My SOVALDI/OLYSIO Treatment Experience!

[Rikeer]

Hi!  I began my treatment with Sovaldi and Olysio 21 days ago, and I'm doing great.  I have not had ANY side effects, and simply feel normal, or perhaps a bit more clear-headed and energetic.  I had my two week labs done, and the results have absolutely amazed me -- all results (ALT, AST, etc) are within the normal range, and my viral load (formerly 789000) is undetectable!
I so hope that you all can get this or one of the newer treatments coming out this summer.  I was treatment naive, having learned in 2006 that I was hep-c positive, from a blood transfusion I'd received 25 years earlier.  Everyone, please remember, if you had a blood transfusion before 1992, you should be tested for Hepatitis!  I'm very lucky to have a top doc and great insurance.

[ChrisDDD]

Ledipasvir, I believe.  My doctor wanted to wait for that one, but then became concerned it was actually not going to be ready to be prescribed in October like we thought.  It could be several more months, so I'm starting on the Solvaldi& Olysio next week.

[ChrisDDD]

On Olysio's web site I copied down the following:  "rash, itching, nausea, muscle pain, indigestion, photosensitivity (burning, exudation, blistering, oral lesions, toxic skin eruptions) occur first 2-4 weeks, dyspnea, myalgia."  I think you need to take this seriously.  I am.  I don't want anything derailing me this time, 4th attempt at treatment.  Good luck.

[ChrisDDD]

You're in one of the best places you could be.  Check out Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.  They have an entire wing called the Liver Center. All they do is treat and research liver disease, I believe, and mostly HepC.

[ChrisDDD]

Why couldn't you take the Olysio?  I'm supposed to be starting Solvaldi/Olysio next week.  Was it something about the Olysio, a bad side effect that you couldn't take it?  This is worrisome.  Interferon is not an option for me.  I've also never heard of anyone doing treatment for a 10th and 11th time.  What a trooper!  Next week will be my fourth treatment attempt.  I really hope you reach SVR.

[Rikeer]

Hi Susan,
Thank-you so much!  I hope that this treatment is much easier on you than all the others.  i am rooting for you - it is exciting when your labs come back, and the viral load has decreased or is undetected - please keep us posted on your progress!

[Rikeer]

Hi Robinh1960,

I hope that you are well.  If you are near Boston, then give a call to MGH .
-R. Chung, and other doctors there are prescribing Sovaldi/Olysio. I was surprised how easily I was approved. It does happen with great health insurance coverage… and I think that major hospitals have an edge on more easily navigating the system to obtain approvals, with experience learned by the sheer numbers they've processed.

There will be more treatment choices very soon - the doctors will spell out all your options.  Don't despair if approval isn't immediate - equal or better treatments are coming soon.  Good luck - I'll be rooting for you!
Keep us posted!