Guest guest Posted March 10, 2002 Report Share Posted March 10, 2002 Hi Edie, I'm glad to hear you are bouncing back so fast! And, I'm really impressed with Dr. Lawitz. He is VERY progressive to be willing to be that aggressive, if you relapse - which I hope you won't! I hope I see you at the meeting Tuesday. Claudine __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2002 Report Share Posted March 10, 2002 Hi Edie, I'm glad to hear you are bouncing back so fast! And, I'm really impressed with Dr. Lawitz. He is VERY progressive to be willing to be that aggressive, if you relapse - which I hope you won't! I hope I see you at the meeting Tuesday. Claudine __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2002 Report Share Posted March 10, 2002 Hi Edie, I want to thank you for sharing your experience. I'm @ week 9 on the Peg/combo, with a non-detectable viral load @ week 4. I really think I'm only going to do 24 weeks of this, plggg! Anyway, I wanted to let you know how encouraging your words are, there IS a light @ the end of the tunnel! Grace & peace, Lora Post Tmt Update Hello Everyone, It has now been a full week since I came off most of my medications, and boy, do I feel better. I am far from 100%, but I did not expect to feel this good this fast. I am about 70% bounced back. A week ago last Saturday, my first day off treatment, I helped my husband move some new furniture into our house. Now, normally, if I had even tried such a thing, I would have been in bed all day Sunday. Instead, I bounced back after a few hours and did not have any bad effects on Sunday. Sunday night, I even cooked dinner for the family, and I have continued to cook every night since then. It is no longer painful and agonizing to go to work. On Sunday, I noticed I could shop for groceries and remember what I was supposed to buy. Also on Sunday, my mouth went from dry (dry the whole time on treatment) to normal. It is so nice to have spit back! On Tuesday, I noticed an increase in my ability to concentrate and solve problems at work. I am a computer programmer and have really been struggling at work trying to do my job. All of a sudden, I think I got my mind back! (Well, SOME people would debate that I ever had my mind to begin with!!) My extreme tiredness is just about gone. I still do tire easily and still can't stay up very late, but at least I am not in bed at 7 pm or sooner. Also, my desire for lots and lots of fluids has slacked off significantly. It sure is nice to only get up once or twice a night to pee. My dr. was telling me Friday that if my PCR comes back with a viral load in 6 months, his new recommendation would be to put me back on a 48 week combo regimen. He would, however, DOUBLE the interferon dose (1.5 units to 3.0 units per kg of bodyweight) for the first 12 weeks and then put me back on the normal dose of interferon for the rest of the time. Lets hope that doesn't happen, as those first 12 weeks would be hell. I still can't sleep very well (still taking Ambien and Benadryl) and am still taking one of my anti-depressants. In two weeks, I am going to start cutting back on those. Last night, I had pain and tenderness in the liver area around the frontside. I think my liver is just trying to get rid of all those nasty chemicals. Edie Combo Survivor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2002 Report Share Posted March 10, 2002 Hi Edie, I want to thank you for sharing your experience. I'm @ week 9 on the Peg/combo, with a non-detectable viral load @ week 4. I really think I'm only going to do 24 weeks of this, plggg! Anyway, I wanted to let you know how encouraging your words are, there IS a light @ the end of the tunnel! Grace & peace, Lora Post Tmt Update Hello Everyone, It has now been a full week since I came off most of my medications, and boy, do I feel better. I am far from 100%, but I did not expect to feel this good this fast. I am about 70% bounced back. A week ago last Saturday, my first day off treatment, I helped my husband move some new furniture into our house. Now, normally, if I had even tried such a thing, I would have been in bed all day Sunday. Instead, I bounced back after a few hours and did not have any bad effects on Sunday. Sunday night, I even cooked dinner for the family, and I have continued to cook every night since then. It is no longer painful and agonizing to go to work. On Sunday, I noticed I could shop for groceries and remember what I was supposed to buy. Also on Sunday, my mouth went from dry (dry the whole time on treatment) to normal. It is so nice to have spit back! On Tuesday, I noticed an increase in my ability to concentrate and solve problems at work. I am a computer programmer and have really been struggling at work trying to do my job. All of a sudden, I think I got my mind back! (Well, SOME people would debate that I ever had my mind to begin with!!) My extreme tiredness is just about gone. I still do tire easily and still can't stay up very late, but at least I am not in bed at 7 pm or sooner. Also, my desire for lots and lots of fluids has slacked off significantly. It sure is nice to only get up once or twice a night to pee. My dr. was telling me Friday that if my PCR comes back with a viral load in 6 months, his new recommendation would be to put me back on a 48 week combo regimen. He would, however, DOUBLE the interferon dose (1.5 units to 3.0 units per kg of bodyweight) for the first 12 weeks and then put me back on the normal dose of interferon for the rest of the time. Lets hope that doesn't