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Post Info TOPIC: New Member
Ari-anna


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Posts: 78
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RE: New Member
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Thank you for your kind welcomes. I have been checking out this site while on the medication, just not as a member. The information found here has been useful, particularly as it is people's personal experience.

I live in New Zealand - Viekira (or any of the new Hep C medications) is only available here on trials or compassionate grounds, I am exceptionally fortunate to be on it. There are 5 other people in my region on Viekira but I do not know any of them.

I have had Hep C for 40 plus yrs, genotype 1a, and unsuccessfully did Pegalated Interferon with Ribavirin for 6 mths about 9 years ago. Was younger then with more bounce!

I have cirrhosis diagnosed by biopsy. I have not had anaemia from the Ribavirin this time and in general the liver stats have been within the normal range for being on Viekira.

I joined the forum as I can see that recovering from being on this medication has it's own set of difficulties. Currently I am really tired, which makes a nice change from being fatigued! And I have a few other issues that I'm hoping the specialist will help sort out when I see her next week. It's too easy to blame the Viekira for everything.

In general I look after myself quite well and am aware about eating well and keeping up the hydration. I walk regularly and am training to walk a half marathon in May 2016, an ambitious goal that helps me to make an effort regardless of how I feel.

Thanks again for your welcomes )





__________________

Genotype 1a diagnosed 2005, Cirrhosis.

Pyglated Interferon/Ribavirin 2006, non-responder 

Viekira Pak/Ribavirin 24 weeks, virus undetected EOT 12 weeks SVR Feb 2016

New Zealand 64 yo
Tig


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Hi Ari,

Welome to the forum, I'm glad you're here! I only wish you had found us before you spent the last 24 weeks on treatment. We are all aware of the difficulties treatment can present and hope you will let us know if there is anything we can do to help you through the recovery phase. We have others that have gone through the same course of treatment and will be able to share some helpful advice.

Congratulations on successfully completing treatment. It will take some time to get back where you want to be, but it will happen. Stay active, continue to eat well and hydrate adequately. That, along with proper rest, will provide the easiest road to recovery. Keep in touch and don't hesitate to ask questions if you have them. Good luck!



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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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wmlj1960


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Hi Ari anna.

 Congratulations on finishing your Viekira Pak with Ribavirin treatment. You have every reason to believe your 24 week result will also be clear (undetected). Please share that good news with us when you get it.

 Jill is right about the ribavirin. I did 24 weeks of it last year and it took me about 6 months to get back to normal. But not to worry. Being able to live the rest of your life Hep C free will be well worth the wait.

 I'm sure you were aware that adequate hydration is helpful in reducing side effects caused by your treatment medications and that would be a good practice to continue as your body processes the ribavirin out of your system.

 It's a shame you didn't find this forum sooner but like they say, "better late than never". We will be interested in your progress as you recover and we will certainly be looking for a 'undetectable' viral load result on your future 12 week post-EOT lab test.

Welcome to the group! smile

 



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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

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Cinnamon Girl


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Hello Ari-anna, welcome!

Great to hear you`ve completed your treatment with Viekira Pak, and congratulations on your `undetected` viral load result at 4 weeks!

I imagine that most of your side effects were due to the ribavirin, and getting a bronchial infection as well must have made your feel pretty rough.  Ribavirin does take about 6 months to clear from your system after the end of treatment, so hang on in there and allow yourself plenty of time to recover. 

As you did 24 weeks, and were approved for a compassionate use programme, I take it you have cirrhosis?  I hope you don`t mind me asking, but a bit more information about your liver status is very helpful to us when we`re replying.

Wishing you all the best with your end of treatment results, and looking forward to hearing more from you!  smile

I`m sure other people will be along to welcome you soon, this is a very friendly group!

 



__________________

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.

 

 
Ari-anna


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Posts: 78
Date:
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Hi Everyone, I am new to this forum. I've just completed 24 weeks Viekira Pak with Ribavirin thanks to AbbVie's compassionate programme. I was clear at 4 weeks and will get the 24 week blood test results soon.

I have not had an easy time on the medication, having most of the side affects plus just after starting coming down with a nasty bronchial infection lasting 6 weeks. 

Very happy to have completed the course and looking forward to getting latest blood test results next week. 



__________________

Genotype 1a diagnosed 2005, Cirrhosis.

Pyglated Interferon/Ribavirin 2006, non-responder 

Viekira Pak/Ribavirin 24 weeks, virus undetected EOT 12 weeks SVR Feb 2016

New Zealand 64 yo
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