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Loopy Lisa


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RE: Hi Everyone
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Hi Tig, 

Yes, I was told not to get pregnant, that is for sure, but no mention on sex protection other than for pregnancy prevention. I was actually rather shocked to read that. no one touches my medications apart from me anyway, they go out of the blister packet and bottle straight into my gullet. I've never read on any leaflet about drugs being toxic to partners, so I am a little stunned by how precautious that is. Either way, no harm in prevention, but it is complete news to me. :)



__________________

Genotype: 3b

VL.�over 15, 000 000

Failed TX 2014: Interferon/Riba.

Cured using Sof/Dak combination.

I can eat cake again! <3 
Tig


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Lisa,

The reason for absolute avoidance of pregnancy, is because of the medication. Some of these medications are teratogenic and will adversely affect the development of an embryo or fetus. When I was on treatment, in addition to being told to use proper protection during sex, I was told to not even let my wife or daughter handle the medication. He was a very cautious MD. My daughter was trying to conceive at the time, so I made sure she stayed clear. Ribavirin in particular has specific warnings  on this, but the precaution exists across many medications. 



__________________

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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Loopy Lisa


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A little input regarding sex, I was diagnosed only 3 years ago with possibility of infection for much longer - how long is a piece of string? I had long term relations and after a while we moved to other forms of contraception that were not condoms. I also tried to conceive in that period. Nobody has tested back positive only moi. 

I do use protection now just because I am uncomfortable with the idea of a virus and transmission, although logically after more than a decade with the same man that is negative, its not a huge risk. I was told I didn't need to use protection as transmission was highly unlikely. 

I also have not heard anything about protection with medication, that is actually news to me, nor something I actually considered tbh. I didn't read anything about it, nor did my Doctor even mention it. She knows my husband too as he always comes to appointments with me. 

I wonder if different countries have different regulations? Pregnancy was certainly mentioned, so its kind of a contradiction in itself. 



__________________

Genotype: 3b

VL.�over 15, 000 000

Failed TX 2014: Interferon/Riba.

Cured using Sof/Dak combination.

I can eat cake again! <3 
Pablito


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Hi Regi

Linuxter's advice is sound.  I've had HCV for 20 years and in that time I've had 3 longterm relationships and some casual ones.  In relation to the former I always discussed the diagnosis with the woman involved and none contracted HCV.  In relation to the latter, I always wore a condom though.

Pablo



-- Edited by Pablito on Friday 15th of July 2016 06:29:12 PM

__________________

44 y.o. male, HCV G4 since 1996, F-scan score 9, F2, Failed prior I/R, finished sof/vel/vox 8 weeks 5/16, pre-treatment VL 2 million, EOT UND, EOT+4 UND, EOT+12 UND.
humbled


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Thanks so much Dave - your advice is very reassuring and great to know.

All the best,

Regi



__________________

GT 1a, VL 3.7ml Fibroscan 13.6 Diagnosed: April 2016

SOT: 9 / 17 / 2016 (12 weeks Harvoni)

4-Week Bloods: AST (22) ALT (15)

EOT: 12 / 9 / 2016 - UNDETECTED!!

EOT + 12 weeks - 4 / 6 / 2017 - UNDETECTED!!!
Linuxter


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Hi Regi,

The only concerns regarding sex and HCV during treatment that I know of are:

1) Women should avoid becoming pregnant during Treatment.

2) Proper protection should be used to avoid any possible transmission of HCV treatment medication during and 6 months after EOT. Read manufacturers recommendations and follow physician instructions.

I had HCV for 40 years and my wife is just fine.

HCV is ONLY transmitted through blood to blood contact. Do be sure not to share such things as razors, toothbrushes or nail clippers with others.

 

Wishing you Well,

Dave



__________________

63yy,HCV,2b,F3-A1, Sof/Riba,12wks Tx   SOT: 1/20/16, HCV-RNA 9,816,581, ALT 56, Hb 14.6

4wk: HCV-RNA <15 Detected, ALT 15, AST 17, Hb 13.6 EOT: 4/12/16, ALT 18 , Hb 12.9176a2f85d05d9c965eafe199f2ba9ba5.jpg SVR Achieved 7/8/16

 
humbled


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All your encouragement means a lot to me - I know it's a cliche, but I'm just trying to get through one day at a time.

The gym and juicing has helped - they have at least given me the feeling that I'm doing good things for myself.

On a different topic, is there anyone who could give me safe sex advice? I'm a bit shy about posting questions to the forum,
but I'm getting so many mixed messages online about sex and HCV risks. 



