Hep C Discussion Forum

I'm so happy I don't know whether to laugh or cry lol! I expected a drop in the Vl but wow! I never imagined this after just 4 wks. I literally jumped into my dr's lap hugging her to death. Sending all of u big hugs as well for being so caring and supportive! I woulda had a rough start at this if it hadnt been for u guys!

7 weeks to go... Totally motivated now! 

-- Edited by Firechic19 on Thursday 10th of March 2016 05:44:43 PM

Terrific news!! This is better than Christmas  

 

Best news all week! Stoked for you. 

Just left my Dr's office from getting my 4wk lab results......

UNDETECTED!!!!!!!!  That's right baby! Undetected!!!! Ha! 

I am completely over the moon!!!!!!!!!

 

Hi Lori,

Yes, that sounds like the "Rash"... It usually starts on the body with most people, but the arms, legs and face can be affected too. You have to avoid the sun, hot water, harsh soaps and above all, don't scratch it! I found the best treatments were antihistamines, like Benadryl or Zyrtec, Calamine or Caladryl lotion and an OTC hydrocortisone cream. Check with your octor before taking any oral medications though. Antihistamines are commonly used, but always check first.

DON'T SCRATCH!!!

Great news on your rapid response.

These are the best posts to read from the members. Keep going!

Thanks!! Just refilled my water bottle! 

 

I actually felt the fog lifting about two weeks ago and my focus and concentration is much better...amazing stuff. 

Just got my four weeks blood test results....

 

Hep C virus by PCR   <1.18 NOT detected, <15 not detected IU/Ml

 

AST 18

ALT  25 

 

Needless to say my family and I are thrilled and thankful for the new medications. 

 

GT 1b
VL 1,237,287
Diagnosed November 2015
alt 66 ast 35
F2 fibrosure
2/3/16 Started 12 weeks Viekira

 

I have been drinking water heaps of it

Firechic19 wrote:

---

I get headaches, quiet often. But I use them as a reminder to drink more water. Hydrating really good helps mine.

---

 What she said. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Drink more water Mary!

 

JimmyK

Today is my 11 the day on the vikera pak I've starting to get bad headaches I can't stand it . Is anyone else on vikera pak ? How a the side affects ?

I have the same belief Tig! The more ammo the better!!! I feel like I have a new vocabulary that consists of "i forgot, i keep forgetting, and I don't remember" but it's hilarious! I still know my name so it's all good. I laugh at the anger a lot too. I'm starting to notice things that will set it off. My sliding screen door decided to test my patience yesterday it jumped off track and as I started to fight with it I pictured myself ripping it off and throwing it out in the yard so I just walked away and left it lol
I'm at the bottom of Riba bottle 1 now..only 2 more bottles to go. I'm looking forward to my results but i've told myself if there is no change and this treatment doesn't work, it's ok there r other treatments to try. I have came this far and completely adjusted my life to fighting this...No way I'm backing down now. That isn't even an option. This forum has been a major aid in the battle!!! I've said it before and I'll continue to say it even years after I'm cured, you guys are amazing!

Tig: the spicy stuff sucks! I grilled a piece of chicken and melted pepper jack cheese on it a few days ago and let's just say it came back out the min it passed my teeth. I'm at the point now to where I don't want to eat anything for fear of it hurting. As of this morning my fridge is loaded with greek yogurt, smoothie fruit and veggies and water. The magic mouth wash tastes weird but the wow factor of relief that followed it was wonderful! I miss grease LOL I went from eating whatever I wanted and cooking good old fashioned country food to reading ingredients and my shopping cart looking like it belongs to some healthy diet nut. It takes some adjusting that's for sure...worth the result though!
Mike: My oldest brother has HIV and I've never known of him to eat sweets or anything that I would have previously referred to as good.. I've always tried to push foods on him because he's so skinny and now that I know why he avoided such I feel bad. I'm sure he is grateful for my new diet as I won't be making any pb fudge to force feed him lol
My throat is more open today than it was yesterday. I woulda swore there was a cotton ball stuck in it! I go back the 4th for blood work and again on the 29th for the results. She offered to lower the dose of Riba to help with the confusion and anger but I said NO! Absolutely not! I want max strength. I can deal with all of this...piece of cake...sugar free cake hahaha!

so are breads something to avoid?

Hey Lori,

I had a feeling that's what was going on. You described exactly the same symptoms that I suffered with. Don't forget to add some unsweetened plain yogurt to your diet, it helps. You should be feeling better in short order, but might take a couple days to put that fire out. Damn, I remember it like it was yesterday. It'll be one of those favorite memories from treatment, oh joy!! The Magic Mouthwash will be your best friend for the time being! Avoid acidic, sugary and spicy stuff for the time being. I'm sure I didn't have to tell you that, but I had to be sure you knew!! Gotta stick together.... =>

 

Dave is correct in his statement regarding unsweetened yogurt. I did that prior to getting the Rx for the Magic Mouthwash, but continued to eat it throughout treatment. I had forgotten that excellent piece of advice. I'll blame it on brain fog or early onset dementia (maybe it's not so early?)

