Hey Lori,

You definitely need to be cautious and think about your health and strength to complete some of the tasks required of you. You are protected from any sort of disciplinary action or anything else for that matter. If you don't want to use your personal time for days off, you are eligible for benefits under the FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act). I don't know your Station Chief, hopefully this wouldn't be an issue anyway. Take care of yourself!

Your Firechief should at least know that you are taking medication that may impair your judgement or physical stamina ... you certainly should be able to get some time off if needed. Don't know if they know about your virus but if not you can handle the situation by just saying I'm taking some potent meds and will be for a couple/few months, don't need to say more if you don't want to.

Dave

Yep, sounds like some good old fashioned treatment induced "Brain Fog"! We have all had our share of that annoying loss of clarity. It too shall pass, but not soon enough!

Lori,

Just something to think about but Do be careful if/ when at work, especially when you need to be thinking clearly and shouldn't push yourself too much with physical stuff. Also possible that you may not handle stress the same as when not taking the Riba.

I get hit with "Mood Swings", sometimes extra jazzed, other times a bit on the depressed side ... I need to take my own advice but do hit the water bottle heavy so that doesn't happen much.

Been Daved and Confused for so long it's not true ...

Hi Lori,

That sounds very Riba-like ...

... I've experienced all of the above symptoms.

I feel very "dumbed down" at times and also laughing about it, hey at least we know it's working, right?

I haven't tried Viekira Pak but I am on Ribavirin currently. (I'm taking Sov/ Riba)

Dave

Firechic19 wrote:

---

Sorry, I originally posted about my results trying to understand them but then I found a forum specifically for results lol Couldn't figure out how to delete this..

-- Edited by Firechic19 on Friday 12th of February 2016 09:23:46 PM

-- Edited by Firechic19 on Friday 12th of February 2016 09:25:16 PM

---

 I hope you found what you needed. Here are a couple more sites for results that were linked here on the forum recently.

Davis's Drug Guide

and

labtestsonline.org

and

Lab Results 101: Liver Function Tests

and if all else fails or if you need further help just post your results on here and we'll help you understand their significance.

Hi Lori,

You are taking care of getting rid of the HCV virus as a very advantageous time.

1) The drugs you are taking are very effective in treating the virus.

2) You are being treated while your liver is still in excellent shape.

Fibrosis stage: nofib is GREAT news!! You are dealing with this at the ideal time, good job!

Your positive attitude will help you tremendously along the way and you have found a GREAT support group here.

Not to worry, some of our gurus will help you figure out the test results, lots of very patient, knowledgeable and helpful folks here.

Drink LOTS of Water ... eat well and even try to get a little exercise if you can, it all helps.

Kick back and enjoy the ride on to the SVR station.

Posting your results here was fine, lots of us post our results, please stick around, this really is one of the very best Support Groups you will find, I promise.

Be Well,

Dave

Sorry, I originally posted about my results trying to understand them but then I found a forum specifically for results lol Couldn't figure out how to delete this..

-- Edited by Firechic19 on Friday 12th of February 2016 09:23:46 PM

Hi Lori and welcome from me also. Congrats on getting started on HCV treatment. As you can see there are a bunch of people here just like you who can help you do this. I'm hoping, and suspect your initial side effects will ease up. Sx's are different for everyone but often they are more noticeable at start of treatment, so to answer your question, no, this is not a bad sign. If you get a chance and would like to add your own signature (as you see at the bottom of most members post) information for doing that can be found here. There is a list of definitions there too for all the abbreviations we use around here. Make yourself at home here and ask any questions you have. There is a lot of information about HCV treatment that will help make your treatment / post treatment experience ride much smoother. We are glad you're here and yes, do give that little girl a hug for us.

Welcome Lori, you've found a great place for info and support while on tx.  Hoping your side effects will diminish and you find SVR.  Keep us posted on your progress and give the little one a hug from us, they are special.  The time passes quickly, just remember to take your meds on schedule.  Before long you'll be a dragon slayer. 

Lori,

Just wanted to point out that the existence of early side effects isn't bad at all. Matter of fact, the reaction you're having is evidence that the drugs are working. You will feel something from these drugs, that's a given. How you deal with them is up to you. I hope you share how you're feeling. That is how we can help you get through this in as good of shape as possible.

