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mallani


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RE: hi everyone,
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Hi Alex,

A belated welcome from me as well.

May I ask how your doctor gave you the F4 diagnosis? F4 means cirrhosis, but it doesn't matter, as you're on the correct 24 week protocol.

I've failed Interferon 3 times but the Victrelis triple finally worked for me. Bad as Interferon is, it usually doesn't give permanent side-effects. Most resolve after a year.

Many of us have symptoms of chronic HepC including fatigue, bone and joint pain. These may or may not improve after SVR, but at least they don't get worse and you learn to live with them.

Best of luck, and let us know any results. Cheers.



__________________

Geno 1b, IL28B CT,  x3 prior relapser,  ex-cirrhotic, 75 yo, did 48 weeks with Victrelis/Peg./Riba.  VL 1.28m at start, UNDET. at 8 ,12 ,16 ,24 ,30  and 48 weeks.  EOT 15 Feb 2013 , UNDET. at EOT + 28 weeks. SVR!  Still Undet. at EOT +5 years

Malcolm
dragonfly


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Hi Alex, hang on in there - yes there is a difference; I'm sure Malcolm can advise you more than me but the results coming through show sx that were not expected.  Recovery is slow - there is no miracle bounce back unless you have only had the virus for a short time, but you will feel better and stronger.  I hope this helps.

Best wishes,

Nirmalee



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Tig


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Hi Alex,

I'm including a link to the Metavir scale. It's use is to stage liver inflammation and fibrosis. The scale measures inflammation as A0 - A4. 0 is no inflammation, 4 is highest. The fibrosis score is listed as F0 - F4. 0 is no fibrosis and F4 is indicative of cirrhosis. Before you let this upset your apple cart, know that cirrhosis and the viral load do not hinder the rates of treatment (SVR) success. Those with a viral load above 6 million and tx naive, are required to have a minimum of 12 weeks treatment. Treatment naive, lower than 6 million, qualify for 8 weeks. Since you are not treatment naive, you are on the correct 24 week length of treatment. You will do very well, I'm sure of that. The good news is, data indicates improvement in fibrosis levels following SVR, so your F4 should show improvement over time. We have many here that can attest to that.

 http://hepatitis.about.com/od/diagnosis/a/Metavir.htm

The good news is, yes, after SVR you will begin to see continual improvements in many areas. It doesn't happen overnight, but it happens. Many here can tell you that they have noticed improvements as soon as the first month. I finished tx in Dec 2013 and am still improving. It takes time, some longer than others and the different tx protocols impact that as well. Those of us lucky enough (?) to have survived the Interferon days tend to experience some different and sometimes extended recovery experiences. But we all feel improvements. You can look forward to it!



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Tig

67yo GT1A - 5 Mil - A2/F3 - (1996) Intron A - Non Responder, (2013) Peg/Riba/Vic SOT:05/23/13 EOT:12/04/13 SVR 9+ years!

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AlexJ


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still learning, meant for wmijhmm



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Alex,

60 yr. old female, geno 1a. diagnosed in 96, tried interferon for 6 weeks. stop!!  5 years later tried interferon with riboviron, 9 months. stopped!! no luck. cirrhotic started  july 24th 2015 a 24 month regimen of Harvoni. fingers crossed......

 
AlexJ


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thanks a lot for some very appreciated good advice

peace,

alexj



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Alex,

60 yr. old female, geno 1a. diagnosed in 96, tried interferon for 6 weeks. stop!!  5 years later tried interferon with riboviron, 9 months. stopped!! no luck. cirrhotic started  july 24th 2015 a 24 month regimen of Harvoni. fingers crossed......

 
AlexJ


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thanks everyone for your kind words and support and tips. I am scared on day 7. Interferon ruined my life more than the HepC did.
I just found out today I am not cirrhotic. Just an F4. not sure what that means. So far I have had a couple of bad days and a couple of really good days. felt energy like I haven't in many years, then the next day, I can't seem to get out of bed.
I guess I'm lucky to be getting this last chance for a cure.
I do have an important question for those of you who like me had hepc for 35+ years, viral load of 1.5 million.
after you completed harvoni or similar drug, after you were declared "cured", do you fee a big difference????
I have live with this monster inside me for almost 2/3rds of my life. How will I know?
Alexj

__________________

Alex,

60 yr. old female, geno 1a. diagnosed in 96, tried interferon for 6 weeks. stop!!  5 years later tried interferon with riboviron, 9 months. stopped!! no luck. cirrhotic started  july 24th 2015 a 24 month regimen of Harvoni. fingers crossed......

