GT3 undetectable 4 weeks post harvoni/riba

[Tr1gger]

I chose the unconventional and non FDA approved 12 wk harvoni and ribavirin treatment for my genotype 3 HCV.  I needed to treat asap due to my cryoglobulinemia (my liver was fine), and didn't know when or if daclatasvir would be available (yay! For GT3ers, soon your day is here with a treatment that doesn't cause long suffering with the awful riba).  I knew I couldn't tolerate 6 months of sovaldi/ ribavirin, and I was right.  It was rotten stuff, and 3 months was getting to the point where I was breaking out in rashes at the mere mention of the sun, and I spent the whole time flat on my back feeling toxic and fatigued.  

But joy of joys, I tested at just over 4 weeks, and I am undetectable for the virus.  I believe that the majority of relapses show up in the first four weeks, so it's looking good for me.  Of course it's possible I could still fail down the line so 12 and 24 wk checks are still in order.  But I am glad I pushed my doctor to haggle with insurance to choose harvoni for me over sovaldi.  Halving the treatment time while giving me an edge proved (I believe) to be worth it, and far less damaging than a full 6 months on ribavirin would have been for me.  I am still recovering my 'old self' back, as I forgot how to laugh and smile and hug people when on ribavirin - I seemed to just go flat personality wise.  

I'm so glad that the newer meds will make ribavirin outdated one day.  But in my case when there was nothing around when I needed to treat, I'm glad I took the risk and found a way to cut down my exposure to it.  

Here's to looking at studies, checking what's happening overseas, and doing things a bit differently.  

Happy 4 wks post treatment undetectables everyone!

[patra_]

So glad to hear from you and tipo hear that you are doing so well!  yes, I agree, EOT4 UND IS a good sign.

Hang in there.  Those last weeks will fly by, and before long, you will be doing your EOT12 and EOT24 Labs!

Praying that becomes SVR12 and SVR24!

Blessings,

Pay

[Livelife777]

Wow!   That's great news and 4 weeks post UND is really promising. You must have worked some magic to get that duo approved for geno 3. Will keep my fingers crossed for you but have to say "Looking good"
....Kim