happen, as those first 12 weeks would be hell. I still can't sleep very well (still taking Ambien and Benadryl) and am still taking one of my anti-depressants. In two weeks, I am going to start cutting back on those. Last night, I had pain and tenderness in the liver area around the frontside. I think my liver is just trying to get rid of all those nasty chemicals. Edie Combo Survivor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2002 Report Share Posted March 10, 2002 WTG Edie...it must feel good getting some energy back. I was taking penicillin for an abcessed tooth and for 10 days I felt completely normal...energetic, good mood, normal. Have to go back on it cuz abcess came back....shoulda gone to a Dentist hey? DUH. Congrats on becoming normal again, and be sure to stay that way! Huggggggs Carol Edie wrote: > Hello Everyone, > > It has now been a full week since I came off most of my medications, > and boy, do I feel better. I am far from 100%, but I did not expect > to feel this good this fast. I am about 70% bounced back. > > A week ago last Saturday, my first day off treatment, I helped my > husband move some new furniture into our house. Now, normally, if I > had even tried such a thing, I would have been in bed all day Sunday. > Instead, I bounced back after a few hours and did not have any bad > effects on Sunday. Sunday night, I even cooked dinner for the family, > and I have continued to cook every night since then. It is no longer > painful and agonizing to go to work. > > On Sunday, I noticed I could shop for groceries and remember what I > was supposed to buy. Also on Sunday, my mouth went from dry (dry the > whole time on treatment) to normal. It is so nice to have spit back! > > On Tuesday, I noticed an increase in my ability to concentrate and > solve problems at work. I am a computer programmer and have really > been struggling at work trying to do my job. All of a sudden, I think > I got my mind back! (Well, SOME people would debate that I ever had my > mind to begin with!!) > > My extreme tiredness is just about gone. I still do tire easily and > still can't stay up very late, but at least I am not in bed at 7 pm or > sooner. Also, my desire for lots and lots of fluids has slacked off > significantly. It sure is nice to only get up once or twice a night > to pee. > > My dr. was telling me Friday that if my PCR comes back with a viral > load in 6 months, his new recommendation would be to put me back on a > 48 week combo regimen. He would, however, DOUBLE the interferon dose > (1.5 units to 3.0 units per kg of bodyweight) for the first 12 weeks > and then put me back on the normal dose of interferon for the rest of > the time. Lets hope that doesn't happen, as those first 12 weeks > would be hell. > > I still can't sleep very well (still taking Ambien and Benadryl) and > am still taking one of my anti-depressants. In two weeks, I am going > to start cutting back on those. > > Last night, I had pain and tenderness in the liver area around the > frontside. I think my liver is just trying to get rid of all those > nasty chemicals. > > Edie > Combo Survivor > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2002 Report Share Posted March 10, 2002 WTG Edie...it must feel good getting some energy back. I was taking penicillin for an abcessed tooth and for 10 days I felt completely normal...energetic, good mood, normal. Have to go back on it cuz abcess came back....shoulda gone to a Dentist hey? DUH. Congrats on becoming normal again, and be sure to stay that way! Huggggggs Carol Edie wrote: > Hello Everyone, > > It has now been a full week since I came off most of my medications, > and boy, do I feel better. I am far from 100%, but I did not expect > to feel this good this fast. I am about 70% bounced back. > > A week ago last Saturday, my first day off treatment, I helped my > husband move some new furniture into our house. Now, normally, if I > had even tried such a thing, I would have been in bed all day Sunday. > Instead, I bounced back after a few hours and did not have any bad > effects on Sunday. Sunday night, I even cooked dinner for the family, > and I have continued to cook every night since then. It is no longer > painful and agonizing to go to work. > > On Sunday, I noticed I could shop for groceries and remember what I > was supposed to buy. Also on Sunday, my mouth went from dry (dry the > whole time on treatment) to normal. It is so nice to have spit back! > > On Tuesday, I noticed an increase in my ability to concentrate and > solve problems at work. I am a computer programmer and have really > been struggling at work trying to do my job. All of a sudden, I think > I got my mind back! (Well, SOME people would debate that I ever had my > mind to begin with!!) > > My extreme tiredness is just about gone. I still do tire easily and > still can't stay up very late, but at least I am not in bed at 7 pm or > sooner. Also, my desire for lots and lots of fluids has slacked off > significantly. It sure is nice to only get up once or twice a night > to pee. > > My dr. was telling me Friday that if my PCR comes back with a viral > load in 6 months, his new recommendation would be to put me back on a > 48 week combo regimen. He would, however, DOUBLE the interferon dose > (1.5 units to 3.0 units per kg of bodyweight) for the first 12 weeks > and then put me back on the normal dose of interferon for the rest of > the time. Lets hope that doesn't happen, as those first 12 weeks > would be hell. > > I still can't sleep very