 
Cinnamon Girl


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Hi Alex, just wanted to say hello and welcome!

Sorry to hear about your bad experiences with your previous treatment and your ongoing health issues. 

Don't worry, this time around with Harvoni will be very different, and you can expect minimal if any side effects in comparison.  

Wishing you all the best of luck, you'll be in good company here!  smile 



__________________

Jill 

(71 yo, lives in UK)

Was Gen 3a, 

24wks Peg Ifn/Riba, Sep 2010 - Mch 2011

UND @ Wk.4, UND @ EOT, 

SVR Nov 2011 --> Still UND @ EOT + 4 yrs.

 

 
hepcat60


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Welcome.  This forum is very helpful and highly tolerant of newbie mistakes on the board.  with that said you will not find a more helpful sight.  Good luck with the treatment.  Remember to stay hydrated and if you are not a water drinker learn to be and continue following treatment.

 



__________________

Hep C 1a since probably 1981.  Incivek, riba and interferon-48 weeks.  UND at weeks 2-4-6-8-10-12-16-20-24.  Previously Interferon alone for 6 months non-responder.  SVR 48 weeks 12/11/14
Cinnamon Girl


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Brian1412 wrote:

ps i have no idea why after i post. i have to wait and hit post agsin to clear. i am not doing it on purpose

 Hi Brian, after you've hit 'post' just wait a few seconds and you should see your comment has posted. That will save your comments from appearing twice, which is what sometimes happens. 

I've just deleted your duplicate post, no problem.  smile



__________________

Jill 

(71 yo, lives in UK)

Was Gen 3a, 

24wks Peg Ifn/Riba, Sep 2010 - Mch 2011

UND @ Wk.4, UND @ EOT, 

SVR Nov 2011 --> Still UND @ EOT + 4 yrs.

 

 
Brian1412


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ps i have no idea why after i post. i have to wait and hit post agsin to clear. i am not doing it on purpose



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Brian1412


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a big Amen



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basser


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think dragons piss is not vulgar at all.thats what it is.thank the lord for the non interferon meds today.am sure alex that hep c will just be a bad memory.glad you found this forum it has helped me greatly.take care and best of health to you                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      william



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 william.61 yo.lives in uk.geno 1b.started sol/dac/riba sept 2014 12wks.am now svr and now had liver transplant on 19/07/ 16
Bills


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Hi Alex

Welcome to the forum and the famous Harvoin Train, Like RC said you had your battles with this dragon. A few years ago they use to call interferon Dragon piss. It a vulgar description but it fits. You'll be amazed at what you DON'T feel on Harvoni. The biggest problem or fear now is Don't forget to take THE PILL Everyday Good luck.

BillS 



__________________

Bills

Harvoni started 12-12-14 for 24 wks PrevTX Geno 1 stage 3 cirrhosis - non resp Int/ ribv. Started Trial  in Aug 2011 -July 2012 into Incivek relapsed  Feb 2013 Had 72 weeks on interferon & Riba.

wmlj1960


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 Hi AlexJ and welcome. A couple of things to help you get familiar with the forum are:

 A definition list of some abbreviations you will see repeatedly which can be found by clicking HERE. Scoll down that page to the list posted by mallani.

Also if your seeking information on a particular subject you can use the 'search' function button at the top of all pages by entering a key word or words, or you can simply start a new thread asking about that subject.

You'll notice that most members have a "signature" with information specific to that member which is included at the bottom of all their post. This often helps other members provide more accurate reply's based on that members specific information. More on that and how to create your own signature can be found by clicking HERE.

As Groupergetter mentioned, "there are many knowledgeable and helpful people here" and we are all willing to help in any way we can. So make yourself at home and ask away. The only stupid question is one that is not asked.

