Experience, Strength, and Hope very much needed please.
Shadowfax said
Mar 9, 2017
Welcome to the forum Laz,
As everybody said, we have all been there and now still here to help others as we were helped when we walked in your shoes.
All the information posted here is great and typically is correct unlike many things that you make google and be upsetting. GT 1a is an easy cure, I had that, HAD being the operative word and 12 weeks of Harvoni took care of it. 12 easy weeks even though I feared the worst.
You will as already been said, be responding to some other new member down the road after you are cured, and you will be cured. Do stay with us and keep reading here and keeping us posted on yourself. The success these days is great. You will hear about hydration all the time and when your turn comes to get on board with your TX, it will probably be the one most important thing you can do to ward off any side effects that are almost always minimal anyway.
Once again, I am very glad you found us and do stick around.
SF
Cinnamon Girl said
Mar 8, 2017
Hi again Laz,
Good to hear you`ve got over that bug now, sounded nasty.
Going over to a more healthy diet is definitely the best way to go for your heath and well being, well done! Actually, we have an old thread which you might find interesting to browse through, you`ll find lots of recipes and healthy eating ideas there, and you`re welcome to add to it with your own recipes. It would be good to get that going again!
Best of luck with your ultrasound scan tomorrow. By the way, your doctor won`t actually be able to tell the fibrosis stage from the scan, you`ll really need a fibroscan or a biopsy for that. Having a fibroscan is a popular option nowadays because it`s a non-invasive test, but otherwise a biopsy is a routine procedure. Let us know if you`d like more info on either of those.
Let us know how it goes, take care...
Laz said
Mar 5, 2017
Thank you. I'm guessing it was some kind of bug or something because I havnt had it happen since then. Thank you everyone for the experience and strength. I'm kind of just waiting now for the ultrasound on the 9 th. I'm hopeful that he can see what stage it's in with that. If not it's a liver biopsy which I've been told on here is not that big of a deal. Hope everyone has had a happy and healthy weekend. Have recently changed my diet. No junk no processed food. All organic or just fresh. Still some meat days. Lol. Have some really good recipes if anyone's interested.
#feedingthecure
Observer said
Mar 2, 2017
Hey Laz,
HCV gives us many odd symptoms. Our immune systems depend on a functioning liver, so flus and virus' and infections can be worse and longer lasting for us. A flu most likely is what caused your terrible night.
One of the livers jobs is to detox anything you have been exposed to in everyday life. When I was at my lowest, I often and randomly sweated a lot...I figure it was the only way my body could detox. My torso and face would be so wet, it was awful. Since I've been cured, I don't sweat like that.
I hope you feel better soon.
Alison
Canuck said
Mar 2, 2017
Hi Laz,
I agree with Tig and Cin. Girl, it does sound like it might be a flu bug you have picked up.
Just bad luck and bad timing then.
Do you now sense any of the other common symptoms of cold/flu coming to the fore today (other than the chills and sweating buckets yesterday)?
Fevers (left to their own) generally will go like this .... when your temp is on the rise, rising, or up you can get chills, when your body is working to bring your temp downward is when people often experience the sweating.
Treat yourself like you have the flu, probably IS a touch of it - DO drink fluids accordingly then, like Tig and Cin. Girl said. I hope it is mild and short lived for you.
Last thing we need, a flu bug on top of everything else! Bummer.
On a more pleasant note ... what date did the doc think you might be able to start your Harvoni? Have you completed ALL your necessary pre-treatment testings and labs (you mentioned a planned U/S)? Did he check and discuss with you if you required any hep A/B or flu shots?
Keep us posted how things are going. C.
JimmyK said
Mar 1, 2017
Laz wrote:
My name is Lazaro. IM 33 years old and I am from Miami but now in Charlotte. i found out years ago at the free clinic that supposedly i had the antibodies for HepC but not the actual virus.
Greetings,
I feel bad at how I watch you stress, in particular, knowing it is for nought.
1) You are 33 years old. That is about 7 years less than I was stalked by The Dragon.
2) Years ago would be useful if better defined. How many years ago was that Free Clinic Visit?
3) Type 1 is flat out easy to cure.
My friend, you are going to worry yourself into "a life of symptoms".
We are here with you and we already know you got this. You have to take some pills, drink a lot of water, remain compliant. <~~~ That's it. Ye ole nutshell.
In the mean time and leading up to proper preparation for the days and weeks ahead. Begin to increase hydration now. Get your 33 year old self into a fitness program. Put fear and anxiety in your rear view mirror and do it for YOU.
Do NOT allow you to bum you out.
