I hope this is encouraging

[karma2004]

I just wanted to post a quick note about my own experience with tx.  I know when I started out, I was apprehensive, having read so much about negative side effects.  I just want people to know how much a postive attitude can help.  

I'm geno 1A, had it for about 20 years without knowing, and have grade 2-3 fibrosis as a result.  I started tx in January, and after my 12 week test, I'm undetectable.  I work about 50 hours a week, run 3 miles a day, and haven't had to change my lifestyle at all (aside from the no alcohol thing).  I get a little tired at night, and the day after the shot, but not nearly as bad as I thought it would be.  I drink about a gallon of water a day, and I think this may have a lot to do with it.  I had a little trouble with axiety, and my thyroid got a little out of wack, but I'm treating both with meds that seem to help.

Bottom line is this.  As much as you can, try to keep positive.  This too, shall pass.  Surround yourself with people who love you, and take this time to refocus your efforts to do the things that are important to you.  You can get through this.

[layla]

My RN did request some kind of bleeding test on my labs so they is aware of this and watching. I'll be curious to see those lab results myself just our of curiousity if anything else. Thanks for the comment.
Thanks ameribrit. Surgery is  on  June 28th. One overnight in the hosp. I had to find a new GP this week for preo-op physical since I have only been seeing a hepatologist for over 2 years now and my insurance changed so I can't go to the old one any longer.  We all know what it is like to find one who is somewhat informed on HCV! Luckily my hep doc referred one he says is good and they took me on. He's even going to send him a note. We shall see. Thanks for the good wishes. I'll let you know how it all goes. LL

[Amerabrit]

best of luck with your surgery..

[snook_man]

Dolphin, is another name for Mahi Mahi. Excellent table quality fish!!! Not illegal to catch.

[cindee]

Karma, Hi and what great news!!!!!! Keep up the wonderful spirits and you'll do just fine. God speed on your quest to end this virus that rages our bodies!!!!! Best Wishes, love @ prayers, Cindee

BD146, Hello, You have always had the most inspirational posts and you've meant a lot to me. Kepp the possitive attitude and I hope all goes well. You will be in my prayers, Cindee

[BD146]

Thank you for your kind words and prayers....Edgar

[doll face]

snook- dolphin? I thought they were illegal to catch?
regarding water- I still drink lots of h20 this time around but really don't think that I need half as much as I did on the pegintron.  It can't hurt though especially in the summer so get used to drinking plenty anyways.

Chevy- just saw your picture in hotheps - I always knew that you are beautiful on the inside now we can all see that you are beautiful on the outside as well.

[snook_man]

Everybody says water water water, to minimize sides. Is this as true for pegysus, as it is for peg 2b? I know that peg 2b, is processed atleast 30% by kidneys. Pegysus on the other hand is only processed 9% by kidneys. That is why I think levels stay in body for longer period of time.You are not just pissing it out, like taking to much vitamins!!!
Glad to hear that geno 1, clearing, and with minimal sx's!! Way to go, I will be posting comments like that in the immediate future.

[Plutonium-kid]

THANX for your ENCOURAGEMENT to us ALL.

Keep on running STRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!

the kid...........

[ringeding]

HEY DID YOU GET THAT E MAIL OR DID I SEND IT TO SOMEONE ELSE...I AM GETTING NERVOUS NOW HAHAHAHAHA

[layla]

Thanks. One other question.  Ok two. I take the celebrex is taken continuous as opposed if you are just having pain at the moment? Is it soley an antiinflamatory? I had so many questions for my doc I didn't remmeber every answer or detail. Again I appreciate the response. LL

[layla]

Oh Just so you know I would think to read the instructions but I don't have any as I was given samples. It's not just brain fog! Thanks LL

[ringeding]

hey doll....yup, i took every morning through out tx.  yes it is an anti-inflamatory, but i also found it helped with headaches to a point.  although i would break down and take 2 extra strenght tylonel on top of that within an hour if i had a bad headache....anything else, just let me know....oh..yah...it did take several days for it to kick in, but i began to feel a real difference after about 4 or 5 days on it.

i am amazed at your strenght and didn't realise you too, as aseveral others here are also on extended tx...wow...you guys inspire me so much with your courage and determination!!!!

hugs
kimmy

[Tallblonde]

As someone who is still in that "apprehensive" stage, I really appreaciate your encouraging post.  Thank you for taking the time to share that perspective with us and best wishes to you as you continue your treatment journey.

