Thanks for the update Judith. I'm glad you have spoken with your doctor about the Tylenol, but do your liver a favor and use it only when absolutely necessary during treatment. Hopefully with the addition of a PA and dedicated nurse for the Hep Clinic, you'll be receiving some great one on one care! Can't beat that!!
judeahomestead said
Sep 12, 2015
Thanks for the info. Yes I am upping my water intake. It was my doctor that suggested the Tylenol....I even asked about it being bad for the liver but she told me it was what she was recommending for me to take. I will try the water before taking the Tylenol. I am the first and only patient right now that they have on Harvoni. They hired a nurse and a physician's assistant to start this clinic. Before me they have sent everyone to UPMC in Pittsburgh. So maybe I will be a trial / error patient for them. Sure hope not. Glad I found this site and thanks to everyone for your input.
-- Edited by judeahomestead on Sunday 13th of September 2015 02:58:52 AM
wmlj1960 said
Sep 12, 2015
I've experienced waking up 2-3 times a night and some enhanced dream activity but it's not causing any significant problem. Especially since I know it's a sign that the Harvoni is doing it's job. I have not had any headache issues but then I drink bottled water constantly, when possible, every hour I'm awake. So be sure to also drink your H2O. And I avoid Tylenol because acetaminophen is not liver friendly. I would encourage asking your doctor about a more liver friendly solution for headache if hydration does not help enough. I believe your body will adjust to the medicine pretty quick and you will see that this time will be much more tolerable than your previous treatment. Hang in there Judith and keep us posted.
Gracie said
Sep 12, 2015
I am starting week 11 and Tig is right, water lessons the headaches. When I get one, I realize I hadn't been keeping up on my hydration. Instead of automatically taking a Tylenol, I go get a large glass of water and start drinking. Usually within half an hour or so I'm ok. Sometimes I've had to take a Tylenol (if I have a meeting or something and don't want to sit, relax and hydrate), but most of the time, the water helps a lot.
I sleep pretty good. I do have some side effects, but they tend to cycle through. Some tiredness, some achy pains in feet and hands, some feelings of being off that hit at strange moments (like in the grocery store), and definitely some brain fog, but I laugh it off now, as it's doing it's job!
Very tolerable! You'll settle in and it will be easier.
Tig said
Sep 12, 2015
Hi Judith,
Sorry you had a rough first night. This seems to be the typical course of events however. The good thing is it lasts about two or three weeks and improves greatly. These are powerful drugs and your body takes that period of time to adjust to the whammy it's laying on your liver. Remember, drink lots of water and then drink some more. I'm serious, it has eliminated the headaches and side effects in general for many that followed the advice. Another thing to consider is limiting the amount of and regular use of Tylenol. Some is okay, but I don't recommend regular use of it, especially the extra strength dosage. Be sure you mention that to your doctor and seek his/her advice. Tylenol can be hard on your liver when used regularly.
Our members have often mentioned the strange sleep patterns they experience. Some experience the insomnia, but many say they sleep like a log and have some very bizarre dreams. I think you'll notice some odd changes over the next few weeks, but realize it's the medication causing them and will improve in most cases.
Be proud of yourself for getting started. The road starts out kind of bumpy, but will smooth out shortly. Good luck Warrior!!
judeahomestead said
Sep 12, 2015
Took my first pill last night at 9pm. About 10pm noticed a headache starting. (I have probably had no more then 10 headaches in my entire life.) I took 2 Extra Strength Tylenol. (If one is good then two is probably better...lol ) Went to bed about 11 and I swear I woke up every single hour all night. Fell right back to sleep but up again. Maybe if I have to take Tylenol again at night I will get the PM Tylenol. Woke up about 9am feeling a little bit of fog brain....still do. After breakfast the bathroom was my friend. Feel a slight headache but am going to take another Tylenol now. Only noon now but whatever I go through is okay....it's only for 12 weeks.
Thanks for the update Judith. I'm glad you have spoken with your doctor about the Tylenol, but do your liver a favor and use it only when absolutely necessary during treatment. Hopefully with the addition of a PA and dedicated nurse for the Hep Clinic, you'll be receiving some great one on one care! Can't beat that!!
Thanks for the info. Yes I am upping my water intake. It was my doctor that suggested the Tylenol....I even asked about it being bad for the liver but she told me it was what she was recommending for me to take. I will try the water before taking the Tylenol. I am the first and only patient right now that they have on Harvoni. They hired a nurse and a physician's assistant to start this clinic. Before me they have sent everyone to UPMC in Pittsburgh. So maybe I will be a trial / error patient for them. Sure hope not. Glad I found this site and thanks to everyone for your input.
-- Edited by judeahomestead on Sunday 13th of September 2015 02:58:52 AM
I've experienced waking up 2-3 times a night and some enhanced dream activity but it's not causing any significant problem. Especially since I know it's a sign that the Harvoni is doing it's job. I have not had any headache issues but then I drink bottled water constantly, when possible, every hour I'm awake. So be sure to also drink your H2O. And I avoid Tylenol because acetaminophen is not liver friendly. I would encourage asking your doctor about a more liver friendly solution for headache if hydration does not help enough. I believe your body will adjust to the medicine pretty quick and you will see that this time will be much more tolerable than your previous treatment. Hang in there Judith and keep us posted.
I am starting week 11 and Tig is right, water lessons the headaches. When I get one, I realize I hadn't been keeping up on my hydration. Instead of automatically taking a Tylenol, I go get a large glass of water and start drinking. Usually within half an hour or so I'm ok. Sometimes I've had to take a Tylenol (if I have a meeting or something and don't want to sit, relax and hydrate), but most of the time, the water helps a lot.
I sleep pretty good. I do have some side effects, but they tend to cycle through. Some tiredness, some achy pains in feet and hands, some feelings of being off that hit at strange moments (like in the grocery store), and definitely some brain fog, but I laugh it off now, as it's doing it's job!
Very tolerable! You'll settle in and it will be easier.
Hi Judith,
Sorry you had a rough first night. This seems to be the typical course of events however. The good thing is it lasts about two or three weeks and improves greatly. These are powerful drugs and your body takes that period of time to adjust to the whammy it's laying on your liver. Remember, drink lots of water and then drink some more. I'm serious, it has eliminated the headaches and side effects in general for many that followed the advice. Another thing to consider is limiting the amount of and regular use of Tylenol. Some is okay, but I don't recommend regular use of it, especially the extra strength dosage. Be sure you mention that to your doctor and seek his/her advice. Tylenol can be hard on your liver when used regularly.
Our members have often mentioned the strange sleep patterns they experience. Some experience the insomnia, but many say they sleep like a log and have some very bizarre dreams. I think you'll notice some odd changes over the next few weeks, but realize it's the medication causing them and will improve in most cases.
Be proud of yourself for getting started. The road starts out kind of bumpy, but will smooth out shortly. Good luck Warrior!!
Took my first pill last night at 9pm. About 10pm noticed a headache starting. (I have probably had no more then 10 headaches in my entire life.) I took 2 Extra Strength Tylenol. (If one is good then two is probably better...lol ) Went to bed about 11 and I swear I woke up every single hour all night. Fell right back to sleep but up again. Maybe if I have to take Tylenol again at night I will get the PM Tylenol. Woke up about 9am feeling a little bit of fog brain....still do. After breakfast the bathroom was my friend. Feel a slight headache but am going to take another Tylenol now. Only noon now but whatever I go through is okay....it's only for 12 weeks.