miked is back

Guys, I'm back.  

Hopefully my absence didn't cause any worries, although I did see a post by Susan400 asking where I was and what's going on now that I'm 12+ weeks post Prove 3 tx.

First off I was contacted through this forum by several people who asked very pointed questions about my tx with VX950, symptoms and results.  The Vertex release form that I signed said I wouldn't provide sensitive data, whatever that is.  These questions just seemed a bit too close to home and I decided to take a break for a while.  I don't know what Vertex could do to me personally but I sure don't want to cause problems or worse yet delay future treatments for those who really, really need it.

Secondly, I didn't think too much about HCV over the holidays.  We had a stream of friends in from around the world and enjoyed their company, humor, good food and "string me up with a noose" but I indulged in a few glasses of very expensive Cabernet Sauvignon. it was delicious.

Here's the good news.  On January 3rd I met with my Vertex coordinator for a 12 week post tx exam.  The PCR came back two days later still UNDETECTABLE!!!!  Yippe-iii-ooo

All my research indicates that geno 1b's on VX-950 + INF + RBV who experience a rapid virus reduction (RVR) which means goes undetectable before Week 4 (I went UND somewhere between Week 1 and Week 2) and stays UND throughout tx has a very low rate of relapse after stopping treatment.  Once this same geno 1b group reaches Week 12 post treatment and are still UND....100% of them go on to be UND at post treatment Week 24 which is considered the gold standard for CURED!  I'm really happy about what's happening for me.

OK....I'd like to hear from some other Provers:
1.) Susan400 - did you get rolled over into a VX950 + INF + RBV group?  If so, I'll bet a fine dinner that you end up cured.
2.) Missy - What happened with your results?
3.) mremeet - you still UND?
Who else can provide an update?

I'm still suffering from the INF and general weakness but overall life is looking good knowing that most likely HCV won;t be what kills me.

I'll be more regular on the forum.  BTW....I hate the new format.

miked

[wyntre9]

Congrats on your 12 week post tx UND.

great news!  :)

wyn

[Myown]

Congratulations! Its so nice to read posts such as yours.

I wish you the best!!

[Lady Lauri]

  Great news. Great news for Geno 1's! Very happy to see those results, %'s.

Can you say, over all,  how you handled the tx, extra drug, etc. or not?

And good for you! I'd kill for a glass of good cabernet :}

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

LL

[Lady Lauri]

Can you say, over all,  how you handled the tx, extra drug, etc. or not? ........................


Assume that's not 'sensitive' data !

[jmjm530]

Hi Miked,

Congratulations on your SVR!!!

-- Jim

[dmhrdh]

Congratulations!!!!!!!
I plan to follow right in your footsteps :-)
I do shot 38 this Sat. and then the countdown begins!
Enjoy your freedom from treatment and most importantly HCV!!

[alagirl]

Don't worry.  if we have a nucleur winter, the roaches and mremeet's SVR / UND will be the only things still left standing.  And they're all gonna be sitting at a table playing poker and chuggin some jack.  Just sayin' ;)

Anyway, we just figured you were up to the usual... exotic travels with the Swedish bikini team, you know, that sort of thing...lol

[mikesimon]

Congratulations! Stay well, Mike

[APKhaos]

Righteous result! Your are on the SVR Train without a doubt.

I was wondering about how all the the Prove 1 & 2 labrats were doing, too.

I was geno1b, stage 3, VL 24,600,000 at the start of Prove 1. Now SVR at 48 weeks post, and that was over a month ago. I'm done, clear, and free to proceed with life.

PLN also reported that she was SVR @ 48 weeks post.

We might need a new thread which is specifically for Prove rats to report status :-)

[miked]

One day, after starting VX950 treatment, we were camping.  I had been out in the dun fishing and swimming and noticed a red rash on my arms that looked like poison ivy.  Over the next 3-4 days that rash went from poison ivy to the rash from hell that moved around my body and changed looks constantly.  My doc put me on steroid cream that eventually cured it after about three weeks.  I also spent the summer in UV long pants, long-sleeve shirts and a Katheaine Hepburn looking hat....my kids loving made fun of me.

I failed traditional tx three years ago and managed to bounce back to running 20-30 miles a week and other activities in a short period of time.  This time I'm just not at the same level of energy and have been irritable as heck.  Maybe it's age but I'm thinking it's tx related.

The good news is that I don't have the HCVB virus pumping through my veins anymore.  Also that glass of Cab was like a slice of heaven.

Good luck to all of you guys!

miked

[w.c. missy]

hi mike -

yea, i took a break from posting during the holidays as well... i ended up being in arm a - the control arm, good news is that i will start roll-over very soon, and will get the "real deal".  i'm hoping for the best, and will post whatever i can, per study protocol.  thx for asking about me, and heartfelt congratulations to you!

peace,
w.c. missy

[mom213]

GOOD for you & your family. I am still UND. Liver enzymes all low normal. I was about four weeks behind you.  I am feeling so much better..MOM213 or is it 513 I forgot''' I guess some things are   slower coming back...