well (still taking Ambien and Benadryl) and > am still taking one of my anti-depressants. In two weeks, I am going > to start cutting back on those. > > Last night, I had pain and tenderness in the liver area around the > frontside. I think my liver is just trying to get rid of all those > nasty chemicals. > > Edie > Combo Survivor > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2002 Report Share Posted March 10, 2002 Claudine, Yeah, I'll be at the HCV meeting!! See 'ya Tuesday. Edie Re: Post Tmt Update > Hi Edie, > I'm glad to hear you are bouncing back so fast! And, I'm really > impressed with Dr. Lawitz. He is VERY progressive to be willing to be > that aggressive, if you relapse - which I hope you won't! I hope I > see you at the meeting Tuesday. > Claudine > > > > > __________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2002 Report Share Posted March 10, 2002 Claudine, Yeah, I'll be at the HCV meeting!! See 'ya Tuesday. Edie Re: Post Tmt Update > Hi Edie, > I'm glad to hear you are bouncing back so fast! And, I'm really > impressed with Dr. Lawitz. He is VERY progressive to be willing to be > that aggressive, if you relapse - which I hope you won't! I hope I > see you at the meeting Tuesday. > Claudine > > > > > __________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2002 Report Share Posted March 10, 2002 , I started counting down my weeks at week 12...it will go by in a timely fashion. Sometimes, I never thought I would see week 48, but it does come. I will light a candle for you, too,the next time at Mass. Hang in there, the end is in sight for you. The time went pretty fast the last few weeks. It was neat to load my drug containers for the last time, etc. I literally counted down the hours. Edie Post Tmt Update > > > Hello Everyone, > > It has now been a full week since I came off most of my medications, and boy, do I feel better. I am far from 100%, but I did not expect to feel this good this fast. I am about 70% bounced back. > > A week ago last Saturday, my first day off treatment, I helped my husband move some new furniture into our house. Now, normally, if I had even tried such a thing, I would have been in bed all day Sunday. Instead, I bounced back after a few hours and did not have any bad effects on Sunday. Sunday night, I even cooked dinner for the family, and I have continued to cook every night since then. It is no longer painful and agonizing to go to work. > > On Sunday, I noticed I could shop for groceries and remember what I was supposed to buy. Also on Sunday, my mouth went from dry (dry the whole time on treatment) to normal. It is so nice to have spit back! > > On Tuesday, I noticed an increase in my ability to concentrate and solve problems at work. I am a computer programmer and have really been struggling at work trying to do my job. All of a sudden, I think I got my mind back! (Well, SOME people would debate that I ever had my mind to begin with!!) > > My extreme tiredness is just about gone. I still do tire easily and still can't stay up very late, but at least I am not in bed at 7 pm or sooner. Also, my desire for lots and lots of fluids has slacked off significantly. It sure is nice to only get up once or twice a night to pee. > > My dr. was telling me Friday that if my PCR comes back with a viral load in 6 months, his new recommendation would be to put me back on a 48 week combo regimen. He would, however, DOUBLE the interferon dose (1.5 units to 3.0 units per kg of bodyweight) for the first 12 weeks and then put me back on the normal dose of interferon for the rest of the time. Lets hope that doesn't happen, as those first 12 weeks would be hell. > > I still can't sleep very well (still taking Ambien and Benadryl) and am still taking one of my anti-depressants. In two weeks, I am going to start cutting back on those. > > Last night, I had pain and tenderness in the liver area around the frontside. I think my liver is just trying to get rid of all those nasty chemicals. > > Edie > Combo Survivor > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2002 Report Share Posted March 10, 2002 , I started counting down my weeks at week 12...it will go by in a timely fashion. Sometimes, I never thought I would see week 48, but it does come. I will light a candle for you, too,the next time at Mass. Hang in there, the end is in sight for you. The time went pretty fast the last few weeks. It was neat to load my drug containers for the last time, etc. I literally counted down the hours. Edie Post Tmt Update > > > Hello Everyone, > > It has now been a full week since I came off most of my medications, and boy, do I feel better. I am far from 100%, but I did not expect to feel this good this fast. I am about 70% bounced back. > > A week ago last Saturday, my first day off treatment, I helped my husband move some new furniture into our house. Now, normally, if I had even tried such a thing, I would have been in bed all day Sunday. Instead, I bounced back after a few hours and did not have any bad effects on Sunday. Sunday night, I even cooked dinner for the family, and I have continued to cook every night since then. It is no longer painful and agonizing to go to work. > > On Sunday, I noticed I could shop for groceries and remember what I was supposed to buy. Also on Sunday, my mouth went from dry (dry the whole time on treatment) to normal. It is so nice to have spit back! > > On Tuesday, I noticed an increase in my ability to concentrate and solve problems at work. I am a computer programmer and have really