__________________

GT 1a, VL 3.7ml Fibroscan 13.6 Diagnosed: April 2016

SOT: 9 / 17 / 2016 (12 weeks Harvoni)

4-Week Bloods: AST (22) ALT (15)

EOT: 12 / 9 / 2016 - UNDETECTED!!

EOT + 12 weeks - 4 / 6 / 2017 - UNDETECTED!!!
Sydhanrahan


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Hi Regi,

it took a fair time for me to register how sick I was too. I had known I had Hep C for years but coped with it by being in denial. So suddenly getting the evidence that your liver is compromised is devastating. Then there's the worry about treatment and how that will affect you. As well as that life style changes are sometimes really hard to cope with. Although I drank consistently up until about three years ago, it wasn't until it began to make me so sick that I gradually stopped being dependent on it. But I'm really shy and hopeless at gatherings and parties and always coped by being three sheets in the wind. Now I tend to stay home if I'm asked out to a group event as I just don't cope sober. 

All these are small prices to pay for the strong possibility of ending this disease. When you look up other people's struggles here it really puts your own in perspective too. It's a great place to draw strength.

Take care, we all understand where your head's at.

Syd



__________________

Contracted Hep C 1969. Genome Type 2, treatment naive. Began 12 week RIBA/sof/Dac on 12/11/15. Cirrhosis. VL before treatment 4m. Treatment extended another 12 weeks without Riba. No virus detected at 9 weeks.
Tig


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Regi,

No, animals are not a problem. Matter of fact, they are of great benefit. They can lift our spirits, understand our moods and read our minds on many occasions. I can't imagine living without a four legged fur baby or two around me. 

I'm glad you found the forum and invite you to visit anytime the urge strikes you. We're all good friends and understand the loneliness that can accompany this diagnosis. But it's not a diagnosis to fear. The knowledge and successful treatments have progressed by light years. Much of what you read will be outdated. We do our best to keep the information fresh and current here on the forum and if you have any questions, concerns or doubts, you let us know. So don't stress and leave the worry to someone else, cause you have no reason to! 

Keep up the routine of exercise and nutrition, you're already making great strides toward that coming Hep free life. Once you achieve SVR, you're going to feel better than you have in years. Trust me on that one!



__________________

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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Tig


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I know a good Toe Doctor, lol biggrin  One other thing, they now offer some really swell motion detector lights for that midnight run to the john! Your dog will thank me for the recommendation and save you having to train it each time the urge hits you! The great tips just never end smile 

PS: put some ice on that toe....



__________________

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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Re-Buy


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Hi Humbled

There are 3 things I feel that I can respond to regarding your threads. 

Do not fear an endoscopy. Painless, as they will " put you under ". I was told that there mmight be some irritation after, but even that didn't happen for me. Stubbing your toe while heading to the bathroom in the dark should concern you. ( 1 gallon of water equals frequent trips ) Turn on the light   biggrin

I have not heard of pets having any negative influence on the liver. I have trained my dog to get out of the way when I jump up to Pee. I'm trying to teach him to turn on the light. biggrin

My hep doc and my cancer docs all know about my " 420 " and none have a problem with it. I did give up the booze and cigs though. 

If you get to feeling a little "down" , spend some time searching this forum for answers to the questions that you may want answers to. 

Dang...My toe hurts. biggrin



__________________

64 yr old male. Geno 1B. Fibroscan-20.9 Peg/Interferon in 2005 no luck. Started 24 week Harvoni on May 11

After 24 weeks of Harvoni 

ALT-18

AST-18

Platelets-103

Viral Count-UNDETECTED !! :)
humbled


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You are all so amazing - I feel so alone right now, so reading your uplifting words is a blessing.

I think I was just dealing with the Hep diagnosis, so to receive the F3/F4 news was a huge shock for me.

It almost feels like I have to completely redefine myself - no 420, no booze, none of the foods I like.
On top of that, I'm a worrier, so I start thinking about HCC, and what horrors may lay ahead.

I'm really trying, but there are some days that feel so tough. I wish I had known about this diagnosis before I committed
to go to New York to catsit for a friend. Now, I'm here by myself and am missing home. Is being around animals risky for liver toxins?

My partner and I usually sublet our place for the summer, as he teaches abroad, so my moorings are all gone at the moment, while dealing with this news.

Anyways, sorry for sounding like such a downer; I have good days and bad days. I did join a gym and have gotten into veggie juicing and vegetarianism, so hope that helps.

 

 



__________________

GT 1a, VL 3.7ml Fibroscan 13.6 Diagnosed: April 2016

SOT: 9 / 17 / 2016 (12 weeks Harvoni)

4-Week Bloods: AST (22) ALT (15)

EOT: 12 / 9 / 2016 - UNDETECTED!!

