Hep C Discussion Forum

Tig · Admin

RE: New Here!!

lamassu · Senior Member

Ah yes 5,300,000. Check my signature for the format @Canuck suggested I use when I joined, it makes it easier for us to communicate progress with each other. Of course you are welcome to use your own preferences for your signature as you wish. My best wishes for an undetectable EOT viral load and minimal side effects!

Dishbrat · Member

lamassu, that's 5.3 millon (Unit: IU/mL), or 6.73 Real-time? should I state the difference in my signature line? You're the first person to ask about the clarity??

Big Bertha (my 100 oz mug) is ready for the 56 day H20 party!!!

5-1-18 · Guru

cool DB, i did that for myself too for tx. i set things up ahead of time, did all the things i could ahead of time too so i didn't have as much to do except work during tx.

so glad to hear you are getting on board the treatment train next week

get that gallon jug ready for all the water you will drink during the waking hours.

lamassu · Senior Member

HI DB and welcome to the forum. You have viral load listed as 5.3 in your signature, is that a mistype? Most Hep C RNA Quantitative Real-Time PCR tests can't detect below 15 IU/ml. Or are you using log10 IU/ml? A log10 value of 5.3 is ~ 200,000 IU/ml.

-- Edited by lamassu on Thursday 31st of May 2018 08:30:24 PM

Dishbrat · Member

Hi 5 and STL! Glad to meet you both! Super excited to join you on this journey!

Heard from the specialty pharmacy today.....meds will arrive on Tuesday, and I'll be starting them on Wed June 6th. I'll only be working my fulltime job for the Summer, and they are aware of me starting Mav, and are supportive and understanding that side effects do happen at times (I work in a Dr. office ;) )so that's really a huge worry lifted off me! My youngest son will be leaving to spend the Summer with my parents, in South Carolina, and my husbands two kiddos will only be here 3 days a week, while my oldest will be working fulltime. Things are falling in place finally! I was feeling guilty for the possibility that I was going to take 8 weeks of ME time, being selfish, to be cured....and now it looks like I can concentrate on doing some dragon slaying at my own pace for the Summer without feeling guilty, if I don't feel well enough to go to the park, or cook a big meal etc! God is so good! I'm so so blessed for this opportunity! Thank you all for the encouragement, and warm welcomes! I'll be checking in often, to report how the Mav affects my blood sugar. Hope you are doing well!

Tig · Admin

Hi DB,

That’s OUTSTANDING! Good news all around on that. Mav has proven itself to to be one of the best Dragon killers available. All of these new DAA’s are the bomb we have looked for, for decades! So effective and so easy. You‘re going to do great!

SeeTheLight · Senior Member

Good luck on your journey Heidi. Glad you are now almost at the start line. Both 5 and myself have now cracked our second bottles. Hope your treatment is kind to you, sepecially where work is concerned. In that way I am lucky that I no longer work so if I'm not feeling great I can just flop in front of the teli.

Look forward to reading your posts.

5-1-18 · Guru

welcome DB smile

i hope you get your meds soon

Dishbrat · Member

I FINALLY GOT APPROVED FOR MAV! longest 11 days of my life waiting for that approval LOL! The specialty pharmacy that my GI Doc uses, isn't able to fill my script though, so now I have to wait until they transfer it, to one that is in contract with my insurance company. SOOOO... i'm halfway there right?? slow and steady wins the race! Will update on when I receive my meds, and actually start treatment, on a new thread!

Canuck · Guru

Hey, hey! She's on a roll! Good stuff. Won't be long now. smile C.

Tig · Admin

HOORAY!! You’re almost there. Sounds like you’re getting all of the boxes checked off. It won’t be long now! Start writing down any questions you will undoubtedly have when you see your doctor or nurse before Day 1. There are always questions forgotten when you’re sitting there with a measure of anxiety/excitement going. I’m glad you’re getting your HBV vaccination done, that’s an excellent thing to complete.

Keep us informed and good luck! smile

Dishbrat · Member

Hi Guys!

Just updating that I saw the GI Doc today, and as his online clinical notes stated, he prescribed me Mav, for 8 weeks. :)

I need to go in the morning and get my hep B vaccine, thankfully my hep A vaccine is still in effect from 15 yrs ago. From what I understand, my insurance hasn't denied any treatment claims this year, however, it can take them a week or so to approve my meds....then I have to wait on the specialty pharmacy to ship them to me.

