SVR? Itchy ancles and night cramp

[anicetree]

Hi
I took the PCR test at EOT week 21 instead of waiting until week 24 and surprisingly it came back NOT detected. I am calling it cured. Would anyone disagree? All my other blood tests have returned to within range except platelets but they are not far away.
I still have a bit of mental confusion and I have had very itchy ankles and I get cramps nearly every night. Does anyone else suffer the same? I was told before treatment that I didn’t have liver damage but I am not sure.
Kindest regards

[Livelife777]

In agreement with the SVR status and do think its wise to recheck your blood
work.  There are a few reports of the thyroid being affected post Tx.  As everyone has said give it more time if your blood looks good.  I took Riba
for 12 weeks and it took 6 months to begin to feel like my old self.  We all agree that sticking to the healthy regimen post treatment still has alot of benefit.
Take care
...Kim

[patra_]

Congratulations on the 21 week UND.  can-do-man is right.  Probably you are SVR, but it wouldn't hurt to try for a test @ 24 weeks.

That said, My suggestion is very low tech, which I usually think is the best to
trky first:
    1)  Hydration!  See Sandi's remarks above (1 oz water for every lb of weight up to 1/2 your body weight, per day - even now that you are done with threatment.  And,
     2) with the water, especially at night (my worst time for the cramps and itching) something to replace electrolytes (there  are several available).
     3)  A good medicated lotion before going for the prescription meds.

I am not saying that will cure the problems, but it takes care of mine.  I can tell when I have not had enough water or get so much I need the Gatorade or whatever.

If that doesn't work, I suggest you call your doctor's office to see if they have a suggestion.

Hope these help or some of the other suggestions you will get here.

Hang in there!  Pat

[can-do-man]

24 weeks under just SOC is the official time frame. That said most relapse's happen long before week 21 so the odds are on your side you are SVR. As for the other problems you just need to give it some time. Maybe have your doctor do a CBC to check for any other problems. Best to you.

[anicetree]

Hi
Thanks for your reply
It is 21 weeks since I finished treatment. I put the test in early because I did not want it hanging over into the festive period. I think I am okay but I don't know if the hospital will test me again for the sake of 3 weeks.
I went through a very hard time during the 24 weeks of interferon/riba. I am glad to be through it and I am pleased that others have the benefit of the new drugs because it has left me with all sorts of problems like the cramps and things.
I pray for all those suffering this horrible virus.

Regards

[hepc4Sandi]

If you are already eot, don't forget you are under the influence of you Tx for 12 months after eot. So that means you need to keep up with your water intake for a long time still, and keeping up with a liver friendly diet is good too. Your liver and body have a long recovery time still. The mental confusion remains for a long time too. But most importantly keep up your water intake.

[AWorriedMom]

Do you mean that it was 21 weeks after treatment ended? If that is the case you are probably fine (SVR). Very few people have late relapses. But if you are talking about a PCR at week 21 of your treatment, instead of week 24, then you need a PCR at 12 or 24 weeks after treatment ended depending on which treatment you were on.