Hep C Discussion Forum

Hey,

Glad you splained about the avatar - I was wondering, I showed the pic to my partner earlier today and but neither of us were sure, figured some sorta hawk or bird of prey - we're not really "up" on our birds (obviously) heehee. Good to know what it is, and what a neat shot for you to possess! Lucky you, to have those kinds of feasts for eyes, experience, and memory!

I am so jealous, I've been pining to drive the West coast all the way down along into Calif or further (or to just about anywhere of a warmer lattitude than here)! But Calif would suit me mighty fine! I went once as a child (from the Prairies no less), I only recall bits and pieces of that family trek. Recall I was astounded, mesmorized hitting Oregon as whole new "amazingly green" world unfolded before me, and then into the warmth Calif. I too remember seeing the Monarchs (but not hoards of them, just some gatherings). I was young, and was quite ill on that trip, so don't remember too many things. Will get there again eventually. I did fly in once as a young adult but it was a very short whirlwind kind of thing and did not get to spend any real quality time there, just a teaser, but knew I would return one day, fer sure

I'm so glad you went! Oh ya, Illinois! Right. Big brr. Well, doubly glad you got to Calif. then. Sounds wonderful. 

Also very glad you gave us such a good peek into your brain, and how you are feeling. Very reassuring to us who have also struggled through fog and things to see others resolving. Really good, and I'm so glad for you. Gifts, meant to be.  C.

Lindz & C --- sorry for the delay here! I have just returned from a month long trip to California of basking in the sun, hiking and feeling terrific!! The trip was something I did for myself since I am feeling so happy and healthy these days! I definitely had the encephal..effect in the brain from the HCV. Since treatment and SVR, the brain fog and fuzziness I felt for YEARS is quelled. My head is so clear and my energy level is much improved. I am in general feeling amazingly better than I have felt in many years,,,so a month in CA out of the cold weather of Illinois was a gift to myself. My partner and I explored Big Sur, Monterey and southern California...fantastic weather, swimming, sun,,all goodness.

Thanks to everyone here who has supported myself and others through this slaying of the dragon. I love being a part of this fabulous Club Zero...I've always been a basically optimistic person, even though I had not felt 'quite right' for a long time. It seemed to be taking a toll on me the last 17-18 years, because it was becoming harder and harder to keep up with day to day living and now I am free of HCV!! Hoorah!! My biggest benefit as a result of SVR is the brain fog and energy level,,,wow. 

Thanks to all!! 

Cheers!

PS

PS -Where are you?  I'm missing you!  It's been way too long since you've checked in with us here!

Now, were talkin'! I got you 12 scoops to celebrate. 

So glad you are official now. What weird and wonderful trip you have been on eh.

Time to kick your shoes off a bit, loosen the belt, revel in the saiety value of this day. The rest is cream.  C. 

YIPPEE PS!!  So very happy for you!!  Congratulations!!

Hi Tig & Canuck -- yes, I think they simply checked boxes when I told them I had HCV and completed treatment ~90 days ago. I had copies of all the tests that were run previously, but I think checked boxes, not reading the information or listening to me.

LZ - Yes, I panicked for a few minutes when I got the call and they said I was REACTIVE to HCV...I'm sure my face drained and I felt a dizzying moment.

Robert --you make a good point, I don't think they even were testing my LE's! I need to call them in the morning...

Wow, hope for no VL and another Party here!

Poor ps!!  I'm so sorry you had that unnecessary scare!!  I'm so glad it was nothing but I do get frustrated with some of these medical professionals who just don't seem to know much about HepC.  Hopefully, that will improve in time.  I have no doubt your news will be good but please be sure to let us know when you get your results so we can celebrate with you! 

If you've been charged for the antibody test, you tell the doctor's office that it should be on them. They should've known that it wasn't necessary. I don't think the antibody test is all that expensive anyway. They can do them now with a finger stick in some cases. The blood test is going to be higher. So remind them that it was their mistake, not yours. I haven't had a viral load in a couple years if memory serves me. I'm of the school of thought, that if I were to relapse at this late date, my first inkling of trouble would be elevated enzymes. Then I'd request or the doctor should recommend, another viral load. The odds are so low, that it doesn't even cross my mind anymore. Once cured, we typically stay that way, thank God.... Even then, the treatments are far, far easier than they were, so retreatment would be easy peasy. Once approved that is. We still have that hurdle sometimes, but it's getting better, too. 

