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One month on Sovaldi and Ribivarin
Went to the doctor today, came away with excellent news. My viral count is 0, undetectable. It was 6 million a month ago. Still have to continue on my meds for two more months. Doctor says virus is cleared from my blood. But the virus can still be in the liver and the additional 2 months is to make sure the HEP C is completely cleared. Also hemoglobin is actually up from last blood test 10.5 to 11. Still Feel very tired and out of breath at times. Does the hemoglobin continue to improve now?
Hi again I'm new to this forum I'm new to harvoni treatment I have taken it now for at least three weeks I'm having all types of symptoms starting yesterday I develop flu-like symptoms today I have a cough and my throat hurts the week before that I experience pain in my neck and shoulders like maybe having a crick in your neck my joints ache in my knees my hips Exedra and headaches are out of control I was told that there was no to moderate symptoms when taking harvoni I might experience joint pains headaches nausea and diarrhea so I call my doctor to let her know each time I take my harvoni I'm experiencing the neck pain the dry cough like my chest is opening up and a rash like eczema never had this before anyone out there experiencing new things and what have your doctor said
Hi I need to harvoni is well I started my treatment 3 weeks ago my first week severe headaches and insomnia my second week along with the headaches and insomnia came joint aches and pain my third week going on the 17th day experience tension in my neck had lots of pain when I move my neck from left to right I tried to lay my head back on my pillow I call my dr. And they said that they have no symptoms that had been reported about the neck pain it's been 2 weeks now feel like I have a crick in my neck but I only felt that after taking harvoni and now I'm feeling like I'm catching a cold or flu has anyone else have any more of these symptoms
It's looking good. I only saw my doctor one time and that was at 2 weeks into treatment. However, I did all the tests - CBC, metabolic panel, vl at 4, 8, and 12 weeks in order to be sure everything was functioning well. After treatment - I have an open order to test every 4 weeks. Maybe your doctor can give you the same testing schedule? Of course it could depend on your insurance. Regardless, I am so happy for you.
Yes, my Dr is a gastroenterologist. He said two months before I had to come back. If I start feeling really weak and out of breath, I will call the office and schedule another cbc and get back in to see him. My hemoglobin in the 1st month was 10.9, 10.5, and 11. Three different cbc tests were done.
Awesome news! Thank you for sharing, we always like to see positive posts
Take care
Deb
BIG congrats! That is super news. Like others have said, the hemoglobin can bounce around a bit. Once you stop the ribavirin totally, it will take some time but it will go back to baseline. Enjoy being undetected!
Buyron. Your Dr should see you again before Tx ends. He needs to keep an eye on your Hemoglobin since you are on Ribavirin. People on Harvoni don't necessarily have to be monitored but you do.
If your Hmg goes to low they may have to reduce your dosage or give you a shot called Procrit (Brings up the Hmg).
Are you certain he said you don't need to be seen for 2 months?
If so, he is wrong. It can be dangerous if the Hmg is below an 8. That's not to say that will occur, but he needs to stay on top of it just to be sure.
You do need to call your Dr and find out when you need to be seen again. It's normally every 4 weeks if your Hmg stays high, but if not every week or 2.
Make sure you find out and let us know. If he's a Hepatologist he would know that. If he's a Gastroenterologist or regular Dr he may not be aware.
Keep us posted
.....Kim
If your Hmg goes to low they may have to reduce your dosage or give you a shot called Procrit (Brings up the Hmg).
Are you certain he said you don't need to be seen for 2 months?
If so, he is wrong. It can be dangerous if the Hmg is below an 8. That's not to say that will occur, but he needs to stay on top of it just to be sure.
You do need to call your Dr and find out when you need to be seen again. It's normally every 4 weeks if your Hmg stays high, but if not every week or 2.
Make sure you find out and let us know. If he's a Hepatologist he would know that. If he's a Gastroenterologist or regular Dr he may not be aware.
Keep us posted
.....Kim
I don't go back for two months after my 4 week draw. It seems that the regular CBCs aren't needed with Harvoni.
My doctor told me I didn't have to come back till the end of treatment-2 months. Is that the norm? I think it's because he liked the results of my latest labs.
Yep that's why I never treated until now. I heard how bad those side effects were with interferon. I'm glad they came out with new meds to treat this virus! Yes, I think I'm moody because of the tiredness. And I get a little agitated right after my morning meds then it wears off. But to know I will never have to worry about this virus again is well worth the small inconveniences.
Yet another four week UND. I almost overlooked this one. Isn't this wonderful. Congrats! I feel tired, short of breath and achy too at five weeks but these side effects are nothing compared to interferon.
Buyron, great news!! I just finished yesterday my tx of Sol?Riba. I feel real good. My energy is lower than normal and I do get out of breath. My HGB has hovered around 9.9. I was also undetected at 4 weeks. I get my blood work again in 2 weeks and then again at 12 weeks. I am so anxious to know. Just remember to hang in there. Drink YOUR WATER, one half your body weight so if you weigh 150# drink 75 oz of water. That is criticial and will help you to feel more energized. At around week 8 my doctor reduced me to 800 mg on the Riba.. I feel great!! Best of luck to you!!
UND is an excellent first step! The time to EOT will go quickly.
So pleased to hear your HMG came up a little! Hope that it comes up some more - or at least stablizes til EOT. Sure affects how you feel.
Keep on keeping on!
Blessings,
Pat
So pleased to hear your HMG came up a little! Hope that it comes up some more - or at least stablizes til EOT. Sure affects how you feel.
Keep on keeping on!
Blessings,
Pat
Buyron that's great news. Hmg #s can be tricky. For some they stabilize, while others they can run in and up and down pattern. The fact that yours have slightly risen is a good sign.
Truth be told I believe the 8-10 week Hmg level will make the picture somewhat clearer. If they continue to hold steady in that time frame then you are likely good to go. Everyone is effected so differently while on Tx so it's hard to predict where your journey will take you.
Continue to get rest, keep the fluids going, exercise, and eat healthy. Believe it or not, the last month or so will fly by and your new life will begin.
Best to you
.....Kim
Truth be told I believe the 8-10 week Hmg level will make the picture somewhat clearer. If they continue to hold steady in that time frame then you are likely good to go. Everyone is effected so differently while on Tx so it's hard to predict where your journey will take you.
Continue to get rest, keep the fluids going, exercise, and eat healthy. Believe it or not, the last month or so will fly by and your new life will begin.
Best to you
.....Kim
Great news so far. Best wishes for SVR 12.
RE:hemoglobin as other have mentioned in your post last month.
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/Sovaldi-and-Ribavirin-/show/2481446
It's depends, it can be different than others. What was your pre-treatment level? There really isn't that much difference between 10.5 and 11.0
Usually some concern when below 10 for RBV reduction. Below 8.5 then more serious. These lower levels aren't set in stone and need to be interpreted by the patient's doctor for their specific medical condition.
RE:hemoglobin as other have mentioned in your post last month.
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/Sovaldi-and-Ribavirin-/show/2481446
It's depends, it can be different than others. What was your pre-treatment level? There really isn't that much difference between 10.5 and 11.0
Usually some concern when below 10 for RBV reduction. Below 8.5 then more serious. These lower levels aren't set in stone and need to be interpreted by the patient's doctor for their specific medical condition.
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