EOT + 2

I took my last Riba pill March 17, 2008,  I remember it well for many reasons, not the least of which, it was St Patrick's day in NY.  I am still undetectable.

It's taken awhile, but the last of the side effects of treatment seem to have finally departed.  Interferon effects all of us differently, but most of us have fought the war and show the scars to some degree.  The impact of the drugs on me were more psychological than physical.  I was anemic and felt bad, but those problems paled in comparison to the depression and impulsive/angry behavior.

So I apologize to anyone that I might have upset.  I know that I was an instigator sometimes and the last thing we need on treatment is stress.  Now I can walk on a beach and feel at peace.  But best of all, I smile more now.

There is much to look forward to.  I see many new drugs in various states of development and there are now trials with polymerase inhibitors and protease inhibitors that do not combine with SOC drugs!

Best of luck to all in or about to start treatment.

[working dog]

that was nice eric...i always thought you were one of the most helpful here....billy

[gauf]

Glad you getting to a good place my friend. Might be a good time to join a tea party.

[Andiamo1]

Thanks Billy

Gauf - It's more fun to think about a beach than politics!!  And thank you.  We disagree plenty, but I think of you as a friend.

[GreatBird]

Congrats, Eric. What a long journey. Good to know there's a nice beach at the end of it. :)

[Proactive]

Congrats Eric on the anniversary of EOT +2, it was a very nice couple of Spring weeks in 2008. Your EOT+2, my EOT + 9 and Za is EOT-5 , just to name a few. And this week of 2010, let's not forget Annies announcement of SVR after 72 weeks of tx!!...(she was mighty quiet about it).............;^) pro
PS: hope all is well with you, barring the cold Winter you had.

[Marcia2202]

I'm so happy for you Eric.

And may I say, you also look about 15 years younger than you are.

SVR has certainly done you good!

[Marcia2202]

Where is Annie's SVR thread? I haven't seen it.  CONGRATS ANNIE!!!!

[Trish77]

Everyone deserves their own SVR thread  ... perhaps one of you wants to start her one. :)

[Trish77]

"Now I can walk on a beach and feel at peace.  But best of all, I smile more now. "

This is good to hear.  It was a very long haul for you.

Funny, I had you on my mind this past week and intended to write.  I still will, but it's good to see you pop up and hear how you're doing and particularly pleased to hear that peace and joy are increasing in your life.

Warm regards,

Trish

[Andiamo1]

Thanks all for so much help over the years.  It has been a long haul, but well worth it.
Eric

[Isobella]

Eric...I don't even know where to start.  I guess with Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  You are an inspiration(...if not a walking, talking, SVRing advertisement for Telaprevir. )Unbelievable how many times you went through tx....wow.

I can surely say that you've brought me through some kinda times, my friend. I'm sure so many others here can say the same, but seriously.....I am so thankful for you. The great advice, fun lunches and great stock tips......

Some great memories during some very trying times.  

I'm so happy for you.  And Mafalda.  

Love to you both,

Isobella

[Myown]

I just read this and I just can't believe that it was 2008 that you took you last pill. The time seems to go so fast.
I am so happy that you did finally achieve SVR. You deserve a medal for sure after the long haul you had. Btw, I think I read a good majority of your posts as they were always helpful either with advice or inspirational and I have to say, I have never read anything that you said that might have been taken as offensive.

I can totally relate to what you said" The impact of the drugs on me were more psychological than physical.  I was anemic and felt bad, but those problems paled in comparison to the depression and impulsive/angry behavior."
And according to one of my doctors, its harder for men to express having feelings of depression and anxiety so I think its good that you mentioned this so others would know it can be part of why they might be feeling what they are feeling.. Because its strange sometimes in that we "should know" that our 'bad feelings' are from the drugs, 'but sometimes' we just think we are changing how we view things and its not the meds at all. I know that sounds off, but unless a person experienced it, I can understand why it would not make sense maybe, but its real for the person experiencing it...

I can imagine how your wife feels too. She must be thrilled its finally behind you both.
Continued great health and happiness!
MO

[nygirl7]

LOL Yes let's all stay away from the politics - man what knockdown dragouts............

Glad you are feeling better Eric - enjoy the beach and your beautiful wife :)

[Andiamo1]

Izzy, MO: thanks for being supportive through all the tough times.

nygirl: definitely -- no more politics, and thanks for all your support.

[Lady Lauri]

The hardest part not being here much these days, is wanting to be. During the time of ‘sick days’, home all day, there’s so much time to post. Now I pop in and see so many I want to, just too little time.

MO..“I can understand why it would not make sense maybe, but its real for the person experiencing it.”..........
That makes total sense, to one who has done the drugs. You summed it up very well!

Eric, your post are way up in my favorites, and as always, you have my utmost respect. Tx changed many, some still deciding if they like the change or not, some getting back to normal, some not. This helps those now in the place where you were know there is sunshine ahead, still possible. You did the tx of all tx's (more then once) and made it back to the top. That's inspiration for many. You always express so well, during tx and now.
I am thrilled that you are smiling more, it is so what you deserve.

Wish u many more walks on the beach and many more smiles, LL

[mikesimon]

Congratulations!!
Stay well.
Mike

[Andiamo1]

LL  thanks for all your support over the years.

Mike, you are always a great help to everyone.  I hope you are well.

Eric

[IAmTheWalrus]

Good to hear, Eric!

[newleaf09]

Nice to hear from you.  I am looking forward to my 1 yr. anniversary pos- drugs and sticken nearly every day with amazement at how sick I was a year ago and how ordinary I feel now.  Nice to know that things get better.

[Andiamo1]

Brent, Newleaf,

Best to you both.

Eric

[dlr2007]

I'm so glad to see that you're still UND- you fought long and hard for that SVR!!! I'm surprised too that it's been so long since you finished tx. I must say that I never remember you being an instigator- I do recall being touched and inspired by many of your posts, though! Good to hear from you and know that you are happy and well :) .
-Dee  

[child24angel]

Great news Eric!!!
Enjoy !!

Hugs
Elaine