been struggling at work trying to do my job. All of a sudden, I think I got my mind back! (Well, SOME people would debate that I ever had my mind to begin with!!) > > My extreme tiredness is just about gone. I still do tire easily and still can't stay up very late, but at least I am not in bed at 7 pm or sooner. Also, my desire for lots and lots of fluids has slacked off significantly. It sure is nice to only get up once or twice a night to pee. > > My dr. was telling me Friday that if my PCR comes back with a viral load in 6 months, his new recommendation would be to put me back on a 48 week combo regimen. He would, however, DOUBLE the interferon dose (1.5 units to 3.0 units per kg of bodyweight) for the first 12 weeks and then put me back on the normal dose of interferon for the rest of the time. Lets hope that doesn't happen, as those first 12 weeks would be hell. > > I still can't sleep very well (still taking Ambien and Benadryl) and am still taking one of my anti-depressants. In two weeks, I am going to start cutting back on those. > > Last night, I had pain and tenderness in the liver area around the frontside. I think my liver is just trying to get rid of all those nasty chemicals. > > Edie > Combo Survivor > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2002 Report Share Posted March 10, 2002 Lora, Do the whole 48 unless your blood work gets so bad you or your doctor can't manage it. It was pretty easy for me, relatively speaking, after week 24. The last half was definately better than the first half of treatment. You will significantly improve your odds for success if you do 48 whole weeks. I know....it seems too long....I know, I know!! My dr. says if you are non-detectable at 24 weeks or less and stay on the whole 48 week treatment, then you got an 85% chance of staying undetectable for the rest of your life. Who would want to repeat a regimen again after stopping at week 24 for ANY reason? I wouldn't. Hang in there, you can do it. Edie Post Tmt Update > > > Hello Everyone, > > It has now been a full week since I came off most of my medications, and boy, do I feel better. I am far from 100%, but I did not expect to feel this good this fast. I am about 70% bounced back. > > A week ago last Saturday, my first day off treatment, I helped my husband move some new furniture into our house. Now, normally, if I had even tried such a thing, I would have been in bed all day Sunday. Instead, I bounced back after a few hours and did not have any bad effects on Sunday. Sunday night, I even cooked dinner for the family, and I have continued to cook every night since then. It is no longer painful and agonizing to go to work. > > On Sunday, I noticed I could shop for groceries and remember what I was supposed to buy. Also on Sunday, my mouth went from dry (dry the whole time on treatment) to normal. It is so nice to have spit back! > > On Tuesday, I noticed an increase in my ability to concentrate and solve problems at work. I am a computer programmer and have really been struggling at work trying to do my job. All of a sudden, I think I got my mind back! (Well, SOME people would debate that I ever had my mind to begin with!!) > > My extreme tiredness is just about gone. I still do tire easily and still can't stay up very late, but at least I am not in bed at 7 pm or sooner. Also, my desire for lots and lots of fluids has slacked off significantly. It sure is nice to only get up once or twice a night to pee. > > My dr. was telling me Friday that if my PCR comes back with a viral load in 6 months, his new recommendation would be to put me back on a 48 week combo regimen. He would, however, DOUBLE the interferon dose (1.5 units to 3.0 units per kg of bodyweight) for the first 12 weeks and then put me back on the normal dose of interferon for the rest of the time. Lets hope that doesn't happen, as those first 12 weeks would be hell. > > I still can't sleep very well (still taking Ambien and Benadryl) and am still taking one of my anti-depressants. In two weeks, I am going to start cutting back on those. > > Last night, I had pain and tenderness in the liver area around the frontside. I think my liver is just trying to get rid of all those nasty chemicals. > > Edie > Combo Survivor > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2002 Report Share Posted March 10, 2002 Lora, Do the whole 48 unless your blood work gets so bad you or your doctor can't manage it. It was pretty easy for me, relatively speaking, after week 24. The last half was definately better than the first half of treatment. You will significantly improve your odds for success if you do 48 whole weeks. I know....it seems too long....I know, I know!! My dr. says if you are non-detectable at 24 weeks or less and stay on the whole 48 week treatment, then you got an 85% chance of staying undetectable for the rest of your life. Who would want to repeat a regimen again after stopping at week 24 for ANY reason? I wouldn't. Hang in there, you can do it. Edie Post Tmt Update > > > Hello Everyone, > > It has now been a full week since I came off most of my medications, and boy, do I feel better. I am far from 100%, but I did not expect to feel this good this fast. I am about 70% bounced back. > > A week ago last Saturday, my first day off treatment, I helped my husband move some new furniture into our house. Now, normally, if I had even tried such a thing, I would have been in bed all day Sunday. Instead, I bounced back after a few hours and did not have any bad effects on Sunday. Sunday