We have several people that have gone through this and can offer you some ideas to minimize the side effects. Proper hydration is a key to keeping the headaches at bay. Tylenol for the bad ones will help too. Hang in there!

Welcome Lori,

We are glad you found all of us here.  The amount of information from those people who have been through this, are going through this right ow with you and are still waiting is amazing and very helpful.

I hope your side effects lessen quickly but it is fair to say that we all react differently to the same drugs so comparing only works so much. Keeping positive and knowing the health that is at the end of this trip is great to focus on.

There will always be someone here that can answer almost any question you can think of.

Thanks so much! 

I will definitely be watching my sodium intake, and i've already screenshot a few of the smoothie recipes. I've done some reading through the past posts in here and it's got me kinda worried. Everyone saying the side effects don't come til later and I experienced them this first week into treatment. Is this a bad sign? 

Hi Lori,

Welcome to the forum, this is a great place, you'll find lots of like minded friends here, glad you found us.

Dave

p.s.

SF,

"Coming soon! Oreo Ice Cream Blizzard Smoothie. "

I'll see if I can hack into the DQ database to get their secret recipe ...  D

welcome lori. Hopefully the side effects will lessen as this is week one for you. If you feel thirsty all the time, maybe take a look at your sodium intake and cut back. We are here for you and congrats on the little one. 

Hi Lori,

Welcome to the crowd! Congrats on the new baby and getting started on treatment! This will be a year of new experiences, for sure! 

Sounds to me like you started having some side effects right away and the skin issues are likely the result of the Ribavirin. It can be unpleasant at times, but it's an effective addition to your treatment. So do your best and soldier on. You need to be absolutely certain to drink plenty of healthy fluids every day. You should be drinking 3-4 liters of water each day without fail. You'll see several discussions recently on smoothies. They are worth the effort and nutritious as all get out!

There will be lots of others welcoming you to the Train. You have found a great place to seek support and friendship. Good luck!

Hello everyone! I'm new to this whole thing, I found out I had hcv gt1 while pregnant with my daughter who is now 4 months old. Had to wait til after she was born to start treatment then it took almost 4 months to get it approved through my insurance. So here I am finally showing this thing who's boss lol I just started the viekira pak with ribavirin. I'm only on day 6 so not much to say i guess other than wow @ the side effects! Day 1 really freaked me out, about a hour or so after taking the first dose my vision went blurry and stayed that way for 2 days. I also experienced my face and neck burning almost as if it were sunburnt for a few days off and on, usually shortly after taking a dose. I think that's went away now lol I keep a headache seems like all the time, mouth stays dry to the point i feel like i could just put a garden hose to my mouth and leave it there because i can't get enough water lol, and surprisingly i have energy throughout the day and i'm able to sleep at night. Sometimes I wake up and find myself wondering if i had been asleep because I feel so awake..it's weird lol I've lost my appetite also, I have to make myself eat when it's time to take the meds. I've heard a lot of ppl say that they only got headaches or felt tired a lot and I think to my self "i've experienced most of the side effects on the list for this crap" so am i responding badly to the treatment or is this normal? If there is a normal lol ...btw nice to meet u all!

Welcome Amex,

Congrats as well on starting your treatment. This is a great place for information and speaking will so many people who all have this in common.

You will enjoy your stay I am sure. Now if I may show you the way to the Green Smoothie posts that are being well received here for nutritional value.

Coming soon! Oreo Ice Cream Blizzard Smoothie.

Hello Amex,

Welcome to the forum!

You landed at the right place, great group here, you'll like it here.

Congrats on getting started on Treatment!

Dave

Hi Amex,

Welcome to the forum! Congrats on starting treatment, you're on a good one. You have found a great, supportive group and they'll be along soon to welcome you too. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. 

Day nine of treatment. I am happy to report that I have no side effects so far. Taking 3 pills in the morning and 1 at night is no big deal. I don't know if its in my head but I actually feel a little more energy.

GT 1b

VL 1,237,287

Diagnosed November 2015

alt 74 ast 45

F2/f3 fibrosure

2/3/16 Started 12 weeks Viekira

Hi Ragdoll,

Congrats on the wk52 SVR!!

You should feel very good about that accomplishment ...

... Wishing RC the very best.

