Bills wrote:

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Matt,

Your right on I was thinking the same thing.  I'm in the program and there is a focus on Prayer & Meditation. Lets say I decided to pack for this trip. So I'm packing up alot of P & M . I'm also afraid of the insurance problems that can arise so even though I have my 1st bottle in hand Im going to hold it till Saturday Why? 1 Saturday is my weekly meditation meeting. 2. holding back a week gives me a lead time in-case there is any lapse in getting my next refill I have time to do something about it. My nurse agreed its a good plan when I told her. I'll throw in my doctor has no appointment till Jan 12th  that means I get no viral test from him for like 5-1/2 weeks I can't take that suspense. Unless I backdoor him to get my VL sooner. so i have 5 days to pack. what to leave in what to leave out.

 

 

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Very wise Bills - on all counts.  It's a powerful connection between our minds and bodies and the P&M is a great way to give your body the news that help is on it's way.

I held back for the same reason, but even longer, as I live in the virgin islands where everything happens sloooowly. Luckily I have a great pharmacist who is so excited for me that she's stayed on top of getting my meds on island. If you are getting your meds from a local pharmacy it might be worth your while to make that kind of connection if you can.

I also asked my doc for all my lab scripts ahead of time so I didn't have to bother him. I had my lab copy them in case I got (even more) absent minded on treatment. Sounds spazzy, I know, but it helped take my mind off of fears (what to leave out)on onto the real job - healing (what to take with). Have a wonderful journey! 

Bill, 

With the upcoming Holidays etc., having a few extra on hand may be good..never know with deliveries this time of year...

Could you ask for the lab slip ahead of time?  I get mine from the doctor that cover me until next visit..I have my lab slips for Jan 2 and Jan 30 while next appointment is Feb 10.

get that suitcase ready!

Ro

Hi Mr. Bills,    glad to see you're aboard.  I thought about "holding back" but decided not to.  Was a struggle to get approved, and get the first bottle. Wanted to get started ASAP. Was pleasantly surprised, the second bottle was no problem. Already have it in hand. Go for labs this morning.  Good luck in your tx.

Matt,

Your right on I was thinking the same thing.  I'm in the program and there is a focus on Prayer & Meditation. Lets say I decided to pack for this trip. So I'm packing up alot of P & M . I'm also afraid of the insurance problems that can arise so even though I have my 1st bottle in hand Im going to hold it till Saturday Why? 1 Saturday is my weekly meditation meeting. 2. holding back a week gives me a lead time in-case there is any lapse in getting my next refill I have time to do something about it. My nurse agreed its a good plan when I told her. I'll throw in my doctor has no appointment till Jan 12th  that means I get no viral test from him for like 5-1/2 weeks I can't take that suspense. Unless I backdoor him to get my VL sooner. so i have 5 days to pack. what to leave in what to leave out.

OH I'll need an I-pod      

Ro wrote:

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Hey Biil, 

From a former Hudson County girl,  who failed a few nightmare treatments..."this is a a great time for all of us!"

Ro

---

 LOL small world I grew up in Hoboken  lived in JC a while too.

Hello Fourlocos

Welcome to the Harvoni treatment train, step right up and take your seat for 8 weeks. This will be a great trip with lots of friendly folks and great food. Great to hear that the approval process went well, I suspect that the 8 weeks duration helped the approval. It has a high SVR rate. The most important thing is stay true to the meds daily never missing any day for any reason then you will do well.

matt

Fourlocos,

Congratulations on such lightning fast approval. Chances are since you've been on such a smooth ride so

far, then it will continue to be smooth and you'll be able to work with no to few problems. My getting

a ticket on the Harvoni train was fairly quick also. I went to see a specialist on Nov 24, labs same day

and 8 days later got a call from the specialty pharmacy(Caremark CVS) saying Blueshield of California

had approved me for 12 weeks of treatment. I am treatment naïve and my second Fibrosure test

again says I am F4 (cirrhosis). My pills are being shipped Thursday overnight so I'll get them

on Friday and probably start on Saturday morning. Keep posting about your treatment as I

also plan to do.

I am new and introduced myself on the newbie side.  I believe a seat is now reserved for me.  I got my call tonight to come pick up my Harvoni tomorrow.  I feel almost guilty saying this but I only just saw the GI specialist six days ago and he prepared me for a long battle to get the drug.  I got called tonight it flew right threw my insurance!  For those that want to know I have Blue Cross HMO.  The said they applied to reduce my co pay to just 5 dollars.  I hated that I couldn't pick it up tonight but the pharmacy closed at 5 and I live quite a distance from it.  I made her promise to not give it to someone else.  I am scared.  I have only known about my status for less than a month and didn't expect it to go this quickly.  I have concerns about SE since I don't even handle antibiotics without stomach issues.  I guess I have no choice on the matter, I have to get through it.  I think I will start tomorrow early evening.  Fingers crossed that the ride is kind to me. 

