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Post Info TOPIC: Hi
Scruffy


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RE: Hi
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Hi Gigi

I'm just finishing the old 3 drug tx and I can tell you the ribaviran does that. Thats great you haven't gone anemic. Your doing good. posting about your side effects can be good for you. With four weeks left you really won't have to develop super skills to deal with it. Just try to "put your self" pre treatment in your head. ( remember what you felt like before the ribaviran) and try to go there.

Best to you.



__________________

Geno 1a null responder 2004 inter/riba   finished incivek,peg/riba 48 weeks May 17th 2014. undetect weeks 4-12-32.  EOT+7 undetect. EOT+24 SVR!!!!! EOT+!YEAR SVR!!!!
beingsassy


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Hi Jimbob,

yeah it's been a ride. I was fine the first few weeks but lately all this stupid emotional stuff is coming up. But I'll be okay. Just another four weeks and then it's over. I have already felt supported and learned a lot in the past couple of days

gigi



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genotype 2 completed sovaldi and ribavirin on 6/4/14. SVR on 12/3/14
jimbob


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I have 3 weeks left myself, and believe me, I can identity with your symptoms completely. It is simply part of the process. Don't know if I'm coming or going sometimes. Welcome to the site Sassy. You've chosen the best and most knowledgeable group.

Just watched the movie ' Lincoln' for the second time,...damn, getting all choked up again. 

jimbob



-- Edited by jimbob on Sunday 11th of May 2014 02:00:11 AM

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jimbob: 64 y/o, GT 1A, F1-F2, diagnosed 1996. Since 1970. SOT 3.5 mil VL on 3/10/14 with Sov/Rib/Peg for 12 weeks. Tx naive. UND @ week 4,8,12. EOT 6/2/14.
Cinnamon Girl


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Hi again, Gigi!  Nice job on your signature, thanks, that`s very informative, and will help us reply to you in future without having to keep looking back.

I`m glad you checked with your doctor first about the iron supplements and if he thinks it`s a good idea then it`s best to follow his advice.  It sounds like you`re keeping on top of your side effects on the whole and taking sensible precautions to avoid many of the problems which could arise. 

Actually I completed my treatment 3 years ago now in 2011, thanks for asking, and SVR means `Sustained Virologic Response`.  That means the treatment has been successful and is the nearest equivalent we have to being cured...so my treatment worked, I`m pleased to say!  As long as the virus is still undetected at 24 weeks post treatment, then that is called `SVR`, although nowadays it`s becoming more usual for a 12 week post treatment `undetected` result to be accepted as SVR as it`s quite rare for anyone to relapse after that point.

I did the older `standard of care` treatment (tx) for genotype 3 of peginterferon and ribavirin for 24 weeks, and while it wasn`t exactly easy it was do-able and was so worth it for me as it`s made such a difference to my energy levels and general health.

You`ll soon get used to using the forum and finding your way around, and if you have any questions just ask!  You`ll find a list of the abbreviations used on the forum right at the top of this section in a thread called `Forum Abbreviations`,  and there`s also a `search` box at the top of the page which you can use by just typing in key words.

All the best to you!

 

 



-- Edited by Cinnamon Girl on Saturday 10th of May 2014 12:07:20 PM

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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.

 

 
beingsassy


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Jill, nice to meet you. I changed my signature, thanks. The infectious disease doctor knows I'm taking iron and he said it was probably a good idea. I let him know everything I take to make sure nothing is counter indicated. I've had anemia before and wanted to avoid it. I take a supplement called blood energizer which is supposed to be one of the best on the market. So far no anemia so I'm either lucky or it's doing its job. I am wondering what svr means. This is my first treatment and I don't know everything yet.
Sounds like your treatment is going well. Are you having any problems? I'll keep you in my prayers. Hope it all goes well.

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genotype 2 completed sovaldi and ribavirin on 6/4/14. SVR on 12/3/14
Cinnamon Girl


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Hi Gigi, welcome from me too!

I agree with Tig that what you`re describing sounds like typical `riba rage`s symptoms, and it`s very common to feel like you do when taking treatment which includes ribavirin.  The type of work that you doesn`t help either, as it sounds like a very demanding role.  Make sure you take time out when not working to relax and do things you enjoy and which make you feel uplifted.

