your rates of success, so that doesn't impact your chances, but protocol and length of treatment do.
Ivery said
Jul 21, 2016
Got my scores
Ivery said
Jul 19, 2016
Thank you nightowl. And yes I do like them.
nightowl said
Jul 19, 2016
Hello from Australia John from Alabama!
I'm a different genotype to you and on different meds, but I just wanted to say hello and welcome also. There are lots of really lovely and helpful people on this forum, so it's a great place for you to be. It's also an exciting time to be getting treated for HCV. You are definitely in the right place. ps. do you like the Alabama Shakes? Liz
Loopy Lisa said
Jul 19, 2016
Ivery wrote:
Thank you guys, loopy I'm not sure about different meds. I'm really new to this so I have alot to learn. I do no my livers pretty inflamed. And some high # that I can't remember. I went for a copy of my test results today. But it will be a few days before I can get them. But I think my originalls in my wife's car. I've kind of been pretending this isn't happening. Not talking to my wife and such. But it's all hitting me pretty good now so I'll get my self in order and focused from here on.
-- Edited by Ivery on Tuesday 19th of July 2016 07:05:42 PM
Well, the new treatment is the medications I mentioned. I have also had high ALTS etc, but it doesn't mean liver damage. That can only be found by a biopsy or fibroscan. I have every 6 months an ultrasound to check all my digestive system, and my liver is a very healthy one, I'm happy to say. Don't be scared or worried, the only important words are its CURABLE. Do check with your Doctor if you can get this combination. I had some slight side affects like a minor flu for about 11 days and now I am on my second month. I feel a bit tired and that is it. I would fight for this combination if your insurance covers it. They'll always try to give a cheaper combination if they can, but the difference is treatment duration and side affects. I virtually have none now my body has adjusted. I have been diagnosed over 3 years now, and like you I was slightly shocked and upset, but it passes pretty fast. its a great time to treat and the best thing is, if you do have some minor liver damage, it will reverse after treatment. Do post your stas when you get them, there are a lot of people here that know there stuff. cyber hug.
Ivery said
Jul 19, 2016
I was suppose to have a liver biopsy last week. But the insurance changed something in there guidelines the day before. So they said there was no need.
Ivery said
Jul 19, 2016
Thank you guys, loopy I'm not sure about different meds. I'm really new to this so I have alot to learn. I do no my livers pretty inflamed. And some high # that I can't remember. I went for a copy of my test results today. But it will be a few days before I can get them. But I think my originalls in my wife's car. I've kind of been pretending this isn't happening. Not talking to my wife and such. But it's all hitting me pretty good now so I'll get my self in order and focused from here on.
-- Edited by Ivery on Tuesday 19th of July 2016 07:05:42 PM
robertsamx said
Jul 19, 2016
Hi john, Welcome to the forum. I'm a 3 as well. Have you had a fibroscan? Type 3's are harder to treat with a higher F score, so it's important for you to find out what your fibrosis staging is so that you get the proper amount of time on treatment drugs. Liver biopsy was the gold standard for F-score, but the new fibroscan machine has just about replaced the need for biopsy. There is also a blood test called fibrosure but the results are a little dicey above f-2. If you can, get a fibroscan before you start treatment so you get the correct treatment duration. The Sof /RIBA combo is very doable, I've been there twice!! RC
Loopy Lisa said
Jul 19, 2016
Hey John,
A fine hello from Europe, I'm also a fellow 3. I am on the 12 week treatment plan of Sofobuvir and Daclastasvir. Is there any reason you cannot take the same combination? Here we don't use Riba anymore for geno 3 unless you have liver damage.
Anyway, its a good time to treat, and its a good place to find all the info you need. There is also a nice group of people and plenty of shoulders if you hit any rough patches.
Soon you'll be Hep C, its something a lot of people thought would never happen some years ago. :)
Linuxter said
Jul 19, 2016
Hi John,
Welcome to the forum, glad you're here!
I just wrapped up my treatment with Sovaldi/ Ribavirin and just recently achieved SVR.
Congrats on getting approval for your treatment, that's a Huge step in itself.
I'll echo what other's here have said with letting you know that drinking 3-4 liters of water per day is essential during and soon after Tx.
We're just one big family here, make yourself at home and ask questions or join in the discussions regarding others.
You'll do fine with Tx, getting started on the meds is always a time of apprehension or at least questions ... rest assured that we'll be right here the whole time to help you get rolling on the Treatment Train.
Welcome and Be Well,
Linux
JimmyK said
Jul 19, 2016
Hi John.
Welcome to the family here. Be prepared to learn a lot it a short time here. Got a whole lot of been there done that kind of folks here that are as helpful as can be. Folks also just like you just finding out and ready to take the bull by the horns. One big blend of folks that share thoughts and experiences as we travel this road together.
