I am just starting the Viekira/Riba treatment. I would love to hear from someone that has had that experience. I am on day 5 and just started having nausea and some headache. Anyone had side effects? I know everyone is different, just would be nice to hear others stories. This seems like a very nice positive group.
Just getting over how angry it has made me battling insurance companies- I mean do they make HIV patients wait until they have full blown aids before to pay for treatment? Do diabetics have to wait until they lose a leg or kidney before they pay for treatment? I changed jobs to try a different insurance company. For heavens sake I'm a nurse practitioner, I'm a pretty good risk for compliance, I work in healthcare.
Finally my doctor took pity and he had a free course of Viekira so he offered it to me. I am still working on my mental attitude, clearly. It is just a wrong that shouldn't be.
Thanks in advance for some positive words.- I need to let go and count my self lucky.
WarriorWolf said
Apr 22, 2015
Oh Thank you, Tess and Cinnamon Girl!
I will keep everyone updated. I have slowed my life way down to do this treatment. I usually go top speed. I'ts my third day on Harvoni. I added my details to my signature. I still cannot believe this opportunity for this treatment. I swore that I would never be on treatment. I was so scared of the stories I heard. I tried to do everything I could do naturally. It helped, but I was feeling viral more frequently and I wanted more to help me. I live my life to help others and to bring happiness to the lives of the people around me. I prayed I would be able to continue this path. The side effects I feel only compel me to use my knowledge that was gifted to me to heal myself through this. Thank you, everyone for your kindness and support.
Cinnamon Girl said
Apr 22, 2015
HI again WW,
Sounds like you`re getting off to a great start! Try not to think of the 8 weeks as a huge commitment, I agree with Tess that it will go by a lot faster than you realise. With the older treatments, not so long ago, we thought we were very lucky if we `only` had to do 24 weeks!!
You`ve got a nice positive attitude and you know how to take care of your diet which I`m sure will help a lot.
Good to have you with us, keep us updated!
By the way, you could add your details to your Signature line now you have more information. Your genotype, viral load and the tx you`re doing would be very helpful.
Tess said
Apr 22, 2015
Hi WW,
Welcome and congratulations to you! You're on the best treatment yet with the highest chance to clear HCV. Earlier treatments were so tough and so long, with much lower success rates - - things have changed so much with the new treatments. Your great outlook and your healthy living will be a big plus. When the 8 weeks are over, it will seem like just a snip of time. Best of luck to you!
- Tess
WarriorWolf said
Apr 21, 2015
Thank you Zavr. I'm going to get out for some exercise. I feel better today than yesterday. I do feel like I'm adjusting to the meds. I still hope this goes by fast. It's such a commitment to go 8 weeks. I realize so many others have been through a real tough journey through all of this. I pray we all experience comfort and healing in the end.
zavr said
Apr 21, 2015
Woohooo!!! Congrats on boarding the train, WW!
I say go for it, if you feel like moving a little bit. A little trot outside or some yoga will make you feel even better!
I hear you on being sensitive to side effects! I am also very similar in this way, so I was worried about starting Viekira Pak. However, I was surprised that the negative side effects were very minimal and tolerable. Most importantly, the "positive" side effects have been great: I feel more energetic and sleep better than I have in a few years.
I hope your day continues to go well! Talk soon!
Natalia
WarriorWolf said
Apr 21, 2015
Good morning Friends!
Here is what I gathered from my medical records. I am GT1b, VL is 86,500 iu, ATL 47, AST 36.
I made it through my first day of treatment. I didn't have any fatigue of headache. However, I did feel like I was on a medication. I am a very sensitive person. When I was born I couldn't even use disposable diapers, due to my sensitivities. This is the reason for my extreme fear of side effects. I am drinking water constantly. I am going to make dietary improvements through all of this. The period of time that I decreased my VL I was 44,000 iu. I followed a strict diet. No meat, no sugar, refined carbs, and no corn. I ate the same thing everyday and I would fast for 32-40 hours each month. I don't need to be that rigid, but it sure improved my health! For my first day I feel flushed with not hot flashes but very warm. I sweat more. I had crazy dreaming. I have more energy at the moment. This may all change. I really want to workout, but I go hard so I don't know if that is such a great idea. I am feeling like just chilling out and using my mind to help me heal. I will meditate and do yoga. I plan on walking daily. My appetite is not increased. I don't feel like the food I eat is very satisfying. I'm taking my second dose today and calling the pharmacy as they asked me to. I love having others to help me understand this process. I am so excited for healing. My body and mind have always craved health and healing during times of struggle.