I see you answered your own question, but I can confirm that yes, you will always be HCV antibody positive. It simply indicates that you had it at one time. It’s the same test that most, if not all of us had that alerted our doctors to our little friend. Some found out by having elevated liver enzymes, which in turn brought about the Hep C antibody test. 

Once we have cleared the virus, any elevation in our enzymes again warrants another viral load to confirm or rule out relapse. You should know that once SVR12 is achieved, the chance of relapse is <.5 (1/2) of 1%. It’s very, very rare. Once cured, we tend to stay that way, thankfully!

Hail to the Elite -- Tig - Canuck - other Gurus--

Will I always show REACTIVE for HCV even when the Virus is cleared?

Congratulations PS on that UND at end of treatment!  Now the wait begins for the first post R/X results. Seems all we do is wait for the next test results. Once you come back UND at your 4 week post blood test you can take a deep breath and relax . The waiting will be over!

                                                               NICE JOB POLOSILVER.      RC

Thanks for the happy wishes C & LZ!

I'm a marching warrior princess that is now doing a ruby slipper-ed happy tap dance! Fun!!

ps

UND-UND!

UND-UND-UND-UND-UND-UND - geez I like the sound of that - good rythym, catchy beat.

Sounds like somebody walking proudly with their marching papers tucked under their arm!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrGCsZRUFkg

Hm, I think this occasion calls for more of a ... happy dance! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smwzk0-Nz0Q

But in your case my dear, I think you deserve to be wearing a lovely set of ruby red slippers, because dreams really do come true. 

You deserve every molecule of your hard won, well earned, rewarding EOT UND! Such a good job you did.  C.

Polo, those are some good/low LFTs. No doubt your load will come back UND. But its always nice and reassuring to see that on official paper!!  Are you having a 1 month post treatment V/L test?  RC

ps-Woo  Hoo!!  Those are beautiful numbers!!  I have no doubt that your VL will be just as pretty!!  What a great ending to a long journey!  

I am super happy for you

A 

Congrats Polo! It was a good ride!

It's funny how we love to see you get on the train and then get crazy excited when you disembark. Congrats Polo!

Trains kinda empty with all these new DAA's.  And that's a good thing.

PS-  You did it!!!  

Hello LM - Woohoo!!! Yes, Freedom is right!!! A Woodstock Freedom is the best!! Thank you! Thank you! 9PM tonight is the last of the Harvoni Magic.  Thanks for the toast and rememberance! You are coming up in less than 30 days yrself...

Hi Tig -- Amazing at how thrilled I was to get that Club Car seat 3 months ago and now I'm happy to let it go as I roll down the hill to SVR. Thanks!

Hey Polosilver-  WOOHOO!!  Your last day, girlfriend!  I am thrilled for you and will toast you with a huge glass of water!  Here's a little inspirational song to celebrate your release!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcRWWC8wD-A

Hail all Harvonians and may you fare well,

Welcome SaltLyfe. Please do let us know a bit more about yourself, how you got diagnosed, your labs or anything you wish to share, and fire away if you have any questions.

Polo,

I still think it a "little" odd they don't do your EOT labs (exactly) on time, yes, better, that they bumped your lab day up to be a bit earleir, but still most of them try to do the EOT labs (all the labs really) on time. Oh well, it's not critical - your doc's office is (like all of us) probably sooooo confident of your result it matters not to know the result exactly on EOT day - but WE always want to know the result and hear that lovely und word again asap! So, that headache you got, after being on the "dry" side, was it a silent headache like you have had before or was it the full monty kind? How exciting, you're on your final countdown now girl.

How goes everything Saluda, GB site still feeling OK? Still working like a 2 headed octopus? You and Polo sound like you might dabble in workalholicism sometimes. As long as you are both feeling good and good enough to keep pullin'. We can only do what we can do, or, we only do what we need to do! Don't forget to keep watering your ponies.

Yup, these DAA's are truly lifesavers.  C. 

Hi Saltlyfe,

Congratulations on starting. I'm almost done with 8 weeks (Harvoni prescribed for 12 weeks). I was concerned about possible side effects before I began but have felt really fine. Drink the water everyone is suggesting you consume.  Good luck 

Welcome SaltLyfe, you are at the station ready to get on board, awesome--

I've got 14 days left of a 12 week treatment of Harvoni. As you see from the posts, drink lots of water to cleanse and prevent headaches. When I started I asked the pharmacist about drinking water and they said, no more than usual was required, and that was not the right answer. Need to drink plenty of water and fluids everyday or one is at risk for the headache side effect. There are several folks here with years of knowledge and experience with HCV who will answer questions.