WELCOME ONYX, I too was treatment naive until 6 weeks ago. I have used homeopathy and naturopathic treatment to deal with the many problems I have developed from living with HCV for 30+ years.
I was going to do an interferon trial in the late 90's, my viral load was over 7million, the universe intervened and I decided to wait.
When these new drugs came out, and my youngest daughter (25) told a friend, "My mom has been sick for my whole life", I decided it was time.
Before this treatment, my VL was only 700,000 so I attribute that dramatic drop to my homeopathic, naturopathic and lifestyle.
After 4 weeks of treatment, my VL was undetected.
My liver enzymes are normal, I am so excited.
Just to be on the safe side, my homeopathic Dr and I did decide to stop all tinctures, and supplements during the treatment. If an antacid can potentially mess with the effectiveness of these meds....I really did not want to gamble.
Anyhoo, welcome to the forum and keep us informed on your bloodwork.
Alison
wendyo said
Oct 31, 2015
Welcome Onyz and I too take some natural things that my gastroenterologist knows about and supports me in my decisions. My labwork came back great at 4 weeks, I am hopeful yours will too. My docs exact words to me last year were, keep doing what you're doing kid. I have been his patient since I was 35 and young compared to most in his office. We have a good relationship and seems you and your health team do as well.
Rock on!
wendy
Tig said
Oct 30, 2015
It's not that we feel differently, we're just expressing concern. We rarely have the opportunity to discuss such matters with someone like yourself, so any additional information you would like to share would be greatly appreciated and interesting. It's all about education and training. We frequently meet individuals starting treatment that aren't aware of some precautions regarding supplementation, so it's important to assure everyone that these potential situations exist. I'm pleased that your doctors and healthcare team are aware of your expertise and the products you're using. I'm glad we don't have to worry that you're taking something that might jeopardize your treatment. We're here to help people achieve their goals, so we're all proactive when it comes to voicing precautions.
tarotcards said
Oct 30, 2015
My liver doctor, infectious specialist and nurse are not originally from the states so thankfully are educated and aware of the visionary attributes of homeopathy. My family doctor is also very much in favor and he has seen the beneficial effects when used correctly?
I am more than confident. I have studied homeopathy for many years and I have seen first hand the beneficial results.
I respect that folks feel differently .
ciao
Cinnamon Girl said
Oct 30, 2015
Hello Onyx, a warm welcome from me too!
I like your positive attitude, and it`s very admirable to be so proactive with your own health. You`ve obviously been taking good care of yourself and your liver and I`m sure you`ll respond very well to Harvoni.
Whether you continue to use homeopathic medicines while on treatment is of course your choice, and we can only offer our opinions and general advice. Even though you are very confident with their use, I would still recommend that you check with your hepatologist and make sure he is aware of what you are taking if you haven`t already done so.
Wishing you all the best of luck, we`ll be following your progress. Make yourself at home!
tarotcards said
Oct 30, 2015
Hi there
Thank you for the warm welcome.
I honor your warning but to clarify:
the "supplements" I take are homeopathic remedies and they are quiet synergistic with treatment.
I attribute at least in my part my zero side effects to the combination lifestyle I lead.
I am a classically trained homeopath/ a master herbalist/pharmacy tech and a few other things.
Before I take anything I do intense amounts of research, from many sources.
The understanding of homeopathy in the US is quite young:) but in England and India is a more common form of medicine and works wonders to support the body/mind/spirit when it is under attack by something as virulent as hep c.
I am not suggesting it is for everyone or anyone here but it most assuredly will not stop Harvoni from doing its job. that is not even possible, given homeopathic remedies are energetic my nature, not a supplement or herb or vitamin.
It is a different path . I am quite blessed in that my medical team is also quite open minded.
I am happy to see everyone here being positive and uplifting to each other, it is quite important that treatment and recovery be honored and respected in ourselves as we walk through.
It is am amazing time in our earth and history.
May all be to blessed to be stressed or depressed:)
ps. thank you for the link, I will utilize next go round posting
ciao ciao
onyx
wmlj1960 said
Oct 30, 2015
Hi Onyx.
Welcome to the forum. Your healthy lifestyle will be an advantage on this treatment but, as Tig56 suggested, the supplements may present a problem with the Harvoni doing it's job. Any benefit you get from supplements would not be worth it if it interferes with your ability to achieve SVR.
More information on that in the information attached below:
Other than that you have excellent odds of doing fine with minimal side effects, and 8 weeks will go by before you know it.
Notice that most members have created a 'signature' which is included at the bottom of each of their post that list user specific information. If you would like to created your own signature click on the link below for more information on doing that. There is also a link included to a list of definitions for all the abbreviations you will see throughout member post and signatures.
