Hi Silverecho,

so happy to hear you have the meds in your hot little hand and are in week one of treatment. 

Hopefully it will be a symptom free ride. Waiting for, and then beginning treatment, is an incredibly stressful time. Its hard to describe just how anxious it makes you to someone who hasn't actually been there.

So we know what you are going through and how important those  two little reasons you have in front of you make it,that you live a long, healthy life..not to mention a third planned.

i didn't know I had hepatitis C until I had all my children and can't imagine how that would add to fears during pregnancy. 

So good luck and remember, you have an excellent chance of clearing this virus with the new meds.

Syd

SE,

Yes, EXACTLY! (I think). And some who get it by compassionate programmes. Prolly dif. in every province (as many things are, and not just health care)!

The only other way of getting anything dif. out of BC Pharmacare (I believe) is by Pharmacare's Special "authorization" application, submitted by a physician on your behalf, requiring Pharmacare to consider other drugs via an "approval" process performed by Pharmacare, which seems quite rigid and limited, in the accepting/allowing of "exceptions", especially where increased cost is concerned. Proven contraindication to interferon (for example) would be an easier one to get Pharmacare to consider, if other drugs were being requested on an exceptional basis.

Initially, I looked hard at SOF/VEL, ABT 493/530, AND Zep, but for me, as a GT3a, I felt very fortunate that I was just lucky enough to catch the tail of the VEL trial comet before it sped by me.

I think you as a GT1a are fortunate to have the opportunity to get to try Zep (and me too, to get to try VEL by trial). Thank goodness for compassionate care programmes, and trials!.

I hope your sides/symptoms may minimize as you go along - I myself am wondering if perhaps the things I noticed during WEEK ONE, "might" be lessening some in WEEK 2?, we'll see. Perhaps, your gut will get more used to the meds as you go along?

You must be feeling so relieved just to have started your treatment. I was!

I hope this move you speak of is not too arduous, and what with your little ones, that you will get some rest periods, and not overexpend your energies.  C.

So I think maybe we are talking about two different things here. Canada has approved Zepatier as a treatment option for patients. It was approved on my birthday (Jan 28, 16).  It is not covered yet by our provincial health care systems but it is approved Canada wide for use. Physicians country wide can prescribe it, it's just that for instance, in BC, pharmacare isn't covering the costs. That's where they are stuck, in phase 4 I believe of that approval system.

Yes, I seem to recall someone here (somewhere/sometime) on this website, speaking of getting on (or being on) Zep. But here, we have everyone, from all over the world commenting, so ...

In BC, (I don't know HOW many times I have viewed that danged "BC Pharmacare New HCV Drug Approval Pipeline" thing!) to see WHEN they will actually get around to making DAC, VEL, Zepatier, (and other ABT drugs) easily available as a "first choice" that is free for the patients - I will try to post it here - but I am NOT good at this pasting stuff - if it does not show up here ... well, stay tuned and I'll try again somehow.

DAC, for instance, seems to have been stuck, for an innordinate amount of time at the "approval" step shown, yet I hear of Canadians on it! So, perhaps differing drugs are obtained via other ways, like you, direct from drug company programs, or trials, or, perhaps some drugs ARE approved in some provinces, and not in others.

I'm glad you got it tho!. C.    http://www.pacifichepc.org/hepctip/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/March.png

Thank you for replying to my posting. I had the move planned and the meds were an awesome surprise. I couldn't say no despite the stress I am under! I'm so happy, it's such a gift! I am very good at following directions from the dr and I'm drinking lots of water. There's no time to rest alone with two little ones but I'm doing my best to sit when I can. 

Thanks again for your encouragement. It means a lot to me. 

-- Edited by Silverecho on Friday 25th of March 2016 08:13:07 PM

-- Edited by Silverecho on Friday 25th of March 2016 08:13:44 PM

I received it through MERCK, through their compassionate care program. My dr recommended me for the program, given my age and the fact I wanted to have another child. My youngest tested + for antibodies but cleared it, thank God. I think that's why they really pushed to get it for me. I am in AB. I thought it was approved everywhere in Canada? I talked to my previous clinics nurse (in BC), and she said they had several people on it. Thats actually where I am moving back to and they said its no problem to follow me there For the rest of my treatment. 

Moving while on treatment can be a challenge. I did it in 2014 and only broke a few items (on purpose lol) but I took my time and didn't overwork my body. And I made sure I stayed adequately hydrated. Keep your treatment and health as #1 priority. You've waited years for this opportunity so make it count. The move will get done and you will achieve SVR but it's one step at a time, not a race. I hope it goes smoothly for you!

Good Luck!!! WOOT!

I imagine you're experiencing a bit of anxiety and frustration from both circumstances you have found yourself in. You put a lot on your plate all at once! Pace yourself as best as you can and give yourself time to rest when needed. Don't fail to do the things important for success. Compliance, good diet, plenty of water and rest. If you can meet all of those requirements, you'll be doing the happy dance before you know it! 

Good for you! (to get on Grazo/Elba)! 

How did you get it?

Are you in a trial?

In BC, Zepatier it is still not yet approved - here, it is listed at only step 4 (of 6 steps) of approval!

Glad you have not noticed too many bad sides - such promise ... held within a mere pill!

Good for you. Canuck

Well I started Zepatier a few days ago. So far pretty good. Other than feeling on edge, I have had mild stomach upset and have been dizzy on occasion. I have a huge move planned in a week so I don't know if that's where my intense frustration and bit of anger is coming from or if it's the meds? I can still keep up to my children, which is what I was most worried about. I am taking it for 12 weeks for genotype 1a, treatment naive. Fingers crossed!

-- Edited by Silverecho on Friday 25th of March 2016 02:32:48 PM