Hey Vespaboy    

You said you just wanted to find an outlet for your experience and advice when needed....You have arrived!  Welcome

What you are feeling is completely normal, I don't believe there is one person  here that wasn't anxious, confused and fear of the unknown at the time of diagnosis and treatment.  

Be good to yourself and drink plenty of water...lots of water!

Hi Vespaboy - Welcome! I am just about to start week 4 of Epclusa. I am A GT2. So far the side effects have been hardly anything. A few short headaches for the first few weeks, but now none at all. I am feeling pretty good.

When I first found out, I freaked out but then wanted the medication RIGHT NOW! I couldn't wait to get it. Now I am settled into the routine and I can feel the difference for the better. 

What kind of treatment are you starting?  There are lot's of people here to give you advice, or just someone who knows what you are going through to talk to.

Hey up Grant, ive just finished 8 weeks of harvoni today and to be honest it was a walk in the park a little insomnia mild heache in the morning sometimes i put that down to no drinking enough water and vivid dreams which i will miss lol, another thing im finding it more daunting finishing it to be honest the results so far are nothing short of amzing, its a great opprtunity by todays standard grab it with both hands.

Hi Grant,

Welcome to the forum! You have some great advice already, these good folks won't lead you astray. You have found a caring group and we will support you through treatment and beyond. Don't sweat these new treatments, they're nothing like the old protocols at all.

Please provide us with some specifics if you can. It helps us when replying. Good luck, stay in touch...

Welcome V!

I for one had very mixed emotions before I popped that first pill. We do get it. And that's what we are here for. To assist, be it with knowledge, humor and virtual empathy. 

Here is a link to add your signature so that we can learn more about you:

http://hepcfriends.activeboard.com/t58862021/how-to-create-your-signature-forum-abbreviation-definitions

The search feature above is also most helpful. 

HYDRATE no matter which treatment you are on. Very important.

all best,

wendy

Welcome Vespaboy,

I'm glad you came looking this way.  There are many people here who have been through treatment, and many who are on the newest treatments now. The treatments just keep getting better and have far fewer side effects for most.  Still, it can be lonely and misunderstood.  Having this forum is like medicine for that!  I have counted on it greatly.

Here are a few tips that seem to apply to all treatments.  Drink massive amounts of clean water - a gallon per day is a good goal. Get some exercise but don't overdo it.  Rest when you need to.  Eat well.  Skip alcohol and anything else that is toxic to your liver. Get enough sleep.  Ask questions.  Always give yourself a break - you're doing some major work here.

Please let us know your genotype, your fibrosis score, your treatment protocol (how long and what kind) and anything else that might help the folks who can help you here.

You are on the right track and you've come a long way already.  Keep your eye on the goal so you don't get too lost in the feelings (like I did).  It's hard to believe, but you will be surprised how soon it will be over.

Again, welcome to a fun and helpful group of people.  I do wish you the very best.

Cheddy

Hi Vespaboy,

yes we all know only too well how you are feeling. What drugs are you starting? Most of the treatments now seem to be relatively side effect free and knowing you have managed to finally knock this chronic illness for six is a really great thing.

Welcome tomorrow.

Syd

Hi vespaboy,

Welcome here.

I know what you mean! - (your "Not looking forward to it"). Many of us here have approached treatment with some reluctance or outright trepidation, wishing we had never contracted this virus. The whole thing from first being diagnosed to finally ridding yourself of this damaging hepc can be an unnerving experience to say the least. But many do find out that the treatment was MUCH easier than they feared, and end up VERY glad they got diagnosed and feeling very relieved when they see they are ridding themselves of the harm. I hope and trust you will find this too.

I was so frightened with my diagnosis and health, the fear actually helped me RUN to welcome treatment, with open arms and relief,  knowing I was doing the right thing for myself. It was such a relief to get treatment and to watch myself kill this virus and regain my health. The relief just grows.

This is a good place to come, to meet folks just like you, and for advice. We got some experienced people here, who will enjoy helping in any way they can during your treatment. 

What GT are you? And what treatment will you start tomorrow? Let us know if you have any immediate questions?

Others, I am sure, will be along right shortly to welcome you here.

(You are doing the right thing!)  C.