Tig, Grouper, Duane: Reading about the difficulty sleeping reminded me of exactly how I felt trying to sleep when I was very pregnant (just shy of a million years ago), I used to use body pillows - you kinda bunch 'em up and tuck them under near the area where you get the pressure pain to balance and relieve the pressured area. You might have to rearrange a few times a night but it really helps. An old nursing trick is to have someone fold a pillow in half and tuck the narrow end under your back while you are laying on your side. That way you can put the pressure more on your back while still sleeping on your side. We used it for my mother in law while she had to use the annoying CPAP.

As my beloved is now suffering from the wretched chikungunya, the current scourge of the caribbean, tiger balm applied directly to the aching joint area is providing some relief. (Lots of herbal bug spray Floridians, it is heading north.)

Groupergetter, sorry for my last post, I'm just learning about you all and didn't see you were trying to get the insurance company onboard. Tight lines! you got this.

Tig, I wake up and cannot move my arm because my shoulder hurts so bad on the side I was sleeping on, if i take 5 min and slowly move it,  i can roll to the other side just to repeat this over and over all night, because of APNEA i can't sleep on my back or I'll  wake up in a pool of sweat,  which I know is basically not breathing for extended periods, ( i can't tolerate CPAP )also if I am on my side, knees on knees the pain in those is equally as painful so the most basic need i have is sleep, is compromised.

Or my elbows if i sleep with my arms bent , my elbows are so locked up I can barely straighten them out it's  like a rusty hinge.

So I live the exact nightmare you describe.

Im putting one out there for you groupergetter....   All the best to you.....go on to SVR...      RC

Dern Tig, you must have ESPN2.  My hips and shoulders have been hurting as well...... I also just purchased a gelfoam memory topper for my mattress about a week ago.  Does seem to help a little.  Can't believe you expressed this problem almost identically to mine.   Wish I knew what real sleep was.  Between work and caregiving for my elderly mother...... and folks here, life is good     Who needs sleep?  it's highly overrated.

Hi Grouper,

I can relate to the increase in arthritic symptoms! I've had a huge increase in joint pain and all my physicians have come to the conclusion that it's IFN related. The risk for RA keeps getting called "rare" but then the term Poly Arthritis is used. Isn't that considered a possible sign of an auto immune disorder? The confusion has been large in scope and there hasn't been much relief promised. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that time will help reduce these symptoms. I've read there is some relief from the use of Prednisone, but that's something I really hear negative remarks on. Not particularly liver friendly for those that might require it's use for extended periods. I'm already using anti inflammatory meds (Naproxen) with very limited success and it has it's own negative effects on the liver long term. Damned if we do and damned if we don't. I hope we will witness a lessening of symptoms with time, but so far I've seen more complaints of new arthritic symptoms than the reduction of them. Is anyone else having trouble sleeping due to the soreness in your hips and shoulders from mattress pressure? I've purchased a special memory foam mattress without the comfort I was hoping for. I did try one of those Sleep Number beds at a hotel and that was a slice of Heaven! Might be investing in a new mattress next!

Tig

Thanks folks, I've been a bit concerned as of late.  Having a noticeable increase in arthritic symptoms and encephalopathy.  You know it's not great when co-workers ask if you're ok?    In my case lame brained is probably putting it mildly     Appreciate the good thoughts and prayers.   Thankful for everyone here.  It will be great when we all can put this beast behind us.   

It's going to happen too! The support and friendship from the good people like you and so many others, have made the difference for me and scores of other deserving people. Its this kind of message that keep people positive, thanks Duane! Keep it up, it makes a difference...

Tig

Ok time for more positive waves of reinforcement for the GGG and all the rest hoping and praying for the new Harvoni tx that will cure them of this awful illness we have come to know as our arch enemy......it's kind of like a batman movie where the joker is messing with the citizens of our Gotham forum members and we now have an improved bat mobile to first pick up up batgirl then go on to kick some HCV butt.....so I see the spot light above Gotham calling our caped crusader to come and save the citizens from this evil villian.....

Ok I know it's  super corny but I had to keep the thread going!

Hey Taz,

You go girl!! When you get your own great news, I want you to start your own thread to share the information with us! You got this, that I'm sure!

Tig

Go Taz go !

Praying for your SVR.....we need another on the roster!

