Hello Canuck!  All for the idea of a party and/or behaving badly!  Rest assured that I am not in Venice or on a lovely cruise like Tig!  

I probably haven't mentioned before that I have had kidney stones in the past, but thankfully not in the last 25 years or so.  I was very fortunate that I was able to pass all of them but did experience a kidney infection one time that put me flat on my back ( or rather, curled up in a fetal position) for days, which was not pleasant! I can honestly say there is no pain like that of a kidney stone and I hope to avoid that experience for the rest of my life!  I have endured the pain of a mastectomy and reconstruction after breast cancer but never needed the morphine like I did for the stones! Yikes!

The uteroscopy you described sounds AWFUL and I have not had to endure one of those either.  I'm not familiar with  pyleonephritis, but that sounds dreadful as well!  Kidney stones have run in my family-my brother and father have both had them, so attribute them to the family genes!

My countdown timer says 10 days, 3 hours and 29 minutes, so will definitely start the party then!!

Well LM my dear ... jes me and you and RC (and just about a million other members) left holding the fort here, whilst the rest of them are working, sailing, flying, busy, hibernating. hmm, with no one at the helm we could just "behave badly", or hardy party ... you in?

Hey, I didn't know, or forgot, that you had ever had kidneys stones - what was your experience with them? I thought I had them once or twice - prolly wasn't, just mistaken identity, bad bouts of pyleonephritis, but I had a "fully" awake ureteroscopy done once! (OMG!), that was a very ugly experience!, I recommend memory lapsing drugs for that procedure, for sure - so, I am acqainted with the feeling of a giant thing painfully trying to travel through a too small tubular orifice!!  C.

Hello Tig and ps!  You are both right-my last day of Epclusa is November 23, Thanksgiving and I'll have plenty to be thankful for!  I, of course, will be thankful for ending this treatment, but more importantly, for the wonderful people here who have helped me along on this journey.  I hate to think what this trip would have been like without all of you here to guide me and talk me down!  The end is in sight and I'm ready to jump off this train!

That's my guesstamation, too! My fingers and toes add up to Thanksgiving day or there abouts. Getting very close to the day we have to shoo you off this train! Your journey is about finished, the dragon slaying over and the beginning of a new Hep C free life is ahead of you! That's mahhh-velous 

Hi Lindz -- 

You are getting close to EOT! From my calculations, you are 15 days away from swallowing the last of your Epclusa magic! Life is sweet, eh? UND status and EOT so close, nice!

ps

Yep. Ya can never say never! I think it was Observer or dharmabum (or maybe both of 'em positive type people) who had a sig line or quote that went something like .... " Oh,  but what if I fall?? with the answer being "Oh, my dear, but what if you fly!?" Loved that one. Maybe GI things WILL improve, and, just all by themselves.  C.

Tig-  HepC is an insidious little devil but if I can get rid of my reflux as well as the HepC, I will be a happy passenger!  Thanks!

Hi Lindsay,

Hep C can cause a number of symptoms and problems that most are unaware of. There really isn’t a single system in your body that HCV misses on it’s path of destruction. None. I know others that witnessed good improvements in their gastric health. There’s no reason to think that you won’t be one of the fortunate people that gets total resolution of the reflux. If the Hep C caused it, let Epclusa and your cure, take it away! Let’s be positive and expect it to improve! I think that’s the ticket you need on this Train....

Hi C-

Were you a cheerleader when you were younger?  Or perhaps in a former life?  You have got so much pep and enthusiasm and your positivity is contagious!  Your posts of encouragement always make me smile.

As for your question on the H2 blocker vs Pepsid, I'd really like to stay on the Pepsid when I'm finished with treatment (and "cured").  I have always had such difficulty with acid reflux and have gone through the gamut of H2 Blockers.  I seemed as though I built up a type of immunity to each one and had to move on to something stronger each time.  So I will be thrilled if I can stay on something less strong.  I'm certain it's my improved diet and intake of so much water that's responsible for this change, so will have to stick with that regime, but it'll definitely be worth it if it keeps the reflux at bay.  It hasn't occurred to me until just now, but could the HepC have contributed to the reflux?  

lz

LM, 

When you are cured (cured?! .. what am I talkin' about!), you're already cured! (well, in my book anyway) - you are "technically" cured, (in boxing you would have already been celebrating the technical knock-out of your bloodied and beaten foe on day 28), you killed him, it's a foregone conclusion that you are already "technically" cured!, but, OK, OK, to be "official" you do have to have an EOT VL, ya, ya, I know, then there is that EOT+12 week VL (your "official" SVR), and your EOT+24 one and any future ones ... are all going to be UND's just like your week 8 one, but you know what I mean - we were totally correct to be partying on day 29! 