EOT + 12 weeks - 4 / 6 / 2017 - UNDETECTED!!!
Canuck


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Hi humble,

Welcome from me.

Jimmy K is right.

"On paper", a higher F score is a good thing for the purposes of gaining treatment approval.

Being told (verbally only) that your liver may not be "quite" that high in F scoring is a (personally) reassuring thing and a kind thing for him to let you know.

Many are attaining regression of their F score after treatment (as well as many other improvements!). The ultrasound, F score, your labs, and all your data (including the endoscopy) are merely a "group" of indicators, a combined look, not just one test in isolation, gives a much clearer guess at your actually liver status and function. Look forward to the good news you will likely know by submitting to the endoscopy. Many who have re-counted endoscopies here have had no difficulty with the test nor even memory of the procedure, seems the "idea of it" may be uncomfortable, not the scoping! 

I am like you in that only my partner and health team knew of my troubles - that is why I am so glad, everyday, for all my friends here. I am glad you have arrived here. smile C.

 

 

 



__________________

HCV/HBV 1973. HBV resolved. HCV undiagnosed to 2015. 64 y.o. F. Canada.

GT3a, Fibroscan F3/12 kPa - F4/12.6 kPa, VL log 7.01 (10,182,417), steatosis, high iron load.

SOF/VEL with/without GS-9857 trial - NCT02639338.

SOT March 10 - EOT May 5, 2016 - SOF/VEL/VOX 8 week trial.

 

(SEE UPDATES IN BIO)
JimmyK


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humbled wrote:

 

I was a bit annoyed because I emailed the Fibroscan doctor for more information about my elastogram readings, and he then revealed that there may have been an "overestimation" of the stiffness of my liver because of fatty places on my liver. I wish he had included this hopeful and important information on his initial report. If I hadn't asked for more information, I never would have known.


 Actually as reported may well be a blessing. You do not want him making a statement that things may be overestimated on any report going to the Insurance Company.

You have Hep C and the treatment plans today are incredible! The greatest hindrance to overcome is cost and Insurance loves to put things off if they can. This will turn out for the best so no worries.

 

JimmyK



-- Edited by JimmyK on Friday 8th of July 2016 08:05:19 AM

__________________

Harvoni TX 2 12 weeks. UND weeks 4, 12 and now EOT + 4 Weeks. SVR-12 09/29/16. All Glory, Honor and Thanks be to God.

"I go to war with the brothers I trust."
Linuxter


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Hi Regi,

Welcome to the forum, we're glad you're here!

Wishing you the best in getting your final approval and getting started on your meds.

There's usually someone here so drop in anytime and make yourself at home.

Let us know if you have any questions, we'll do our best to help you get the answers.

 

Be Well,

Dave

 



__________________

63yy,HCV,2b,F3-A1, Sof/Riba,12wks Tx   SOT: 1/20/16, HCV-RNA 9,816,581, ALT 56, Hb 14.6

4wk: HCV-RNA <15 Detected, ALT 15, AST 17, Hb 13.6 EOT: 4/12/16, ALT 18 , Hb 12.9176a2f85d05d9c965eafe199f2ba9ba5.jpg SVR Achieved 7/8/16

 
humbled


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Thanks everyone for your kind and welcoming words! My treatment won't actually begin for a few weeks yet, as I have to get an endoscopy first, and the insurance company must give the final nod.

I was a bit annoyed because I emailed the Fibroscan doctor for more information about my elastogram readings, and he then revealed that there may have been an "overestimation" of the stiffness of my liver because of fatty places on my liver. I wish he had included this hopeful and important information on his initial report. If I hadn't asked for more information, I never would have known.

It's also odd that he says there is a fat on my liver, but the report also says that I don't have steatosis - so confused!

I'm just really hoping and praying that because I'm so close to F3, I can go down a stage or two once I'm EOT. 



__________________

GT 1a, VL 3.7ml Fibroscan 13.6 Diagnosed: April 2016

SOT: 9 / 17 / 2016 (12 weeks Harvoni)

4-Week Bloods: AST (22) ALT (15)

EOT: 12 / 9 / 2016 - UNDETECTED!!

EOT + 12 weeks - 4 / 6 / 2017 - UNDETECTED!!!
singsong


Veteran Member

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Harvoni will cure "most" people.  The other folks just take different formulations.



__________________

Age 66. 1988? Dx 1996. G1a.  Biopsies 1996/1998.  Mild inflam. Tx naive.12/2015-Fibro F3/10.5 kPa. VL 1.1m Harvoni 8 wks. 5/9 VL was 69.  EOT 6-13-16. ALT/AST 13/16. Platelets 325. UND.  9/4/16 EOT+12 UND & 1-10-17 EOT+30 UND!
JimmyK


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Tig56 wrote:
JimmyK wrote:

Side effects are about zero if you stay hydrated and I mean a gallon a day without fail. Take the Harvoni at the same time each day and form some sort of fail proof routine for taking it. If you remain complaint the stuff will cure you.

