Thank you all.  It helps to hear other people's experiences and "cures". 

Thank you Tig,

I really am just very tired, and to consider not having a SVR is really wearing on me, causing me to second guess my decision to treat. There is so much going on in the world, it really has become to appear to me as if fighting this hard to rid myself of this virus was a very selfish move. I am no longer, at this point, the person my son could depend on for sound advise, nor can I provide a an ongoing sense of security in my own home, when things need attention I find I can't attend to many of them, and by that MJ has had to work on things I would never have wanted her to before, of course at some levels that has been good to, she can do stuff!

  I really don't mean to compare one GT to the other, we all have to suffer this treatment. I am so grateful for the new drugs, in that maybe others who follow us wont need to become sick to get well .

Timothy I

Hang in there Timothy! You've almost reached the end! I agree the side effects are a bear to handle at times. I have days that just about destroy me and then there will be days when I get through the day without too many problems. However, there hasn't been a day go by that I wasn't exhausted. I think the extreme fatigue is a constant for many of us. I don't expect that to improve until well after treatment ends. That will probably apply to many of our side effects. So our help to one another can be very important and often nuisance relieving! 

I would not venture to say this gets any easier, 41 weeks into treatment and I am having no fun, no smoke and mirrors, reality. I recall week 8 as being pretty close to when I quit joking about my side effects. Treatment has been a bear, and it has taken everything I hold dear to stay the course. And I am only a GT3, can't imagine how horrible the 1's and 2's must have. I should feel special I only have to be on dual therapy.   Just saying!!!!

rotting to the core... and loving every minute of it

oops should visit the rant section...

Timothy I

Hi Do, I failed to mention my eyes and ears, so I'm glad you thought to ask. I use an over the counter brand of lubricating eye drops, non medicated. For my ears I have a couple of things. I think I've found something that works versus something recommended and haven't had my ears fall off yet. I have had good luck with either warm olive oil, or a small amount skin lotion like Nivea, rubbed in with a fingertip. It's important to not stick anything (like a Q-tip) deep into your ear canal to apply medication, clean or scratch!!  I know the itchy dryness you're referring to and these methods have worked well. I hope this will help you find some relief, it should!

Hi Tiger, Seriously,

I had the dry symptom before treatment, during treatment and after treatment  (that is eyes, ears, nose and mouth).

For the eyes I use Aqualarm (eyes drops for dry eyes), nose : GeloSitin oïl in spray, but have nothing for my ears nor my dry mouth.

So thanks to you Tiger, I have order on line Biotene. Do you have any medicamentation for dry ears ?

Cheers,

Do

Hi Timothy,

It really doesn't matter what Geno you are. Rx is wearing both physically and emotionally. 41 weeks is a difficult time - the end seems so near and yet so far. Stick with it mate, it's worth it. Your family understands and you'll soon be back to your old self, with an SVR under your belt, and life will be better than ever. This time last year I was bed-bound, but my latest avatar is last Sunday, fishing with some mates.  Rx  has become a distant memory now. Onwards.................

Hi,

I am 48 years old and have Hep C geno type 2a.  I still really don't know what that means.  I was tested because my SO had it only after 20 years we both have Hep C with different geno types.

The first 8 weeks were almost painless, light joint pain night of shot.  I took the shot on Thursdays, Fridays are light at work for me and I could leave early if I needed to.

Two weeks into treatment I broke my ankle and was on crutches for 5 weeks, so I should say the fatigue turned into exhaustion. 

Week nine and the brain fog is almost unbearable.  I will start my car and start looking for my keys to start my car.  I wake up feeling fine and within hours of the 400 rib the brain fog kicks in.  My nose is sore (I am sure I am growing rocks) and I have a crust on my tongue when I wake up.  It doesn't seem to matter how much I drink.  I could fall asleep with a pillow and some black top. 

Please somebody tell me this is gonna get better.  My husband and I are raising 3 grandchildren under the age of 11.  My numbers at the start were just under 700,000.

It will get better! I understand what you're describing, those side effects are very common during treatment. I got a big smile on my face when I read your comment about growing "nose rocks"!! I've got plenty of extra if you run short. It's due in large part to the loss of saliva and oral secretions due to the drugs. I suggest you getting a few things. You can try a humidifier in your home. Purchase some "Biotene" oral care products, toothpaste and mouthwash. They will help the night dryness immediately! During the day when you can't carry water with you, keep a pocket full of sugarless lozenges. They're a life saver, literally!

I forgot to add that you should also purchase some saline nasal spray. It will help your nasal discomfort and should keeps those nose rocks in control!