Hi John,

The most important thing is to stay positive, and to realise that every dose is eradicating more virus. During my 48 weeks of the Victrelis triple, I had the usual nuisance side effects. These are hair loss, dry eyes, skin and mouth, mild Riba rash, dysgeusia (metallic taste in mouth) and  Riba rage. The main problem will be fatigue. Make sure you get your teeth checked out and clean them regularly- over my 4 courses of Interferon I lost 5 teeth, and am currently getting implants. Try to do some exercise when you can- I became a couch potato and really had significant muscle wasting by the end.

I would avoid milk thistle. It can mess up your liver enzymes. Cheers.

Bob

Im also determined, my liver has had a rough life, but hoping to coax a few more years out of it. am hoping the ad's make a difference this time as last time thought I was too tuff to need them. Didnt realize the ribo dose was so critical so let them cut it back, thinking I could make up for it using more milk thistle. Skipped a few days also to try to get my energy level back, so no wonder I didn't respond well. Can look over my treatment last time and see a lot of mistakes I made so am trying to remedy them this time. Its good to see a lot of people on here have not only made it through the treatment but have remained und. I do appreciate all the responses. Thanks

John

newmex wrote:

thanks Bob, might be picking your brain for suggestions, what seemed to be your biggest struggle?

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For me it was the SOB (shortness of breath), irritability, and i also had a real bad rash on my back and butt that usually only the Incivik people get..But they have meds for all that stuff. 48 weeks just seemed like a long time, but i was determined to do it come hell or high water. So i was still undetected at 12 weeks after EOT(end of treatment). Get the 6 month test next month to determine SVR or not. I usually had about 3 days a week i felt pretty good, i hate discouraging anyone cause this medicine seems to work very well..And like Tig56 said its very important to not miss a dose of medicine. I used alarms on my cell phone and my computer..So when it was time for meds my computer would have a pop up ringing and my cell would be ringing. I never missed 1 dose..I still have alot of brain fog, but i am almost 59, so i am allowed..lol...

Take care.~Bob

Welcome to the forum
I'm new too, waiting for treatment. This forum is a relief, a lot of understanding and empathy. I send you lots of energy. Enjoy all that big family around you. We need lots of hugs.
Here is one:
A big hug.

Hi John,

Welcome from me as well, and welcome to the Victrelis 48 week Club. It's a long haul, but worth it. We've had a number of F4's do the same Rx with good success. Take each day at a time, and try to be compliant with the tiresome drug load. You may or may not have much in the way of side effects. We have had them all, so feel free to ask any questions.

Make sure you get your 4, 8, and 12 week Viral Loads done. Your Hb, WBC's and platelets will all drop to some degree, so I hope your Doctor has experience with these Sx. Best of luck!

thanks all, had major depression,brain fog,and exhaustion last time, Am on AD,s this time and hoping it will help with all 3 symptoms. Also seemed to suffer from ? panic attacks, couldn't stand talking or dealing with any one. heart would race and would break out in cold sweat until I became almost nauseous just from having a conversation with any one.just wanted to hide out Kinda funny now but wasn't then. Am hoping the ad's will help all this .

And good morning rebeca and thanks for hug,hopefully if you can wait an easier treatment will be along soon.

Biggyb wrote:

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Howdy John, i too went 44 weeks on boceprevir (Victrelis), total TX was 48 weeks. It's was very difficult for me, but if i can do it i think anyone can..lol

There's quite a few members here that was on same meds as you, use the search at top of page. Lots of info on here. Good luck and stick around. ~Bob

 

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 thanks Bob, might be picking your brain for suggestions, what seemed to be your biggest struggle?

Welcome John,

I am also new to the forum. I am really glad that I was referred to it by a good friend that recently went through the same treatment.  I have learned alot from this forum. Like more about the HCV, treatments available, helpful suggestions that have been tried and are true for managing side effects and support from alot of really good people. Also, everyone here can totally relate to what we are going through, we have a common bond and we all have a common goal to beat this virus for good!!! I started the same triple treatment Aug07/13 for 48 wks. I get my 12wk viral load result this week and hope it is an UND. My 8wk VL was det <15.  I try to take my pills with some food at the required times. I find this is very important and I believe thats why the treatment is showing good results so far for me. I was on the same double treatment for 48wks in 2007/08, but relapsed at the end of treatment. I remember I suffered depression and fatigue too. This time I got on an anti dep 3-6 months prior to treatment and it has helped alot. I do not have the depression I did last time. the fatigue is there and other side effects, but they have been quite manageable up  to now, mostly from all the help and support i have received from my fellow friends at this forum. Feel free to reach out at anytime. We're all here for each other! & Good Luck!  

,

Hello John 

Welcome to the forum you have truly found a good place.

I really appreciate the way you have decided to look at your treatment this time, going into any treatment for the second time allows for an attitude adjustment and you have really made a good one. We look forward to following you in the coming months and helping in any way we can.

Matt

Hi John, welcome to the forum! I must admit, we're all a wonderful bunch and will keep you laughing, as well as giving you all the support we can. When you get things figured out with the forum, please give us a little backgound if you can. Things like blood tests, biopsy results, and your genotype will allow us to better answer your questions and give advice. Many of us have gone through triple therapy with Victrelis, myself included. I've got one more month to go and am here to answer your questions when you have them. You have found a great group and we're here to help! Depression affected me as well and the AD's prevented it this time entirely. The side effects can be substantial, primarily fatigue but they are all controllable. I suggest setting alarms so you never forget to take your next dose of medication. I can't tell you how important that is. Your memory will get foggy and missing a dose is easy and something to avoid! The Victrelis regimen is pill heavy and you'll get tired of the demand quickly. But your commitment to the routine will determine its success. So do everything you can to tilt success in your favor. Good luck buddy, we're here for you!

Howdy John, i too went 44 weeks on boceprevir (Victrelis), total TX was 48 weeks. It's was very difficult for me, but if i can do it i think anyone can..lol

There's quite a few members here that was on same meds as you, use the search at top of page. Lots of info on here. Good luck and stick around. ~Bob

thanks for welcome, am hoping for best, think I have myself mentally ready this time, wasn't at all ready last time. would break into tears at a sad song on radio. Will try to be more proactive on side effects, and am cutting back on work. Am sure I will be talking to all again

Again, thanks

A big welcome, I have heard the triple combination has a good success rate. I will keep everything crossed for you that you will sail through this. If not come and off load here, there are many people currently treating and can identify with you on many levels.

You have a large family, you are very blessed.

Good luck! :D

Hi John,

Welcome to the forum. We're a great bunch of people who will listen and cheer you on. It's good you started ad's now. My experience with it is a lot. Welcome again.

hello all, just starting treatment with boceprevir. Have tried ribavirin and interferon before , but due to side effects and not good response quit and tried to wait til all oral treatment came out. Now have progressed to stage 4 cirrhosis and am hoping can get svr with this triple treatment. Know its gonna be a long 44 weeks, and am looking for advice/support and a place to occasionally vent. Am 58 yo male, vl about 900,000 and have had hep c for probably 25 plus years. Am married, 3 kids and 9 grandkids. Live in New Mexico, and am being treated by VA in Amarillo, Texas. Will take me  a while to get the forum all figured out, so if I am slow responding , its probably cause I am lost,and not ignoring you.The fatigue and depression kicked my tail last time, but have already started anti dep this time, so hopefully will work better.Am only 3 days in so far so it still seems easy,lol, but know that will change soon. looking forward to meeting all of you. Thanks

John