Have a look around and notice the 'search' button that can be useful for finding historical post on any subject you have questions about. Or you can simply start a new thread on that subject.
We have a great group of knowledgeable members who are glad to help in any way we can. More of them will be along to welcome you as well. We are glad you're here!
Back atcha Onyx! Your viral load is low, but the viral count has no impact on your chance to achieve SVR. It comes into play when it's above 5 million. Above that requires the 12 week protocol. The viral load can fluctuate widely from test to test. However, your health and minimal problems are great advantages, you should do well.
One thing you should know though. It's not advised at all to include any supplementation during treatment! That's very important because there are various supplements that can change the action of the drugs and many are well known to alter the accuracy of your lab tests. Once you are past your 12th week following end of treatment, you can begin whatever routine you feel is necessary. Always discuss any additional medication and supplementation with your doctor before taking them. Again, it's very important.
tarotcards said
Oct 30, 2015
Salutations!
I am on an 8 week plan and my VL is only 450,000.
In the 3 years I have know I have had this it has never been higher and once was 75,000.
Its so slow I hesitated to treat with meds and I daresay, I am somewhat afraidy cat about side effects :)
But I do feel guided to treat.
Prior I was on a homeopathic protocol as I am a classically trained homeopath/herbalist .
happy day to all!
Tig said
Oct 30, 2015
Hi Onyx,
Welcome! Glad you got this opportunity to start treatment. Your chance to walk away clear of the virus has never been better. It sounds like you're handling things well and by week 3 you should have a good idea of how the next 9 will go. I like hearing how well you're taking care of yourself, that will pay off in many ways. Keep following a good diet plan and hydrate like water will run out tomorrow! That is one of the best things you can do for yourself. It also reduces the likelihood and severity of side effects if you're going to have any. Usually headaches, muscle aches and fatigue are the chief complaints.
Stay in touch and let us know how things progress. We have a lot of caring people here and everyone is willing to provide help and support. Just say the word!
tarotcards said
Oct 30, 2015
Hello all,
New here
day 11 of Harvoni, feel good, moving forward.
Cheers and good health to all
type 1b diagnosed 2013, who knows, maybe 30 years with HCV/ treatment naïve until 11 days ago//in very good health
walk 1-3 miles a day with 2 large dogs/eat very well and always have/grow my herbs and veggies,/bake my own bread/grow our own grapes to make jams and juices, yup. a real live down in the earth gal/self employed from home
live in the woods low impact and natural and pretty much always have
WELCOME ONYX,
I too was treatment naive until 6 weeks ago.
I have used homeopathy and naturopathic treatment to deal with the many problems I have developed from living with HCV for 30+ years.
I was going to do an interferon trial in the late 90's, my viral load was over 7million, the universe intervened and I decided to wait.
When these new drugs came out, and my youngest daughter (25) told a friend, "My mom has been sick for my whole life", I decided it was time.
Before this treatment, my VL was only 700,000 so I attribute that dramatic drop to my homeopathic, naturopathic and lifestyle.
After 4 weeks of treatment, my VL was undetected.
My liver enzymes are normal, I am so excited.
Just to be on the safe side, my homeopathic Dr and I did decide to stop all tinctures, and supplements during the treatment.
If an antacid can potentially mess with the effectiveness of these meds....I really did not want to gamble.
Anyhoo, welcome to the forum and keep us informed on your bloodwork.
Alison
Welcome Onyz and I too take some natural things that my gastroenterologist knows about and supports me in my decisions. My labwork came back great at 4 weeks, I am hopeful yours will too. My docs exact words to me last year were, keep doing what you're doing kid. I have been his patient since I was 35 and young compared to most in his office. We have a good relationship and seems you and your health team do as well.
Rock on!
wendy
It's not that we feel differently, we're just expressing concern. We rarely have the opportunity to discuss such matters with someone like yourself, so any additional information you would like to share would be greatly appreciated and interesting. It's all about education and training. We frequently meet individuals starting treatment that aren't aware of some precautions regarding supplementation, so it's important to assure everyone that these potential situations exist. I'm pleased that your doctors and healthcare team are aware of your expertise and the products you're using. I'm glad we don't have to worry that you're taking something that might jeopardize your treatment. We're here to help people achieve their goals, so we're all proactive when it comes to voicing precautions.
My liver doctor, infectious specialist and nurse are not originally from the states so thankfully are educated and aware of the visionary attributes of homeopathy. My family doctor is also very much in favor and he has seen the beneficial effects when used correctly?
I am more than confident. I have studied homeopathy for many years and I have seen first hand the beneficial results.
I respect that folks feel differently .
ciao
Hello Onyx, a warm welcome from me too!
