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Hi Lucinda, My name is Rob and I enjoy reading your encouraging replies to the Harvoni. I don't know if your started this forum but I can tell you how happy it was to find it and become a member! I just finished 2 months of treatment and I don't go in for a blood test till the second week in Feb. I have a question to ask you. I don't feel anything besides itching and fatigue. I pace myself but sometimes I do too much and have to go to bed early so the next day will be better. If I do clear I'm hoping for more energy. I had/have cirrhosis so I wondering when I might see some kind of a boost in my energy level if ever? Of course, I would be satisfied if the Harvoni just rid me of Hep C so I don't face future complications. I hoping to get back to the old me. I don't do anything but follow my doctors advice to the letter. I know your very busy and I would like to thank you for any response! No rush. I'm 66 now and have treated 4 times in the past and I'm wondering when you cleared the virus and how you feel now? All the best, Rob Please excuse any typo's .. I struggle with memory problems.
I got my first labs tonight -- my viral load is undetectable! I am now five weeks in with three left to go. So that is amazing news! Interestingly, tonight when I saw the doctor my blood pressure was higher than it has ever been. I understand I am not the only person experiencing this. Did you encounter this, and if so does it go back down after treatment?
Yikes - from one extreme to the other...
I've never seen that happen. Also, the FDA doesn't have the authority to do that. You can always report AFTER treatment is over - this is actually better since it allows you to see if the issue resolves, and gives them more info about the scope of the problem.
My Pcp blames everything on my virus...swollen glands and bronchitis was because I have hep and my immunity is low. Tonsilitis wasfrom hep . I feel like he'd blame a broken bone on the disease. He has no clue and no interest but I keep trying keep asking.
If you report things to the FDA they will pull you off treatment.
Lucinda K. Porter, RN
Hi Rob. First, let me set the record straight - I did not start this forum. I also am grateful it exists. (For first time readers, the Forum is at http://forums.hepmag.com) As for your question, some people are reporting those side effects. As to when you will be feeling better, it depends on a number of factors. First, there is coming off the meds, and you should notice s slow, steady improvement in the weeks following. As to when you will feel better from your baseline, it depends on how bad your cirrhosis is. Some people says it takes months or even more than a year. Also, there is the sad reality that some people have a steady degeneration from the cirrhosis, and getting rid of hep C doesn't always stop this. However, you have set realistic expectations and have a fabulous attitude. My situation was a bit different since I don't have cirrhosis. Honestly, I feel like I am a lousy judge of my pre-hep C self compared to my current self. For awhile I felt like I was much improved, but I think that might have been placebo-effect. It all comes down to this: When I take good care of myself, I feel well; when I don't, I don't feel well. It's so simple, you would think I'd treat my body perfectly, but alas, there is always room for improvement.
January 22, 2015