Dave

Cherripie wrote:

---

Thanks everyone - 

Have a great weekend.

My updated stats are below!  I couldn't be happier and look forward to SVR!!

---

HI Cherri, I just realised I missed your news, congratulations on completing your treatment!  With those good looking numbers you have every reason to be optimistic.  Onwards to SRV!! 

Keep up posted, best of luck!

Hello again, Ragdoll, it`s great to hear your news.. big congrats on your continuing SVR!! 

It truly is a great feeling to be Hep C free after so long, and I`m very pleased for you.   I`m sure hubby is delighted for you too, and we`ll look forward to another celebration soon, when RC gets his results!

Thanks to you both for sharing your treatment journeys with us here, we`re all so grateful to our members who embark on clinical trials, and very happy when we see a successful outcome!

Very best wishes for a happy and healthy future together!! 

Congratulations !! That's a milestone and one I remember celebrating. I know RC is going to be next and then we'll have to plan a big Dragon roast, lol! As Matt mentioned, we all have you, RC and everyone that participates in these trials to thank for all this progress. Good luck! 

Thanks Matt,   It's been tough the last 2 years... Seeing my husbands. ( RC ). first Trial attempt  in early 2014, fail with Sovaldi and RIBA.  It brought some doubt for me.     He just completed 2nd Trial with Sovaldi RIBA and Peg which he had early response.  His 4 week post is coming up and we pray for SVR this time.   You all have been such an encouragement to him which has helped me as well.  It's been hard for me to enjoy my SVR when he has had to struggle so much with his treatments.  Hopefully this time he will be blessed with SVR's.  Take care and again many thanks to all.

Hey Ragdoll

Way to go! Your like many of us that had lived with over 40 years of HCV and came out on the other end - SVR YES!

Thanks for your leading the way with being in a HCV Clinical trial.

matt

SVR 52!!!!!  It's been 1 year now and just got labs back.... .still undetected. ALT 31 AST 42 and platlets jumped up to 241! Very grateful for this opportunity this time in my life.  Still hard to believe when you carry the virus around for 40 + years and now it's gone.   Truly a miracle.  

Thanks everyone - 

Have a great weekend.

My updated stats are below!  I couldn't be happier and look forward to SVR!!

Congratulations, Cherri! Those UND results are such a great feeling. On to SVR12!

Hey Cherr

Congrats on completing your treatment protocol, it's a great feeling to receive the UND lab results. now it's be patient & positive and onward to SVR!

matt

Job well done Cherri! See, that wasn't so bad after all. And your fears - "very dark thoughts of depression and mood swings" never materialized. And you'll whiz right past SVR in 12 weeks too. So be planning for a big party in April. Onward to a Hep C free future....

Hi Cherri,

Congratulations on your successful completion of treatment! The next great day will be your coming SVR report and it'll be here before you know it. I'm very happy to know you're feeling better already and will look forward to your next update! Good luck...

YES ... wonderful news Cherri!!

Thanks for sharing this ... just the kind of news I needed to see about now.

You'll be SVR before ya know it ... congrats!

Dave

Hi friends - 

My treatment ended last week and I just received my 8 week test results.  

Great news! All my labs were perfect and I'm Undetected!!  I will update my stats once I get a copy of the results.

I am so very happy and relieved.  And I am starting to feel like myself again.

Thank you all for your support, kindness, words of inspiration - they are what kept me moving in a positive direction.  I could not have done this without you 

Cherri

Hey Lilbit,

WooHoo! Congratulations on your SVR52! I remember how great it felt then and just passed my 2nd. We all have much to be thankful for and the good news is the continuing advances and options. Instead of worrying if treatment will work, we can now be confident that there is an all oral DAA from someone that will work. So much better now!

It's so good to hear from you! Please stay in touch, we have lots of good news coming our way. It's a great time to treat and your success is another feather in the Hep C Warriors cap!

Oh Jimmy - 

I'm sorry to hear the news.  Hang in there .. I'm sure you can beat this.  Has the doctor given you other options?  I believe insurance will cover other options if the covered meds fail.

Will keep you in my prayers for good news.

Cherri

Rats.

Greetings,

I have some rather disappointing news to share.

As you know, my results for the test taken 11/17/15 did not produce a finding of UND, but remained high at a total of 115. Down from close to 4m a significant drop but not what I was looking for.

