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Harvoni
Greetings to All,
I am posting to ask if anyone knows if the new med Harvoni is being given out by the VA Hosp. I was diagnosed with Hep C in 1990 and now in my mid 60's I am suffering some unpleasant symptoms. Blood work was always elevated and about 3yrs ago I was told I was not a candidate for interferon because of my low platelets, I believe it was; however, they did not know why they were to low.
I have just heard of this new med called Harvoni and I am due back to the VA Women's Clinic in about 2 months and I am trying to get some info together first to present to them.
My symptoms now are getting pretty rough: swollen abdomen off and on, hard almost like a melon or being pregnant about 7 months, light beige coloured stool off and on, abdomen is sore, low grade fevers off and on. I feel worn out :)
Well, thanks for listening. I am alone except for my little dog. It is nice to speak with someone who can relate, and it would be nice if I could get some relief from this discomfort. I am thinking of getting into a support group here where I live.
Thank you,
Jean
I am posting to ask if anyone knows if the new med Harvoni is being given out by the VA Hosp. I was diagnosed with Hep C in 1990 and now in my mid 60's I am suffering some unpleasant symptoms. Blood work was always elevated and about 3yrs ago I was told I was not a candidate for interferon because of my low platelets, I believe it was; however, they did not know why they were to low.
I have just heard of this new med called Harvoni and I am due back to the VA Women's Clinic in about 2 months and I am trying to get some info together first to present to them.
My symptoms now are getting pretty rough: swollen abdomen off and on, hard almost like a melon or being pregnant about 7 months, light beige coloured stool off and on, abdomen is sore, low grade fevers off and on. I feel worn out :)
Well, thanks for listening. I am alone except for my little dog. It is nice to speak with someone who can relate, and it would be nice if I could get some relief from this discomfort. I am thinking of getting into a support group here where I live.
Thank you,
Jean
Hi I found some side effects of Sovaldi, one half or Harvoni, I will continue to search
http://www.drugs.com/sfx/sovaldi-side-effects.html
http://www.drugs.com/sfx/sovaldi-side-effects.html
Hello Jean, Patra and Lynn have given you great advice. I just wanted to welcome you. This is one of the most supportive, caring, knowledgeable forums I have ever been on.
A couple of weeks ago someone asked the same question. I looked on the Vets page and saw that they are offering Sovaldi so that is a good thing. They are not very far behind at all. Also sometimes they may be offering other meds but have not updated their page. You know the govt. Is there any way that you could be seen sooner? Does the VA have an emergency room? Like Lynn I am worried about your symptoms.
I am sure others will be along soon.
Again, welcome :) Dee
A couple of weeks ago someone asked the same question. I looked on the Vets page and saw that they are offering Sovaldi so that is a good thing. They are not very far behind at all. Also sometimes they may be offering other meds but have not updated their page. You know the govt. Is there any way that you could be seen sooner? Does the VA have an emergency room? Like Lynn I am worried about your symptoms.
I am sure others will be along soon.
Again, welcome :) Dee
Hi and welcome Jean
I am also a veteran not getting meds thru the VA though but my insurance at my job. Are you seeing a hepatologist?
The pregnant looking stomach has me worried that could be ascities which if it is could be a sign of advancing cirrhosis. Have you had a liver biopsy or a fibroscan to evaluate the condition of your liver?
I also have low platelets about 80 to 90 range. Low platelets in my situation is due to my cirrhosis diagnosed in Jan 2008 resulting in portal hypertension. The portal vein flows through the liver when the liver is damaged badly enough it causes portal hypertension which in turn causes the spleen to enlarge and sequester (hold back) platelets. My abdominal ultrasound also indicated I have an enlarged spleen.
So with that said have you been evaluated for the condition of your liver if not you really need to see a hepatologist or at least a gastroenterologist to evaluate the health of your liver.
Good luck to you
Lynn
I am also a veteran not getting meds thru the VA though but my insurance at my job. Are you seeing a hepatologist?
The pregnant looking stomach has me worried that could be ascities which if it is could be a sign of advancing cirrhosis. Have you had a liver biopsy or a fibroscan to evaluate the condition of your liver?
I also have low platelets about 80 to 90 range. Low platelets in my situation is due to my cirrhosis diagnosed in Jan 2008 resulting in portal hypertension. The portal vein flows through the liver when the liver is damaged badly enough it causes portal hypertension which in turn causes the spleen to enlarge and sequester (hold back) platelets. My abdominal ultrasound also indicated I have an enlarged spleen.
So with that said have you been evaluated for the condition of your liver if not you really need to see a hepatologist or at least a gastroenterologist to evaluate the health of your liver.
Good luck to you
Lynn
Hi, Jean. Welcome to the Forum. I don't have your answer, but we have many Veterans here, so I am sure someone will be able to answer you question. In the meantime, if you have the skills to negotiate the internet, (I am not capable in this area at all), you might try to find the V A Formulary - surely it is listed on line - and see if you can locate what the VA is currently using for treatment.
Also, You may live alone, except for yor little dog, but you are not alone. I am sure your pet is a lot of company - and here You have found a warm, caring community, who will walk with you through all the steps of treatment.
You will get support, information, and questions answered. Collectively, the Forum has a huge amount of information and experience to share.
HepC is very treatable and with few side effects. Compared to what heppers used to suffer to treat, and without higher SVR (Sustained Viral Response = cure) that people can expect today, this is a walk in the park on a nice day. On Harvoni and the new AbbVie Viekira Pak, and even so many on the next newer tx (treatment) Sovaldi with Olysio or Sovaldi with Ribavirin, the sides (sx, side effects) are often not noticeable, or are very mild to mild. At any rate, very doable.
What is your Genotype - that will affect the meds prescribed - and your viral load (which does not affect your outcome vut helps know what is going on.
Again, welcome. Take a deep breath, exhale, and know that you can deal with this, one step at a time. Pat
Also, You may live alone, except for yor little dog, but you are not alone. I am sure your pet is a lot of company - and here You have found a warm, caring community, who will walk with you through all the steps of treatment.
You will get support, information, and questions answered. Collectively, the Forum has a huge amount of information and experience to share.
HepC is very treatable and with few side effects. Compared to what heppers used to suffer to treat, and without higher SVR (Sustained Viral Response = cure) that people can expect today, this is a walk in the park on a nice day. On Harvoni and the new AbbVie Viekira Pak, and even so many on the next newer tx (treatment) Sovaldi with Olysio or Sovaldi with Ribavirin, the sides (sx, side effects) are often not noticeable, or are very mild to mild. At any rate, very doable.
What is your Genotype - that will affect the meds prescribed - and your viral load (which does not affect your outcome vut helps know what is going on.
Again, welcome. Take a deep breath, exhale, and know that you can deal with this, one step at a time. Pat
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