night, I even cooked dinner for the family, and I have continued to cook every night since then. It is no longer painful and agonizing to go to work. > > On Sunday, I noticed I could shop for groceries and remember what I was supposed to buy. Also on Sunday, my mouth went from dry (dry the whole time on treatment) to normal. It is so nice to have spit back! > > On Tuesday, I noticed an increase in my ability to concentrate and solve problems at work. I am a computer programmer and have really been struggling at work trying to do my job. All of a sudden, I think I got my mind back! (Well, SOME people would debate that I ever had my mind to begin with!!) > > My extreme tiredness is just about gone. I still do tire easily and still can't stay up very late, but at least I am not in bed at 7 pm or sooner. Also, my desire for lots and lots of fluids has slacked off significantly. It sure is nice to only get up once or twice a night to pee. > > My dr. was telling me Friday that if my PCR comes back with a viral load in 6 months, his new recommendation would be to put me back on a 48 week combo regimen. He would, however, DOUBLE the interferon dose (1.5 units to 3.0 units per kg of bodyweight) for the first 12 weeks and then put me back on the normal dose of interferon for the rest of the time. Lets hope that doesn't happen, as those first 12 weeks would be hell. > > I still can't sleep very well (still taking Ambien and Benadryl) and am still taking one of my anti-depressants. In two weeks, I am going to start cutting back on those. > > Last night, I had pain and tenderness in the liver area around the frontside. I think my liver is just trying to get rid of all those nasty chemicals. > > Edie > Combo Survivor > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 12, 2002 Report Share Posted March 12, 2002 great news Edie, congratulations. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a sustained response for you. love Sylv Post Tmt Update > Hello Everyone, > > It has now been a full week since I came off most of my medications, and boy, do I feel better. I am far from 100%, but I did not expect to feel this good this fast. I am about 70% bounced back. > > A week ago last Saturday, my first day off treatment, I helped my husband move some new furniture into our house. Now, normally, if I had even tried such a thing, I would have been in bed all day Sunday. Instead, I bounced back after a few hours and did not have any bad effects on Sunday. Sunday night, I even cooked dinner for the family, and I have continued to cook every night since then. It is no longer painful and agonizing to go to work. > > On Sunday, I noticed I could shop for groceries and remember what I was supposed to buy. Also on Sunday, my mouth went from dry (dry the whole time on treatment) to normal. It is so nice to have spit back! > > On Tuesday, I noticed an increase in my ability to concentrate and solve problems at work. I am a computer programmer and have really been struggling at work trying to do my job. All of a sudden, I think I got my mind back! (Well, SOME people would debate that I ever had my mind to begin with!!) > > My extreme tiredness is just about gone. I still do tire easily and still can't stay up very late, but at least I am not in bed at 7 pm or sooner. Also, my desire for lots and lots of fluids has slacked off significantly. It sure is nice to only get up once or twice a night to pee. > > My dr. was telling me Friday that if my PCR comes back with a viral load in 6 months, his new recommendation would be to put me back on a 48 week combo regimen. He would, however, DOUBLE the interferon dose (1.5 units to 3.0 units per kg of bodyweight) for the first 12 weeks and then put me back on the normal dose of interferon for the rest of the time. Lets hope that doesn't happen, as those first 12 weeks would be hell. > > I still can't sleep very well (still taking Ambien and Benadryl) and am still taking one of my anti-depressants. In two weeks, I am going to start cutting back on those. > > Last night, I had pain and tenderness in the liver area around the frontside. I think my liver is just trying to get rid of all those nasty chemicals. > > Edie > Combo Survivor > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 12, 2002 Report Share Posted March 12, 2002 great news Edie, congratulations. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a sustained response for you. love Sylv Post Tmt Update > Hello Everyone, > > It has now been a full week since I came off most of my medications, and boy, do I feel better. I am far from 100%, but I did not expect to feel this good this fast. I am about 70% bounced back. > > A week ago last Saturday, my first day off treatment, I helped my husband move some new furniture into our house. Now, normally, if I had even tried such a thing, I would have been in bed all day Sunday. Instead, I bounced back after a few hours and did not have any bad effects on Sunday. Sunday night, I even cooked dinner for the family, and I have continued to cook every night since then. It is no longer painful and agonizing to go to work. > > On Sunday, I noticed I could shop for groceries and remember what I was supposed to buy. Also on Sunday, my mouth went from dry (dry the whole time on treatment) to normal. It is so nice to have spit back! > > On Tuesday, I noticed an increase in my ability to concentrate and solve problems at work. I am a computer programmer and have really been struggling at work trying to do my job. All of a sudden, I think I got