SVR after tripple treat of Incivek

[Dee1956]

Hello, one thing that I was desperate for during tx was for people to come back and tell us how they were doing.
I started out with HCV, Cryogloinema, Cirrhosis, Diabetes, low Thyroid.  My doctor said that in my case it would be very hard to treat.  He then said he was only having me do 24 weeks, since I was a previous relapser.  He said he would not subject my liver to the additional 24 weeks that "may help" me get to SVR.  He has been involved in trials and Studies at Translational Inst at INOVA Fairfax VA Hospital with Dr Younnissi
I did the tx, it was awful as people can probably see in my journals or in my posts here and there :)
I did get to UND within the first 4 weeks, then UND at 24 weeks, 3 months later, 6 months later same
Now I am almost 16 months post tx.  I recently had blood work, I am SVR and my doctor said they are now considering this a cure.  He also said they are finding that while the liver regenerates it is also regenerating the scarred tissue.  I feel better than I have in years. My mind is clear, my hair is growing back, my muscles are building back up.  I am very happy that I took the chance

JimJim530 came back and said he went from a 3-4 and now is normal, that is great news and I hope encouraging to others on tx.

I hope that others will comment on how they are doing post tx to encourage those behind us, just like we were encouraged by those who went before.
I try to pay is forward.  

MedHelp, thank you for this wonderful site where so many fantastic loveing, supportive people have all come together to help each other.  I could not have gotten through the tx without everyone here

Please say a prayer for HectorSF, he is my hero.

Thank you all so much for your encouragement, support, advice, tips, etc.  I wish I had bought some stock in Walmart before starting tx, we were there every day or two :)

[juli4591]

Wow - so great to read how well you are doing now!  Thanks for posting about your experience.

[pooh55811]

I agree that our success stories help those who are treating to know that there is an end in sight and that things do get better.

Genotype 1; infected about 38 years ago; diagnosed July 2011; started Triple Med Tx with Interferon, Ribavirin, and Incivek Sept. 26, 2011; ended treatment Aug. 25, 2012. Starting VL 14.4 million; Week 4 VL DET; Weeks 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 48 VL all UND; 12 weeks post EOT VL UND.  25 weeks posts EOT VL UND. No dose reductions. 48 wks of treatment.  Attained SVR.

Pretreatment, I did have several extrahepatic manifestations:
*Systemic Vasculitis with Pericarditis, Pleuritis, & Hemolytic Anemia; Severe Fatigue in 1993-94;
*Gradually Increasing Blood Glucose;
*Unexplained Weight Gain;
*Sudden Onset Unexplained Allergies and Asthma;
*Dry Eyes;
*Dry Skin;
*Peripheral Neuropathy.
*Back pain (which was a real problem) and joint pain/aches.

Post treatment:
*Absolutely NO fatigue. I have tons of energy and pep and zip and motivation. I am going hiking in CO this year.
*Blood Glucose trending down. Blood Glucose lower than it has been for years. Perfectly normal.
*Weight decreasing.
*Allergies greatly improved.
*No problems with Asthma (have not used my inhaler since before treatment)
*Eyes are normal - no longer dry and no longer feel like there is sand in them. No longer need eye drops.
*Peripheral Neuropathy (feet) seems to be gone.
*Back pain is gone, totally gone.
*Dry skin is gone, but I do still have a few rash issues left from Tx.
*Joint aches and pains ... most of these are gone, but I do still have some knee and hip aches and pain, mainly when I go from sitting to standing. Walking is no problem.

Overall, I feel great, better than I have felt for 20 years. I feel like a new woman. Treatment was definitely worth it.  : )

[juli4591]

Thanks for posting this, Dee.  It is very heartening to read that you made it to SVR with 24 weeks of treatment.  Drs are still recommending the same for my husband.  So glad you are feeling good and reclaiming your health!  Very encouraging.  thanks for thinking of everyone coming up behind.  Prayers for Hector.

[LN55]

Thanks for posting. These are the posts that give all of us in treatment the inspiration and encouragement to keep fighting. I'm RVR but still have 14 weeks left and feeling it but your post keeps me looking forward to the day that I'm hopefully SVR along with gaining back my strength and some weight (doc said I was losing muscle mass and I said nothing from nothing equals nothing so where am I really losing from). This is tough but this post reminds us all of the possible reward! Thanks.

[Dee1956]

I should mention that I lost all the hair above my ears and the back of my head.  In hindsight a silk pillow case would have helped keep some of it from breaking off.  My hair completely dried out within two weeks of tx.  If I had known I would lose so much, I would have had it cut and donated it to Locks of Love. Mainly there is not much you can do to keep it if it is going to fall out.
Like NYGirl said, there is no magic pill, even though I searched. she was right.  Keep an eye on the thyroid as tx can affect that.  
Best wishes, Dee

[Dee1956]

Please excuse my typos, I really do know how to spell.

Thank you for your responses, I just remember how I wanted so much to hear from others.  I hope this will help