Good luck with your treatment and keep us up to date on your progress. smile

 EDIT: We were replying at the same time but you type faster than me Tig, biggrin

 

 

 



-- Edited by wmlj1960 on Sunday 26th of July 2015 05:33:02 AM

__________________

60 yo, geno 1a, Dx 1994 HCV-HIV co-inf, Dx 2013 decompensated cirrhosis
Tx #1 - 24wks Sov+Riba /SOT 7-24-2014/UND@EOT/DETECTED@EOT+16 wks
Tx #2 - 24wks Harvoni /SOT 7-25-2015/UND@EOT,+12,+24,+52 = SVR

Mike

How To Create Your Signature / Forum Abbreviation Definitions

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Tig


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Hi Alex,

Welcome to the forum! I'm happy you were able to get started on one of the best treatments available today. Those of us that experienced the joy of Interferon and Riba understand the struggle you must've experienced with a 9 month course of treatment. Ughh..... We seem to all share some or all of the lingering after effects of that protocol. While it's improving for me, I still have issues as well. I know you'll find Harvoni treatment easy in comparison. The biggest tip I can offer you, is to be absolutely certain you concentrate on hydration. 3 to 4 liters of good filtered water per day minimum will help control the headaches and muscle pain. Some experience none of it and I hope you're one of them, but it'll be nothing like before. Get your rest and eat well too.

I hope you share your progress along the way. We'd love to hear from you as you proceed to what should be the end of your decades long liver companion! Dealing the final blow to your Dragon is upon you and we all wish you the very best. I'm glad you're here, good luck! smile

PS:

Here's a couple of threads you might find helpful, if you haven't found them already:

http://hepcfriends.activeboard.com/t58762824/all-aboard-for-the-harvoni-treatment-train-enjoy-the-ride-fo/

http://hepcfriends.activeboard.com/t58862021/forum-abbreviations-link-and-help-with-creating-your-signatu/



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Tig

67yo GT1A - 5 Mil - A2/F3 - (1996) Intron A - Non Responder, (2013) Peg/Riba/Vic SOT:05/23/13 EOT:12/04/13 SVR 9+ years!

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robertsamx


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 Hi  A.J.    Welcome to the forum.  It  sounds like you have quite a history batteling this monster.  You have been around the block the old school way and now have a very very good chance at svr with the new med"s.   Kick back and get well !!    RC



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 M-64) 3 Treatments)( SOF-RIBA 2014)(SOF-RIBA-PEG 2016)(HCC 2016) (LIVER TRANSPLANT 8-2017)(VOSEVI-RIBA 2017)   SVR-12. 3-13-18   
Groupergetter


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Welcome Alex, you've found a great place with fantastic folks.   I also failed the Interferon/riba and Peg and riba. and also have the problems you describe.  Congrats on getting started on the Harvoni, it's a cakewalk in comparison.  You may experience some side effects but there is a consensus here that they aren't too bad.  Some have no side effects, and some experience an increase in energy and better sleep.   Good luck, the odds of reaching SVR with Harvoni are very good.  If you have questions, there are many knowledgeable and helpful people here.  Keep us posted on your progress.  Take care.



-- Edited by Groupergetter on Sunday 26th of July 2015 03:09:47 AM

__________________

1b  Int/Riba relapse @ 48 weeks.  Stop tx Peg Int/Riba 12 weeks ill. Relapse S/O 6/23/14 :(   Started Harvoni 11/12/14  EOT 4/28/15.  EOT+4 UND :)  SVR! 8/4/15  :)     Thankful for every morning.
AlexJ


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hello,

I hope I am posting to the right place. Am new to any forum. so excuse any stupidity until I get ahold of the basics.

I just started Harvoni yesterday. so far, so good. I had a horrendous experience with interferon riboviron 10 years ago. Was on it for 9 month and it didn't work but caused permanent damage to my body. Chronic Fatigue, bone pain, etc.

Scared of feeling any more fatigued then I am. I have to give this so called miracle drug a try. but if not now, then when?

I live in the mountains of Colorado and am looking forward to support from you guys and will give back when I can.

peace,

Alex



__________________

Alex,

60 yr. old female, geno 1a. diagnosed in 96, tried interferon for 6 weeks. stop!!  5 years later tried interferon with riboviron, 9 months. stopped!! no luck. cirrhotic started  july 24th 2015 a 24 month regimen of Harvoni. fingers crossed......

 
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