Duane

my prayers are with u guys!!! I do labs 12 week after meds. so in a couple of week I will know the answer. yay or nay!! I say ya.. cure..take a load off me for sure.. Good vibes for this whole group of family for bigger & better things..

Duane, you are tooooooooo much    I do appreciate all the good thoughts and prayers coming my way. Been feeling sort of punky this week.  Not sure what's going on? My recent blood work was good, ALT, AST elevated as usual and concerns about the more elevated AFP.  While on tx my AFP was normal so I'm hoping there are no issues.  We need to keep darkstar and Bill in this positive force as well.  Everyone with this nasty virus has suffered enough.  Hoping this new combo will get us all to SVR.  I'm not forgetting you Duane,,,,,,,,my prayers are with you.  Be well sir.

Gator Man wrote:

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Dzdayscomin wrote:

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May the force be with you !

 

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Duane, I'm glad you have employed positive force to increase the SVR team!

Does that make you Obi-Wan or Yoda as Jedi Master? I figured you are a little too old to be Luke.

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 Probably yoda ........lol

Dzdayscomin wrote:

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May the force be with you !

 

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Duane, I'm glad you have employed positive force to increase the SVR team!

Does that make you Obi-Wan or Yoda as Jedi Master? I figured you are a little too old to be Luke.

Ok time for more positive force for GGG and Darkstar, Scott,  Bill, and anyone else still needing the force to get the tx that works and makes them part of the SVR team here....

With that said we hope and pray that all the chips fall in place and you guys all find yourselves surrounded by good fortune and great health care teams that go to bat for you to regain your health in a HEP C free life...so you can focus on all the good things in life there are waiting for you.

May the force be with you !

You are an absolute inspiration...

xx

I am feeling pretty good, i sure hope they cover the next round too, i think if you were compliant like you were all the way thru there is no reason to reject it, the long term costs will dwarf the tx costs if they don't beat it now, are you going for S/L as well?

Thanks Duane for the thoughts and prayers.  Very much appreciated.   I'm still with my same liver doc's. Both she, her PA and other colleagues (liver specialists) are excellent.  I needed a change in my primary care doc.  Very nice, just not a good doc.  Maybe it's too much to ask that a doc would spend a couple minutes reviewing you chart before an E&M visit?  My insurance is thru my workplace/job.  Guess I'll find out before long if they'll cover another round.  Hope you're feeling better.  Be well.

So Groupergetter  it sounds like you have got yourself set up with a new Dr. And I am assuming and praying that you will be on your way with the latest tx plan soon?

Are you requesting a specific regimine and do you have insurance hurdles to jump to get it?

I don't recall if you were on a private group ins. plan or what....I've been pretty medicated this week,  so not only do I not recall.... but I'm finding myself to lazy to go searching around.

Thinking about you though you need some good news and renewed hope!

Duane

Count me in as well. It's time to say goodbye to this dragon! No more relapses for Groupergetter!

my thoughts & prayers are with u guys. Greg, ur wonderous hepc free life is a coming, my friend I pray for u!! u have been there for me & this Kat won't leave u!!!!

Peace to u & ur family

Love Taz

I thought I'd chime in again and say that I'm still relatively new here, and my interactions may not have been as much with all the others that have suffered relapse as it has with the GG guy,  I want you all to know....scot, bill, and anyone else that my prayers are with you and all the others that need the same positive reinforcement as well that can help you get thru a tough day, week or procedure or whatever.

So ya all just keep hanging in there and know that all us forum friends are rooting for you just as well!

Bless you all!

Duane

Hey Greg,

Its nice to know that you've got a great support group isn't it? We've got the best of friends here and there isn't a day goes by that I'm not grateful for that! I'm also very aware of the need to support Scot. I do want to point out to everyone, that this was his EOT +24 week Viral Load test. He spent 48 weeks on the bubble. After EOT +12, the general belief is that relapse rates fall below 1%. I'm certain a report like this, especially at +24, is almost mind numbing. The sting of relapse for those of you experiencing it, is quite palpable and your pain will never go unnoticed among us here. You are forever among caring friends ....

Tig

I too send my prayers for Groupergetter.

So I get home from work to see all these incredibly heart filled, caring, and compassionate replies.  May I ask that prayers also go out to Scot who just relapsed after 24 weeks?  I can only guess how difficult this must be. (Scot I'm praying for you)  I know you'll be back in the fight.  And pray for Duane who started this thread. He is scheduled for liver surgery.  Still praying for Taz and Audrey....SVR is getting closer.  