Have a wonderful day!
WarriorWolf said
Apr 20, 2015
Thank you, Jo
I am counting down the pills I have left to take. I am feeling fine. No fatigue or headache still! I'm so grateful. I had no idea that I am not alone. I really felt alone up until I was introduced to this forum! <3
dharmabum said
Apr 20, 2015
Hi WW,
Welcome to a wonderful group.
Try not to be nervous, although when I started Harvoni in January I was in the same boat. I get it...
After one month on Harvoni the virus was undetected and after 12 week course of treatment, all levels except one are normal and I am still undetected.
The side effects are few and you will be on your way to SVR.
Best of luck to you,
Jo
WarriorWolf said
Apr 20, 2015
Wow! I am so excited to have new friends! I'm truly moved and emotional to have others to talk to! I did take my first Harvoni pill this morning at 8:45am. I was going to be at my chiropractor clinic at that time, so I wanted to be near a medical establishment in case anything happened. My husband I are so darn busy. I am determined to to all that I am able to do, on my own. Also, I hate to worry anyone with this. My treatment will last 8 weeks long. I have no cirrhosis. A little over a year ago I decreased my own viral load, on my own. I cut it in half. I used food and diet only to do it. I was not using any herbs or supplements. My viral load is now increased to the same point I started with. I feel "viral" at times. Mostly I experience fatigue. It's been almost 5 hours now and I am not feeling fatigued or no headache. I actually have some energy today. I hope this remains smooth sailing. Thank you, everyone! I am so grateful that you all responded to me. What a blessing
fourlocos said
Apr 17, 2015
Hi WW
Congrats on getting treatment. No one is more anxious about medication than I. I can't even take decongestants! If I can do Harvoni anyone can. Yes I had some sides. But nothing that stopped me from working and living. Plan on doing just what needs to be done and allow yourself to relax and chill out if needed. I took my pill with dinner so that I could have the evening to relax. And it was a good time for me since I got tired from the meds most of the time. I slept the best I ever have. And best of all as of 8 week end of treatment I was still Undetected. I am being tested at the end of the month for my 12 week EOT. Everyone is here for you. Take that first pill and get started.
-- Edited by fourlocos on Friday 17th of April 2015 07:05:15 PM
Tig said
Apr 17, 2015
Hi WW,
I'd like to welcome you to the forum as well! We are always happy to meet new friends and warriors fighting this disease. The good news is we are beginning to see many improvements in care. You should do well on Harvoni and with the reduced side effects of it, you will hopefully not experience the sensitivity that concerns you. We have many fellow Harvoni warriors here to help you along.
If you have any questions, please let us know and we'll do our best to help. I'm going to give you one more link to some information here regarding the abbreviations we use. If you would like to add some personal information in your signature line (very bottom of each post you leave for others, see mine below), that is also included in that link. Don't miss the search function at the top either. Put a key word or two in the box and you will see many topics of discussion we have had here. It's very useful.
Whenever you want to check back on your previous posts you can look in your User Details and you`ll find a box with `Member Posts` and `Topics Started` which you can just click on.
You`ll find some information for new members here which you may find useful too...
So glad to have you here!! Although I am on a different treatment, I hear that Harvoni is very very well tolerated by most people. After the first week or two, it is likely you will not feel that you are taking anything at all.
It is even possible that you will feel better than your usual self, as the little Hep C symptoms start to disappear! In my case, fatigue, insomnia and anxiety started to go down gradually.
May I ask how your liver is doing prior to treatment? Has your doctor mentioned how far Hep C progressed in your case?
WarriorWolf said
Apr 17, 2015
Hello Everyone,
I am so new to this forum. I have never used one before, but I do know Facebook very well. I was diagnosed in 2002 with HCV Genotype 1b. I just received my Harvoni prescription yesterday! I am scared to start this Tx, but I am also excited and hopeful. I plan on start the Tx on Monday April 20, 2015. I hope to get some feedback from anyone using this treatment. I could also use any tips on using this forum. I thought I posted something yesterday, but I do not see it in here anywhere. I hope that anyone using Harvoni is experiencing healing. I am worried about side effects, as I am sensitive to many other medications. Thank you.
