Post SVR symptoms...update

[DoubleDose]

Since I am now nearing 16 months post-treatment, and have gotten the big SVR, for whatever that is worth, amidst all the discussion of persisting virus, etc.  Here is what I am currently experiencing:

*  Still have serious 'dry eye' problems, especially in the mornings.

*  Frequent bouts of fatigue, or just feeling in a daze.  Feel like I could just sit and blankly stare out a window, etc. with no physical or mental energy.

*  Mild periods of depression, with mixed anxiety.  (only about 20% of the time)

*  Facial malar rash that appears about 25% of the time, with lupus-like bodily symptoms.

*  Sores on side of tongue often reactivate as if on therapy.  Feels like a nerve goes right into the ear and jaw from the side of tongue.  Comes and goes...

*  Frequent ED, the scourge of 'mankind' .  Although overcome with current prescription medications (Levitra, Viagra), who wants to take that stuff?  The ED began during first tx period, and has persisted through second tx, and after.  Some days I'm fine, others it seems 'dead' to the world!


Much of my arthritic problems have seemed to be clearing up, and I am also more capable of physical exercise.  My skin is better, and my mood and outlook on life.  In all I feel much more 'well' than before tx, BUT, the lingering sides, are still no fun.  Especially the dazed, fatigued feeling that I often get.

Let's just hope it is all from interferon, not persisting virus in the brain, nervous system, connective tissue, etc.  

What are our SVR board members experiencing after their therapies????  

DoubleDose

[Sunag]

CONGRATULATIONS!

Your story is an inspiration for me and gives HOPE to my family. I have never seen some one with the perseverence  you have.

take care
Sunag

[mikesimon]

That's great news my friend. I haven't seen anything from you in a while and I was wondering how things were going. Congratulations and thanks for the kind words.
And thank all of you for your kindness and support. Mike

[honey1616]

Penny,,,,Sounds wonderful and I'm so happy for you.  Keep enjoying life and those grandkids!

Raheem,,,Congratulations on your 9 month post! Glad to hear you are doing so well and you have been greatly missed here. I guess its nice to be living again and enjoying your life!

[cuteus]

Raheem; way to go. enjoy

Honey: best to you on your last shot and wishing you SVR!

[lookin-up]

Happy & sincere Congrats to all those undetectable.....let's see---SVR =Supreme Victory & Reborn!!! To those to beccome, SVR = Supreme Victory 'Round the bend!!!  My heart & prayers go out to all of you.  

I just had my 6 mo. test with victory from the virus.  Took me awhile to regain motivation & to regain the long-lost spring in my step, but stamina is coming.  My only health problem now, is that I have hyperthyroisism ( not hypo),   The med they have me on can only be taken for 1 yr, & it has been 8+months right now.  We're still hoping it's the interferon.  If not, it's a choice between some kinda iodine/radiation treatment which is bad for the liver, or surgery.  Either choice will leave me as being hypo, but hey,....  I'm 51, alive & well, & enjoying God's creations like never before!!!  Making a living as a muralist, I'm seeing the world in a bright & new beautiful way!!!  The LIFE in my work dominates & I am so happy and thankful to re-realize all avenues of beauty - not only from God's perspective, but also from the eyes of my 3 grandchildren,  No, I'm not trippin', (heh, heh,) I'm just enjoying life with different eyes. wow

Penny

[raheem]

Double Dose, sorry about your post tx problems.  I'm currently 9 months post tx and couldn't feel better. On tx I had dry eyes, fatigue, kind of an uninspired mentality, was never depressed, riba red spots, very dry throat and mouth, skin etc. but not now.  Things returned to normal rather quickly I thought.  I really can tell you I have no lingering side fx from tx at all.  Mike Simon, I'm so very happy to hear of your great news. You've been a constant source of information, inspiration and compassion on this board and you truly deserve to put this **** behind you and move on with your life.  I just had a blood test about 12 days ago and I'm clear at 9 months post tx.