Hey Bills

I sure you have somewhat planned how you will approach that first hour and day of taking the first Harvoni med. if not read this.

Let it be a time for deep meditation envisioning yourself starting off on a trip that will change your life, let the Harvoni be totally saturated within yourself reaching every cell of your body and totally inhibiting any viral production. Everyday you take the meds pause for a minute, close your eyes and think of it totally clearing the virus and create an vision of it doing so in your mind.

matt       

Congratulations Bill,

This is like a walk in the park, like eating a piece of cake!  Nothing like treatments before this!!

Hey Biil, 

From a former Hudson County girl,  who failed a few nightmare treatments..."this is a a great time for all of us!"

Ro

Hi Bill,

The old treatment experience stays like a bad dream! Good luck with the Harvoni, buddy. Your time has come. Cheers.

Outstanding news, Bill. I hear that SVR train a coming!

Congrats!

-Rob

So happy for you Bill! I remember when you let us in on your relapse. We all felt your pain...But this time you've allowed us to share your joy! This time it has success written all over it!! As always, we are here to cheer you on buddy! Go get em'....

Tig

I got the same call at work Bills and know how it felt like a kick in the gutt! I hope to board the train sometime in the next few months so save me a seat! 

Oh what a feeling!

All Aboard!

I got the call. And my wife was to go pick it up. I would never have imagined that I would be so excited to take a powerful treatment knowing I have to do it for 24 weeks LOL. I couldn't concentrate all day work. I had a flashback of Feb 2013  when I got a call from my doctor saying the Virus broke through. I was on a back to back 72 weeks of TX. I felt like I was shot in the heart belly and throat but still alive. I didn't want to post it on the  site here I just couldn't say it. It took me a few days to finally say it here.  I would never have made it without all of you.  I have a 1000 feelings right now. Now I'm afraid to go see it, touch it. Open it. I called the pharmacy and the girl who answered  I spoke to was polite. She was just speaking like it was just an everyday prescription. Its funny how some people actually most don't know how much this means to us. I'm feeling like that pain of being shot by a phone call in 2012 has finally stopped. Like Ive been holding my breath since then. Somebody kick me so I know I'm not dreaming. I cant wait to get my seat and see all my friends for the 24 weeks.

In the words of Tony Sopranno

Nuf Said   for now

I live in Bellevile NJ its Soprano land  LOL

Hey Barbara

Congrats on getting on the Harvoni Train, its good to hear that your medical team is looking out for you. Please let us knowing how your treatment progresses through the weeks,

Find a comfortable seat and have a smooth trip on the train.  

matt

Can't wit to hear your results at 4 weeks, yahoo-harvoni.... I think!!

 Hi, I started harvoni this past Tuesday-yahoo!! My doc had planned to see me in January but when a "monochronal protein" showed up in my bloodwork it all happened really fast. hematologist called gastroenterologist & with 2 weeks the harvoni was at my door. I did triple TX in 2011 but had to stop at 13 week as SE were just about killing me. That was a huge disappointment. But I'm psyched about this 12 week protocol. I take mine in the morning & it seems to be ok. There was one morning that I just went back to bed for an hour but now not having any sleepy problems in the am. Want to start my treadmill again pretty soon. I must say so far, "Its all good"!! Hope to hear more from others & that we all reach SVR!!

BTW, I decided to change my pic to my 3 YO Abbie-besides my hubby she gives me me so much love& support!!

Tess wrote:

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There are so many people here that went through the tough and wrenching treatments that I almost feel guilty having it so easy now!  But the earlier treatments paved the way to today's drugs and many thanks go out to you.

After 11 days on Harvoni the SEs have been minimal - - some headaches and extra aches and pains.  Emotionally I feel much better, which is either a direct SE or just general optimism from being on treatment. 

I notice more hair in the hairbrush, so that might be a side effect, and it seems like a different kind of brain fog - - I remember some things more clearly, but then other times I'll do something that is even more absent minded than usual....like when I could not find a belt I took off the previous night until I saw it hanging on a coat hook with not even a faint recollection of leaving it there.  Or when I blame dear hubby for leaving the seat up in the bathroom, he says I did it (but I don't think I'm falling for that one )

My first VL check will be at 4 weeks - - on Christmas Eve .

Best of luck to everyone.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.

- Tess

 

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 Tess-  Glad to hear you are doing well and are in good humor :)  I had some hair loss right about 2 weeks. I had to clean the shower trap 2x during the same shower, but that seems to have resolved itself. I lost more HCV bugs than strands of hair that week, so it's all good.

Keeping you in my "good" thoughts.

