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Hep C Discussion Forum -> On Treatment -> Controling cravings
Post Info TOPIC: Controling cravings
lonewolf


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RE: Controling cravings
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I'm on Viekira Pak and Ribavirin also and loss of appetite has certainly not been the case. But I'm eating very healthy food so I see no reason to control anything since I'm not over-weight. Once in a while I indulge myself with one of those giant pickles but I think pigging out on healthy food is a good thing.



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55 yo male-Genotype 1A  Started treatment 3-5-15 Viekira Pak+Ribavirin 12 weeks. Less than stage 1 fibrosis.  Previously treatment naïve. VL- SOT-21.8 million/ml  Log 10IU/ml-7.34, VL-4wks-UND, VL-7wks-UND

Greg
Femapples


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I'm on Viekira Pak and Ribaviron with few side effects.  I was looking forward to a loss of appetite, but no, of course not.  I started eating like there was no tomorrow.  I'm just managing to get myself back in control.  I'm just finishing my first week of treatment and, from what I've read here on the forum, side effects don't fully manifest themselves until after the 2nd week.  However, I seem to feel better overall with just a slight fogginess which isn't altogether unpleasant.

 

 



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Hep C, viral load 26,000,000, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (kidney), glomerulonephritis (kidney). 1994: Interferon, 2005: Interferon & ribavirin, 4/1/ 2015: Viekira Pak & Ribaviron, 12 weeks EOT: virus UND
mallani


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Mike, 

Thanks for the offer but I've managed to stay away from the devil waffle makers for a week.

Back to cereal, orange juice, coffee and a fag.

I've even managed to go without ribs and fries, but that may not last.

Thankfully, only one big Goo Goo Cluster left.

I need a dietitian.  Cheers.



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Geno 1b, IL28B CT,  x3 prior relapser,  ex-cirrhotic, 75 yo, did 48 weeks with Victrelis/Peg./Riba.  VL 1.28m at start, UNDET. at 8 ,12 ,16 ,24 ,30  and 48 weeks.  EOT 15 Feb 2013 , UNDET. at EOT + 28 weeks. SVR!  Still Undet. at EOT +5 years

Malcolm
Scruffy


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My Doc's didn't make a fuss about my sugar while I was on TX. I was and still take pills for it but it seems to be getting better. Waffles... I make maybe 20 at a time wrap them and freeze them. When Mom wants a snack nuke butter, syrup and eat. ;)



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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!!!!
Rubye


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Oh gawd, now I'm craving waffles. biggrin

Rudi, I've bookmarked the Whole 30 plan to look at when I've more time. I definitely need a reset as I had the same nausea problems with the S/O and also ate bags of Milano Mint and way too much ice cream. I've made myself switch to all things that are salty now just so I don't eat sugar. I know the sodium is bad but I'm figuring the salty things like pretzels will be easier to quit in a couple of weeks. My glucose stayed the same also.



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UNDETECTED 5/4/15 - 16 weeks after EOT, 1st treatment - Sovaldi and Olysio, Geno 1a, 67 year old with compensated cirrhosis, over 40 years with HCV.
Tig


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Ha, ha! No doubt! He must think we have some very odd culinary desires here. But what can we say? It's all good.....

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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MechanicMike


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Hi Tig, thanks for the edit. I hope he hasn't discovered chicken and waffles yet for lunch/dinner. Mike

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GT 3a, 56 yo male, diagnosed 3/15/15, infected 23+ years, F3, starting VL 10+ MIL.  ALT 86/AST 45.  Started 24 wks Sov/Riba 4/13/15.  5/14/15 thru 8/31/15 Undetected.  ALT 19, AST 14.  12/31/15:  SVR12!!!  01/06/17:  1 Year SVR (WOOT!!!)
Tig


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Hey Mike,

That had me laughing! The Waffle Devil, lol! That would make a good screen name smile 

I removed your premature click, we have all done it a time or two. Watch out for the waffle attack, it's the butter and syrup that kill you!

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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MechanicMike


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Malcolm, hit the wrong button on the last post, sorry! I was in Texas last year for about two months, staying at a hotel with one of the d**n waffle makers in the lobby. It became the first thing I thought of when I woke each morning, and I ate a waffle EVERY DAY for two months. To make matters worse, I bought the identical waffle devil-machine when I got home (I took the time to get the make and model numbers off of it before I left). Six months later, I had to finally put it out of sight so that I could try and conquer my addiction. It hasn't been easy. However, when (not if) you decide to buy one, I still have the make/model of mine and I'll be happy to pass along the info : )

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GT 3a, 56 yo male, diagnosed 3/15/15, infected 23+ years, F3, starting VL 10+ MIL.  ALT 86/AST 45.  Started 24 wks Sov/Riba 4/13/15.  5/14/15 thru 8/31/15 Undetected.  ALT 19, AST 14.  12/31/15:  SVR12!!!  01/06/17:  1 Year SVR (WOOT!!!)
RudiRoo


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You caught us Mallani -

"Why do you guys have waffles available at breakfast?

