Thanks for the welcome Matt!! So far so good .. day 5 and happy it's Friday!! Have a great weekend.
Matt Chris said
Oct 28, 2015
Hello Cherripie
Welcome to the forum from me as well. hoping all goes smooth during your 12 weeks.
The Viekira pac is a well proven protocol with great success for all who keep 99% compliance. The balanced postive additude that you possess will serve you well during and after your treatment as the 12 weeks afterward drug treatment is just as important.
Pulling for your SVR
matt
Cherripie said
Oct 28, 2015
Thank you! I am so looking forward to that day!!!!
Groupergetter said
Oct 28, 2015
Sherry, you're so right. We have much to be Thankful for. Looking forward to the day you post SVR. :) Wishing you a smooth and se free treatment. Be well.
wmlj1960 said
Oct 28, 2015
Cherripie wrote:
I really believe a positive attitude is key and I appreciate any sharing on the subject
I try to keep one and I appreciate it too. Keeping an attitude of gratitude is so important in my life today. Attached is a photo I have set as the desktop background on my computer:
Thank you! I really believe a positive attitude is key and I appreciate any sharing on the subject
I do a lot of reading and I love inspirational messages. Here's a really good one that I recently found .. I printed it out yesterday and plan to read it everyday!!
You`ve landed in a good place here and I`m glad you found us, this is a very friendly and relaxed group, as you`ll have already gathered.
It`s natural to feel anxious when just starting out on treatment and most of us here will recognise those feelings. I`m sure you`ll feel a lot easier in your mind once the first few days have passed and you`re in a routine with taking your meds. Apprehension about the unknown is always a bit of a stressful time, so try to go with it and relax.
Hopefully your side effects will be easy to cope with, and trying to do what you can to keep a positive outlook and mood will help a lot. Here`s a fact sheet which gives some useful tips on that, you might find that some of it at least is helpful to you...
Please feel free to join in the discussions and ask any questions, you can talk freely here, you`re amongst friends.
Wishing you all the best, we`ll be following your progress to SVR!
Observer said
Oct 27, 2015
Hi cherripie,
tomorrow I will be half way through the 12 week h/pak riba combo ( in Canada the Viekira is called holkira pak).
I am a late night person so I take mine at noon and midnight. I just couldn't think of eating before noon so that was the time I set. I eat bananas, yoghurt or cereal. As long as you're digesting something.
this virus is such a clever mutator, you don't want to miss any doses or take anything that could affect its effectiveness and give it a chance to mutate.
I stopped all my supplements. I might take an Advil if I get a headache ( I get migraines and am afraid of vomiting my meds)
As all the others have said, drink a lot of water.
i found my arthritis just stopped the first day I took those pills. That was unexpected and awesome! It was often the cause of my insomnia so I have been sleeping well most nights.
i have the irritating riba rash, and my stamina is less from a riba caused drop in hemagoblin, so I walk slowly but I do still walk. Others have suggested it's important to get exercise through treatment. It sounds like you work out so just be prepared to really listen to your body and adjust your regime if you get winded or tired.
the first blood work (after 2weeks usually) will probably show a drop in ALT/AST...
that is the most exciting and encouraging thing to help stay on track and get through the treatment.
best,
Alison
Penelope PePod said
Oct 26, 2015
Cherri,
Welcome to the forum! I just finished 12 weeks of VP/Riba 10 days ago. The first 6 weeks went by slow, but the second 6 weeks went by pretty quickly. I tested undetected 8 weeks into treatment. That was so exciting, and made any side effect well worth it! Looking back, the side effects were pretty manageable. Do stay hydrated, take your pills on time and with food, and get enough rest. You'll find you don't have the energy you used to, and it gets more difficult to concentrate. This is a time to take it easy, and be good to yourself. Not such a good time to tackle a big project, like painting a room or learning a new language.
You're going to do great! Please keep in touch and let us know how you're doing.
Penny
-- Edited by Penelope PePod on Tuesday 27th of October 2015 03:23:45 AM
wmlj1960 said
Oct 26, 2015
Hi Cherri.
Welcome to the forum! I'm glad you are getting started on treatment. Try not to let all the negative information in your package insert scare you. The drug makers are required to list all possible negative conditions in the literature but it doesn't mean this all applies to you. Follow the suggestions Tig56 has given you and you'll likely have a smooth ride for the next 12 weeks.
You asked, "Also, quick question ... How do you keep your stats below? Or do you add them each time?".
That "stat" information is automatically attached to each post you will be making. We call it a signature. For more information on creating your own signature click on the link below. There is also a link in those instructions that will give you a definition for many of the abbreviations you will be seeing, such as in members signatures.