my mind back! (Well, SOME people would debate that I ever had my mind to begin with!!) > > My extreme tiredness is just about gone. I still do tire easily and still can't stay up very late, but at least I am not in bed at 7 pm or sooner. Also, my desire for lots and lots of fluids has slacked off significantly. It sure is nice to only get up once or twice a night to pee. > > My dr. was telling me Friday that if my PCR comes back with a viral load in 6 months, his new recommendation would be to put me back on a 48 week combo regimen. He would, however, DOUBLE the interferon dose (1.5 units to 3.0 units per kg of bodyweight) for the first 12 weeks and then put me back on the normal dose of interferon for the rest of the time. Lets hope that doesn't happen, as those first 12 weeks would be hell. > > I still can't sleep very well (still taking Ambien and Benadryl) and am still taking one of my anti-depressants. In two weeks, I am going to start cutting back on those. > > Last night, I had pain and tenderness in the liver area around the frontside. I think my liver is just trying to get rid of all those nasty chemicals. > > Edie > Combo Survivor > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2002 Report Share Posted March 13, 2002 Currently the view is that if you are undetectable at 12 wks of combo, only then you should go on for full 24 or 48 wks. Most people on combo who have >2000 copies at 12 wks do not generally achieve a response. Unfortunately most docs or protocols dont test HCV load at 12 wks but do so at 24 wks. Dr Sharat Misra MD,DM,FACG Lora, Do the whole 48 unless your blood work gets so bad you or your doctor can't manage it. It was pretty easy for me, relatively speaking, after week 24. The last half was definately better than the first half of treatment. You will significantly improve your odds for success if you do 48 whole weeks. I know....it seems too long....I know, I know!! My dr. says if you are non-detectable at 24 weeks or less and stay on the whole 48 week treatment, then you got an 85% chance of staying undetectable for the rest of your life. Who would want to repeat a regimen again after stopping at week 24 for ANY reason? I wouldn't. Hang in there, you can do it. Edie Post Tmt Update > > > Hello Everyone, > > It has now been a full week since I came off most of my medications, and boy, do I feel better. I am far from 100%, but I did not expect to feel this good this fast. I am about 70% bounced back. > > A week ago last Saturday, my first day off treatment, I helped my husband move some new furniture into our house. Now, normally, if I had even tried such a thing, I would have been in bed all day Sunday. Instead, I bounced back after a few hours and did not have any bad effects on Sunday. Sunday night, I even cooked dinner for the family, and I have continued to cook every night since then. It is no longer painful and agonizing to go to work. > > On Sunday, I noticed I could shop for groceries and remember what I was supposed to buy. Also on Sunday, my mouth went from dry (dry the whole time on treatment) to normal. It is so nice to have spit back! > > On Tuesday, I noticed an increase in my ability to concentrate and solve problems at work. I am a computer programmer and have really been struggling at work trying to do my job. All of a sudden, I think I got my mind back! (Well, SOME people would debate that I ever had my mind to begin with!!) > > My extreme tiredness is just about gone. I still do tire easily and still can't stay up very late, but at least I am not in bed at 7 pm or sooner. Also, my desire for lots and lots of fluids has slacked off significantly. It sure is nice to only get up once or twice a night to pee. > > My dr. was telling me Friday that if my PCR comes back with a viral load in 6 months, his new recommendation would be to put me back on a 48 week combo regimen. He would, however, DOUBLE the interferon dose (1.5 units to 3.0 units per kg of bodyweight) for the first 12 weeks and then put me back on the normal dose of interferon for the rest of the time. Lets hope that doesn't happen, as those first 12 weeks would be hell. > > I still can't sleep very well (still taking Ambien and Benadryl) and am still taking one of my anti-depressants. In two weeks, I am going to start cutting back on those. > > Last night, I had pain and tenderness in the liver area around the frontside. I think my liver is just trying to get rid of all those nasty chemicals. > > Edie > Combo Survivor > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2002 Report Share Posted March 13, 2002 Currently the view is that if you are undetectable at 12 wks of combo, only then you should go on for full 24 or 48 wks. Most people on combo who have >2000 copies at 12 wks do not generally achieve a response. Unfortunately most docs or protocols dont test HCV load at 12 wks but do so at 24 wks. Dr Sharat Misra MD,DM,FACG Lora, Do the whole 48 unless your blood work gets so bad you or your doctor can't manage it. It was pretty easy for me, relatively speaking, after week 24. The last half was definately better than the first half of treatment. You will significantly improve your odds for success if you do 48 whole weeks. I know....it seems too long....I know, I know!! My dr. says if you are non-detectable at 24 weeks or less and stay on the whole 48 week treatment, then you got an 85% chance of staying undetectable for the rest of your life. Who would want to repeat a regimen again after stopping at week 24 for ANY reason? I wouldn't. Hang