Stand up my friend, we will help you!
JimmyK
Jaggles said
Mar 1, 2017
Hi Laz and welcome ...I found this site too at a time when I was so scared. The shock of diagnosis, so much to take in. Sounds like you have had tough time But this family here allows you to rant and ask things that are so hard to talk about with anyone. we all know from experience what you going through. I would advise you to seek all the knowledge you can here ...it has really really helped me figure out a lot of stuff. listen to the advice given and know you are never alone. Big virtual hugs xxx
J
Cinnamon Girl said
Mar 1, 2017
Hi again Laz,
Sounds like you had a pretty rough night, sorry to hear! We`re all different, but I tend to agree with Tig, sounds like a case of the flu to me as well. There`s certainly a lot of it about at this time of year. Take care of yourself and keep well hydrated, see how you`re feeling in a day or two`s time.
Looks like you`ve figured out your signature line now... well done!
Tig said
Mar 1, 2017
Hey Laz,
I honestly don't know why you might be sweating and running a low grade fever. The HCV isn't the likely cause. It sounds to me like you've contracted a different virus, the Flu! Lay low and hydrate. If you're sweating and running a fever, you'll dehydrate quickly. That's not good for anyone. Gatorade or similar is a good replacement short term.
What's the problem with the signature? Did you check the links I gave you? The red text in my signature will open the instructions. You open the Signature section in your profile settings.
Im so glad you are on the road to getting treatment your HCV, as others have said , don't worry too much about the viral load, mine was at 7 million once, then two months later was at 3 million, then just before I get treated and CURED it was 'only 7K.
I also had geno 1.
The biopsy isn't too terrible if that's the route your Dr decides on to access your damage...more scary than painful.
Anyhoo, I'm super glad you found this wonderful forum. It really helps to talk with people that have been through and understand what you are going through.
Your gf sounds like a sweetie.
You picked a great time to get treatment as the meds these days are so so successful and relatively easy to cope with.
Alison
Canuck said
Mar 1, 2017
Hi Laz,
Welcome here from me too!
I saw (over in your other post) you said you are going to get Harvoni, right after your ultrasound? - you said "wow", I echo that! - that is GREAT news, and FAST! Good for you, best thing you will do for yourself and your gal. Good things do happen. C.
JimmyK said
Feb 28, 2017
Greetings and welcome to The Family here.
Alone? No way, in fact we just grafted you into the family here. You are one of us now and trust me when I say this ...
...There are days ahead when it will be YOU welcoming in a new person. It will be YOU sharing your experiences as you traveled this road with us here.
It will be YOU who are cured and astonished at how great the worries were, yet in reality how small the mountain is you climbed.
Experience we have as you soon will also.
Strength I have seen here beyond anything I ever expected in such a Forum.
Hope is who we are and we are what you have. Now just think on that a moment until it makes you smile.
Welcome!
JimmyK
-- Edited by JimmyK on Tuesday 28th of February 2017 06:33:45 PM
Cinnamon Girl said
Feb 28, 2017
Don`t worry, Laz, it will all start to make sense at some point! The main thing is that you`re here with folks who understand.
Take your time to settle in... and remember that some day in the not too distant future you`ll arrive at the most important abbreviation of them all, SVR = sustained virological response, or in other words, cured of Hep C!!
Tig said
Feb 28, 2017
Hey Laz,
Here's some help regarding the signature line. Adding it simply leaves a brief bio (history) at the bottom of all your messages. You'll see the information at the bottom of most of our posts. It helps to know some particulars when you're responding to questions, etc.
Thank you so so much. Wow!! I'm at a loss for words right now. You have no idea what these couple responses mean to me . I'm going to go read and start learning some abbreviations. Still not 100% on the whole signature thing.
wendyo said
Feb 28, 2017
Welcome Laz,
You are in the right place. I am also a Geno 1 (a) and found success after 2 failed treatments on the old regimens with the new Rx Harvoni. Yes it is scary to be in the beginning stages of all this, very overwhelming.
First things first, doc appt, tests and results. Be sure to write down your questions and take with you. Try to stay our of your head and do not google a bunch of stuff as you will make yourself crazy. Use this forum and the folks here and you will get lots of hope, strength, knowledge and eventually some laughs.
all best,
wendy
Cinnamon Girl said
Feb 28, 2017
Hi there Laz, welcome to the forum!
You`re certainly not alone, especially now you`ve found us! You`ll find all the help, support and reassurance you`ll need here, and meet a great crowd of friendly people too, I`m so glad you found your way here! Most of us have stood where you`re standing right now, we understand how it feels to be scared... but there`s really no need to be.
