Hep C Discussion Forum

Roey · Member

RE: Harvoni Fatigue Questions

Lon · Veteran Member

Here's an example of my brain fog. Usually when someone asks me for my cell phone number, I have to stop and think about it for a second, then I remember the number and rattle it off. Today when someone asked me for my cell phone number, I hesitated like I usually do, but then couldn't remember the question.

Gator Man · Senior Member

Hi Kealoha,

Glad you have joined our forum. If you explore some of the posts on the "Harvoni Treatment Train", you'll see that your sx are fairly common as Tig mentioned. I fully agree that adding anything as a supplement should be discussed with your doctor just to be on the safe side.

One thing that is important with all of these new Hep C medications is to keep up the hydration. That along with a reasonable diet and exercise when fatigue is not too great should see you through the remaining time on Harvoni.

"Brain fog" can vary from person to person and is subjective, but I would include confusion, forgetfulness, focus and lack of clarity as some of the symptoms. It is common with long term Hep C patients and may take years before these symptoms become noticeable. In hindsight, I realize that I had some or all of these problems at some point in the last few years that grew worse before starting treatment. When you get past tx and SVR, you should see changes and improvement with all of these mental/neurological issues.

john

kealoha · Newbie

I called gilead direct and was told the green tea extract did not have any complications.

I will stay in touch

aloha

Tig · Admin

Hello Kealoha,

Welcome to the forum! I'm glad you're here. Sounds like you're experiencing some of the typical side effects from Harvoni. Headache and fatigue seem to be the biggest complaint. We see people experience fewer problems as time goes on and I hope that's the way it progresses for you. Your idea of reducing your workload is a good idea if you're able.

As far as the green tea and protein powders, it's probably okay, but we always recommend you call your doctor to confirm the safety of it. I wish you the best and hope you stay in touch and let us know how you're doing. Feel free to use the New Members section to introduce yourself to the forum. We have a lot of friendly, knowledgeable people here that are willing to help. Good luck!

Tig

kealoha · Newbie

aloha
I am on my 7th day of Harvoni, I was beginning to think I would have no side affects , I take my dose early evening before or after walking the dog about 2 miles. I sleep well usually . I have begun to experience slight nausea when not eating, today i woke up with a very minor headache. I plan on limiting my work load to 5-6 hours until I am experienced with side effects.
Has anyone felt no side affects?
I am considering a organic powdered green tea extract called TEN4 for possible fatigue and also looking at a protein powder.
Aloha

I am hoping someone can define brain fog!

-- Edited by kealoha on Monday 23rd of March 2015 06:34:34 PM

Lowrider · Member

I am now about week eighteen of twenty four with Harvoni. I have what seems like a week or ten day cycle of side effects which may or may not be mixed symptoms of aging, etc. I have about two or three days feeling fairly well, three or four days of symptoms like brain fog, aches and pains in muscles and joints (mostly lower body and extremities) and three or so days of really bad fatigue, balance problems and joint pain. I was working out forty minutes five or six days a week and it took most of the energy I had. I am retired so work isn't a problem. Had to cut back in last week but will try to get back on that horse today. Muscle mass has greatly improved but really don't feel any stronger and have to really pace myself doing day to day stuff. Mentally, my attitude goes from mildly pissed off/frustrated to feeling pretty good. The joint pain and muscle aching are the worst of it and keeps me from doing most normal physical day-to-day stuff without lots of effort. It is worse in the night and early morning then at the end of the day. I am just keeping my head down and barging my way toward week twenty four. For those having similar struggles, keep at it and just do what is in front of you.

-- Edited by Lowrider on Monday 23rd of March 2015 04:40:41 PM

fourlocos · Senior Member

I felt extreme fatigue in the first month. I wasn't as much tired but just fatigued. It taught me the difference. I felt like just raising my arm up was a battle some days. It got better in the second month. I worked half days and just considered that enough to "have to do" each day. Relaxed some and walked my dog in later afternoons. Dinner, harvoni and hit the couch then bed. Such an exciting life!! Everything will be worth it if it worked.

Roey · Member

Hi Lon, After reading your text, I had to answer you cause it was like I wrote it. I'm on my 7th week of Harvoni still exhausted. I was prescribed the 12 week regimen. The only thing I try to do everyday is the best I can do for that day. I am grateful as u are, that Harvoni is out there for our genotype 1 a . Just go with the flow, and as your said, every day is a blessing from G D. Hope to c u at the end of this exhausting journey. g d bless u! Roey

Lon · Veteran Member

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions. I have my two week labs this morning and I will ask my doctor on Wednesday about anemia. I will also try adding a little electrolyte to my water and will start focusing today on making sure I'm eating well balanced meals.

Best Regards,

Lon

malekula man · Senior Member

+1 to Tig balance water and food.

I have no fatigue but I'm just younger (don't understand me wrong ). However the first Tx with Sovaldi+Peg+Riba was extremely exhaustive

Tig · Admin

Hey Lon & Roger,

If you Google sugar free electrolyte powders, there are several ideas to make your own and vendors offering some good options. Be careful you're not consuming too much in the way of sugars/carbs. You can overload fast if you find yourself drinking too much. Balance with water and food sources as well. I'm curious about the possibility of some anemia. Your doctor could do some quick tests to determine that. Many doctors aren't following the same testing protocols with Harvoni as they did with the old SOC's. If you're experiencing some degree of that, it could explain your fatigue.

Tig

rblood · Member

Hi Lon,
I am still experiencing fatigue in my tenth week. The nurse told me that with all the water I'm drinking that I should add electrolytes to the water. I have done this a few times but probably not enough to make a difference. She told me I could buy packets of the electrolytes or try using pedialyte. Just a suggestion......Roger

Lon · Veteran Member

Hello Everyone,

I started my third week of Harvoni today. I'm grateful to be on this medicine and I know how hard the earlier Hep C treatments were on the patients.

I've been fortunate in that I haven't had the Harvoni headaches, but the exhaustion has been very noticeable. I'm good for a few hours in the morning and then I need to lay down every hour or two throughout the day to keep going. I'm usually up for 1.5 hours and then I lay down and rest for .5 hours. My doctor mentioned that the side effects usually go away after the first week. Since I'm entering my third week, I thought I would to see if anyone else has experienced this level of exhaustion and if so, did the exhaustion ever subside or did it continue for the duration of your treatment.

I'm on the 8 week treatment, I'm 62 with Gen 1 and 3.6 million viral load.

Thanks and have a great day.

Best Regards,

Lon

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