Hope all is well, with all of you! I'll update when I'm approved, and meds arrive! Take care everyone!

Canuck · Guru

DB,

You make me laugh ... with your big bertha and MOmbie! heehee

I am impressed with what you have quit too! This kind of mojo only helps you. Going through and dropping big bad habits/dependencies (and dropping wgt when you needed to) are not easy things to do.

Your work sounds very interesting, I am sure your work and life experience is going to be a big plus here, having that knowledge can assist you now.

You probably (like many of us did) are having some pre-start fears and jitters, not knowing what it will be like for you. It may turn out that this period will be the hardest! Sometimes I am convinced, that the "fear of the unknown" is the hardest part of this, that, coupled with spinning your wheels at the same time, the "waiting" to get started, these together, in combo, can feel not so good. This "getting ready"/waiting can be a trying time. I felt GREAT psychological relief once I got started. I do think you will not have sides to be afraid of. Fear is the largest enemy (right after HCV that is), treatment itself can be relatively easy in comparison. Just keep concentrating on your mojo, and the stellar stats on how good Mav is, and how soft Mav is. smile C.

Dishbrat · Member

Hi Tig :) Thanks for the welcome! I do fortunately have this HUGE cup that I carry around with me on a daily basis... I call her Bertha LOL! She holds 100 oz of fluid, and I fill her with ice water, each and every day, and I do manage to finish 100 oz of water daily! If I add in my 2 cups of coffee that I drink, that should give me close to a gallon of fluids daily! Coffee matters right?? I have to have my coffee....otherwise I'm just a Mombie! (Zombie Mom) I gave up smoking a few months ago...but I'll never give up my caffine without a fight!

RLS~ Tramadol is good stuff! I work in a Buprenorphine clinic here full time (Suboxone/Subutex) and being that our patients are either opiate dependent, or recovering addicts, we do NOT allow them to take anything outside the clinic, even with surgeries etc (buprenorphine was initially invented to manage pain). However, if they MUST take something along with their usual Bup dose, we recommend the Tramadol...as it isn't a true narcotic. Personally, as a recovering addict myself, it is the ONLY pain medication I will ever allow to be prescribed to myself again. I had my right hand/wrist fused a few years ago, and it was the only med I would take, even then. As for your 12 wk labs, I'm sure you will have FABULOUS news for us next week! I haven't seen any failures with the Mav, have you?? It seems to be the #1 med right now! Keep us posted!

Canuck~ I'm hoping the Mav with help with my BS as well! I mentioned this to my Primary yesterday and he was hopeful too! I'm borderline with BP, it's slowly going back down (I mentioned above that I quit smoking a few months ago) but it isn't high enough for me to be on medication ;) My Bilirubin tested at .6 mg/dl, normal! I was vaccinated for Hep A and Hep B 18 years ago...however tests show I'm only immune to A now, so I'll be getting that updated as well next month.

I've seen conflicting reports with the Mav, and the bloodsugar issues? One gentleman suggests that the Mav caused him to have high BS, when he previously had none?? a few others have said they saw increases in their numbers, while others suggest that taking Mav has caused them to 'bottom out" and need to carry glucose tabs, candy etc with them at all times. I'm willing to be the guinea pig here for the group on the blood sugar issues?? When I start treatment I'll make a new post with a snazzy new title LOL

Thinking of just taking a 'break' from my second job while on treatment...and concentrating on Me for a change? I typically work the second job to help my oldest Son with college funds, however, he's done so well with grants and stuff that it isn't totally necessary for me to keep busting my butt an extra 20+ hours a week. We'll see...i have a few weeks to think about it.

Canuck · Guru

Wow DB,

I'm impressed - meds/diet and exercise and you dropped 100 lbs!, got your BS's cooperative, allowing you to be off the meds! - pretty impressive alright! If you can do that, all that work/dilgence to reverse your BS issues prior and bounce back like that (have such a good response) - this (what you are currently facing) should be a walk in the park (comparatively). You have already shown good response to the diab, meds (again) and I predict you will have another good outcome, just like you did before - you have many things going for you, in your favour - like you say ... no other major conditions plagueing you (save for the HCV), like chronic renal disease or hi bp issues, very good you are healthy otherwise, AND young (and beautiful) and motivated to get well and better - no doubt you will! Youth IS a wonderful factor to have on your side. This Mav is going to knock that nasty complicating HCV spit-ball right out of the park for you. And (who knows) you just might see your BS issues (in part) improving just from being HCV-free alone - we will have to be patient to see how your BS performance improves in the future (once you have been HCV-less for a while). That would be a very nice added bonus to your HCV cure!