I can't resist them, and my waistline is expanding! !"

We planned the whole waffle thing at the American's meeting before you got here. It was our plot to keep you! Darn, foiled again!

biggrin



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Hep C since 1982, GT IL28b CC, tx naive, VL 2.5M, normal liver panel, Hepascore F-0, A-1. Sjogren's, Hashimoto's, Raynaud's, etc. SOT S/O 12 wk tx on 10.28.14. EOT 1.19.15. HEP C FREE AT LAST! 4.29.15
RudiRoo


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Hi Matt,

I was on S/O and struggled with the worst nausea of my life, including two pregnancy-long bouts of morning sickness that I thought could never be topped!

My solution was cookies, or as I my Irish Mother-in-Law used to call them, biscuits. Mint Milano, about a bag a day. That with cinnamon crumb cake, copious amounts of lemon ginger tea, and Matzo Brei - thank you to the Jewish people, as this was the only protein I could manage. I did this for nearly the entire duration (3 months).

Prior to TX I was 95% the super-strict, healthy eater everyone hates. Even though I've struggled for about 5 years to keep from crossing the dreaded diabetes line with A1c's nudging 6.0, my weekly glucose reading stayed amazingly, and consistently below a post prandial 105 mark throughout TX.  I did gain weight and found myself up a full jean size.

I'm now losing and getting back on the healthy horse with the Whole30 reset plan. If you are suffering from sugar cravings and that out-of-control-with-food feeling, I've never found a healthier, simpler, or more honest way to end all that. It's all free on the website, I didn't have to buy a thing, and I'm feeling better than I have in years!

My point is, just focus on getting through treatment. Keep up with your labs and doc checks so you and your doc know what you're doing to your blood sugar / pressure in case a real danger arises, but otherwise, as we say in de islands, don' harass you self mon! Once you whip the Dragon, you'll have the energy to slay the sugar beast.

Hugs,

Rudi

 



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Hep C since 1982, GT IL28b CC, tx naive, VL 2.5M, normal liver panel, Hepascore F-0, A-1. Sjogren's, Hashimoto's, Raynaud's, etc. SOT S/O 12 wk tx on 10.28.14. EOT 1.19.15. HEP C FREE AT LAST! 4.29.15
Tig


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Hey Brian,

DEAL!! It will soften the pain of failing to see them in concert when I had a chance. I wore out two DSoM LP's, one LP Master, several cassettes and a couple of CD's. I enjoy them all. The Wall and Animals were two others I've worn thin! I wish Waters and Gilmour would patch things up. That way I might have a chance to see the originals once before I croak... Only then will I forgive myself!

Tig

PS: Let me know after you get your SVR 12 and I'll send my address, lol!

I apologize for the temporary hijack, now back on topic with the cravings!!



-- Edited by Tig56 on Wednesday 1st of April 2015 02:52:55 AM

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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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Brian1412


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Tig. Love the avi. When i am done with this i will send you a shirt from 1973 to go with it. I know you will appreciate. It

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Brian1412


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Anyones unwanted lbs,please feel free to send them to me as i lost a lot of weight. I am going on day 10 on the train,and i have gained five back. 35Lbs to go. I have a very fast metabolism,but i have been exercising so that is part of it. Still cannot complain,as i already feel better than the last 3years. I only had one bad day with headaches but i didnt eat anything with it. I will never do that again. Also,been drinking alot of pomegranates. Smoothies. My. Liver loves them

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zavr


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Oh my gosh, this was so therapeutic to read; I thought I was the only one! I reported this side effect to AbbVie, and the pharmacist I talked to seemed to be unfamiliar with this side effect.

To make a long and un-appetizing story short: I was very hungry during the first 2-3 weeks of Viekira Pak treatment (no Riba, by the way). I would eat plenty of extra food at breakfast and dinner, and still wake up hungry in the middle of the night, and rummage through the fridge. This was so strange for me, as I am usually the type of person that forgets to eat. 

This has subsided by now (5th week of treatment), but there are very few things in the closet that fit me at this point. Although I'm still technically normal BMI, it is a little scary. Maybe time for some retail therapy? :)



-- Edited by zavr on Monday 30th of March 2015 03:12:00 AM

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Gen 1b, 33yo. Started 12wk Viekira Pak on 2/28/2015. 

