Hi Stormy,

Just wondering if you started you treatment yet, I just started mine this morning.

I'm taking Sovaldi + Riba, not Harvoni but I don't think it's going to be anywhere near as bad as I have been anticipating up 'till now. I do understand being apprehensive, it's natural to be afraid of the unknown. Once you take that first pill, I guarantee a lot of that will go away and you will be glad you're on you way to being rid of HCV all together.

You can do this, keep us posted on how you're doin'.

Dave

Hi Stormy,

I did 12 weeks of Harvoni & Ribai, finished last November. I had pretty much no sides, except from being slightly more irritable than I am anyway, according to my wife. Now I am 6 weeks post, and still all is good. I did work all the time, no problem. Of course, your mileage may vary, but chances are excellent that you will kill the beast, so I would start today!

Cheers,

Tom

Hi Stormy,

I'm on my 7th day of treatment and haven't noticed not one single side effect! I'm not drinking any more water then usual, but then again I'm not getting any headaches or anything. I actually have more energy and focus then I've had for awhile. If you haven't started your treatment yet, I'd say just go for it! Some people experience absolutely NO side affects at all (like me so far, fingers crossed) There is no better time then to start treatment then today! Best of luck!

Tk 

Hi Spanky,

Cute pup in your pic ... try saying that 10 times in a row ... lol.

Welcome to the forum! I'm new here too, I'm still waiting on approval of meds so you're a step or two ahead of me.

I have been here long enough, however, to know that this is an incredible group of very helpful friends I've got here, not to worry, you're in good hands and everyone here has at one point experienced many of the same feelings that you are experiencing ... getting to know folks here helps that tremendously, I guarantee it.

In case you want to read up, here's a link to possible Treatment Side Effects Management, just remember that many people experience none or perhaps only a few of these and the tips here will help alleviate many of these. Of these, I think the #One thing to do is Drink Lots of Water, it will help in many ways. Water helps our bodies flush our system of the bad stuff and replenish our system with good stuff so do drink lots of H2O.

I look forward to reading your posts in the future, you got this ... time will fly by during Tx.

Best of Luck and may you Be Well,

Linux

Hi Spanky,

I was on the 'old' treatment, Triple Therapy and remember full well the first needle of interferon I had to take...I sat and sat and sat in the bathroom on the edge of the tub for a least an hour... finally I just couldn't, so my wife did it for me but she said that was the last time...the rest I had to do myself, which I did. Every shot was stressful but each easier than the last.

Even though I was not on the same protocol as you, I have every confidence that you will not only do fine but you will beat this dragon one pill at a time. As mentioned throughout this thread, collectively we are here for you and want you to feel at ease, comfortable, informed and confident. Your in good hands with friends here, be assured of that.

Keep in touch, it will be a pleasure to follow your journey.

Greg

Hi Spanky.

 Welcome from me as well. I am also cirrhotic and just got through with 24 weeks Harvoni last Thursday. I was virtually side effect free the whole time. And I took my Harvoni in the morning due to drug interaction concerns with on of the HIV meds I take but still felt fine all day other than mild fatigue on some days. I put staying strictly compliant with my medication schedule as #1 priority. I ate healthy foods, got adequate rest and exercise and drank minimum 1 gallon purified water per day plus ~48 oz milk and some fruit juice. I got up to pee twice a night but could go right back to sleep with no problem. I'm a 6'1" 170 lb male so fluid intake may be less for you but you be sure to drink enough and it will help with any side effects and do your body good too.

 Everybody experiences some anxiety before starting the medicine. I remember last year when I opened my medicine bottle I couldn't figure out whether I felt like a kid with a new toy or like a bomb squad technician opening a suitcase at a bomb threat scene. Those feelings will quickly subside when you realize nothing significant happens. 

 You'll do just fine and are going to fit right in here. If you need definitions for some of the unique abbreviations used here then see the link at the bottom of these 'creating your own signature' directions. Enjoy!

Welcome Stormy,

I am new here as well and have the same anxiety as you do. I am waiting for my tx and hope to have it in the next few weeks. I don't like taking medication of any kind but I know this, I will really like not liking this when my first pill comes. 

Wishing you well and hope to be in treatment shortly after you and with you the same time.  If I can do this then you can.

This is a great place with lots of help and encouragement so it's great you found it. I feel fortunate I did.

Lets beat this! We can do this.

Stormy ... A plus side effect, I slept like a baby. Had some of the best sleeps I've had in years! Still sleeping well. Take the pill! You'll not feel a thing I bet. 

Getting replies with encouraging words is making a huge difference to my fear.  Thank you all that replied.  I am still sitting pill in hand.  I think I will take it at 9 or 10 every night as suggested and hopefully I will sleep some sides through. dont know how you can sleep much drinking  so much water a day.  I'll be peeing all night,  but I understand the importance of flushing your system and side effects so will drink lots of water.  Thanks again. When I get enough courage to actually swallow this first pill I will be looking at all your kind wordS at the same moment. You give me strength.  

Good luck!! Keep in touch.

Thank you so much.  Let you know how things progress.  

I finished 12 weeks of harvoni in July. I took my meds at 9pm every night so that I slept during most of the time that the side effects would hit. Set your alarm on your phone and you will never forget a dose. during treatment I was able to work 12-13 hour days 3-4 times a week. you can do this!