I finally today drove down to to get my most recent results today due to the mess up of the one Dr faxing to the my Hep Doc.

Results from test taken 12/15/15 in hand.

HCV RNA Real Time PCR = 345306

RBC is dropping to 4.07

HGB is dropping now at 12.7

HCT is dropping now at 38.9

Platelets remain strong at 350 (Whew)

ALT is at 37

AST is at 35 so at least liver has gotten some rest during this fiasco.

I am not sure if my Hep Doc has seen it yet due to the Fax problems but I did alert them through the Chart reporting system they have.

For the past two weeks side affects have become pronounced to a degree that is just at the tolerable level if you don't mind feeling completely awful.

I have a lousy 9 days and a nightcap remaining on a 12 week course, and personally I believe I have failed treatment. I imagine they will put me on a different regiment and I know that success is down the road some, but it will come in it's proper season.

Good Morning Y'all !

Well no results as yet so this years tree will come down and the Rooster stays in the box. Still have not gotten my results posted so last check at 115 is all I know for sure.

The fatigue factor has increased quite a bit over the past week or so. Muscle soreness to the point sitting is uncomfortable. Standing is pretty much a bummer due to the fatigue so feeling pretty lousy now.

I have 11 days and one nightcap remaining on the current treatment. Or as I like to put in another 117 pills remaining.

No wait..... 110 + 4 = 114 pills! That is even better!  LOL

Jimmy

Hi Tig - 

It's like you can read me like a book!! Thanks so much for the reassurance ... I really didn't want to spend the holiday's worrying so I cannot tell you enough how much I appreciate it!!

I had read that about Riba and was just looking for reassurance so thank you again and have a merry christmas... and yes I'm busting !!! hahaha!!  

Cherri

Hi Cherri,

Don't worry about your white count, it's still fine (Normal is 4-11) Mine dropped to 2. We often see these numbers fluctuate during the course of treatment. If you keep copies of your lab results, you can see how they react to the medication. You should get copies for your own records if you haven't asked.  Ribavirin can cause what is known as Hemolytic Anemia. It's hard on the red blood cell component of your blood, causing reductions in them and Hemoglobin. It happened to all of us that took it. It's just part of the process, nothing to worry about though. Do you know what your Hemoglobin result is? That's the one that is affected by the Ribavirin most often and leads to the fatigue and shortness of breath, if you're having that. Your doctor will keep an eye on that, so don't sweat it. You're getting so close, I imagine you're about ready to bust! The next three weeks will go by quickly, so keep doing what you're doing, it's working the way it's supposed to! Good luck and Merry Christmas to you too!!

Hi everyone and I hope you are having a stress-free holiday!!

I just received a phone call regarding my 8 week test results.  (they do not check viral load at 8 weeks :( - however they did do a CBC and my liver tests are all still normal but my white blood cell has dropped from 6.3 to 4.  They want to repeat this in one week.

Does anyone know what this mean?  Could I be anemic?  Ugh.  Is there anything that I should be doing differently in hopes to raise this for my next test?

So far so good on the side effects ... the worst thing I'm going through now is a terrible cough.  Constant frog in the throat.  Almost done with week 9 ... the countdown is on ..... 

Thanks for listening and Merry Christmas!!

Cherri

Hey Lonewolf

How sweet it is, SVR-26 Super congrats, way to slay that Dragon.

WTTROYL

matt

I love seeing these posts!! And, I think I agree about VP ... initially, I was upset that Harvoni was denied but now I couldn't be happier about it!!

Hi again Cherripie,

I agree with Tig, your next viral load will be undetected without a doubt!  With a viral load that`s too small to put a number on, you have every reason to be happy with that result! 

lonewolf wrote:

---

Undetected once again at 26 wks. I was und at 26 days and now at 26 weeks. I think Viekira Pak is every bit as good as Harvoni if not better. And my SOT VL was 21.8 million which is why my Dr. opted for Viekira Pak. I do believe this virus is history for me. But what do I know? I'm a newbie.

---

Yes, a `newbie` who is actually an `oldie` Greg!! 

Big congrats on your continued undetected and SVR26!!!  You can finally move forward in your new Hep C free life, that pesky virus is history!!

I`m very pleased for you!