Good to hear that Dave W. This is a big week for a few of our family. The zero club should be getting a little larger soon.

Good luck.....Started my last 7 days today.....WOW!

Oh that Tig  

Still going for the Velveeta.

Thanks for your help, encouragement and information Tigster.

Hey Cheddy,

I guess the AD's made you into a Mild Cheddar instead of Sharp? Witty, ain't I! Ha, ha, ha!! 

K8, and friends,

This sounds so familiar.  Same dosage, same treatment, same reduction, same fatigue.  It does get better!

Blood work moves all over the place while on treatment, especially with the dreaded but necessary ribavirin.  In my case it leveled out after treatment with some minor variations, but the liver is right on task. It takes some time to get the vitality back and it has been intermittent.  I continue to slam water (I was at 4-5 liters) and drink green smoothies most days. 

My biggest struggle was with my mood.  I just didn't want to do anything.  Post treatment I just got so sick of feeling bad and decided to help myself some more.  I talked with my doctor and started taking antidepressants. I'm not sure what happened as I started with half of a minimum dose and felt better in days.  This doesn't really make sense to feel better so quickly on ADs and on such a low dose, but who knows what sort of combo is going on with residual riba.  Maybe the riba is wearing off and I'm just plain getting better. Maybe I should have started earlier in treatment.  Whatever happened, I've been out and about.  Yesterday I went to a baseball game (GO Ms), walked all day, went to the 3rd of July street dance, visited friends without a single urge to bite somebody's head off, and had a good time.  Forcing myself to go for walks has added up, too, but that was out of the question when I was on treatment.

I know what this PJ time feels like.  I thought the heaviness and fatigue would never would never end.  And the poor people who saw me through. I think it's just as well that you embrace your rest and your PJs.  Don't forget, you are actually doing a whole lot right now. Remember, you are beating a deadly virus!  You are slaying a dragon, as the metaphor goes.  Who does that?  We do! and there's nobody who understands that better than the good and informative souls on this forum.

Enjoy your jammies guilt free.  Thank them and retire them and get a new pair.  

I think the tail would be awkward.

Best wishes, all.

Cheddy

On another note, about  the wine, it's great that you don't want it.  It's just as well that the liver has the easiest time.  My hep specialist did say that with my low fibrosis and a liver that is doing its job, it would be fine to have a glass on special occasions.  Alcohol does not cause HCV.  HCV is a virus.  Still, for heaven's sake, I'm going to protect my vital organs.

Okay Canuck,

It's all about the theme, not the style! I picked out the one with a tail for you!!  I guess you shouldn't send me out shopping next time, lol! The silk outfit is for the after party... 

Love the PJ's. lol

So glad to hear your news K8 and that the ginger is helping.

Yeah, some of these old school docs and ones that specialize in one thing (which they do fabulously) do not get alcoholism or addiction. God love em. But after 32 years, uh no thanks on the glass of wine. Love your comment, just the liver Doc, just the liver. 

Big hug,

wendy

Hey K8!,

So glad to hear from you!, and that you are doing SO WELL after that hurdle.

Good it got reduced to 600. Glad that happened, and thanks for making that happen BTW, not only for you, but for me!! I feel relieved just knowing you already feel a tiny bit better. Re: energy/some relief? ... I sure hope some comes for you, sooner than later, but being so close to the end now you will almost be able to taste normal again, and better yet, your "new" normal to come!

I am VERY impressed with you my dear, in how you are handling it all. You have had to run some tough courses, but you ARE a mighty fine jumper. You are so close now, to that last hurdle. Really nice to have that feedback that your VL is still und at 8 weeks isn't it! It IS a big deal, you SHOULD celebrate (I am), but then again, I DO like your idea of laying low and being in the pj mode. 

I know tig meant well, sending that lovely gift, it's intent and all, so he can be forgiven for the UGLY-ASS outfit he chose, but really dear, maybe consider getting another dresser for EOT celebrations. syd could help out with that - in fact, I am sure she could conjur up something fine for you! 

Just a lovely sentiment you shared ... "celebrating many freedoms".

Hang in there - your almost done!   C.

Hi K8,

Hard to believe you're almost done! Way to go girl  You have a great healthcare team guiding you and they haven't disappointed. You're very fortunate to have them showing you the way. Sounds like your liver specialist is one of those old school doctors that has an established opinion on Naturopaths. Just smile and be grateful your ND is as attentive as she is. They can be very helpful in getting you back on track after treatment is over. Be aware though, some supplements will affect the lab values of your blood tests. Things like Milk Thistle can affect the liver enzymes. I'm sure she's aware of that. You want to wait until your EOT +12 tests to dive into some supplemental additions to your routine.

I think your routine of extra couch time, while wrapped up in a nice comforter and comfy PJ's is well deserved. The rest and relaxation techniques, along with good food and adequate hydration is a great approach to success, one that's obviously working for you! Keep it up, you'll be doing the happy dance in no time!

I went shopping and found you a nice pair of PJ's to finish up treatment. They've got some pretty wild stuff out there, be glad I kept it conservative, ha, ha! The pair with a tail might have scared the neighbors, so I decided on these. Enjoy!

Hi friends

I have been meaning to post good news. It is a little over a week since Doc lowered the RIBA to 600 mg with the Solvadi.  Started to feel better a few days ago.  Second blood test after 2 months of tx is still undetectable . I finish meds on 7/17.  Plan a little celebration and ceremony tonite when I fill up that HUGE pill box with the last two weeks!  Doc wants to see me in 6 more weeks.

I am not dancing on table tops yet and finding this staying at home and in pj's  a whole new world,  plus reading all the posts from the site gives me great comfort.  Itching continues (no rash), the constant thirst has lessened, but still drinking 3 litres or more of water.
The hunger is subsiding a bit or at least not wanting to eat a steak every day. Little indigestion has started but drinking ginger in my water and ginger tea

Blood counts are a bit low but nothing terrible  I see my Naturopathic Doctor after each visit with liver doctor , so ND can really help me read the reports. I have worked with ND for 20 years, she says we will get things back in order when Tx is over and to remember that my body is in a huge battle releasing many toxins but doing what it is supposed to do, I respect that I am on "serious Drugs" and can't be all bouncy and clear-eyed or clear thinking right now.

I worked with liver doc 7 years ago during RIBA/PEG tx.  He is an expert and has been treating liver disease for over  35 years, very kind and glad he is still practicing. But last  visit, he said it wouldn't hurt me to have a glass of wine once in a while.  EGAADS!  I haven't had a drink in 32 years and don't think this is the time to start AND be on Hep C Tx.

Also, told me that all ND (Naturopathic docs) are nutty. The nurse and I just looked at each other, somewhat astounded and then have a good laugh.....just the liver, Doc, just the liver.  Bless his heart, he said he is living in the golden age of medicine with these new treatments. Amen

Thanks for everything, I am so grateful to be alive and living in this time where these drugs are available.  I am almost finished, Seemed like 3 months was going to be forever. I read that some of you felt energy as you neared the end of Tx, perhaps relief?

Although in pajamas and big plans to stay on the couch for the 4th of July, I celebrate many freedoms today.

K