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Hep C Discussion Forum -> On Treatment -> Almost made it through wk 1
Post Info TOPIC: Almost made it through wk 1
Dolphin


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RE: Almost made it through wk 1
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Hey, I'm on week one too, we can watch each other's progress! I'm brand new on the forum, just joined today, still learning the ropes. I've been through the old, horrible regime, interferon/ ribavirin, which damned near killed me and did nothing for the hep. So for me, this, with its 95+% cure rate and relatively mild side effects, is a bright bright blessing. I'm having some of the same symptoms as you, tired as the day wears on and some brain fog, and my internal thermostat seems messed up so I get chilled, then hot, then chilled--not bad, just put the jacket on, take it off..... but I'm SO excited to finally have this treatment that when I'm feeling not so chipper I just say, that's OK, that's because hundreds of thousands of hep virus are dead and dying right now in my body and any kind of detox will have some effects, but I just go, that means it's working, GO HARVONI GO! (I realize I don't see what you are taking, is it Harvoni?) It's already a little better each day, and from what I hear, for most people, the side effects lessen over time. But even if it stayed just like this, I feel SO blessed that the REAL CURE is finally available, (and I hope and pray that everybody who needs it gets it) I would feel happy every day because I'm confident that I'm finally going to clear this horrible virus from my system. And I've been living with it for--well--diagnosed about 2 decades ago, but probably had it dormant in my system since my early 20s--and I'm 69! Good idea about the massage, I need to schedule myself for some of that. The hot jacuzzi sounds heavenly, but I can't do anything like that for at least another 2 weeks because I also was diagnosed with a small and blessedly contained liver cancer, and got targetted (not systemic) chemo injected directly into the tumor. That procedure was last Friday, done laproscopically so just a tiny incision, but still can't submerge in water for 3 weeks after. I also have some cirrhosis. Anyway, affirming the best for both of us, THIS IS GOING TO WORK! And that's worth some draggy days. Best of luck to you!

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WarriorWolf


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Thank you ladies! I am so determined to be well. I worked at it yesterday. In the afternoon I'm so tired. I don't know if this makes sense but I feel better but at the same time I feel the drug. I am taking extra special care of myself. I soaked in the jacuzzi last night. I'm meditating and yoga. I'm set up with massage therapy and my Chiropractor frequently through the next remaining weeks. I think I need to stop reading about other peoples experience with side effects. I am empathetic but I automatically think I'm doomed after I read all of that. The good things I am doing are working for me. In all honesty the Tx for me today has improved so much. Essentially I only have 7 weeks left. I'm having a mind clearing performed on me today to help with my healing. I canon wait! I sure appreciate your encouragement and support. I'm forever grateful.

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Ww

Dx 2002, GT 1B, VL 86.5k IU/ml, ALT 47 AST 36, Tx Harvoni 8 weeks (4/20/15-6/15/15) SVR-12!!!
fourlocos


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WW you won't suffer after treatment.  I have a very physical job and during and after treatment have to lift mannequins and dress them.  Climb and carry a ladder and I am a small women 58 years old!  I only work about four or five hours a day but I then come home and hike in the woods with my dog for 2-3 miles per day.  And I never missed a day with my dog either.  Did I always feel good... hell no.  But I never felt so horrible that I would call it suffering.  Suffering is how I felt before diagnosis only I didn't know it.  I was sick all the time and had joint and muscle pains for over 25 years now.  Never knew it wasn't old age or just me.  I did have fatigue and chills all the time during my treatment and just dressed in layers and made sure to hit the couch right after my dinner and relax.  I took my pill at dinner so it made me most tired in the evenings.  You can do this!  YOU CAN DO THIS.  I know anxiety and have it all the time too.  Go with the flow for now.  It's a short time in the span of your life and it is worth everything to finish it and reach SVR so that you can have a better life.  Have you tried soaking in a warm bath with some great music?  Find things that relax you.  Get a massage..... read a book.  Find what your zen is.   I am the most type A person I know.  I bet your stronger than you realize.  Most anxious people are.  Coming through to the other side of this experience will give you more confidence in yourself too!   Just reach out if you need some support. 



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GT 1b first time treating with Harvoni 8 weeks.  4 weeks UND 8 week UND.  8 weeks after treatment UND.

 12 weeks SVR.  Reached 24 weeks SVR!
Cinnamon Girl


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Hi Ww, please try not to be afraid, there`s really no need to be.

You`re doing your best of cope with the high anxiety levels you`re feeling but try not to worry too much about the side effects, they will come and go and it`s all part of the process. 

It`s impossible to tell how quickly you`ll recover once treatment is over, it`s different for everyone and no-one has exactly the same experience.  Holding on to a positive and optimistic outlook will help you a lot to get through the weeks.  Remember you`re not alone here, there are many other people also on Harvoni, and you can ask us as many questions as you need to! 

Well done for getting through the first few difficult days, I expect things well get a lot easier when you`ve got more used to the meds and the unusual feelings.

Stick with it, you`re one week nearer to SVR!  smile

(ps - No need to apologise for any typos!)



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Jill 

(71 yo, lives in UK)

Was Gen 3a, 

24wks Peg Ifn/Riba, Sep 2010 - Mch 2011

UND @ Wk.4, UND @ EOT, 

SVR Nov 2011 --> Still UND @ EOT + 4 yrs.

 

 
WarriorWolf


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Sorry for all the typos. My phone is difficult to post from. I can't go back and edit.

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Ww

Dx 2002, GT 1B, VL 86.5k IU/ml, ALT 47 AST 36, Tx Harvoni 8 weeks (4/20/15-6/15/15) SVR-12!!!
WarriorWolf


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Well I almost made it through week one! I'm still having some anxiety. No attacks. It's hard to explain what I feel. I am feeling a mix of mild side effects. I'm constantly scared of germs and catching illness from other people. I keep reason here about bronchitis and post Tx side effects. Should I be afraid? I'm hoping to start training on Monday for triathlon in August. In my mind this is possible but at the same time I feel fragile. That's the best I can explain how I'm feeling after this first week. I am feeling an increase in emotions. I feels sad sometimes. I'm not feeling a lack of energy but achy while I have lots of energy! It's so weird. Confusing. Gosh I just want to make sense of it all. I need answers. Am I going to suffer when I'm done? Is this allot good to be true. I'm sorry folks I feel like I'm going to drive you all crazy with my constant questions. I'm going to meditate again tonight and see how it goes.

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Ww

Dx 2002, GT 1B, VL 86.5k IU/ml, ALT 47 AST 36, Tx Harvoni 8 weeks (4/20/15-6/15/15) SVR-12!!!
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