Hep C Discussion Forum

Hello shadow10cats!

Thanks for the compliment. I think I tried responding to a post or reply of your earlier. I am new at this forum so I am just learning to navigate my way around. Before now I have been so alone with my diagnosis. My mind tortured me the worst about everything. I do know a lot about nutrition and eating good clean food. I would love to help you figure out what is a good regimen. My VL has never been higher than what it's at now. It is no mistake it is thousands and not millions. My ATL fluctuates and I have had it in the normal range a lot by eating well and exercising. I do smoothies a lot. I really want to juice but with a high quality model so I feel better about the nutrients I get. I am not always so disciplined. I have my lows. My weakness is pizza! I am on day tow of my Harvoni Tx and I feel much better than yesterday. I have no flushing feelings. I have no fatigue or headaches. My appetite is somewhat decreased. I am drinking water constantly. Another person posted a list of foods to restrain Hep C and it's a great list. I have used all of those items. I really cannot wait to hear more good news from everyone. I would like to see healing for everyone. I recall the day I was diagnosed. I was so terrified. Even that compelled me to take care of my health and I became determined to live. My Ojibwe traditional name means Wolf Woman but I'm feeling like a warrior. positive and healing vibes to you  

First, the name "WarriorWolf" says it all!  You inspire me - you have your health habits locked in and are incredibly disciplined. I have a feeling you are going to be just super.  When I first started I kept waiting for "something" to sneak up and hit me in the back of the head, like I had to watch over my shoulder for the "side effects". After 2 weeks or so I just started to forget about it and the next thing - it was all over! Keep up the excellent  habits. Do you ever make your own juices?  I have a blender I use so that nothing is left to waste. I luve one where I use apples & carrots with some organic apple juice and a bit of ginger root. All organic, toss in my blender and pulverize into a drink.  Also the "green" one everyone raves about.  That one is often kale, spinach, some parsley, I add apples or pineapple.  Great for detoxing & when you don't feel like eating. But somehow I have a feeling you know all this!  I wish you would have been on here when I first started treating I am sure you could have helped me with diet ideas etc and keeping me motivated.  One thing for sure, when you feel you need to lean on others; there is always someone else who needs to lean on you.  It all works out just fine!!

Hi BJ, congrats on finishing your Harvoni, and I`m thinking the same as Matt...how time flies indeed! 

I`m really sorry to hear about your family losses and my heart goes out to you, I know how hard it is to lose close family and cancer is such a terrible thing.  

You`ve been a true warrior the way you`ve fought to get your treatment and you continue to be a real asset to the forum with your positive and determined attitude.  It`s a pleasure to have you here with us!

Let us know when you get your EOT results, very best of luck! 

Big hugs to you, BJ.  Stay strong. 

Hi BJ,

Let me first congratulate you on finishing tx and arriving at the Harvoni Terminal! Time to get off the train and stretch your legs. You paid in more ways than one to finally get to where you are this evening and I can speak for all of us saying we're proud of you for doing what you had to do to get here. 

I'm so sorry to hear about the losses you recently suffered. I know this isn't an easy time but your strength and will to go on won't go unnoticed by those that have crossed over. They are with you and know you have accomplished what you set out to do. Trust that they know and will be there to support you the rest of the way to SVRville. This is a new beginning and you know they want you to celebrate the moment. Their validations will be there, you just have to recognize them... My prayers are with you and I'm always here to talk.

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WW, listen to what BJ has told you. She has been down some rough, winding roads and her advice is sound. Good luck, you're going to be fine. We're all here if you need anything!

Oh don't be frightened.  

I tried twice prior to treat. Once with Peglated Interferon & Ribavirin and then with Telaprevir, interferon & ribavirin. Now they had awful side effects!  Those were treatments to be frightened about!  Within hours of my interferon shot I started to feel different; chills and icky. Told myself it wasn't that bad. The next morning I got up, ate 20 grams of fat via some cheese, drank a cop of java and took my meds.  Within a half hour I was puking & did that non stop all day. Each day thereafter I felt so nauseous I could not eat a thing.  I felt just rotten, all I could do was lay on the couch. Eventually all I could do was take my meds, forcing down the Telaprevir with a tbl spoon of olive oil in a 1/4 cup of yogurt - Yuck!

  I only tell you this because Harvoni is a breeze.

Of course, everyone feels the sides differently.  Could be based on one's physical condition, smoking, drinking, weight, etc.  Who knows.  BUT - DO NOT BE AFRAID!! Here's what you do:

~ Timing:  I took my Harvoni at night. I found the best time was around 8pm. If I took it later than that, I found that my headaches were worse upon rising.
~ Dehydration:  Drink a lot of spring water - or good filtered water.  Water is about to become your best friend.  Keep a water bottle next to your bed & every time you wake up take a few slugs.  Keep water near you at all times; in the car, at your desk at work, watching tv etc.  I am an avid water drinker so this worked to my advantage. Drinking a lot of water will also help flush toxins out of your body & is great for the liver.
~ Headaches:  I got worse headaches in the very beginning. But by worse I mean the kind you get when you are dehydrated, sort of like a hangover headache w/o the puking. Seems  most everyone complained about headaches to some degree.  Mostly in the beginning.  These are typically caused by dehydration; which is a side effect of the Harvoni. So, if you are drinking tons of water you are ahead of the game.  Even tho, you may get them.  If this happens keep some iboprophen next to the bed.  To help alleviate headaches upon rising; either take a few before you fall asleep, sometime during the night or an hour before you get up.  These should subside after a week, some sooner some a bit longer. Again, staying hydrated is going to make a huge difference!
~ Fatigue: In the beginning I was actually energetic. It may a have been a placebo effect from being excited realizing I was going to be able to finish this treatment that is was not bad at all to take!  Actually, I got more fatigued the last month I was taking it. For about a week and 1/2 I was really tired. But that cleared up and I am starting to get more energy.

If you think about it the above side effects are NOTHING compared to a chemo-based regime. This is nothing you can't handle!  I don't know your lifestyle but try to exercise. Nice weather is upon us so get out and walk. the fresh air will do you good and the endorphines  will make you feel awesome! Learn some yoga stretches, they work & do them before you go to bed and when you wake up.  If you are tired, rest. Simple as that. This is not the time to be anyone's super hero - you need to take care of yourself. Learn to say NO!  

But let me tell  you, regardless you have found a great forum to come to if you do get frightened or have questions. these guys are great.  Unlike other forums you won't find anyone beating you down if you have a different opinion or an alternative life style. Any time of day or night there is someone here to help & support you. 

You only have to take Harvoni for 8 weeks, I had to do 12. But even that went by fast so you will be done before you know it. Let us know your progress & if you ever want to please feel free to private message me.

Take care! You are on your way to being Free of the Dragon!