Sometimes it's hard to see the light, through the darkness of pain and chronic fatigue. It's nice that we can open the blinds a bit for each other.  May God bless us all with happiness, health, hope, and peace.

Prayers and Positive thoughts heading your way.  Keep marching forward!  You are an inspiration to all, remember that!

Sandy

This is Beautiful Go Gettem Groopergetter Guy we're all behind you. There are many of us sharpening our swords to go another round with the dragon. I see few new names here. Seems We all have the same spirit. I've been resting and laying low. Eating healthy and Meditating. Just waiting for the doors of the new cure to be released. I have a feeling there will be alot of us there. And we'll all meet here and cheer each other on. Be ready Grouper SVR is very close for all of us

Unity and Peace to all of us

'BS    

I changed my signature too Groupie... Lol. All this positive thinking is contagious. These newer treatments are pretty close to 100% so we shall get there! 

Here with you on this`~~~positive thoughts and healing intentions.  Game on

Every morning brings a new day and every day brings new hope. 

My best wishes are with you for fabulous days ahead!  

Groupergetter wrote:

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 Always get a chuckle when I see the SVR  in Mallani's signature line.   

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 Groupergetter's signature:

Count me in too.  Praying for you to get those new meds, Grouper.  And to scare the ever living crap out of the virus. 

I'm with you too, Groupergetter. We shall get through this.

-Rob

Groupergetter, I like the way that you are thinking about everything! This is one of the many things about this forum that is so great. We all are struggling with this disease that we have some are making it and some are not, but the positive feelings and well wishing shows a true comradery that only the ones of us will know because of the struggles we all have! Thank you for being here for me and for the many on here also. I myself being on treatments am looking forward to the day I can hopefully say I am free of Hep C. Thank you again!

This is awesome! Count me in!!!

Wake up this morning to see this humbled, and dern near teary eyed.  You'all are GREAT.  I truly appreciate the thoughts and prayers.  Yes, at times it is discouraging to see so many others reaching SVR with me (and others)being left behind. I wonder how Darkstar is doing?  At the same time, when I see the joy, hope, new found life, health, and quality of life improvement for those making it, my spirit is lifted. Always get a chuckle when I see the SVR  in Mallani's signature line.     We all have our own struggles and health issues related to this nasty virus.  Frustration and depression in dealing with side effects of HCV seem to be the norm.  We are fortunate to have this forum as a place to help each other along the path.  We are blessed to have each other's encouragement, uplifting, sharing of knowledge, and a bit of humor in thrown for good balance.   Together, we can help pull each other through.     Thank you all.

          Just Another Day

O beautiful wondrous morning anew,

With cool crisp air, and morning dew.

And in the East, Your firey orb begins its journey,

yet another day. 

I hear you O little ones greeting the morn with your songs of joy,

Creating a symphony of sound.

And in your arms stretched wide O majestic ones,

Little furry bushy tails come out for fun and play.

On fine spun webs Your gold is seen as shadows fade away.

And I think of Yyou and the joy it brings, so great I scarce can say,

Lord, can this be just another day?

Because of you, it's not just another day

AMEN...........Michaele

Count me in too!!!!  I know someone way bigger than any dragon!!!

Count me in too! Always have to stick up for my fellow peeps from Gator country. In addition, he's also a great guy who is going to beat this disease and get back to catching fish!

I'm in. I'm in on anything that may help beat this dragon.

Count me in!!  The power of prayer works!

I'm with you on this, Duane.  

May the force, and some kick-ass DAAs, be with you, Groupergetter!!  

I'm starting this thread so we can all channel our collective forces to get the Grouper guy on the new tx and get him to SVR.

So that said I'm calling on my God to bless this man and provide him with the tx he needs, and the support of all of us to get him to where so many of us have been fortunate to get to....The power of prayer and loving support from all those that care about him will bring the tx and positive end results to get him thru this.......so get ready for some power in your direction Grouper guy you have been so supportive of everyone else here that we will all just keep this thread alive and going til the day you post your SVR thread and we can all celebrate it together with woots, and smilelys , and pictures and whatever else makes for an awesome f Irum board celebration. ....so who's with me on this ?

Watch out dragon cause the force is now with him !!

Duane