I am glad you and your doc are back "on-it" in trying to keep your sugars better/well controlled - always good. My friend is like you (kind of) - she always has the AM high syndrome, but, unlike you, she is on "diet only" even though she has been encouraged to get on meds (I can see diet alone is hard for her). Keep up your very good work with the home monitering - she slacked off (easier to not know I guess). It is a good thing you are looking toward your management of the sugar thing and the dumping your HCV thing with excitement - new leaves, and better health will be for you.

More common lab blips seen, than sugars, (for those on DAA's), can be minor blips in bilirubins (as far as I can read from my scourings of the trials and from the Mav monograph). Where and what did you hear about scary BS's and Mav??

Between your diligent sugar testings and your doc's followings of you (he will be sure to take your conditions/meds into account while you are on treatment), your meds can easily be adjusted if need be - but i kinda doubt there will be need for adjustments. Good your BS's have already been on a much better even keel these last couple months.

Just to reassure yourself, when you do go back to see him, discuss the diabetes thing again, and, I didn't ask before, but has he finished assessing your hep A/B immunity levels?? Be sure to ask about that, if he has not finished that immunity assesment of you - it probably has been done. I am betting your ultrasound will be good, but still, it's always a good due-diligence thing when they give you one. Were you or will you be offered a fibroscan as well?

I wish NOBODY had to work 2 jobs, but if you must, you must - but no I don't think you will find yourself out of commision while on treatment - but it IS always a good idea to be well-fed, well-rested, and as stress-free as possible (as can be orchestrated) while on treatment - those things ALWAYS help - AS DOES LOTS OF WATER INTAKE (we will be reminding you about the importance of water until you are sick of it AND us for doing so). The only other advice (in the monograph) is taking your MAV same time every day with a mod. fat content meal. C. wink

RLS · Member

Heidi, doc gave me a prescription for Tramadol for my headaches. Fortunately I didn't take that much as the headaches did go away. I didn't have any side effects that impacted my work or family life. The few times I had to deal with some minor issues I would remind myself that this is a small price to pay to get rid of the virus - forever. I've been trying to do this for a long time now and had gone through much more debilitating side effects with other regimes.

I just had my 12 week post treatment blood test and hope to report good news next week!

Your most important job is to be healthy for those 4 kiddos! You're on your way!

Tig · Admin

Hello Heidi,

Welcome to the forum! As you already know and have been told, Mavyret is the real deal and you’ll be rid of this thing of ours by summer’s end. I’m sure of it!

You asked about treatment for headaches. I can tell you that water, plain old water, is your best friend while you’re on treatment. We have found with these new DAA’s, your body has a demand for proper, if not increased, hydration. If you can work on meeting a one gallon per day intake, you shouldn’t experience much in the way of headaches. It also helps to keep the minor body aches away, too.

I look forward to following your progress!

Follow this guide!

Dishbrat · Member

Thank you for the welcome C and RLS!

C~My type 2 diabetes was diagnosed in 2012. My A1C at that time was a 11.9 I believe? They started me on Metformin and Victoza, and I lost nearly 100 lbs on diet and exercise over 10 months, which resulted in me having normal sugar, and not needing medications (my A1C dropped to a 4.9!) Well here it is 2018, I've settled into a comfortable married life, and gained 45 lbs back, and unfortunately my type 2 as well. my A1C is back up to 12.9 this time Lack of insurance for 2 years was an issue, as I was unable to afford Doctors and treatments . I had a whole slew of bloodwork done by my Primary 2 months ago, and that's when I was restarted on my Metformin and Victoza, and that's when we saw that my Liver functions were elevated (they had been very low since diagnosed in 2000). I have checked online to make sure there wouldn't be any medication interactions with the Mavyret already :) I do take my blood sugars 3x a day, with a finger prick, and I'm regulated at normal numbers now for the most part (I have the dawn rising syndrome where my bs is high first thing in the morning, and I'll actually be seeing my Primary Dr today to discuss this with him). My kidney function is fantastic, no issues there, or really any other health issues to mention at the moment at least LOL! I'm waiting on the sonogram results, so will let you know if that has shown anything.