So, back to what I meant to say - when you are "finished" (like on any day past day 84!) do you think you will just keep on with the H2 antagonist you are on now, or, do you think you might prefer to swtich back to the PPI you used to be on - did the Pepsid seem to "hold" you OK (while you were on treatment) compared to the other stuff you used to take? C.

Thank you for the clarification, RC.  Hope you're continuing to heal and feel stronger each day.

Hi LM.      The morning Pepsid will be ok moving one hour all at once. Keep your evening Pepsid With your evening Epclusa. ( move your evening EP and PEP) together at the same time.   RC

Thanks RC.  So I normally take Pepsid 10mg at 9AM then again at 9PM and then my Epclusa at 9PM.  So should I just adjust my Epclusa and take it tonight at 8:15PM then 8:30 etc.? And what about the Pepsid?  I already took it this morning at 9.

Hi all, I have been on a 5PM schedule for my VOSEVI. Today I will take it at 4:30,then tomorrow at 5PM. I take the RIBA at 5AM & 5PM and will not adjust the timing. I took all my rejection meds according to the new fall back time this morning. In my case the anti-rejection drugs shouldnt know they went down one hour early. I do remember when I was on a trial with SOFOSBUVIR they told me that if I wanted to chang the dosing time to do it 1/4 hour each day.  MY ADVISE IS 1/4 HOUR A DAY.  .   RC

I just did a search on "time change" and dosage and concluded that I don't need to alter my dosage time today.  Is that still the consensus?

Thanks and hope everyone was able to take advantage of the extra hour of sleep.  Unfortunately, my dog didn't get the memo and woke up at her usual time of 6:30 AM

ah, just have a double personality and be dyslexic and we'll all git along jes fine.

I think, therefore i am, or ... is it ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2f-MZ2HRHQ

ʍɥɐʇs ʍɹouƃ ʍıʇɥ ʇɥǝ dɥoʇo¿ ןooʞs ɟıuǝ ʇo ɯǝ! 

I just turned the computer screen around, that was easy! What isn't easy for me to do is to paste anything, period!

My doc can read upside down, and fast too! I discovered, and, from across the room apparently! - going into my appointments I had a list and he glanced at it (upside down) briefly, (maybe he has photographic memory too!) and he amazingly seemed to be anticipating my every question/topic!! It was unnerving, I went paranoid, is he actually reading my mind I silenlty thought to myself?!, geez maybe he knows I just wondered that?! or maybe I had (in my disjointed blathering state) just forgot what I had said and had already asked??, maybe I had actually said something out loud, wasn't just formulating the sentences in my head, and plain forgot in my fog that I had said something?!, or, that my questions were just so rotely predictable he could answer them before they even left my lips. Then I noticed on subsequent appointments his hidden upside down talents! I wish I could read upside down. I'm going to a yoga class tonight, so I will try something upside down.

I think you are like me (not like me my fogged state, nor like me in my inability to paste part) but that you wish and need to pour over every nuance of your cure (which I do not think is a bad thing, at all!). On the contrary, I derived so much relief in continuing to see all my labs normalize. (So see, contrary to gossip ... parts of me are VERY normal).  C.

Thanks C-  The words of encouragement from you and Tig are the best medicine ever!  

I appreciate your compliment on my ability to paste my labs but sadly, they were upside down, so can't really pat myself on the back!

LM,

What a great report!

I'll take the easy way out and just repeat all the things Tig saw and said - maybe just re-state them in reverse order ....  "celebrate!, doing great!, don't worry, splendid, solidly normal" ...    

I had some little blips in BS's too while on treatment, they were of no consequence. Your numbers make you a poster girl for epclusa cures!

Ah, don't we just love the smell of epclusa in the mornin'!

I'm impressed with you (in many ways), including your abilty to paste a pic!, something that will always confound me, so, I just don't even bother trying anymore.  C.

Thank you Tig-  I'm afraid I'm not as adept at this file attachment stuff as I thought.  I'll try again but if it doesn't work, it's no biggie.  The other values seem fine although I guess they did not do a GGT.  Thank you for your clarification and PLEASE do not apologize for missing my post.  On the grand scheme of things, this is way down the list of pertinent questions.  I was just curious to get the opinion of one of the experts.  Thank you.