Hi all, day 16 on the 24 week train for my wife Helen,,,,went for two week blood panel work today and lab performed all the test again including the viral load, so looking to see a undetected about Wednesday this week. Side effects are slowly diminishing now.

Good luck to all of you and have a great week.

Snart

There are so many people here that went through the tough and wrenching treatments that I almost feel guilty having it so easy now!  But the earlier treatments paved the way to today's drugs and many thanks go out to you.

After 11 days on Harvoni the SEs have been minimal - - some headaches and extra aches and pains.  Emotionally I feel much better, which is either a direct SE or just general optimism from being on treatment. 

I notice more hair in the hairbrush, so that might be a side effect, and it seems like a different kind of brain fog - - I remember some things more clearly, but then other times I'll do something that is even more absent minded than usual....like when I could not find a belt I took off the previous night until I saw it hanging on a coat hook with not even a faint recollection of leaving it there.  Or when I blame dear hubby for leaving the seat up in the bathroom, he says I did it (but I don't think I'm falling for that one )

My first VL check will be at 4 weeks - - on Christmas Eve .

Best of luck to everyone.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.

- Tess

Very Exciting indeed I didn't even start yet and I feel better. It's a new day for Hep C When i see my peers here who endured the worst still to relapse Now they are getting on the train. It's beautiful just beautiful. All you Guys and Gals who counted days months years and got SVR in the last wave. The knowledge shared and learned. We were The Lab Rats too. If I wasn't so scared of getting infected I thought getting a Tattoo LAB RAT-0524-002. My Trail group number was 0524 I was rat # 002 LOL. For the newbies, These people welcoming you and helping you understand this journey (They are the real deal). I seen people come here scared to death (me ) and rightly so turn into warriors and they're still here helping all of us along. I'm praying that when the world starts to see how this will change the Millions lives affected by Hep C It be made available and AFFORDABLE to any and everyone anywhere.  It would be nice if you try to fill a short Bio like Geno type Treatments done / years infected and SVR date if you have it. In doing so look at the ones who did fill it in. You'll see it confirms some of what I just said 

OK enough of my blabber mouth.BS out

Finishing up third week on the Harvoni train. All in all very smooth ride. Boy, considering the incivek ride a couple of years ago this is unreal! Awaiting the 2 week test results early next week. I really haven't been this optimistic, excited and (everything) in a very long time. 

My my thoughts are with you guys fighting for this miracle drug. Keep after it with all you have got. 

I know now it is a long way to SVR and there is  possibly a chance it will not happen but boy it fantastic to keep fighting with good odds of winning!  

Allthe he best to you guys,

Pamigo

Such optimistic news indeed! Good on everyone for sharing your experiences and progress!

-Rob

Hey Y'all,

The information being shared right now is exactly the kind of thing we like to see and love to share! It's a pleasure for us old time SOC veterans to see a treatment come along that actually is easier and relatively SFX free. We also have those starting and those waiting to start, that really benefit from seeing it. For all of you, reading this exciting news must be a dream come true! Trust me, it is a dream come true for so many and it will happen for those waiting. Your turn is coming, you have to believe that. I encourage you all to keep sharing your experiences, and keep the lines of positive communication open. This is the kind of thing that makes my day and brings hope to so many more! Thanks for sharing the excitement!! It does make a difference...

Tig                                                 WOOT!!

Bob,

I quite agree with you!  Even looking forward to the Holiday hoopla this year! With energy to spare

Ro

It is truly fascinating to be now over five weeks into this treatment.  During my treatment with S/O I realized that I had been so far down that I no longer knew what normal was.  Today, I am again finding a new normal!  Cannot remember when I had this much energy, changes my entire outlook on life.  I realize that everyone is different, but for this of you on this journey, you will hopefully have the same experience!

Michaele wrote:

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I got my meds all lined up in the daily dose tray. 

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 This is so great Michaele!

I had to laugh - I did the same thing when I got my meds.

"I am still waiting for my appeal response from insurance, though I filed a urgent appeal its still taking over a week just to get a no or yes.  I can't figure out how to get a ticket for the dam train. I guess I have to stay in the station to direct people to the right train."

Hey Matt - doing a vulcan mind meld with your insurance company:  

My mind to your mind, my thoughts to your thoughts:

"You will now give Matt 24 weeks of Harvoni. (and you will like it!)"

Michaele,

Very excited for you!

Ro , Its like you read my mind, going to bed early so I can be up and  ready when the train pulls into the station.   Michaele

Michaele,

 Have a great sleep and wake up for the ride to good health!

Ro

Bills, I got my meds all lined up in the daily dose tray. Be looking for my seat tomorrow morning, thanks and looking forward to a smooth ride....MIchaele

Bills wrote:

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Ya know who I miss here is Vern ( 12 step guy) Hope is OK.