The good thing is that you`re doing well physically with no rash, and your viral load has come right down from such a high number, that`s great!  You`ve been very sensible in using baby shampoo and toiletries, and your hair will grow back just fine after treatment is over!

Just a note of caution about the iron pills, they are not usually recommended for people with Hep C or while on treatment unless your hepatologist has advised you to take them.  The anemia that people often experience while on treatment is not caused by iron deficiency, it`s a different kind of anemia (hemolytic anemia) which is a direct result of the ribavirin breaking down our red blood cells, and unless you`ve been told otherwise you`re unlikely to be short of iron.

Wishing you all the best of luck...keep in touch! 

(By the way, it would be very helpful for us if you could write a few details in your `signature` line, for example what treatment you`re doing, your genotype, starting viral load and results so far...just select `Signature` in your user details profile box.  Then the information will show up underneath all your posts.  Thanks!  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.

 

 
beingsassy


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Posts: 132
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By the way, no rashes. Once I started on the meds I started using only baby shampoo, body wash and lotion. It has really helped since I am prone to rashes. Also started taking iron pills so I wouldn't develop anemia. My hair was over processed so I lost a lot of hair. I got tired of picking up hair so I shaved my head. I'll let it grow back after I finish treatment. I kinda of like the bald look. I have wigs, scarves and hats but usually just walk around bald. So far so good.

__________________

genotype 2 completed sovaldi and ribavirin on 6/4/14. SVR on 12/3/14
beingsassy


Senior Member

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Tig56,
Thanks for the info on the ribavirin. I can usually control the rage or redirect it by exercising but it's hard a work. I am a domestic violence and TRO advocate so I sit most days. I do take walks at work to de stress but can't always do it since sometimes I'm alone and have to answer all the crisis calls that come in. The rage just started so it and the crying are new to me. I feel like I'm in crisis. I know it's going to be okay but my emotions are all out of whack. Although I've only joined tonight, I have been following this site and find you all to be inspirational. Good luck with your treatment and keep writing. I need your words

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genotype 2 completed sovaldi and ribavirin on 6/4/14. SVR on 12/3/14
Tig


Admin

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Hi Gigi,

Welcome to the forum, I'm glad you found your way here! It's not unusual at all to experience some emotional issues while on treatment, and Ribavirin is likely the cause for some of your moodiness. Ribavirin is well know for causing what we call "Riba Rage". You can often feel it coming on and I learned to anticipate the things that set it off and avoided them. It will continue to be an issue while you're on the medication but once you quit in a few weeks, you'll notice an improvement fairly quickly. The potential for getting a rash from Ribavirin tends to last several months though, and it's also well known for causing sun sensitivity. In Hawaii, you need to be cautious of that side effect and avoid it when possible. Keep covered and use SPF sun screen when you're out. 

Your viral load was fairly high but you had a significant drop at your last test, and I think you'll be undetectable on your next test. Things happen pretty fast with these new medications and are very effective. If you're interested, add your information in your signature section, genotype, treatment regimen, check a few others and you'll see what we have added. It helps us to quickly determine what you're on and where you are in your treatment. Helps when replying to any questions, etc.. I'm sure you'll hear from others here. We've got a great group of caring and knowledgeable people. I look forward to talking with you in the future! Good luck...

Tig



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Tig

68yo 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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beingsassy


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Hi, first post on this forum. I've had HCV for over 20 years and am on week 9 of sovaldi and ribavirin. I started treatment with a viral load of 19 million and my last lab, after 51/2 weeks, was at 21. My doctor wanted me to be und by now but I'm happy with the results. I have about 31/2 weeks left with genotype 2 and am just now starting to feel some of the emotional effects of the medications. Physically I'm fine but I get irritable easy and lots of crying. Don't know what's going on unless I'm depressed. I've had depression before so it could be the case. Just wanted to drop in and introduce myself. I am 55 and doing well but can't wait to get off the meds and feel like myself again. Thanks for being here to add support.
Beingsassy

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genotype 2 completed sovaldi and ribavirin on 6/4/14. SVR on 12/3/14
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