6 months post tx results

I am negative for HCV with my 6 month post tx blood tests.  Just got the word.  For those who don't know me (or those that do know me but would like to forget) let me give you a quick bio;  51 yr. old white male, had HCV for 27 years, genotype 1b, viral load 2.2 million, no cirrhosis or fibrosis, no biopsy (only ultrasound).  I did 48 weeks of Pegasys and Copegus. I actually did 29 weeks of Pegasys at full dosage(180mcg.) and 19 weeks at a reduced dosage(135mcg.) due to severe neutropenia, I stayed on the full dosage of Copegus(1000mg.) for the entire 48 weeks.  I was clear at 12, 24, 48 weeks and also at 3 months post tx and now 6 months post tx. I was on Procrit about 3 months into tx until the end. Had wicked dry throat, mouth, eyes and skin during tx, it's fine now. Never had any hair loss or depression, thyroid is fine, gained 2 pounds on tx (more now), eyes got lousy during tx but improved after tx, had the riba-dots during tx and they are gone, have a slight rash on my biceps now-but no big deal.  I just wanted to let people know that the tx worked for me and the odds were not in my favor.  So any of you folks on tx hang in there and keep plugging away because it seems the tx DOES work for many of us and the side effects will probably go away and you'll be damn glad you went through with it.

[Better Angels]

I have followed you since my first day on this board, about 1 year ago. You never failed to inspire me with your intellect, calm nature, and kind words to others. I don't post much (I sometimes feel guilty for that) but I just could not let this go by. I am so absolutely thrilled for you, tears in my eyes, joy in the heart. I await Greg's 6 month PCR results, should be by Friday and I hope that I too will get to be elated once more this week.

Truly, I share your celebration. Stay well!
Debbe

[DonL]

And the Sox beat the Yankees! Looks like you're on a roll. Congratulations on 6 months. Go out there and howl!!!

[Galen]

Way to go!!!  I know just how you are feeling and it is the best in the world.  Have a happy, healthy life!

[ral]

Hi Raheem

You inspired me also because of your words of engouragement and help also we were the same Geno type 1's. I decided to extend till 72 wks as I did not clear soon enough. I feel pretty positive it is gone. I have 4 more wks left.

GOD BLESS

keep in touch

Bob L

[ts2010]

Congratulations raheem !!!!!

They say that your chances of having the 1 yr post tx results coming back negative are 99%.  Wonderful news indeed!

[DoubleDose]

Congratulations!!!!   Fantastic news.  Seems like these days we are seeing a very high percentage of SVR for the terrible type 1's, and most who are clear at end of tx, seem to go on to SVR...  Probably due to the Pegs, and better tx strategies, with Procrit, AD's, extended tx, etc.

We are all thrilled for you, and wish you the best in the 'after life'....after HCV that is!!!!!!!!!!!!

Go celebrate!!!

Doubledose

[layla]

Yahoo!!!!!!!What great news. That has got to be such a relief. I hope to be following in your footsteps soon. I think your story does give people hope. Congrats! LL

[DH Bill]

RIGHT ON MAN! CONGRATULATIONS! As a fellow 1b I'm about 8 weeks behind you and hope to follow in your footsteps.

[TravelGrl]

Great News!! Best Wishes to you always..

[black winnie]

Glad to hear your news.  Tis good to get positive feed back.  I did pick up on the throat thing.  I have a really dry throat and wicked cough at the moment.  Any ideas to help with these sytoms of treatment.

[hepcgetlost]

Woo-hoo!!!!!! Great news! We had some contact several months ago, and I think of you often. I haven't been able to check in here as often as I'd like (hospitalized twice in the past few weeks) and still struggling with an infection that won't go away, but I'm glad I came by tonight!

I'm struck by how you've used your experiences as valuable life lessons. I know there have been other challenges you've not only overcome but transcended.  Your sensitive and thoughtful postings to so many on this forum demonstrate to each of us that we can do that if we choose to.

You once told me that one of the things you learned along the way is that things aren't necessarily as bad as they seem, nor as good as one may think they are.  I think It's true about many things. Anyway, your message is the high point of my day! Like ral, I'm now extended from 48 to 72 weeks (at week 44 now).

