Getting Ready

[lrup1952]

I am starting therapy on Jan. 18 am feel very nervous about it.  I read there have been deaths with incivek so not sure about it.  I have a great doctor and I am confident he will follow me closely.  I know it won't be easy but being a 60 year old woman I also know I want a chance at ridding myself of this virus.  I have had it for at least 20 years.  Any words of wisdom or encouragement on how to deal with this?  I have read and made a journal to track it through but the nerves are closing in.

[lrup1952]

Thanks to everyone who gave me words of advice and encouragement.  I am counting down to Friday and while not looking forward to it all, I am looking forward to being rid of this virus.  I will keep up with the group since I really don't know what I would do without all the helpful advice and support I am receiving.

[garrygee]

I'm day 3 week 11 on incivek.  My biggest issue my first couple weeks was what do I eat and what do I do about nausea.  I did try to drink lots of water.  I found I did much better getting my fats from dairy.  I have greek yogurt 8gm per half cup and granola I found that has 14 gm per 1/2 cup.  That's breakfast.  It's soothing to my stomach and I can get it down pretty easy.  Initially I had nausea when I got up in the morning but learned gaviscon chewed would stop me in the middle of my 6th retch.  It was a miracle:)  Whole milk at 8gm per cup is also easy to get down.  I had eggnog for a while but the season is gone now.  For lunch, my wife and I try to get together for a meal.  I have very little appetite at other times but try to eat fruit or vegetable soup to balance out my otherwise awful diet.  I usually eat a very low fat diet so this is an assault on my system.  The interferon requires some preventative management too.  I went through a series of peg/riba 11 years ago and learned early that if you don't want chills and fever the first day or so after peg you need to take NSAID's/tylenol around the clock.  My doctor said I could take both and alternate them every 3 or 4 hours to provide overlapping coverage.  I always do that.  It's all about learning what works for you and you will.  I'm 67 and this is a little tougher than last time, but I'm not working 70 hours a week this time and that makes it a lot easier. Ten more days on incivek.  I have to tell you I'm very excited about being done with it.  Let us know how you're doing and never, ever hesitate to ask.  I can't tell you how I love this group.  You will too.  Garry

[almostdone559]

Hi everyone, I started Incivek (triple therapy)  Dec 1st. I too was scared and nervous. The 1st month on treatment was my hardest. Words of advice make sure you drink at least a gallon of water everyday will help and make sure you have the full 20grams of fat with every dose(Incivek) always have on hand breath mints gum something that will help with dry mouth. Talk to your Dr. about meds you can take for itchy skin. Yesturday I had my follow up with my Dr. and I was told  I'm Non-Detectable.. Wishing you all the best!!!

[BoceprevirGal]

  I do think Victrelis (which i treated with) has NO fatalities, but I am not sure...any particular reason your Doctor and you chose Incivek instead of Victrelis?
   Incivek is a hard 12 weeks, but then should get easier. Victrelis may have to last as long as 48 weeks, so there is a greater chance of having serious anemia, for a much longer time.
  

[klb6]

Hello.  Just wanted you to know you won't be alone.  I start triple treatment Monday the 14th.  I will be on victrelis instead of incivek.  Good luck to you, Maybe we can stay in touch.  This seems to be a very helpful site.

[lrup1952]

Thank you!  Reality sometimes flees when you are scared.  Onward I go and I will stay connected.

[lrup1952]

Thank you quayle for your response and I too wish you the very best.  Yes, let's contnue to compare notes.  I feel positive and strong about this and as Mark said it will be tough but doable and I am a very positive person and as you said it was seen in less than 1%!  I guess when I think about all the risks I took in my life, that got me here, without any thought at all to living or dying I can certainly give myself the best chance I have of beating this. Okay quayle onward to Jan 18th.   Back at you after Jan. 18th.  I am pulling for you and all others doing this!

[quayle]

Guess What Irup1952 I too am starting treatment on the 18th Jan,with Telapravir,we should stay in touch,true telaprevir has a record of fatalities,But,if you read the FDA report you will also see that it was seen in less than 1% which still is something but I feel it's worth it and it helps the professional,buy saying be extra careful,and it helps to know that there are many risks,in everyday life,and the damage of living with Hep C is greater than 1%,so if you start on the 18th Jan say high.

[maybe368]

There is a chance of being killed at any time, a meteorite can crash through your roof, a drunk driver can hit you from behind or a nut job can walk into a school and...you get the idea. A good doctor will watch closely and interdict the worst of the side effects. I did triple with Incivek and I have a good doctor. It is normal to have worries, I would be more worried about you if you didn't. It can be tough, but it is doable. I recommend expect the worst, but hope for the best. The sides need to be treated as soon as they appear. Stay on this site and do research here. There are many knowledgeable and experienced people on this site, take advantage of it, stay positive (this helps a lot) and prepare for the sides. You can do it...Mark