But thank you all for the well wishes.   

 

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 Hi Bill, yes I miss Vern too, he was a great character.  At least we know he got his SVR though as well as a new granddaughter, and I think that was about the last we heard from him.  So we`ll take it he`s doing well. 

Wonderful to see you here in the queue for the Harvoni train, and I hope it arrives on time!

Best of luck to all of you!

Matt,

I still have my fingers crossed too. I'm piling stuff on the seat next to me so you know you have a place. 

Michaele,

Waiting must be nuts I'd have to give up going to clock every 5 mins and just sit and watch it tic for the next 2 hrs ( I'm in NY time )

And Thanks Malcom your like the backbone of advice here. Some of your knowledge embarrassed my medical team. Things I found out here they werent sharing with me till I asked. 

Ya know who I miss here is Vern ( 12 step guy) Hope is OK.

But thank you all for the well wishes.   

Hey Bills

Sounds like you will be receiving your Harvoni fairly soon, well deserved Bill for your long wait I want to just yell at the top of my lungs YES!

I'm very happy that you will being doing 24 weeks like me hopefully.

I am still waiting for my appeal response from insurance, though I filed a urgent appeal its still taking over a week just to get a no or yes.  I can't figure out how to get a ticket for this train quickly. I guess I have to stay in the station to direct people to the right train.

Bill the treatment should a piece of cake compared to what you have tried before.

Looking forward to hearing about your first week on the train,

matt 

Hey Bill,

It seems to be good news at last. Of all people, you deserve a seat on the train, first class. Good luck buddy.

Bills wrote:

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MR BillS Heading for the train station to get a schedule  WOW  I purposely stayed away from the site because i was driving myself crazy But is finally almost in my hands

I'll be catching up with all of you every day once I start the 24 weeks It reminds me of the Friday Nite Darts Club. Boy did we pay our dues to get here. I would lost it without all of your support back then. Saying 24 weeks seems like nothing in light of what I see on this train. I hope the train is packed standing room only.

As a recovering alcoholic  all I can say is I'd drink to that if my liver wasn't shot LOL

 

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Wishing you a super speedy treatment! Once I'm done treating, I'll still have a sick fatty liver and won't be able to drink. Sparkling Cider celebrations for both us us!

Ro,

That's great about the no side effects and thanks for the reply back :)

Hi Bill,

Congrats buddy!! So happy to hear your good news! Seems like the Harvoni Train has taken the place of the Friday Night Dart Club! I wonder if the new members even know what that is? It was a wonderful place to meet following our weekly interferon injections and share our side effects and experiences! It was a wonderful place to be and to share the journey. I recommend everyone take a look back at some of those posts, it will provide some insight into what interferon meant to so many old heppers. It's good to know you're on your way to SVR, finally! Good luck buddy, you deserve it...

Tig

MR BillS Heading for the train station to get a schedule  WOW  I purposely stayed away from the site because i was driving myself crazy But is finally almost in my hands

I'll be catching up with all of you every day once I start the 24 weeks It reminds me of the Friday Nite Darts Club. Boy did we pay our dues to get here. I would lost it without all of your support back then. Saying 24 weeks seems like nothing in light of what I see on this train. I hope the train is packed standing room only.

As a recovering alcoholic  all I can say is I'd drink to that if my liver wasn't shot LOL

Bruce,  

i take my med when I get up, first thing in the morning...this way I do not forget it.. Bedtimes vary so before bed would not work for me.  I have had no side effects from it.. 

good luck!

Ro

Tess,

Yeah they mentioned something about they were going to check and see if my doc wanted the first

shipment sent to their office but I think they then forget to check that. I better call my doctor's

office tomorrow and see if that's what they want. Good thing you said that thanks.

Trip,

I knew about that but I didn't have my local CVS store number and I have a lot of vacation time

I need to burn. Maybe next time.

CVS Caremark is my supplier too.  They were going to overnight it to me and asked if I wanted a signature required or not.  But then I called my doctor's office to let them know I was approved, and they insisted on having it overnighted to their office and that I come in for a "training" visit to pick it up.  It worked out fine for me and I got some extra information from my nurse-trainer.  Like, they wanted me to stop taking all supplements, vitamins, Crestor.  Told me to stay only on Fosamax and take an occasional Aleve or Tylenol if needed for pain.

Best of luck!

Beacon, i also have CVS Caremark, They also will deliver it to a CVS of your choice so you can pick it up, I am doing it that way so that i dont have to take a day off from work.

-- Edited by Trip2 on Thursday 4th of December 2014 01:35:16 AM

Thanks Ro. May I ask if you take your medication in AM or PM and what are

your thoughts on which is better for you.