Lori, I used Biotene Toothpaste during treatment. It didn't burn and it really helps with the oral dryness. I recommend the Biotene mouthwash too. It works good at night if you wake up with that old nemesis "Cotton Mouth"... 

Firechic19 wrote:

---

JimmyK: Haha! I hear ya my mouth has that prob too! Pre-treatment and much worse during lol

Tig: yeah this is really bad, swallowing in general is terrible. It burns and is just really raw feeling. I'm gonna go see my dr first thing in the morning. What kind of toothpaste did u use when u had thrush? My current toothpaste (crest 3d) is like pouring gasoline on the fire

Riba is quiet the little gift giver isn't it!

---

 Sis you know that "cousin" that visited once and ONLY once and you were kind of told just be nice they won't be here long?

Remember her name?

I believe it was Reba. Close I know and not quite but. really?

 

 

Lori,

I had a terrible time with oral "Thrush". Don't know what was responsible specifically, but was on Ribavirin too. I thought initially that I had developed strep throat. It looked just like it. One of our members at the time had suffered from it during treatment too. It was more common during the Interferon days. I can't say if that's your problem, but it should be considered. These drugs, regardless of what they are can cause all kinds of strange things. I was prescribed an oral swish, better known as "Magic Mouthwash". It's a compounded solution of Benadryl, lidocaine and Nystatin. It relieves the fungal infection, pain and worked quite fast. It's worth investigating.

Any of u guys had any mouth probs? My mouth is on fire! Has been for a little while now off and on but for the last 2 days it has went to a whole new level. It feels like I've taken sandpaper to the roof of my mouth and tongue. Near my throat everything is extremely red, and kinda white in some areas. I took a pic with my iPhone so I could see my throat with the flash and wow! Either the dragon has tried to claw his way out through my throat or the virus has left my liver and relocated to my mouth haha!

Welcome Hep Manny,

 

So is it Manny. Are you on V-Pk no RBV? Tell us a bit more about yourself. Do an intro in the new Member area which is in fact New Family Member area and welcome to The Family!

 

JimmyK

Hi Lori,

The Riba rash is the pits! You have received some good advice thus far and I would ask the doctor about an anti histamine like Benadryl or Zyrtec. They both helped me a lot. I used an OTC lotion called Caladryl (Benadryl and Calamine). Spacing out your showers, mild soap and cooler water will help keep it down to a mild roar.

Use our search function and use the word "rash" or a combination of keywords and you'll get some additional help from days past. Don't scratch!!!!!!

Hi Lori,

Sounds like "Riba Rash", quite common, do not scratch, use very little if any soap during showers (a little baby shampoo works instead

Oatmeal in something like cheesecloth and tie at top and put in luke warm to cool bath water, it will help the itch a lot.

Ice packs sometimes help.

I don't know if you can take Benydril with Viekira Pak, someone who's taken it will chime in.

I've read where people get the Riba Rash then it can go away, just try not to put anything at all harsh on your skin, nothing with fragrance ... preferably only mild natural ingredients.

 

Sorry to hear about the rash, wishing you the best.

 

Dave

Edit: This is all I could find about taking Benadryl with Viekira Pak, looks like it's Ok but you should ask your Doctor to be sure.

They need to know if you are taking it anyway. Link Here  (Site is a Gastroenterology site so the information should be valid.

I looked at Viekira Pak website, you might be able to find it there, I couldn't.

-- Edited by Linuxter on Tuesday 16th of February 2016 08:33:58 AM

New SE...OMG! Itching all over! Woke up to completely dry itchy face, then it spread to my neck. As the day went on my arms got it, now my legs. Also have what appears to be a rash showing on my left arm. Took a shower and applied lotion generously which felt like liquid fire to my face and neck which is weird because I use this lotion often and never had a prob before. Normal SE? Would Benadryl help or is it even safe to take with the vpak and Riba?

I had no idea that such a thing existed that protected those in this situation with employers. Very interesting! I'm sure I'm worrying for nothing so I will stay positive like you said and just roll with whatever happens tomorrow.
On a positive note: this crazy brain fog SE that I'm having works exceptionally well with my online class that I'm taking to finish my degree. Not sure if it was a moment of clarity or what but I logged in last night and before I realized what I was doing I had already worked from week 2 all the way through week 5's work. So now I'm experiencing a love/hate relationship with the Riba haha!

You can't be terminated for that. You need to inform your employer and once notified, you're protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). I think it won't be as difficult as you might believe. We had a member recently that is also with the Fire Department and was treated very well by his department. 

I understand the concern regarding what people will think, but I've seen a lot of improvement where the stigma is concerned. The treatment is providing a better outlook in my opinion for those with the illness, as well as those concerned about working with them. Your health and welfare are the most important thing right now. Do what you need to do and get this over with. You're young, still seem very healthy overall and have a great future ahead of you. This will be over before you know it and all will be good with the Universe! Stay positive and good things happen....