So make yourself at home and look around. You will find the 'search' function useful for historical discussions if you have a question on a particular topic. We have a great group of helpful and knowledgable members here and more of them will be along to welcome you too.
-- Edited by wmlj1960 on Tuesday 27th of October 2015 05:25:52 PM
Groupergetter said
Oct 26, 2015
Hi Sherry, welcome to the forum. You've found a great place with even better people :) Folks here helped me get through treatment. You'll do fine, congratulations on getting started. The time passes quickly, your first labs showing dramatic improvements will make you, and all of us smile. :) SVR is in your future.
Cherripie said
Oct 26, 2015
Thank you and I will get on that group today! Also, quick question ... How do you keep your stats below? Or do you add them each time?
Cherripie said
Oct 26, 2015
Thank you! I do appreciate your recommendations! Any advice is much appreciated!! Like I mentioned I feel alone in this and it's scary and exciting at the same time!
Tig said
Oct 26, 2015
Hi Sheri,
Welcome to the forum, I'm glad you're here! No need to worry, you should do well on your treatment, with hopefully minimal side effects. You'll get some good advice from our other Viekira patients as soon as they see your post.
Your lab values look good, the LFT's and viral load are expected with chronic HCV, so nothing unusual about them. You will notice them dropping into normal range quite quickly, at least that's what we're witnessing so far. The viral load also drops quickly, but it may take some time to be completely undetected. But rest assured, when you see your first report that says undetected, it'll be a day of celebration! The 12 weeks will go by fairly quickly, doesn't seem like it sometimes, but try not to dwell on the time, but concentrate on the outcome, SVR. That's what it's all about and the reason we have all gone through treatment. It's all about the future, a healthy one, with a happier liver!
As Bubble mentioned, try to keep your dose times as close to 12 hours apart as you can. An hour either way is no big deal. Don't miss doses! The objective is to keep a constant blood level of the medication over that entire 12 week period. There are some things like aluminum and magnesium based antacids and supplements that you should avoid during treatment, the literature that accompanied your medication has everything listed. If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask and we'll do our best to answer. Always talk to your healthcare team anytime you need professional advice and taking medications is one of those situations when we recommend a call to them.
The best information I can provide, as Bubble mentioned as well, is to hydrate. If you're not drinking 3-4 liters of water per day, you're not drinking enough. Often times hydration is enough to keep the side effects at bay. The most common complaints have been headaches and fatigue. Since you're going to take Ribavirin, be conscious of your sun exposure and your skin. It can and does cause itching and rashes that can be reduced by showering in cooler water (not hot!) every other day and use mild soaps and baby shampoo. A good SPF skin lotion will help as well. It's also good to note that Riba can play with your mood and tends to make you short tempered. As long as you realize it and let those around you know that you might be a bit cranky at times, you should handle it fine. Just be conscious of the fact. Don't drive during rush hour, road rage isn't pretty, lol! Concentrate on a healthy diet, lots of water and get the rest you need. Whether you have issues with insomnia is hard to say. Some say they sleep very well, so time will tell with that.
I want to provide you with a link to our thread "The Viekira Train". It has lots of info from people that have gone through it or are currently in treatment. Feel free to say hi there too. We've got a great bunch here and everyone is always helpful. I wish you luck and look forward to following your progress to success!
Hey Cherrie, Welcome to the forum. I had a twice a day regiment. Take your pills relavent to 1 hour variation tops. Dont miss a dose. I found no food related problems or taste worries. So eat with them. And.....plenty of water. Have a water bottle opened and nearby. Hydration is key. Your stats are good. I had no insomnia issues. I did with Interferon. I am sure you will do well. There are getting to be more "Vikerians" here now. Enjoy the train ride and stay in touch.
Cherripie said
Oct 26, 2015
Hi all
I just took my first dose of Viekira Pak/Ribavirin today! I woke up this morning with such a feeling of dread and isolation. I'm obviously hoping and praying that my side effects are minimal. And that the next 12 weeks fly by as quickly as it seems this year has!!
Seriously, when I opened the packages on Friday I started panicking about everything I read ...so many pages of negativity!
Plus, reading some of the forums has scared me but also have helped me with understanding the importance of hydrating.
Here are my questions that I am hoping you can help me with -
Is it ok to take the meds with a bowl of cereal? I'm hearing milk can be bad for digestinon of the pills.
I read where we need to take them the same time everyday... I was planning on taking them at 9am (after my workout) and then at 730pm (at dinner) but should they be taken 12 hours apart? So should I change to 730 - 730?
I already have insomnia and was hoping to go back on ambian (10mg) has anyone found what helps best for sleeping? Without meds?
thank you for being here for us !! I'm seriously trying hard not to be in a black hole for the next 3 months! I don't want my husband hating me.
Thanks for the welcome Matt!! So far so good .. day 5 and happy it's Friday!! Have a great weekend.