Hi Lindsay,

I missed your post, sorry about that! BAD Tig, bad....! 

I tried to open your lab report and I was unable to look at them. It looks like you posted the wrong type of file. If you could post a picture or a .PDF, it would be viewable. Until I can see it, I have to wonder if they did the GGT. It depends on the labs ordered. The full name is “Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase”

Aside from that, your ALT/AST are splendid. The two point rise in your ALT is nothing. You are solidly normal and have nothing to be concerned with. On the contrary, they are cause to celebrate! I wouldn’t be concerned about the glucose elevation at this time, either. I see those elevations fairly often during treatment. I can’t explain why, it just happens. There could be another reason for it as well, but my guess is it’s just a reaction. Each instance of this, in people that have been routinely normal in the past (in my experience) always normalize after treatment is finished. Don’t worry about it. You’re doing great! 

Just got the rest of my labs back.  I'm going to try and attach them.  My Glucose is a little high-113-last month it was 83.  And my ALT actually increased from 7 to 9 although my AST went down to 9 from 11.  Anything I should be concerned about?  

Also, can't seem to find GGT on my labs.  Does it have another name?

That's a heck of a club and so glad to see the newest member there. 

XO,

wendy

LM -

Glad you joined us at Club Zero! Thumbs up and Rock on!

Thanks C-Club Zero is a lovely place to be!  

Lindsmatt!!??

Is that YOU??!!

Laying there all UND for your next 4 weeks at Club 0!!!!!!

Well ... actually ... you have now earned a lifetime membership to that sunny exclusive place we call Club Zero!

Ah, Epclusa, it's a wonderful thing.  C.

Thanks, Tig.  Definitely donning those dancing shoes today!  It's a huge relief to see that UND!

OUTSTANDING!!! I just knew this was going to be the case. These are such effective regimens and you got your hands on one of the absolute best! 

Congratulations, Lindsay! Your Dragon has left the building. All you have left to do now is complete the journey to EOT. I suggest doing it with dancing shoes on with bells! Dancing down the track, all the way to SVRville...

Thank you, my friend!  Needless to say, I am thrilled!

WOOHOO is right!! This is a major victory for you and for all of us LM. Hooray, hooray! You have kicked that big old dragon in the a$$! Congratulations!

ITS an UND party!

Just got my 8 week results.  UNDETECTED!!!!  WOO HOO!!  So very happy and relieved!!  Thank you all for always helping me to stay positive!

Great News LM,,,I like Canuck's math that puts your last magic pill to swallow on Nov 23, (the day after my birthday). My math says this is a good omen.

Canuck wrote:

---

LM,

Congrats on being 2/3!!

(Whoever said i was no good at this new math!!) 8 = 2/3

Let's see, now that I am on this math roll ... 0.66666666666666666666666666666666666666.................................... = 56 days.

If 28 = <15, then 29 should = 0 (I figure), so then, it stands that anything between 29 and 84 (including 56) will = (minus) 7.64 million, and that -7.64 mil remains to = 0. Got it?

By the results of my calculations ... you should have booked celebration reservatons for Club Zero starting on the first day of week 5.

I will gladly wager on what your NP said.    C. 

---

 Whaaa??? All those 6’s would have ol JimmyK shaking over the delete button, lol! I hope he’s enjoying his time off.

I have no doubt the news will continue to shine positively bright!  

C- You are so funny!  My mind is completely frazzled this morning after deciphering your "new" math!  But I appreciate the bottom line which is 0!!  From your lips....

LM,

Congrats on being 2/3!!

(Whoever said i was no good at this new math!!) 8 = 2/3

Let's see, now that I am on this math roll ... 0.66666666666666666666666666666666666666.................................... = 56 days.

If 28 = <15, then 29 should = 0 (I figure), so then, it stands that anything between 29 and 84 (including 56) will = (minus) 7.64 million, and that -7.64 mil remains to = 0. Got it?

By the results of my calculations ... you should have booked celebration reservatons for Club Zero starting on the first day of week 5.

I will gladly wager on what your NP said.    C. 

Hi ps- My 8 week blood draw went well.  I met my NP and she was certain that the results would show undetected so we'll see next week.  Thanks for asking and congrats again on your final pill tonight!!

lm -- How did the lab visit for your 8 week blood draw go today? Smooth, I'm hoping.

Thanks Tig-Guess it's just another "getting older" benefit!  The gift that keeps on giving (which certainly beats the alternative!).