in there, you can do it. Edie Post Tmt Update > > > Hello Everyone, > > It has now been a full week since I came off most of my medications, and boy, do I feel better. I am far from 100%, but I did not expect to feel this good this fast. I am about 70% bounced back. > > A week ago last Saturday, my first day off treatment, I helped my husband move some new furniture into our house. Now, normally, if I had even tried such a thing, I would have been in bed all day Sunday. Instead, I bounced back after a few hours and did not have any bad effects on Sunday. Sunday night, I even cooked dinner for the family, and I have continued to cook every night since then. It is no longer painful and agonizing to go to work. > > On Sunday, I noticed I could shop for groceries and remember what I was supposed to buy. Also on Sunday, my mouth went from dry (dry the whole time on treatment) to normal. It is so nice to have spit back! > > On Tuesday, I noticed an increase in my ability to concentrate and solve problems at work. I am a computer programmer and have really been struggling at work trying to do my job. All of a sudden, I think I got my mind back! (Well, SOME people would debate that I ever had my mind to begin with!!) > > My extreme tiredness is just about gone. I still do tire easily and still can't stay up very late, but at least I am not in bed at 7 pm or sooner. Also, my desire for lots and lots of fluids has slacked off significantly. It sure is nice to only get up once or twice a night to pee. > > My dr. was telling me Friday that if my PCR comes back with a viral load in 6 months, his new recommendation would be to put me back on a 48 week combo regimen. He would, however, DOUBLE the interferon dose (1.5 units to 3.0 units per kg of bodyweight) for the first 12 weeks and then put me back on the normal dose of interferon for the rest of the time. Lets hope that doesn't happen, as those first 12 weeks would be hell. > > I still can't sleep very well (still taking Ambien and Benadryl) and am still taking one of my anti-depressants. In two weeks, I am going to start cutting back on those. > > Last night, I had pain and tenderness in the liver area around the frontside. I think my liver is just trying to get rid of all those nasty chemicals. > > Edie > Combo Survivor > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2002 Report Share Posted March 13, 2002 Hi Doc, I really appreciate you taking the time to post the info you do. I'm wondering since I'm a genotype 2b, on PEG/combo, tested non-detectable @ 4 weeks, should I have the 12 week follow up? Prior to starting meds my viral load was 4055000 H copies/ML. My last liver biopsy (#2) showed little change from the original, mild portal fibrosis without septa or bridging, score 1 out of 4, mild portal inflammation with rare acidophil body, score 1-2 out of 4. I was diagnosed in 1996. Age 39 now. I'm the one having a hard time convincing myself to do 48 weeks and leaning towards 24 instead. Thanx for you time, Lora Post Tmt Update > > > Hello Everyone, > > It has now been a full week since I came off most of my medications, and boy, do I feel better. I am far from 100%, but I did not expect to feel this good this fast. I am about 70% bounced back. > > A week ago last Saturday, my first day off treatment, I helped my husband move some new furniture into our house. Now, normally, if I had even tried such a thing, I would have been in bed all day Sunday. Instead, I bounced back after a few hours and did not have any bad effects on Sunday. Sunday night, I even cooked dinner for the family, and I have continued to cook every night since then. It is no longer painful and agonizing to go to work. > > On Sunday, I noticed I could shop for groceries and remember what I was supposed to buy. Also on Sunday, my mouth went from dry (dry the whole time on treatment) to normal. It is so nice to have spit back! > > On Tuesday, I noticed an increase in my ability to concentrate and solve problems at work. I am a computer programmer and have really been struggling at work trying to do my job. All of a sudden, I think I got my mind back! (Well, SOME people would debate that I ever had my mind to begin with!!) > > My extreme tiredness is just about gone. I still do tire easily and still can't stay up very late, but at least I am not in bed at 7 pm or sooner. Also, my desire for lots and lots of fluids has slacked off significantly. It sure is nice to only get up once or twice a night to pee. > > My dr. was telling me Friday that if my PCR comes back with a viral load in 6 months, his new recommendation would be to put me back on a 48 week combo regimen. He would, however, DOUBLE the interferon dose (1.5 units to 3.0 units per kg of bodyweight) for the first 12 weeks and then put me back on the normal dose of interferon for the rest of the time. Lets hope that doesn't happen, as those first 12 weeks would be hell. > > I still can't sleep very well (still taking Ambien and Benadryl) and am still taking one of my anti-depressants. In two weeks, I am going to start cutting back on those. > > Last night, I had pain and tenderness in the liver area around the frontside. I think my liver is just trying to get rid of all those nasty chemicals. > > Edie > Combo Survivor > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2002 Report Share Posted March 13, 2002 Hi Doc, I really appreciate you taking the time to post the info you do. I'm wondering since I'm a genotype 2b, on PEG/combo, tested non-detectable @ 4 weeks, should I have