The good thing is that you`ve seen a doctor at last who is moving things along for you, you`re proceeding towards treatment, you`ll get through it... and then you`ll be able to move on with your life!
Tig has given you some very good links, do check them out, and also have a good look around the forum. And read our `signature` lines too (at the bottom of our posts)... you`ll see so many success stories around here, and I hope that we can help to give you the hope and strength that you need.
Try to relax and take it one step at a time, we`re here for you!
More people will be along to greet you soon... please stay in touch!
Ps - I also want to give you a link to a list of the forum abbreviations, you`ll find it very useful! Scroll down to the beginning of the thread and you`ll find all the common abbreviations we use here, in alphabetical order...
Welcome, I'm glad you found us too! My first piece of advice is to take a deep breath and relax.... You're not alone by a long stretch. We have all been right where you're at and we were afraid too. Not knowing what to expect is difficult on the best of days. We'll do our best to educate you and that, along with our good looks, should help you feel better!
If you would, please fill out your signature line with information as you learn it. I'll add some links at the bottom that will be helpful. There are links in mine that will help you set it up. Be sure to use the search function at the top of the page. A keyword or two will give you links to discussions here on the forum.
Genotype 1 is the most common. Do you know if you are 1a or 1b? That can make a difference in treatment. Your viral load is high but it could be half that or double next week. The viral load doesn't determine treatment success rates. I was a 1a and my viral load was 5 million. So don't worry about that.
You will need a routine abdominal ultrasound to just look at things and if they can do a Fibroscan, which is another specialized ultrasound that determines fibrosis stage. I had a biopsy, and it wasn't a big deal. In and out, results in a week or less and they are still considered the most accurate. They even have a blood test (Fibrosure/Fibrotest) that is being used more often. Your doctor will explain all that, but it's no big deal, so don't sweat that. For me, getting it all scheduled and over with was the hardest part. Once you start now, it's over with quicker and you'll have little to no side effects.
I see you're looking in, so I'm going to post this. Hang in there!
My name is Lazaro. IM 33 years old and I am from Miami but now in Charlotte. i found out years ago at the free clinic that supposedly i had the antibodies for HepC but not the actual virus. which didnt make much sense to me but I wasnt doing to good at the time I kept living how I was living using daily killing myself slowly. Well my fiance blessed me and put me on her insurance and i was able to go to a Dr which I havnt done in a very very long time. last week he sent me to a GI Dr because he said my viral load was right at a million and that I have HepC geno 1. The GI Dr wants me in on the 9th to get an ultrasound of my liver to see at what stage its at. If he cant tell by that then he says he wants to do a liver biopsy. Im scared and nervous to be honest . I am seriously overwhelmed right now with the fact that i stumbled on this forum. Im so grateful for this. I guess what I was hoping for was just to know that im not alone? When i went to the Dr I was alone , When I got the results I was alone. Just,,, Thank you to whoever if anyone takes a few min to read this. THANK YOU
Welcome to the forum Laz,
As everybody said, we have all been there and now still here to help others as we were helped when we walked in your shoes.
All the information posted here is great and typically is correct unlike many things that you make google and be upsetting. GT 1a is an easy cure, I had that, HAD being the operative word and 12 weeks of Harvoni took care of it. 12 easy weeks even though I feared the worst.
You will as already been said, be responding to some other new member down the road after you are cured, and you will be cured. Do stay with us and keep reading here and keeping us posted on yourself. The success these days is great. You will hear about hydration all the time and when your turn comes to get on board with your TX, it will probably be the one most important thing you can do to ward off any side effects that are almost always minimal anyway.
Once again, I am very glad you found us and do stick around.
SF
Hi again Laz,
Good to hear you`ve got over that bug now, sounded nasty.
Going over to a more healthy diet is definitely the best way to go for your heath and well being, well done! Actually, we have an old thread which you might find interesting to browse through, you`ll find lots of recipes and healthy eating ideas there, and you`re welcome to add to it with your own recipes. It would be good to get that going again!
Here`s the link....Foods that your Liver Loves
Best of luck with your ultrasound scan tomorrow. By the way, your doctor won`t actually be able to tell the fibrosis stage from the scan, you`ll really need a fibroscan or a biopsy for that. Having a fibroscan is a popular option nowadays because it`s a non-invasive test, but otherwise a biopsy is a routine procedure. Let us know if you`d like more info on either of those.
Let us know how it goes, take care...
Hey Laz,
HCV gives us many odd symptoms. Our immune systems depend on a functioning liver, so flus and virus' and infections can be worse and longer lasting for us. A flu most likely is what caused your terrible night.