JimmyK
Ivery said
Jul 19, 2016
Thanks tig and Ruby I'll get the info and post soon.
-- Edited by Ivery on Tuesday 19th of July 2016 11:42:48 AM
Ruby Red said
Jul 19, 2016
Hi John
Welcome to the fold :) You will find the people on this site very helpful and of course friendly, we are all in the same boat so to speak or have been. This is the place to say what you need, ask questions and share with people who understand completely where you're at.
The hc virus is often called the "dragon" and rightly so, but the good news is you are embarking on your journey to the CURE!!
YOU CAN DO IT!!
R
Tig said
Jul 19, 2016
Hey John,
Welcome buddy! You found the right place my friend and others will be along to welcome you into the fold, soon. So tell me, how long are you going to be on treatment? 12 or 24 weeks? Since you're just finding out that you have HCV, I have to assume that this is your first time with treatment (duh), but I had to mention it. Do you have any of your test results that you can share with us? Things like the ALT, AST, RNA Viral Load and your fibrosis stage can be helpful in knowing more about your specific circumstances. You can put all that information and your genotype, treatment start date, etc in your signature line. It helps us to know your history at a glance each time you make a post. You can find instructions on how to do that if you click on that red link in my signature line below.
Check out our Forum Information thread on the home page for more info on how things work around here. There's a ton of stuff and I encourage you to do some reading. If there's anything you need help with, let me know. The thing with these new treatments is their effectiveness. You should do well. My biggest piece of advice is to concentrate seriously on hydration when you start the medication. You should be drinking no less than a gallon of water per day. It will help minimize the side effects of headache and some of the fatigue. Ribavirin can make you cranky, fatigued and affects your skin. That all takes a while to present itself, and if you experience any issues, we can offer advice on dealing with it. It's very doable, just take your medication at the same time everyday! That's vital and don't miss any doses! Your doctor will go over this stuff with you, and we'll help you along the way.
When you're ready to start, we're here to cheer you on. Let the nerves relax, it's nothing to be afraid of. The old treatments were hell on earth, these are a walk in the park comparatively speaking. So don't worry about it, you'll do fine. I guarantee it! Take it easy and stay in touch!
Ivery said
Jul 19, 2016
Hey y'all, I'm John from Alabama. I recently found out I have genotype 3 hc. I thought I was diabetic and feeling bad for awhile. Buttttttt, it's not diabetes but hc. So, I've been approved for treatment and received my ribovarin and sovaldi. I think I spelled that right.haha now I'm just getting my nerves up to start taking them . And the doctors OK. He said to see him once I get them and go over some things.
Hi John,
When do you speak with your doctor about this? At a minimum, you need 24 weeks of treatment, imo. While you're not cirrhotic as an F2, you have a high ALT, indicating there is some damage and inflammation going on. You have an extremely high viral load, indicating very active replication and you're a geno 3. I would talk to your doctor about considering Sovaldi and Daclatasvir for 24 weeks. The SVR rates are extremely high and you'd be able to pass on the Ribavirin. Adding it to Sov/Dak isn't crucial with Geno 2 or 3. The viral load doesn't limit your rates of success, so that doesn't impact your chances, but protocol and length of treatment do.
Got my scores
Thank you nightowl. And yes I do like them.
Hello from Australia John from Alabama!
I'm a different genotype to you and on different meds, but I just wanted to say hello and welcome also. There are lots of really lovely and helpful people on this forum, so it's a great place for you to be. It's also an exciting time to be getting treated for HCV. You are definitely in the right place. ps. do you like the Alabama Shakes? Liz
Well, the new treatment is the medications I mentioned. I have also had high ALTS etc, but it doesn't mean liver damage. That can only be found by a biopsy or fibroscan. I have every 6 months an ultrasound to check all my digestive system, and my liver is a very healthy one, I'm happy to say. Don't be scared or worried, the only important words are its CURABLE. Do check with your Doctor if you can get this combination. I had some slight side affects like a minor flu for about 11 days and now I am on my second month. I feel a bit tired and that is it. I would fight for this combination if your insurance covers it. They'll always try to give a cheaper combination if they can, but the difference is treatment duration and side affects. I virtually have none now my body has adjusted. I have been diagnosed over 3 years now, and like you I was slightly shocked and upset, but it passes pretty fast. its a great time to treat and the best thing is, if you do have some minor liver damage, it will reverse after treatment. Do post your stas when you get them, there are a lot of people here that know there stuff. cyber hug.
I was suppose to have a liver biopsy last week. But the insurance changed something in there guidelines the day before. So they said there was no need.