I am just starting the Viekira/Riba treatment. I would love to hear from someone that has had that experience. I am on day 5 and just started having nausea and some headache. Anyone had side effects? I know everyone is different, just would be nice to hear others stories. This seems like a very nice positive group.
Just getting over how angry it has made me battling insurance companies- I mean do they make HIV patients wait until they have full blown aids before to pay for treatment? Do diabetics have to wait until they lose a leg or kidney before they pay for treatment? I changed jobs to try a different insurance company. For heavens sake I'm a nurse practitioner, I'm a pretty good risk for compliance, I work in healthcare.
Finally my doctor took pity and he had a free course of Viekira so he offered it to me. I am still working on my mental attitude, clearly. It is just a wrong that shouldn't be.
Thanks in advance for some positive words.- I need to let go and count my self lucky.
Oh Thank you, Tess and Cinnamon Girl!
I will keep everyone updated. I have slowed my life way down to do this treatment. I usually go top speed. I'ts my third day on Harvoni. I added my details to my signature. I still cannot believe this opportunity for this treatment. I swore that I would never be on treatment. I was so scared of the stories I heard. I tried to do everything I could do naturally. It helped, but I was feeling viral more frequently and I wanted more to help me. I live my life to help others and to bring happiness to the lives of the people around me. I prayed I would be able to continue this path. The side effects I feel only compel me to use my knowledge that was gifted to me to heal myself through this. Thank you, everyone for your kindness and support.
HI again WW,
Sounds like you`re getting off to a great start! Try not to think of the 8 weeks as a huge commitment, I agree with Tess that it will go by a lot faster than you realise. With the older treatments, not so long ago, we thought we were very lucky if we `only` had to do 24 weeks!!
You`ve got a nice positive attitude and you know how to take care of your diet which I`m sure will help a lot.
Good to have you with us, keep us updated!
By the way, you could add your details to your Signature line now you have more information. Your genotype, viral load and the tx you`re doing would be very helpful.
Hi WW,
Welcome and congratulations to you! You're on the best treatment yet with the highest chance to clear HCV. Earlier treatments were so tough and so long, with much lower success rates - - things have changed so much with the new treatments. Your great outlook and your healthy living will be a big plus. When the 8 weeks are over, it will seem like just a snip of time. Best of luck to you!
- Tess
Woohooo!!! Congrats on boarding the train, WW!
I say go for it, if you feel like moving a little bit. A little trot outside or some yoga will make you feel even better!
I hear you on being sensitive to side effects! I am also very similar in this way, so I was worried about starting Viekira Pak. However, I was surprised that the negative side effects were very minimal and tolerable. Most importantly, the "positive" side effects have been great: I feel more energetic and sleep better than I have in a few years.
I hope your day continues to go well! Talk soon!
Natalia
Here is what I gathered from my medical records. I am GT1b, VL is 86,500 iu, ATL 47, AST 36.
I made it through my first day of treatment. I didn't have any fatigue of headache. However, I did feel like I was on a medication. I am a very sensitive person. When I was born I couldn't even use disposable diapers, due to my sensitivities. This is the reason for my extreme fear of side effects. I am drinking water constantly. I am going to make dietary improvements through all of this. The period of time that I decreased my VL I was 44,000 iu. I followed a strict diet. No meat, no sugar, refined carbs, and no corn. I ate the same thing everyday and I would fast for 32-40 hours each month. I don't need to be that rigid, but it sure improved my health! For my first day I feel flushed with not hot flashes but very warm. I sweat more. I had crazy dreaming. I have more energy at the moment. This may all change. I really want to workout, but I go hard so I don't know if that is such a great idea. I am feeling like just chilling out and using my mind to help me heal. I will meditate and do yoga. I plan on walking daily. My appetite is not increased. I don't feel like the food I eat is very satisfying. I'm taking my second dose today and calling the pharmacy as they asked me to. I love having others to help me understand this process. I am so excited for healing. My body and mind have always craved health and healing during times of struggle.
Have a wonderful day!
Thank you, Jo
I am counting down the pills I have left to take. I am feeling fine. No fatigue or headache still! I'm so grateful. I had no idea that I am not alone. I really felt alone up until I was introduced to this forum! <3
Hi WW,
Welcome to a wonderful group.
Try not to be nervous, although when I started Harvoni in January I was in the same boat. I get it...