Lindsay,

I used to have eagle vision until the age of 40, and literally overnight my vision turned to crap in a hand basket. I thought I had something bad going on. The doctor laughed and said “Welcome to 40”. I didn’t find much reassurance or humor in his remark!

The vision troubles were common in those of us that went through the Interferon protocols. That stuff was harsh and often damaged or exhibited precursors to retina damage. We had several people that had to stop treatment because of it. You don’t have the same worries on your treatment. I was also diagnosed with early indications of glaucoma, but my eye pressures are still very normal. You may have heard the term “cupping” developing because of it. The optic nerve passes through the retinal wall and people with glaucoma and those that may be predisposed to it show evidence of this cupping phenomena. They can see a misshapening of this nerve portal early on. As long as they are on top of it and spotted it early on, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. They’ll keep an eye (!) on it and recommend annual or 6 month check ups to monitor it. Even if the pressures start to rise, they can prescribe drops that control it. They can laser a passage to alleviate it too. The people that ignore the warnings, are susceptible to increased damage. Let me know what your Opthamologist says and take notes! Ask what your eye pressures are when they take them. They numb you with drops and then blow a puff of air against your eyes. It’s a simple test, as are all of them. Been there, done that! 

 Blink-Blink

Went to my optometrist today because I feel as though my vision is worsening.  I never had to wear glasses until about 4 years ago and now my prescription is changing for the third time.  The Dr. told me I have something called "Narrow Angles" and referred me to an eye surgeon.  He wasn't terribly informative suggested I Google it, which of course, I did.  I'm going to call on Monday and make an appointment but am wondering if this is all HepC related?  I did a search and saw that others have had eye issues but saw nothing referencing this particular problem.  Naturally, I'm thinking "O Happy Day", yet another gift from the HepC Gods!

P.S.  I should add that "Narrow Angles" can be a precursor to Glaucoma.

Thanks Jayne.  The thumb thing is annoying and I honestly don't know if it's from the HepC or just age!  I did get a steroid shot in my left thumb before treatment and it helped immensely.  If this is your first time, I will warn you that the shots (I think I had 5 or 6) are quite painful and it takes a few days to notice improvement.  Good luck!

Great news on your SVR 12!  Woo Hoo! 

Toothaches are no joke. 

I hope you get it fixed somehow. In the meantime, your can buy some Orajel and try to tamp down the pain. I went through some dental hell due to drymouth caused by medications I have been on, and lordy....

as someone on here once told me....smells like victory .... good going Lyndsey ....I know your ride and only this Tuesday got my SVR12....such a relief and with the easy ride of Epclusa you will see the results you pray for ....I notic d some posts earlier about thumb like trigger...I got the same since end of treatment. Thumbs lock at night and hurt like hell...Im having steroid injections in them November 3rd . I wish you well and look forward to seeing you big news..which is coming...hugs

Jayne

Hey LM,

Did you see your pup has a cousin!!, another cutie (kinda) look-a-like (sailing shoes avatar!), love his tall "at attention" kitty buddy too. Who knew, these doggies must get around!

Jmiff,

How ya doing?  C.

Hi Lindsay,

There has been a lot of discussion on this topic. There are those that are real cautious and believe if there's a chance of reinfection, they change them out often during treatment. Other's believe it unnecessary and think the chance remote. There really is no evidence that you're at higher risk of relapse/reinfection from your own razors or toothbrushes during treatment. Go ahead and use your favorite electric. I don't think there is any reason to stress over it. 

What is important is that nobody ever use yours, even by accident. Keep yours away from impulsive people in your bathroom! Our school age children and teens are bad for grabbing the first brush or razor they see and use it. That's when you have to be careful. I didn't find it difficult with some simple precautions. Hope this helps.

PS: Put the word "Toothbrush" in the search function and you'll see dozens of thoughts and practices by members over the years. Most people do what they think is best. In the end, I've never heard about a single person reinfecting themselves in that manner. 

I have a question about toothbrushes.  I did a search on this site, but didn't find a definitive answer, so would love to hear the opinions of the ever wise and experienced gurus on this board.  Should I really be changing out my toothbrush every week?  I use an expensive electric one so would have to switch to disposable ones, but if there's really a chance of reinfection, I'll certainly do it!

WOOT!!

I had a feeling there might have been a misplaced decimal point. Good to know you’re normal! You are normal, right? Of course you are, your dog wears a party hat and only normal people have special friends like that!