Susan

[BD146]

Thank you so much for sharing your words of encouragement with all of us...I agree with all that you said and suggested...I am genotype 1b ... grade 3/4 with stage 4. Yesterday I did shot number 26 and on 6/22 I will find out the results of my 1st. pcr.  Did not have pcr on the 12th week...my GI preferred to wait for 6 monhts of tx. as I am a non-responder.
I am just keeping my fingers crossed and letting go and letting GOD.  
I also continue to work a full schedule...even though many times I just don't know where my next ounce of energy is going to come from... sometimes I have to dig real deep... but I stay on the course...try to think positive...and many times just try to block from my mind that I am under tx....
It is a heart-breaker to hear of some of the negative sides that some have to go through...but I also am a big promoter of water....water....water...besides the love and patience of family and friends...I feel that water has been one of my biggest weapons in the fight against sides...
My sincere wishes are continued recovery to you and all...
God Bless.... Edgar

[tina-b]

Doc should read about celebrex before giving it to someone on tx. It is very hard on the liver. Has spicific warnings on insert about liver problems. It is very good for inflamation although not for everyone. Here is a link about it.

http://www.prescriptions-911.com/productInfo.php?search=Celebrex

Good luck with the sugery.

[layla]

Luckily I don't have any liver damage but my doc is aware of my HCV and did specifially say this was ok for the short time I will be on it. I did get some good info at the site. Thanks so much. LL

[cornsqueezer]

I'm not on treatment yet...I start next week,  but I have been taking celebrex for joint pains for 3 yrs. New doc said it was ok.


What I'm wondering about is your surgery, I had gall bladder
removed in Nov. and neck fusion surgery in March,  both times I
I was told to stop taking my celebrex and vit E two weeks before
surgery... due to possible bleeding. Maybe you should ask your doc about it.

Debra

[honey1616]

I'm glad you found that and yes,,,We all need to do something about it! We can all go to that link and write! It won't take much time and could help! 2 million is alot to cut back and we need even so much more.  There is so many others out there that don't have any idea they have this and like us all will be a shock....

[ringeding]

hey yet another great peice of news today.....congrats!!!!! so wonderful to hear these results. the probabilities of clearing for 1's are definately lookin like they may be changing and increasing for the better....

scott...if anyone could be affective with this, you could....fire off those letters to the editor,  the NY times to really reach a broader audiance....i am with you in thinking that the 'guesstimate' numbers of those infected is probably far higher than 'they', the 'guesstimateors' are suggesting!!!

[ringeding]

hey there...yup...i took celebrex all through out tx for the arthritic pain and discomfort...it absolutely worked for me...and no adverse side effect from it....i stopped taking it post tx to see if i was not feeling as arthritic because of treatment....or if it was because i was on the celebrex....i can say though that now after a few weeks without it...i do find the aches and pains,  joint and muscle wise increasing again....

[layla]

I saw my surgeon to prep for my upcoming surgery. He said absolutely no more ibuprofen. He gave me some celebrex. Anyone have any experiences with this on tx? I've never taken it. Does it work well for pain and inflamation? Any experiences or knowledge on this would be appreciated. LL

[lookin-up]

You are so right in your words of encouragement!  I am also 1A and have 2 tx to go - undetectable at 12 & 24 wks.  No, this is not an easy journey, but a necessary one. I figured that I had 2 choices...I could make this hard, or try to make this as easy as I could.  Welllll, being female, I treat myself sometimes on Mondays to some kind of treat - something to wear or eat!!  And I still do Ben & Jerry's on Friday shot night.  Throughout the tx, I've lost 20 needed pounds, and everywhere I look, I can find such good....it's my choice for survival, and as a rule, most people are so kind in my world ---TYL!!
God bless us all-
Penny

[layla]

Yes exercise and being positive has helped me the most too Ohhh and the water!!!!!. Glad to hear your doing well. LL

[derail]

Your comment is very true always remain POSITIVE even when it seems the darkest .As well laughter is the best medicine and I, along with the rest of the zanies will try to keep you and others amused. be sure to let us know of any wierd sides of tx and you ; I promise to make them humourous