RLS~ Yours is one of the journeys I have been following the last few weeks. I wasn't sure if I'd be on Harvoni or Mavyret, until I found out my GT was a 2, and saw my GI Dr's notes. I'm praying for that SVR12 for you! I haven't seen anything other than amazing results with Mavyret, on the different forums i read, and groups on FB! Did you take anything for your headaches during treatment?? Any and all side effects from treatment are gone now?? Did they clear out immediately, when finished?? I work a full time job, and a part time job, and we have 4 kiddos...no time for me to be out of commission here! Please keep us posted on how you are doing??

Have a good day Folks!

RLS · Member

Welcome Heidi! You have come to the right place. There are nice people in this board that really want to help.

I started my mav last October and tomorrow is my blood test to determine if I am SVR 12. Other than a few headaches early in treatment I didn't experience any side effects. I failed Harvoni a few years ago and failed Ribo and interferon in 2005.

Your on your way to eradicate this virus! All the best and keep posting your journey.

rls

Canuck · Guru

Hi DB,

Welcome here! I am glad you are about to get righted with your imminent start of 8 weeks of Mav (sometime after May 17)!

You are a lovely looking lady! - very nice photo BTW, and I MUST congratulate you on having such a good sig. line, well layed out info and history, and wonderful you are so organized, with already knowing how to access your labs and such. Good deal. Planning and approaching treatment methodically, as you are doing, is ideal. Great you have had your ultrasound done.

I am glad you are not lurking anymore, we welcome knowing you and you to get to know us better. There are lots of Mavers around you, and lots of nice people here who will keep you company and try to help if we can.

So, you are a bit worried about the effect of Mav on your type 2 diabetes?, and you mention being "on meds" that you think are safe to be taken with the Mav? What drugs are you on that the doc has OK'd to take with Mav? You also mention your "levels" are stable - meaning your "blood sugar" levels have been stable of late? Do you mean you are drugs for diabetes? - like Metformin or such? If you could elaborate a bit on how long have you had the type 2 diabetes, how bad it got, how long you (might) have been on diabetes drugs, and how long your sugars have been well controlled, that would be good to know. I assume you finger-prick test your own blood sugar at home, maybe urine dip-stick test for sugar at home? How well controlled were you by diet alone? Does your doc say you have any outstnading kidney issues which he follows? Any BP issues?

Personally, I have NOT heard this (that MAV has such a "direct negative effect" on blood sugars), for some reason we have seen, on occasion, mild transient fluctuations in blood sugar values in people who have taken DAA's, but generally it seemed minor, very mild/transitory, and no reports here of people having great problems with their blood sugars going very haywire just because they were on Mav or other DAA's. Rather, minor rises and blips were observed, if at all, with sugars, and MANY other labs normalizing during and after treatment. I am positive your doc will be taking into very careful consideration your existing conditions, (diabetes) and any meds you are on, and following you very thoroughly - I am confident you WILL ensure this too.

The feedback from our Mavers here is VERY GOOD, as far as very few negatives things to report, and invaluable info to those just about to start. You will soon feel reassured you are doing the right thing. I am glad you are excited to get started - you should be, time to trounce this hepc and get it off your list. Feel confident in your treatment, Mav is good stuff. I hope you have been reading some of the Mav threads here to see this.

Glad you are here, others will be along soon to welcome you. smile C.

Dishbrat · Member

Hello Everyone! I've been lurking and reading for a few weeks on here, and I've gathered quite a bit of information from the knowledgeable members :) I'm currently in the process of getting treatment, I've had my bloodwork done, and just yesterday, a sonogram of my liver etc. I've (tried to) create a signature line so that some of my stats are available, whether it shows or not, will have to be confirmed after I actually post LOL Anyways...I can read my results online, as well as see any notes that my GI Doctor posts on my chart, and from what I've gathered I'll be starting the Mavyret treatment, for 8 weeks, once i do my follow up with him on May 17th. I've read on another site, that the Mavyret can cause havoc with diabetics, and their blood sugar levels, and I was wondering if anyone else has had an issue with that?? I do know that the meds I'm currently on are safe with the Mavyret, and my levels are stabilized currently. I'm excited to begin this next chapter of my life! Please, if you've had this treatment, or are currently on this treatment, let me know how you are doing! Thank you! :) ~Heidi~

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