 Regards

 JimmyK

  

 Okay, since we're pointing things out, there is one thing we all share occasionally and that's a "complaint".... Whether that cures you or not, I'm uncertain, but it will often make you feel better! biggrin

 LOL I must have been thinking Riba!  LOL!



__________________

Harvoni TX 2 12 weeks. UND weeks 4, 12 and now EOT + 4 Weeks. SVR-12 09/29/16. All Glory, Honor and Thanks be to God.

"I go to war with the brothers I trust."
Tig


Admin

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Hey Regi,

Welcome to the forum my friend! So glad to have you with us. As you can tell, we have a great line of friendly communication here and you're invited to jump right in and help us along. If you have any questions or just want to talk about treatment or anything else, don't hesitate to bring it up. 



__________________

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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Tig


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JimmyK wrote:

Side effects are about zero if you stay hydrated and I mean a gallon a day without fail. Take the Harvoni at the same time each day and form some sort of fail proof routine for taking it. If you remain complaint the stuff will cure you.

 Regards

 JimmyK

  

 Okay, since we're pointing things out, there is one thing we all share occasionally and that's a "complaint".... Whether that cures you or not, I'm uncertain, but it will often make you feel better! biggrin



__________________

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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JimmyK


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Pablito wrote:

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Harmony is a great treatment and almost certainly will work.

 

 Man they are coming up with new ones every day!  LOL

 

noSorry had to.



__________________

Harvoni TX 2 12 weeks. UND weeks 4, 12 and now EOT + 4 Weeks. SVR-12 09/29/16. All Glory, Honor and Thanks be to God.

"I go to war with the brothers I trust."
JimmyK


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Greetings and welcome.

At 13.6 you are an F3/F4 so this is a great time to catch this and be rid of it, and you will be.

The guess at coming in contact with this after 2011 may well be way off. The ALT and AST can remain in normal parameters and does not imply one does not have Hep C. Only a HCV RNA score can determine that.

Also an ultrasound can come back fairly normal which is why a FibroScan, FibroSure or biopsy is the better indicators of a damaged liver.

If your partner is going to be gone 6 weeks you are looking at it all wrong if your fist thought is feeling lonely.

Let this replace that thought: By the time as my friend gets back I will be half way to EOT !

Side effects are about zero if you stay hydrated and I mean a gallon a day without fail. Take the Harvoni at the same time each day and form some sort of fail proof routine for taking it. If you remain complaint the stuff will cure you.

12 weeks is nothing, I take my last pill tomorrow and have no idea where the time went.

You get lonely, then check in here. Talk about it ask questions, play music whatever. We are a family and you are now part of it.

Harvoni ! If you had to pick a time to treat this thing, now is by far the best!

 

Regards

 

JimmyK

 

 



__________________

Harvoni TX 2 12 weeks. UND weeks 4, 12 and now EOT + 4 Weeks. SVR-12 09/29/16. All Glory, Honor and Thanks be to God.

"I go to war with the brothers I trust."
Pablito


Senior Member

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Hi and welcome to the forum.

Harmony is a great treatment and almost certainly will work.

 



__________________

44 y.o. male, HCV G4 since 1996, F-scan score 9, F2, Failed prior I/R, finished sof/vel/vox 8 weeks 5/16, pre-treatment VL 2 million, EOT UND, EOT+4 UND, EOT+12 UND.
humbled


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Hi Everyone,

I was diagnosed with Hep C in April and the whole experience has been pretty tough. I've only told my partner and one other person, and
am still adjusting. To compound things, my recent Fibroscan was surprisingly high (13.6), considering that my GP said that my liver enzymes were
normal at my last physical in 2011. I'm guessing I contracted it sometime after 2011, which made the FS score pretty shocking to me. Also, I did
an abdominal ultrasound in April which came back normal, which added to my surprise at the FS score.

I have to get an endoscopy later this month (which I'm dreading) and I'm supposed to start Harvoni in a few weeks. Pretty bummed because
my partner has to be away for work for 6 weeks, so feeling pretty lonely. 

Anyways, just wanted to say hello.



__________________

GT 1a, VL 3.7ml Fibroscan 13.6 Diagnosed: April 2016

SOT: 9 / 17 / 2016 (12 weeks Harvoni)

4-Week Bloods: AST (22) ALT (15)

EOT: 12 / 9 / 2016 - UNDETECTED!!

EOT + 12 weeks - 4 / 6 / 2017 - UNDETECTED!!!
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