I like your positive attitude, and it`s very admirable to be so proactive with your own health. You`ve obviously been taking good care of yourself and your liver and I`m sure you`ll respond very well to Harvoni.
Whether you continue to use homeopathic medicines while on treatment is of course your choice, and we can only offer our opinions and general advice. Even though you are very confident with their use, I would still recommend that you check with your hepatologist and make sure he is aware of what you are taking if you haven`t already done so.
Wishing you all the best of luck, we`ll be following your progress. Make yourself at home!
Hi there
Thank you for the warm welcome.
I honor your warning but to clarify:
the "supplements" I take are homeopathic remedies and they are quiet synergistic with treatment.
I attribute at least in my part my zero side effects to the combination lifestyle I lead.
I am a classically trained homeopath/ a master herbalist/pharmacy tech and a few other things.
Before I take anything I do intense amounts of research, from many sources.
The understanding of homeopathy in the US is quite young:) but in England and India is a more common form of medicine and works wonders to support the body/mind/spirit when it is under attack by something as virulent as hep c.
I am not suggesting it is for everyone or anyone here but it most assuredly will not stop Harvoni from doing its job. that is not even possible, given homeopathic remedies are energetic my nature, not a supplement or herb or vitamin.
It is a different path . I am quite blessed in that my medical team is also quite open minded.
I am happy to see everyone here being positive and uplifting to each other, it is quite important that treatment and recovery be honored and respected in ourselves as we walk through.
It is am amazing time in our earth and history.
May all be to blessed to be stressed or depressed:)
ps. thank you for the link, I will utilize next go round posting
ciao ciao
onyx
Hi Onyx.
Welcome to the forum. Your healthy lifestyle will be an advantage on this treatment but, as Tig56 suggested, the supplements may present a problem with the Harvoni doing it's job. Any benefit you get from supplements would not be worth it if it interferes with your ability to achieve SVR.
More information on that in the information attached below:
Other than that you have excellent odds of doing fine with minimal side effects, and 8 weeks will go by before you know it.
Notice that most members have created a 'signature' which is included at the bottom of each of their post that list user specific information. If you would like to created your own signature click on the link below for more information on doing that. There is also a link included to a list of definitions for all the abbreviations you will see throughout member post and signatures.
Have a look around and notice the 'search' button that can be useful for finding historical post on any subject you have questions about. Or you can simply start a new thread on that subject.
We have a great group of knowledgeable members who are glad to help in any way we can. More of them will be along to welcome you as well. We are glad you're here!
Forum Abbreviations Link and Help with Creating your Signature
Back atcha Onyx! Your viral load is low, but the viral count has no impact on your chance to achieve SVR. It comes into play when it's above 5 million. Above that requires the 12 week protocol. The viral load can fluctuate widely from test to test. However, your health and minimal problems are great advantages, you should do well.
One thing you should know though. It's not advised at all to include any supplementation during treatment! That's very important because there are various supplements that can change the action of the drugs and many are well known to alter the accuracy of your lab tests. Once you are past your 12th week following end of treatment, you can begin whatever routine you feel is necessary. Always discuss any additional medication and supplementation with your doctor before taking them. Again, it's very important.
Salutations!
I am on an 8 week plan and my VL is only 450,000.
In the 3 years I have know I have had this it has never been higher and once was 75,000.
Its so slow I hesitated to treat with meds and I daresay, I am somewhat afraidy cat about side effects :)
But I do feel guided to treat.
Prior I was on a homeopathic protocol as I am a classically trained homeopath/herbalist .
happy day to all!
Hi Onyx,
Welcome! Glad you got this opportunity to start treatment. Your chance to walk away clear of the virus has never been better. It sounds like you're handling things well and by week 3 you should have a good idea of how the next 9 will go. I like hearing how well you're taking care of yourself, that will pay off in many ways. Keep following a good diet plan and hydrate like water will run out tomorrow! That is one of the best things you can do for yourself. It also reduces the likelihood and severity of side effects if you're going to have any. Usually headaches, muscle aches and fatigue are the chief complaints.
Stay in touch and let us know how things progress. We have a lot of caring people here and everyone is willing to provide help and support. Just say the word!
Hello all,
New here
day 11 of Harvoni, feel good, moving forward.
Cheers and good health to all
type 1b diagnosed 2013, who knows, maybe 30 years with HCV/ treatment naïve until 11 days ago//in very good health
walk 1-3 miles a day with 2 large dogs/eat very well and always have/grow my herbs and veggies,/bake my own bread/grow our own grapes to make jams and juices, yup. a real live down in the earth gal/self employed from home
live in the woods low impact and natural and pretty much always have
taking meds is new thing for me.
love and light