Hello Cherripie
Welcome to the forum from me as well. hoping all goes smooth during your 12 weeks.
The Viekira pac is a well proven protocol with great success for all who keep 99% compliance. The balanced postive additude that you possess will serve you well during and after your treatment as the 12 weeks afterward drug treatment is just as important.
Pulling for your SVR
matt
Thank you! I am so looking forward to that day!!!!
Sherry, you're so right. We have much to be Thankful for. Looking forward to the day you post SVR. :) Wishing you a smooth and se free treatment. Be well.
I try to keep one and I appreciate it too. Keeping an attitude of gratitude is so important in my life today. Attached is a photo I have set as the desktop background on my computer:
Thanks for sharing that one, Cherripie, I`ve saved it to read whenever I need inspiration myself!
Reading can be so uplifting, I agree, and often gives us another viewpoint on whatever`s going on in our own lives, at any time.
And if ever you feel like a good laugh, make sure to have a read of this thread, it keeps us all smiling...
http://hepcfriends.activeboard.com/t58596682/share-a-daily-funny/
Thank you! I really believe a positive attitude is key and I appreciate any sharing on the subject
I do a lot of reading and I love inspirational messages. Here's a really good one that I recently found .. I printed it out yesterday and plan to read it everyday!!
http://www.marcandangel.com/2014/01/08/8-things-to-remember-when-everything-goes-wrong/
Hi Cherripie, welcome from me too!
You`ve landed in a good place here and I`m glad you found us, this is a very friendly and relaxed group, as you`ll have already gathered.
It`s natural to feel anxious when just starting out on treatment and most of us here will recognise those feelings. I`m sure you`ll feel a lot easier in your mind once the first few days have passed and you`re in a routine with taking your meds. Apprehension about the unknown is always a bit of a stressful time, so try to go with it and relax.
Hopefully your side effects will be easy to cope with, and trying to do what you can to keep a positive outlook and mood will help a lot. Here`s a fact sheet which gives some useful tips on that, you might find that some of it at least is helpful to you...
http://hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/SEM_Positive_attitude.pdf
Please feel free to join in the discussions and ask any questions, you can talk freely here, you`re amongst friends.
Wishing you all the best, we`ll be following your progress to SVR!
Hi cherripie,
tomorrow I will be half way through the 12 week h/pak riba combo ( in Canada the Viekira is called holkira pak).
I am a late night person so I take mine at noon and midnight. I just couldn't think of eating before noon so that was the time I set. I eat bananas, yoghurt or cereal. As long as you're digesting something.
this virus is such a clever mutator, you don't want to miss any doses or take anything that could affect its effectiveness and give it a chance to mutate.
I stopped all my supplements. I might take an Advil if I get a headache ( I get migraines and am afraid of vomiting my meds)
As all the others have said, drink a lot of water.
i found my arthritis just stopped the first day I took those pills. That was unexpected and awesome! It was often the cause of my insomnia so I have been sleeping well most nights.
i have the irritating riba rash, and my stamina is less from a riba caused drop in hemagoblin, so I walk slowly but I do still walk. Others have suggested it's important to get exercise through treatment. It sounds like you work out so just be prepared to really listen to your body and adjust your regime if you get winded or tired.
the first blood work (after 2weeks usually) will probably show a drop in ALT/AST...
that is the most exciting and encouraging thing to help stay on track and get through the treatment.
best,
Alison
Cherri,
Welcome to the forum! I just finished 12 weeks of VP/Riba 10 days ago. The first 6 weeks went by slow, but the second 6 weeks went by pretty quickly. I tested undetected 8 weeks into treatment. That was so exciting, and made any side effect well worth it! Looking back, the side effects were pretty manageable. Do stay hydrated, take your pills on time and with food, and get enough rest. You'll find you don't have the energy you used to, and it gets more difficult to concentrate. This is a time to take it easy, and be good to yourself. Not such a good time to tackle a big project, like painting a room or learning a new language.
You're going to do great! Please keep in touch and let us know how you're doing.
Penny
-- Edited by Penelope PePod on Tuesday 27th of October 2015 03:23:45 AM
Hi Cherri.
Welcome to the forum! I'm glad you are getting started on treatment. Try not to let all the negative information in your package insert scare you. The drug makers are required to list all possible negative conditions in the literature but it doesn't mean this all applies to you. Follow the suggestions Tig56 has given you and you'll likely have a smooth ride for the next 12 weeks.
You asked, "Also, quick question ... How do you keep your stats below? Or do you add them each time?".
That "stat" information is automatically attached to each post you will be making. We call it a signature. For more information on creating your own signature click on the link below. There is also a link in those instructions that will give you a definition for many of the abbreviations you will be seeing, such as in members signatures.