I was in your shoes on October 26th - the first day of my treatment.

Everyone said the time would go by really fast.  They said the side effects would be minimal.  They also said to drink a lots of water.  They said to stay positive and remember that this is an amazing opportunity to rid ourselves of this nasty beast.

They were right!

I now only have 5 days left of treatment .. I could not believe how fast the time flew by .. before I knew it I was done with my first month.  Yes, a few mild side effects but remember that everyone is different but there are TWO things that make a huge difference ... your attitude (stay positive, meditate, realize your good fortune) and drinking a lot of water is very important.  The first day of treatment I began drinking 80 or more ounces of water a day .. I track it and I drink it no matter what.  I do believe it's made a huge difference and it cleanses your system.  

The sooner you start the sooner you'll be done.  Trust me.. I was a mess on my first day.  I found this forum and everyone on here has been a true resource and friend .. they have been my rock.

I only have 5 days left!!!!!

Hey Spanky,

I'm glad you're here and want to assure you that the new treatments are far easier than treatments before them. The side effects range from none to moderate, but everyone remarks on their ability to easily tolerate them. Try your best to put that fear aside and get your HCV issues out of your life and future for good. The risks of continuing liver damage and the problems that result from that will hopefully encourage you to give treatment a chance

Here is another link that will help to describe this incredibly effective protocol. Don't hesitate to ask questions, that's what we're here for. I want to point out the search function (above center), a keyword or phrase will help you find any discussions we have previously had on your topic. Good luck and fear not!!!!

http://www.catie.ca/en/fact-sheets/hepatitis/harvoni-ledipasvir-sofosbuvir   

Hi Stormy, welcome!  I`m glad you found us, you`re with people who understand how you`re feeling, and we`ll give you as much help and support as you need during your treatment, and beyond.

It`s natural to feel afraid before you start a completely new treatment, the anticipation and fear of the unknown can be very scary, but most people find that after the first few days or so have passed the relief of finally getting started on tx (treatment) takes over. 

Harvoni does come with a few side effect for some people.  You might find you get headaches, nausea or insomnia for example, although many people find these side effects to be minimal.  There are daily strategies which you can do to make it as easy as possible, for example eating regular healthy meals, keeping yourself well hydrated by drinking plenty of water, getting adequate rest and sleep.  This is your time and I`m sure you can do this!

Here`s a link to a helpful factsheet which gives some useful tips on how to maintain a positive attitude during tx, it`s worth giving it a read...

http://hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/sem_positive_attitude.pdf

Please feel free to ask any questions you have, someone will always respond to you. 

Best of luck, keep us updated!

Hi Stormy,

the worst part is the fear, the treatment is totally tolerable. I never missed a day of work and even did some travelling during. Yes, there are a few sides, headache once in awhile, aching hands, craving sweets, but honestly nothing to be nervous about. You've got this!!!! It's an amazing miracle treatment really compared to the old protocols, of which I've tried two. We are here if you have any questions too. Welcome to the train!

Hi Stormy,

The side effects of Harvoni are mild compared to the older treatments many of us have tried unsuccessfully. I am not F4 so I cannot speak to that. What I can tell you is healthy diet, lots of water, rest and try to do some mild exercise even if all you can manage is walking. Headache in the beginning, nausea and insomnia were my side effects. And I just kept telling myself you can handle this for today.....and I did. 

There are other threads (posts) that will talk more about the side effects so explore them and I am sure today many folks will respond to you. YOU CAN DO THIS. Remember, nothing changes if nothing changes. 

wendy

Hi Stormy, I did 12 weeks of harvoni with the usual sides head ache fatigue but never missed a day of work. I rested when I needed and drank a ton of water that seemed to help. Now after 9 months EOT still undetected im not feeling like a kid again just my age. I get that its hard to start treatment but this is the best treatment out there. All you can do is take one day at a time sides should be mild. There will be a lot of info and advice for you here. This forum is what got me thru my TX So go for it !!!    A

hi Stormybc,

i am a newbie here too so don't have any of the statistics and general knowledge that so many of the people on this forum have, but I am into my 5th week of sof/dak/rib and remember my own extreme agitation before I began treatment.

firstly coming to terms with how sick I was was huge - I had been in denial about the real effects of Hep C for so many years.

then there was the fear that I mightnt be able to access if I hadn't been told about Greg Jefferys, a wonderful person who set up a link in India to buy generics for others. The wait for the medication was nerve wracking as I felt by this time that every day counted.

the last was the fear of side effects, especially any that would force to discontinue the regime. So far I am exhausted, depressed and suffer from insomnia - but I developed all these symptoms before I began the drugs.

So try not to worry - the positive menatal attitude that so many members mention here will really make a difference - I am working on it! 

Good luck on our joint journey.

Syd

Stormybc wrote:

   Scared of side effects. Scared to start.  

i have had Hep C for 35 years from a tainted blood transfusion given after a Caesarian birth. Diagnosed in 1999.  Refusing previous treatments for my liver sake which is and has bee a stage 4 cirrhosis for 5 years or more.   I have the meds and am about to start on them. Needless to say I am scared to death. Medical intravention made me sick and having a hard time to trust it to cure me.   Any positive input would be appreciated any remedies for side effects any positive affirmations to help me start the treatment. I'm frozen with fear tonight.