After one month on Harvoni the virus was undetected and after 12 week course of treatment, all levels except one are normal and I am still undetected.
The side effects are few and you will be on your way to SVR.
Best of luck to you,
Jo
Wow! I am so excited to have new friends! I'm truly moved and emotional to have others to talk to! I did take my first Harvoni pill this morning at 8:45am. I was going to be at my chiropractor clinic at that time, so I wanted to be near a medical establishment in case anything happened. My husband I are so darn busy. I am determined to to all that I am able to do, on my own. Also, I hate to worry anyone with this. My treatment will last 8 weeks long. I have no cirrhosis. A little over a year ago I decreased my own viral load, on my own. I cut it in half. I used food and diet only to do it. I was not using any herbs or supplements. My viral load is now increased to the same point I started with. I feel "viral" at times. Mostly I experience fatigue. It's been almost 5 hours now and I am not feeling fatigued or no headache. I actually have some energy today. I hope this remains smooth sailing. Thank you, everyone! I am so grateful that you all responded to me. What a blessing
Hi WW
Congrats on getting treatment. No one is more anxious about medication than I. I can't even take decongestants! If I can do Harvoni anyone can. Yes I had some sides. But nothing that stopped me from working and living. Plan on doing just what needs to be done and allow yourself to relax and chill out if needed. I took my pill with dinner so that I could have the evening to relax. And it was a good time for me since I got tired from the meds most of the time. I slept the best I ever have. And best of all as of 8 week end of treatment I was still Undetected. I am being tested at the end of the month for my 12 week EOT. Everyone is here for you. Take that first pill and get started.
-- Edited by fourlocos on Friday 17th of April 2015 07:05:15 PM
Hi WW,
I'd like to welcome you to the forum as well! We are always happy to meet new friends and warriors fighting this disease. The good news is we are beginning to see many improvements in care. You should do well on Harvoni and with the reduced side effects of it, you will hopefully not experience the sensitivity that concerns you. We have many fellow Harvoni warriors here to help you along.
If you have any questions, please let us know and we'll do our best to help. I'm going to give you one more link to some information here regarding the abbreviations we use. If you would like to add some personal information in your signature line (very bottom of each post you leave for others, see mine below), that is also included in that link. Don't miss the search function at the top either. Put a key word or two in the box and you will see many topics of discussion we have had here. It's very useful.
Im glad you're here, good luck!
http://hepcfriends.activeboard.com/t58862021/forum-abbreviations-link-and-help-with-creating-your-signatu/
Hi there WW, welcome to the forum!
Thanks for introducing yourself and congrats on getting your Harvoni pills!
You posted yesterday on this thread here, the `Harvoni Treatment Train` thread, but unfortunately it got a bit buried under other comments.
http://hepcfriends.activeboard.com/t58762824/all-aboard-for-the-harvoni-treatment-train-enjoy-the-ride-fo/
Whenever you want to check back on your previous posts you can look in your User Details and you`ll find a box with `Member Posts` and `Topics Started` which you can just click on.
You`ll find some information for new members here which you may find useful too...
http://hepcfriends.activeboard.com/t59586236/welcome-to-the-forum-all-new-members-please-read/
Wishing you all the best of luck, you should expect to do very well on this treatment!
Welcome, fellow GT1b, WarriorWolf! (awesome nickname, btw!)
So glad to have you here!! Although I am on a different treatment, I hear that Harvoni is very very well tolerated by most people. After the first week or two, it is likely you will not feel that you are taking anything at all.
It is even possible that you will feel better than your usual self, as the little Hep C symptoms start to disappear! In my case, fatigue, insomnia and anxiety started to go down gradually.
May I ask how your liver is doing prior to treatment? Has your doctor mentioned how far Hep C progressed in your case?
Hello Everyone,
I am so new to this forum. I have never used one before, but I do know Facebook very well. I was diagnosed in 2002 with HCV Genotype 1b. I just received my Harvoni prescription yesterday! I am scared to start this Tx, but I am also excited and hopeful. I plan on start the Tx on Monday April 20, 2015. I hope to get some feedback from anyone using this treatment. I could also use any tips on using this forum. I thought I posted something yesterday, but I do not see it in here anywhere. I hope that anyone using Harvoni is experiencing healing. I am worried about side effects, as I am sensitive to many other medications. Thank you.