Thanks for all your inspiration and congratulations again! Judi

[mikesimon]

That's really great news! Best of luck. Mike

[Indiana]

OH YEAH!!!  CPNGRATULATIONS!!  WE'RE WARMIN UP THE SVR BUS AND WILL BE ROUND TO PICK YOU UP!!!  YOU MADE IT!!  WOO-HOO!!

What a ride, eh?? As the post-tx recovery continues, those left over skin problems should pass. It took me most of a year to get rid of all of mine too.
  
I am scouting the cows now and you can bet that there will be a BIG cow-tippin for you here tonite!!

Live long and prosper.....(oh yeah....check yourself for pointy ears)

[doll face]

I too would like to extend my deepest CONGRATULATIONS to you.

As many others here have already said, Your kind words and good nature have been an inspiration to so many of us here and I want to thank you for that.

It is so encouraging to see so many SRVs lately, and not just for us (oh so difficult to treat 1's) but for everyone that has gone through or going through tx. It is a rough road for many of us here and getting news like yours sure makes it worth it.

[Eyedeas]

Great News!

[Docsgold]

That is great and encouraging news. I am 48, female, a 1b, 2.4 million viral load, no idea how long I have had this, grade 2, stage 1 on my bx.  You have surely given me lots of hope and I am extremely happy for you.  I got a pcr at 12 weeks (clear) and won't get another until the end of tx.  I will take shot 24/48 Friday, so I am halfway there.  I could put up with the dry mouth and sinuses and rashes, but my thyroid went very quickly.  Am now on levoxyl and feel sooooo much better.  I saw my ENT (ear, nose, throat) yest and he seems to think perhaps a virus I had may have attacked my thyroid and there is a chance of weaning off this new med.  That was good news, but of course I am not banking on it.

Again, congratulations, how happy you must be.
docsgold

[Califia]

As our ships pass on this board, I salute you!  Congratulations on a job well done.

[derail]

WOW fantabulous news my friend
Sounds even better cause I got the same results last week
PAAAAARTY time for sure(cranberry cocktails)

[fsplink]

I bet you're just tickled to death to hear the good news! Great job.

[MS_Vicki]

Been following your progress for over a year myself, Congratulations I am Sooo Happy For You!!!!!

Great News!
:)

[Tony-z]

Raheem

I did follow you through some of your tx here on Med Help. I would like to congratulate you on being Virus free. I am on my 3rd try, 2B, 7,000,000 IU/ML Grade 2 Stage 3. Seeing your post that your clear at 6 months, especially when you did 19 weeks at 135MCGs <B>really gives me a boost.</B>
I wish you All the good things that life can offer.

                  Bless you.
                
                     TonyZ

[pearse]

Great News, you did it. Good luck and feel well.

nwlywed, I was a 1a did 52 weeks of peg and riba. I am clear and feeling great.

[DownThisRoad]

I posted this to you a few days back but I don't think that you saw it.  Here it is again.....pre your GOOD test RESULTS.  I'm still right behind you and by the way, CONGRATULATIONS.  I knew you could do it. I guess I'm out there flying solo on this one.  I have my fingers crossed for good PCR results.  " 1's CAN DO IT ~ YES WE CAN. "

"Hey RAHEEM remember...I'm right behind you with my 6 months testing. I didn't have the 3 months done (after much much deliberation with myself) so my test at the end on NOVEMBER will be long awaited and very much anticipated. Mhhhhh...wonder what it will come back like?
Come on over and you and I can cook up a huge pot of 'WORRY STEW' and serve it to our dear members of this forum for the next 30 days.

What do you think about your test that's coming up? Do you think of it every day...every minute?
Ah yes, remember when we were on the meds and posting bout the same thing bout the same time? WHEW NOW that was something to WORRY about!!"
~dtr.