Baseline: VL=517K, AST=34, ALT=56. 

Wk4: VL=<15, AST=16, ALT=14.

Wk8: VL=UND, AST=17, ALT=14.

Wk12: VL=UND, Fibroscan: 3.4kPa, F0.

--->Viekira Pak financial and nurse support<---
Ro


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Mall ani,

Try the waffles with ice cream smile that is really decadent ;)  Remember,  enjoy, you are on vacation!

Ro 



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Rubye


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I think our Southerners can be a bit decadent when it comes to food

 no



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UNDETECTED 5/4/15 - 16 weeks after EOT, 1st treatment - Sovaldi and Olysio, Geno 1a, 67 year old with compensated cirrhosis, over 40 years with HCV.
mallani


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Why do you guys have waffles available at breakfast?

I can't resist them, and my waistline is expanding! !



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Geno 1b, IL28B CT,  x3 prior relapser,  ex-cirrhotic, 75 yo, did 48 weeks with Victrelis/Peg./Riba.  VL 1.28m at start, UNDET. at 8 ,12 ,16 ,24 ,30  and 48 weeks.  EOT 15 Feb 2013 , UNDET. at EOT + 28 weeks. SVR!  Still Undet. at EOT +5 years

Malcolm
Tess


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Haha Tig, I know what you mean.  Add a few M&M's in your smoothie - -  it will taste as sinful as a chocolate shake biggrinbiggrinbiggrin



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HCV Gen 1a diagnosed 2001; Labs 11/13/14: VL 1.2 million IU/mL, ast 88, alt 111. Harvoni TX 12 weeks.  EOT - 2/18/15, VL UND & normal ast/alt.

4 wks after EOT, VL = UND; normal AST/ALT at 4, 8 and 14 weeks after EOT.  15 weeks after EOT = Undetectable!
Tig


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Hey Tess,

Those are some excellent suggestions. Healthy eating is a great idea for all of us. I should follow your lead and do the same! I've gained back 15 of the pounds I lost during treatment. My new found waistline is starting to leave the building, if you know what I mean! But I have to say a bowl of M&M's sounds far better than a glass of V-8 juice, just sayin... smile (My bad!)

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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Tess


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I'm a chocoholic sugar-lover anyway, so I didn't notice any new cravings when on Harvoni.  I lost about ten pounds during treatment which is a good thing.  I think it's just from eating healthier than I had been. Would like to drop about 5 more.

Smoothies are a great way to handle cravings.  My favorite is made with a banana, orange juice, grape juice, frozen or fresh blueberries,  a little almond milk, nuts (like walnuts or almonds), tbsp of flax seeds, ice, and for that chocolate craving - - a few dark chocolate chips (cacao is good for you).  Sometimes I put carrots or spinach in there too.  Once it's all blended together, it is VERY yummy and healthy too.  Any fruits or no/low-sugar fruit juices are good.  I use a Magic Bullet - NutriBullet which is fast and super easy to clean biggrin.

V-8 is an awesome drink if you like it.  Very low in calories and good for nutrition.  The regular version is high in sodium so the low-sodium version is healthier smile

- Tess



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HCV Gen 1a diagnosed 2001; Labs 11/13/14: VL 1.2 million IU/mL, ast 88, alt 111. Harvoni TX 12 weeks.  EOT - 2/18/15, VL UND & normal ast/alt.

4 wks after EOT, VL = UND; normal AST/ALT at 4, 8 and 14 weeks after EOT.  15 weeks after EOT = Undetectable!
Tig


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Sounds like a possible unwritten side effect of Harvoni. We have talked about the need to tell your doctor about these events. It could be helpful for future warnings/advice pre treatment. It appears to be an event that is difficult to control for many and is worthy of further study. It would be a difficult side effect for diabetics and as Miffy mentioned, fatty liver issues. How about trying the sweeter fruits as a snack when that need for something sweet hits you? They are a much healthier habit to get into. I believe too much sugar can almost lead to an addictive like behavior. I've been on medications that did the same thing, a craving for sweets. I had bowls of peanut M&M's everywhere. I thought a few of them would be okay. It was when I started packing on the pounds that I realized I was eating a bag a day! I wasn't bothering to pay attention because I was sweet tooth compromised! I had to make some changes or buy pants two sizes bigger. I ended up resorting to the E and D plan, exercise and diet. Painful subjects for this couch potato! But I managed to do it and felt much better. I believe a warning of this potential problem pre treatment might help people make better choices. So let your doctor know. If they keep hearing it, they'll be wiser for it. JMHO...