[DRAGON SLAYER]

GREAT NEWS. I'm really happy for you.....stay well & good luck to all.

Ben

[giddyup]

Excellent! congratulations

[louisep]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!
Best wishes for the future!
Louise

[willing]

Congratulations Mike. It's been a lonnnnnnng trip.

[DH Bill]

DD, I have had this disease for over 35 years so I have come to the conclusion it will take some time to get over this disease and tx and it is coming one day at a time. All we can do is go forward.

Mike!!!!! I'm speechless... WAY TO GO MAN... I'M SO VERY HAPPY FOR YOU. There seems to be no rhyme or reason for how all this stuff works. You have inspired so many of us that have had it so much easier than you, THANKS MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

dh

[kennedge]

big hug man...now move to the back of the bus..lol

[couchpotato]

Mike, that is just fantastic!!!! You do not know the peace of mind you have just given me, I will remember you and your success while my husband once again tries tx post transplant. You are an inspiration to not only transplant recipients but to all of us in our fight to kill off the virus. Your courage and determination is a reminder to us all, that under extreme odds, with perserverence, we can rise above our problems and win. Congratulations Mike, be happy, be safe and be loved.

Mattie

[jonihs]

There is a benevolent God. This proves it. I am more happy for you than I can put into words. You are now, and always will be my saving angel.   Joni

[couchpotato]

It's almost 4 months post tx for me and although I wrote in a couple of months back that I was feeling no ill-effects from tx, and I don't have any symptoms I can contribute to tx, my RA has now kicked in with a vengence. Aches and pains that don't ever go away, especially in my neck again and a heaadache that is with me 24/7. Here I was thinking all my arthritic pains were hep related, but if I truly am cleared of virus, guess I will always suffer. Am getting blood work done later today, just to see what's happening, maybe this is a sign I have relapsed??

Mattie

[Oreos]

With everything you have been through, this is such a blessing!  Congratulations and thanks for the many times you have inspired me to go on.  I'm now 2 1/2 mos post...Had labs on 12/15 and still don't know the result - I guess a major year-end backup.

I wish you all the best and have a great time celebrating!!!!!

[BNR]

Wonderful news!  Congrats!  Hope you hang around the forum -- you have been wonderful to everyone here.

[DoubleDose]

Super news!  Can't think of a better feeling than getting that six month undetected result.  Best of luck to you in the future.  It's a NEW life!  Enjoy and savor the feeling.

DoubleDose

[rearfang]

Though I'm new here, and can't say I've known any of what you've been through (though it sounds like alot), I want to say congratulations. Please stick around and help us new people so hopefully we can return the favor one day! Good luck and God Bless you.
Lauren

[fsplink]

Congratulations! You're really an old timer(I mean that in the nicest way). You're one of the first people I saw on here so a year and a half ago. I'm so very glad you've got your SVR. Maybe you can drive the bus!!!!!!!!!

[GulfCoast]

Let me add my heartfelt congratulations on your great news. It's terrific to hear this!! Please let me add my wishes that you continue to contribute to this forum.

I'm a relative newbie and you have always been one the rock solid people that helped tremendously during my tx. Kudos and all the best to you and your family.

In regard to post SVR, I'm at one month post tx, 6-months treatment for Geno 2b. I'm really feeling good but I don't think I've been off tx enough to say much. Right now my energy levels are up to the point where I'm realizing how much tx affected my energy levels.

I will try to come back and report anything that may be enlightening. The brain-frogs are hopping away and I don't itch....yeahhhhhhhhhhhh
Peace - Gulfcoast

[Ambush]

I'm very, very, very happy for your news!
ambush

[fullofhope]

I am so happy to hear you are still clear my friend.

[honey1616]

Congratulations! I know you have been around,,,medhelp,,, for quite awhile and have really been through alot with your transplant and all and of course,,,,fighting hep c!  And through all of this,,,,you have continued to come and help others,,,That is very admirable of you and thank you!