So make yourself at home and look around. You will find the 'search' function useful for historical discussions if you have a question on a particular topic. We have a great group of helpful and knowledgable members here and more of them will be along to welcome you too.
Forum Abbreviations Link and Help with Creating your Signature
-- Edited by wmlj1960 on Tuesday 27th of October 2015 05:25:52 PM
Hi Sherry, welcome to the forum. You've found a great place with even better people :) Folks here helped me get through treatment. You'll do fine, congratulations on getting started. The time passes quickly, your first labs showing dramatic improvements will make you, and all of us smile. :) SVR is in your future.
Also, quick question ... How do you keep your stats below? Or do you add them each time?
Any advice is much appreciated!!
Like I mentioned I feel alone in this and it's scary and exciting at the same time!
Hi Sheri,
Welcome to the forum, I'm glad you're here! No need to worry, you should do well on your treatment, with hopefully minimal side effects. You'll get some good advice from our other Viekira patients as soon as they see your post.
Your lab values look good, the LFT's and viral load are expected with chronic HCV, so nothing unusual about them. You will notice them dropping into normal range quite quickly, at least that's what we're witnessing so far. The viral load also drops quickly, but it may take some time to be completely undetected. But rest assured, when you see your first report that says undetected, it'll be a day of celebration! The 12 weeks will go by fairly quickly, doesn't seem like it sometimes, but try not to dwell on the time, but concentrate on the outcome, SVR. That's what it's all about and the reason we have all gone through treatment. It's all about the future, a healthy one, with a happier liver!
As Bubble mentioned, try to keep your dose times as close to 12 hours apart as you can. An hour either way is no big deal. Don't miss doses! The objective is to keep a constant blood level of the medication over that entire 12 week period. There are some things like aluminum and magnesium based antacids and supplements that you should avoid during treatment, the literature that accompanied your medication has everything listed. If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask and we'll do our best to answer. Always talk to your healthcare team anytime you need professional advice and taking medications is one of those situations when we recommend a call to them.
The best information I can provide, as Bubble mentioned as well, is to hydrate. If you're not drinking 3-4 liters of water per day, you're not drinking enough. Often times hydration is enough to keep the side effects at bay. The most common complaints have been headaches and fatigue. Since you're going to take Ribavirin, be conscious of your sun exposure and your skin. It can and does cause itching and rashes that can be reduced by showering in cooler water (not hot!) every other day and use mild soaps and baby shampoo. A good SPF skin lotion will help as well. It's also good to note that Riba can play with your mood and tends to make you short tempered. As long as you realize it and let those around you know that you might be a bit cranky at times, you should handle it fine. Just be conscious of the fact. Don't drive during rush hour, road rage isn't pretty, lol! Concentrate on a healthy diet, lots of water and get the rest you need. Whether you have issues with insomnia is hard to say. Some say they sleep very well, so time will tell with that.
I want to provide you with a link to our thread "The Viekira Train". It has lots of info from people that have gone through it or are currently in treatment. Feel free to say hi there too. We've got a great bunch here and everyone is always helpful. I wish you luck and look forward to following your progress to success!
Viekira Pak Train
Hey Cherrie, Welcome to the forum. I had a twice a day regiment. Take your pills relavent to 1 hour variation tops. Dont miss a dose. I found no food related problems or taste worries. So eat with them. And.....plenty of water. Have a water bottle opened and nearby. Hydration is key. Your stats are good. I had no insomnia issues. I did with Interferon. I am sure you will do well. There are getting to be more "Vikerians" here now. Enjoy the train ride and stay in touch.
Hi all
I just took my first dose of Viekira Pak/Ribavirin today! I woke up this morning with such a feeling of dread and isolation. I'm obviously hoping and praying that my side effects are minimal. And that the next 12 weeks fly by as quickly as it seems this year has!!
Seriously, when I opened the packages on Friday I started panicking about everything I read ...so many pages of negativity!
Plus, reading some of the forums has scared me but also have helped me with understanding the importance of hydrating.
Here are my questions that I am hoping you can help me with -
Is it ok to take the meds with a bowl of cereal? I'm hearing milk can be bad for digestinon of the pills.
I read where we need to take them the same time everyday... I was planning on taking them at 9am (after my workout) and then at 730pm (at dinner) but should they be taken 12 hours apart? So should I change to 730 - 730?
I already have insomnia and was hoping to go back on ambian (10mg) has anyone found what helps best for sleeping? Without meds?
thank you for being here for us !! I'm seriously trying hard not to be in a black hole for the next 3 months! I don't want my husband hating me.
cherri
My stats - age 54
diagnosed in 2002
Ia
6.93 IU, ml; 2.4m
alt 156
ast 85
normal ultrasound