One of the livers jobs is to detox anything you have been exposed to in everyday life. When I was at my lowest, I often and randomly sweated a lot...I figure it was the only way my body could detox. My torso and face would be so wet, it was awful. Since I've been cured, I don't sweat like that.
I hope you feel better soon.
Alison
Hi Laz,
I agree with Tig and Cin. Girl, it does sound like it might be a flu bug you have picked up.
Just bad luck and bad timing then.
Do you now sense any of the other common symptoms of cold/flu coming to the fore today (other than the chills and sweating buckets yesterday)?
Fevers (left to their own) generally will go like this .... when your temp is on the rise, rising, or up you can get chills, when your body is working to bring your temp downward is when people often experience the sweating.
Treat yourself like you have the flu, probably IS a touch of it - DO drink fluids accordingly then, like Tig and Cin. Girl said. I hope it is mild and short lived for you.
Last thing we need, a flu bug on top of everything else! Bummer.
On a more pleasant note ... what date did the doc think you might be able to start your Harvoni? Have you completed ALL your necessary pre-treatment testings and labs (you mentioned a planned U/S)? Did he check and discuss with you if you required any hep A/B or flu shots?
Keep us posted how things are going. C.
Greetings,
I feel bad at how I watch you stress, in particular, knowing it is for nought.
1) You are 33 years old. That is about 7 years less than I was stalked by The Dragon.
2) Years ago would be useful if better defined. How many years ago was that Free Clinic Visit?
3) Type 1 is flat out easy to cure.
My friend, you are going to worry yourself into "a life of symptoms".
We are here with you and we already know you got this. You have to take some pills, drink a lot of water, remain compliant. <~~~ That's it. Ye ole nutshell.
In the mean time and leading up to proper preparation for the days and weeks ahead. Begin to increase hydration now. Get your 33 year old self into a fitness program. Put fear and anxiety in your rear view mirror and do it for YOU.
Do NOT allow you to bum you out.
Stand up my friend, we will help you!
JimmyK
Hi Laz and welcome ...I found this site too at a time when I was so scared. The shock of diagnosis, so much to take in. Sounds like you have had tough time But this family here allows you to rant and ask things that are so hard to talk about with anyone. we all know from experience what you going through. I would advise you to seek all the knowledge you can here ...it has really really helped me figure out a lot of stuff. listen to the advice given and know you are never alone. Big virtual hugs xxx
J
Hi again Laz,
Sounds like you had a pretty rough night, sorry to hear! We`re all different, but I tend to agree with Tig, sounds like a case of the flu to me as well. There`s certainly a lot of it about at this time of year. Take care of yourself and keep well hydrated, see how you`re feeling in a day or two`s time.
Looks like you`ve figured out your signature line now... well done!
Hey Laz,
I honestly don't know why you might be sweating and running a low grade fever. The HCV isn't the likely cause. It sounds to me like you've contracted a different virus, the Flu! Lay low and hydrate. If you're sweating and running a fever, you'll dehydrate quickly. That's not good for anyone. Gatorade or similar is a good replacement short term.
What's the problem with the signature? Did you check the links I gave you? The red text in my signature will open the instructions. You open the Signature section in your profile settings.
Welcome Laz,
Im so glad you are on the road to getting treatment your HCV, as others have said , don't worry too much about the viral load, mine was at 7 million once, then two months later was at 3 million, then just before I get treated and CURED it was 'only 7K.
I also had geno 1.
The biopsy isn't too terrible if that's the route your Dr decides on to access your damage...more scary than painful.
Anyhoo, I'm super glad you found this wonderful forum. It really helps to talk with people that have been through and understand what you are going through.
Your gf sounds like a sweetie.
You picked a great time to get treatment as the meds these days are so so successful and relatively easy to cope with.
Alison
Hi Laz,
Welcome here from me too!
I saw (over in your other post) you said you are going to get Harvoni, right after your ultrasound? - you said "wow", I echo that! - that is GREAT news, and FAST! Good for you, best thing you will do for yourself and your gal. Good things do happen.
C.
Greetings and welcome to The Family here.
Alone? No way, in fact we just grafted you into the family here. You are one of us now and trust me when I say this ...
...There are days ahead when it will be YOU welcoming in a new person. It will be YOU sharing your experiences as you traveled this road with us here.
It will be YOU who are cured and astonished at how great the worries were, yet in reality how small the mountain is you climbed.
Experience we have as you soon will also.
Strength I have seen here beyond anything I ever expected in such a Forum.
Hope is who we are and we are what you have. Now just think on that a moment until it makes you smile.