Thank you guys, loopy I'm not sure about different meds. I'm really new to this so I have alot to learn. I do no my livers pretty inflamed. And some high # that I can't remember. I went for a copy of my test results today. But it will be a few days before I can get them. But I think my originalls in my wife's car. I've kind of been pretending this isn't happening. Not talking to my wife and such. But it's all hitting me pretty good now so I'll get my self in order and focused from here on.
-- Edited by Ivery on Tuesday 19th of July 2016 07:05:42 PM
Hi john, Welcome to the forum. I'm a 3 as well. Have you had a fibroscan? Type 3's are harder to treat with a higher F score, so it's important for you to find out what your fibrosis staging is so that you get the proper amount of time on treatment drugs. Liver biopsy was the gold standard for F-score, but the new fibroscan machine has just about replaced the need for biopsy. There is also a blood test called fibrosure but the results are a little dicey above f-2. If you can, get a fibroscan before you start treatment so you get the correct treatment duration. The Sof /RIBA combo is very doable, I've been there twice!! RC
Hey John,
A fine hello from Europe, I'm also a fellow 3. I am on the 12 week treatment plan of Sofobuvir and Daclastasvir. Is there any reason you cannot take the same combination? Here we don't use Riba anymore for geno 3 unless you have liver damage.
Anyway, its a good time to treat, and its a good place to find all the info you need. There is also a nice group of people and plenty of shoulders if you hit any rough patches.
Soon you'll be Hep C, its something a lot of people thought would never happen some years ago. :)
Hi John,
Welcome to the forum, glad you're here!
I just wrapped up my treatment with Sovaldi/ Ribavirin and just recently achieved SVR.
Here's a list of Forum abbreviations in case you need it.
Congrats on getting approval for your treatment, that's a Huge step in itself.
I'll echo what other's here have said with letting you know that drinking 3-4 liters of water per day is essential during and soon after Tx.
We're just one big family here, make yourself at home and ask questions or join in the discussions regarding others.
You'll do fine with Tx, getting started on the meds is always a time of apprehension or at least questions ... rest assured that we'll be right here the whole time to help you get rolling on the Treatment Train.
Welcome and Be Well,
Linux
Hi John.
Welcome to the family here. Be prepared to learn a lot it a short time here. Got a whole lot of been there done that kind of folks here that are as helpful as can be. Folks also just like you just finding out and ready to take the bull by the horns. One big blend of folks that share thoughts and experiences as we travel this road together.
JimmyK
Thanks tig and Ruby I'll get the info and post soon.
-- Edited by Ivery on Tuesday 19th of July 2016 11:42:48 AM
Hi John
Welcome to the fold :) You will find the people on this site very helpful and of course friendly, we are all in the same boat so to speak or have been. This is the place to say what you need, ask questions and share with people who understand completely where you're at.
The hc virus is often called the "dragon" and rightly so, but the good news is you are embarking on your journey to the CURE!!
YOU CAN DO IT!!
R
Hey John,
Welcome buddy! You found the right place my friend and others will be along to welcome you into the fold, soon. So tell me, how long are you going to be on treatment? 12 or 24 weeks? Since you're just finding out that you have HCV, I have to assume that this is your first time with treatment (duh), but I had to mention it. Do you have any of your test results that you can share with us? Things like the ALT, AST, RNA Viral Load and your fibrosis stage can be helpful in knowing more about your specific circumstances. You can put all that information and your genotype, treatment start date, etc in your signature line. It helps us to know your history at a glance each time you make a post. You can find instructions on how to do that if you click on that red link in my signature line below.
Check out our Forum Information thread on the home page for more info on how things work around here. There's a ton of stuff and I encourage you to do some reading. If there's anything you need help with, let me know. The thing with these new treatments is their effectiveness. You should do well. My biggest piece of advice is to concentrate seriously on hydration when you start the medication. You should be drinking no less than a gallon of water per day. It will help minimize the side effects of headache and some of the fatigue. Ribavirin can make you cranky, fatigued and affects your skin. That all takes a while to present itself, and if you experience any issues, we can offer advice on dealing with it. It's very doable, just take your medication at the same time everyday! That's vital and don't miss any doses! Your doctor will go over this stuff with you, and we'll help you along the way.
When you're ready to start, we're here to cheer you on. Let the nerves relax, it's nothing to be afraid of. The old treatments were hell on earth, these are a walk in the park comparatively speaking. So don't worry about it, you'll do fine. I guarantee it! Take it easy and stay in touch!
Hey y'all, I'm John from Alabama. I recently found out I have genotype 3 hc. I thought I was diabetic and feeling bad for awhile. Buttttttt, it's not diabetes but hc. So, I've been approved for treatment and received my ribovarin and sovaldi. I think I spelled that right.haha now I'm just getting my nerves up to start taking them . And the doctors OK. He said to see him once I get them and go over some things.