[FreedomSoon]

Fantastic news!
I will be getting my six months PCR within the next week. ( I did a 5 month because I felt awful- so the doc said we still have to do a 6 month.) I have joint pain and sleep disturbances but nothing is as bad as knowing those critters are still doing the damadge. The future looks bright for you along with all of  the SVR's we have seen resently. Again congratulations and thanks for the inspiration you have given everyone on your journey.
God Bless you !

Tony

[CARUU]

This is great news.  So happy for you.  Congratulations! caruu

[LvdByGod]

congratulations raheem and derail, haven't been round that much lately and it's great to tune in and find your post...what a relief...i can't imagin...it must be the biggest joy after all this! tonight it's celabration time...go out to dinner and order the LOBSTER...with the sparkling grape juice of course...Be Blessed!!!

[Lucky Lou]

Excellent! Mission completed. Tough road for you as well. Never give up! Never give up! Never give up. Good job. YOU did it! Outstanding!!!
I have tken the liberty to send over 7 dancing girls, a magician, some acrobats, 10 cuban cigars rolled on the thighs of virgins, and some other things not suitable for posting!!!

Enjoy! You deserve it! All of one and one for all!


(You may take the rest of the mounth off with pay!No problem, Tell them I said so!)

Lou

[scruffy]

WHEW! HUH?  Raheem I'm happy for you (and right behind-timewise) I very seriously request that you live large from this point on and live well my friend!

[new-sojourn]

Many of the sx's you have can be treated w/good old common sense.  If you tired, rest, if you have a cough, just use throat lozengers or cough syrup.  If you're not hungrey, eat a bland diet just like you would feed a sick baby.  Stay hydrated and that lessens dry skin.  Hair loss is just like a dog shedding a winter coat.  It doesn't fall out like breast cancer patients hair does during chemo.  In fact, my hair came back in dark, glossy curls w/o the grey.  So, baby yourself.

I also never had the 'riba rage' or overwhelming depression.  Few get all the sx's, most get a mixed bag.  So one person's tx experienc may not be yours.

[Tallblonde]

Congratulations on winning the fight!  Best wishes for continued good health and much happiness.

Susan

[cuteus]

very deserving good news, for someone always in the front row handing out suggestions and much needed support...ask Bishop.

[MajNeni]

Hi, Raheem,
I couldn't be happier for you! Well done, my friend.  I hope you have a long, happy, healthy life.  I've been holding my breath for your news.
Maj Neni

[Sam Hall]

i have my 6mnt on Monday. I am so glad for you . I have noted your posts over the months and cant show anything but admiration and respect for you.
Sam

[relentless]

Way to go my brother....I am right behind you...I get six month test in December.  All clear at 2 months post tx.  Life is good....very, very good.  Wish the best to all who are still fighting the fight.  Keep drinking those 2 gallons of water a day...it make a BIG difference.

[Nwlywed]

Hello, I'm kind of new to all of this. I am thrilled for you Raheem and you give me alot of hope-plan to start tx in March 2005. But also pretty scared. All the reference to the "TERRIBLE" type 1's. I am a type 1. Help me. Will I be on tx longer, I know there is less
percentage of success, but I need to hear it from type 1's who are surviving.
Still out here learning-
Jan

[DonL]

And the Sox 86 the curse! Good things all around.

[raheem]

Thank you all for your kind and thoughtful comments.  I wish everyone here good luck with their own tx and results.  This board and group has been so great to kick around issues regarding HepC.  So many caring, bright and funny people participate in this forum and answer all of the questions and concerns. Thanks again. Lastly, donl....no more Hep C and no more "Curse of the Bambino......I don't know what to do now!

[Oreos]

This is great news!!!!!  Another type 1 bites the dust.  

I finished 48/48 1 week ago and the fog seems to be lifting a bit.  Wondering if the meds are still messing with me.  I keep "dreaming" the RED SOX won the Series!!!  

Take good care : )

Gail

[honey1616]

Great News!!!  I'm so happy for you!  You have helped so many here and I hope you continue to come to cheer us all on!!

[lackalustre]

the trip was worth it huh?  kind of like climbing mt. everest.  you sound like your doing great.  and your 1 year pcr will be clear too!!   so glad and God bless...