Welcome!
JimmyK
-- Edited by JimmyK on Tuesday 28th of February 2017 06:33:45 PM
Don`t worry, Laz, it will all start to make sense at some point! The main thing is that you`re here with folks who understand.
Take your time to settle in... and remember that some day in the not too distant future you`ll arrive at the most important abbreviation of them all, SVR = sustained virological response, or in other words, cured of Hep C!!
Hey Laz,
Here's some help regarding the signature line. Adding it simply leaves a brief bio (history) at the bottom of all your messages. You'll see the information at the bottom of most of our posts. It helps to know some particulars when you're responding to questions, etc.
Signature Line
Welcome Laz,
You are in the right place. I am also a Geno 1 (a) and found success after 2 failed treatments on the old regimens with the new Rx Harvoni. Yes it is scary to be in the beginning stages of all this, very overwhelming.
First things first, doc appt, tests and results. Be sure to write down your questions and take with you. Try to stay our of your head and do not google a bunch of stuff as you will make yourself crazy. Use this forum and the folks here and you will get lots of hope, strength, knowledge and eventually some laughs.
all best,
wendy
Hi there Laz, welcome to the forum!
You`re certainly not alone, especially now you`ve found us! You`ll find all the help, support and reassurance you`ll need here, and meet a great crowd of friendly people too, I`m so glad you found your way here! Most of us have stood where you`re standing right now, we understand how it feels to be scared... but there`s really no need to be.
The good thing is that you`ve seen a doctor at last who is moving things along for you, you`re proceeding towards treatment, you`ll get through it... and then you`ll be able to move on with your life!
Tig has given you some very good links, do check them out, and also have a good look around the forum. And read our `signature` lines too (at the bottom of our posts)... you`ll see so many success stories around here, and I hope that we can help to give you the hope and strength that you need.
Try to relax and take it one step at a time, we`re here for you!
More people will be along to greet you soon... please stay in touch!
Ps - I also want to give you a link to a list of the forum abbreviations, you`ll find it very useful! Scroll down to the beginning of the thread and you`ll find all the common abbreviations we use here, in alphabetical order...
http://hepcfriends.activeboard.com/t51085702/forum-abbreviations/
Hey Laz,
Welcome, I'm glad you found us too! My first piece of advice is to take a deep breath and relax.... You're not alone by a long stretch. We have all been right where you're at and we were afraid too. Not knowing what to expect is difficult on the best of days. We'll do our best to educate you and that, along with our good looks, should help you feel better!
If you would, please fill out your signature line with information as you learn it. I'll add some links at the bottom that will be helpful. There are links in mine that will help you set it up. Be sure to use the search function at the top of the page. A keyword or two will give you links to discussions here on the forum.
Genotype 1 is the most common. Do you know if you are 1a or 1b? That can make a difference in treatment. Your viral load is high but it could be half that or double next week. The viral load doesn't determine treatment success rates. I was a 1a and my viral load was 5 million. So don't worry about that.
You will need a routine abdominal ultrasound to just look at things and if they can do a Fibroscan, which is another specialized ultrasound that determines fibrosis stage. I had a biopsy, and it wasn't a big deal. In and out, results in a week or less and they are still considered the most accurate. They even have a blood test (Fibrosure/Fibrotest) that is being used more often. Your doctor will explain all that, but it's no big deal, so don't sweat that. For me, getting it all scheduled and over with was the hardest part. Once you start now, it's over with quicker and you'll have little to no side effects.
I see you're looking in, so I'm going to post this. Hang in there!
Knowledge Base Index
On Treatment Index
Hep C Advocate -Newly Diagnosed
My name is Lazaro. IM 33 years old and I am from Miami but now in Charlotte. i found out years ago at the free clinic that supposedly i had the antibodies for HepC but not the actual virus. which didnt make much sense to me but I wasnt doing to good at the time I kept living how I was living using daily killing myself slowly. Well my fiance blessed me and put me on her insurance and i was able to go to a Dr which I havnt done in a very very long time. last week he sent me to a GI Dr because he said my viral load was right at a million and that I have HepC geno 1. The GI Dr wants me in on the 9th to get an ultrasound of my liver to see at what stage its at. If he cant tell by that then he says he wants to do a liver biopsy. Im scared and nervous to be honest . I am seriously overwhelmed right now with the fact that i stumbled on this forum. Im so grateful for this. I guess what I was hoping for was just to know that im not alone? When i went to the Dr I was alone , When I got the results I was alone. Just,,, Thank you to whoever if anyone takes a few min to read this. THANK YOU