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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VetwithC


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Wow, you guys scare me as I'm starting the Harvoni next week and I am already over weight.  I think from the lack of exercise that goes along with the fatigue..........too hard to motivate myself to even walk most times and I do eat in moderation, usually 1/2 the volume of my wife who is slim.  In the last 6 years I've gained 30lbs and mostly in my stomach and want to get rid of it.. 



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DXed in year 1999 with geno 1a, went with a wait and see approach while my viral load increased from 240,000 to 3 mil and contacted VA when Harvoni came out and now have harvoni and starting TX on Monday.
Mugsy


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I finished my 12 week course in February and ended up with 15 extra pounds due to stress/cravings for carbs or sweets. It also raised my A1C 2 points!

 



-- Edited by Mugsy on Sunday 29th of March 2015 05:06:16 PM

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62 y/o F     Genotype 1b  for 40+ years    cirrhosis    Started Harvoni  on 11/23  for 12 weeks       UND  12/22/2014     Ended treatment on Feb 15th.

12 week's EOT viral load      <15 
Ro


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I too have succumbed to eating while on Harvoni!  sad to admit but I have gained 20 pounds since November 7!  I do not know if it is because now all the foods taste good? Or if the hunger is just so increased... I have 4 weeks left on treatment and I am praying that along with SVR, I am able to control the appetite and lose the weight!

Wish I had  an answer and solution!

Ro



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Scruffy


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It seemed like every shot of pegasys (interferon) an hour later I would get the munchies. After the 20 grams of fat three times a day  was over I got a sweet tooth now and again. I had to watch it though as I take metformin for my sugar. I would advise all to watch that sugar intake not only sweets but things that turn into sugar. After tx I had to work on getting my numbers down. The Doctor wanted me to take Lipitor and I refused. Eating right, practicing Tai Chi, lifting weights along with walking at least two miles a day brought them all into the normal range. You need to start planning a healthy diet and life style now and it will make post tx a lot better.   Mzmiffy try harder there are lots of other healthy foods to make you get your weight back.



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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!!!!
MzmiffY


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Hello all,

I finished tx 3 weeks ago and continue to struggle with unhealthy and obsessive food habits.

All I want to eat is chocolate, more specifically I have spent a ridiculous fortune on Easter eggs in the last month..really really ridiculous. I struggle to eat a healthy meal. I have never been this out of control with food. A month earlier it was daily servings of raw Betty Crocker brownie mix. I desperately need to put on weight but hope to do so in a way that won't cause fatty liver! So yes I can definantly relate!



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42yrs/ f3-f4, gen 1a, 48 wks of Interferon,Ribaviran and Boceprevir. 

VL pre tx-384303, VL @ 4 wks 11095, 8wks- UND.

UND@ EOT, SVR 24!

 
justme50


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Yes, I have had extreme cravings for sweets.  Also, I'm hungry most of the time.  I began treatment in October and will finish in April and I have gained almost 20 pounds.  I quit taking any dietary supplements when I started Harvoni because I didn't want to take the chance of anything interfering with it.  I'm thinking that may be adding to the cravings.



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G1A, F3, prev. tx 2012 for 28 weeks vic/riba/int. Started Harvoni Oct. 29, 2014 for 24 weeks, 1.5 mil., und at 4 weeks. EOT: 4/14/15.  One week EOT labs: und; 4 wk EOT und, 7wk EOT labs: und
Rubye


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I had some serious sugar cravings while in Sovaldi and Olysio - the eat the whole thing of   ice cream kind. I still have them 3 months later and was thinking the same thing about maybe my body needs the energy cause I am still exhausted all the time.



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UNDETECTED 5/4/15 - 16 weeks after EOT, 1st treatment - Sovaldi and Olysio, Geno 1a, 67 year old with compensated cirrhosis, over 40 years with HCV.
Lawmatt


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I have a question for all on treatment 

is anyone having the midnight cravings and munchies 

i have a really sweet tooth since treatment wich i never use to like sweets that much 

some nights i will eat a full packet of choclate buiscuts and becoming round 3 nights a week 

maybe me body is craving sugar for energy that the Ribaviran is steeling 

i just hope the extra sweets dont interfere with treatment i have around 3 months to go 

 

any feed back would be appreciated 

Matt 



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52 years old male genotype 1 

Start treatment 8/8/14 taking ribaviran .talepraver twice daily and interferon weekly 

week 4 virus detected 

Week 12 no virus detected 

Week 24 no virus detected  

Week 48 no virus thank god

4 weeks post no virus  

 
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