the 12 week follow up? Prior to starting meds my viral load was 4055000 H copies/ML. My last liver biopsy (#2) showed little change from the original, mild portal fibrosis without septa or bridging, score 1 out of 4, mild portal inflammation with rare acidophil body, score 1-2 out of 4. I was diagnosed in 1996. Age 39 now. I'm the one having a hard time convincing myself to do 48 weeks and leaning towards 24 instead. Thanx for you time, Lora Post Tmt Update > > > Hello Everyone, > > It has now been a full week since I came off most of my medications, and boy, do I feel better. I am far from 100%, but I did not expect to feel this good this fast. I am about 70% bounced back. > > A week ago last Saturday, my first day off treatment, I helped my husband move some new furniture into our house. Now, normally, if I had even tried such a thing, I would have been in bed all day Sunday. Instead, I bounced back after a few hours and did not have any bad effects on Sunday. Sunday night, I even cooked dinner for the family, and I have continued to cook every night since then. It is no longer painful and agonizing to go to work. > > On Sunday, I noticed I could shop for groceries and remember what I was supposed to buy. Also on Sunday, my mouth went from dry (dry the whole time on treatment) to normal. It is so nice to have spit back! > > On Tuesday, I noticed an increase in my ability to concentrate and solve problems at work. I am a computer programmer and have really been struggling at work trying to do my job. All of a sudden, I think I got my mind back! (Well, SOME people would debate that I ever had my mind to begin with!!) > > My extreme tiredness is just about gone. I still do tire easily and still can't stay up very late, but at least I am not in bed at 7 pm or sooner. Also, my desire for lots and lots of fluids has slacked off significantly. It sure is nice to only get up once or twice a night to pee. > > My dr. was telling me Friday that if my PCR comes back with a viral load in 6 months, his new recommendation would be to put me back on a 48 week combo regimen. He would, however, DOUBLE the interferon dose (1.5 units to 3.0 units per kg of bodyweight) for the first 12 weeks and then put me back on the normal dose of interferon for the rest of the time. Lets hope that doesn't happen, as those first 12 weeks would be hell. > > I still can't sleep very well (still taking Ambien and Benadryl) and am still taking one of my anti-depressants. In two weeks, I am going to start cutting back on those. > > Last night, I had pain and tenderness in the liver area around the frontside. I think my liver is just trying to get rid of all those nasty chemicals. > > Edie > Combo Survivor > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 14, 2002 Report Share Posted March 14, 2002 Edie said <<DOUBLE the interferon dose (1.5 units to 3.0 units per kg of bodyweight) for the first 12 weeks and then put me back on the normal dose of interferon for the rest of the time. >> That's interesting. I hadn't heard of that type of regimen. Thanks for sharing that What was your genotype? Edie said <<still taking Ambien and Benadryl>> TOGETHER???? OY VEY. I'm so glad you are doing well after treatment! The first month off treatment was total hell for me. I felt worse than I did the whole 48 weeks! I just considered it withdrawal symptoms and suffered thru it. Slowly over the next 6 months I got better, but it was sure hard. I got a job and barely made it thru every day, but as the weeks passed, was taking fewer pain meds to get thru the day and then finally none. Now and then I think I'm " normal " and go like that till I hit a brick wall, like last nite. I had 3 neices over to spend the nite, ages 9, 5 and 3, along with the 2 grandsons who live with me, ages 3 and 4 and thot I'd get thru it unscathed. No way, after they left I had a migraine. At least it was after! So I still hit a few snags now and then. So glad you're doing well!!! Always good to hear the good stuff. alley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 14, 2002 Report Share Posted March 14, 2002 Edie said <<DOUBLE the interferon dose (1.5 units to 3.0 units per kg of bodyweight) for the first 12 weeks and then put me back on the normal dose of interferon for the rest of the time. >> That's interesting. I hadn't heard of that type of regimen. Thanks for sharing that What was your genotype? Edie said <<still taking Ambien and Benadryl>> TOGETHER???? OY VEY. I'm so glad you are doing well after treatment! The first month off treatment was total hell for me. I felt worse than I did the whole 48 weeks! I just considered it withdrawal symptoms and suffered thru it. Slowly over the next 6 months I got better, but it was sure hard. I got a job and barely made it thru every day, but as the weeks passed, was taking fewer pain meds to get thru the day and then finally none. Now and then I think I'm " normal " and go like that till I hit a brick wall, like last nite. I had 3 neices over to spend the nite, ages 9, 5 and 3, along with the 2 grandsons who live with me, ages 3 and 4 and thot I'd get thru it unscathed. No way, after they left I had a migraine. At least it was after! So I still hit a few snags now and then. So glad you're doing well!!! Always good to hear the good stuff. alley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 14, 2002 Report Share Posted March 14, 2002 Alley, I am a 1a that started with 3.2 million copies. Yes, am taking Ambien and Benadryl together. That combination allows me to get some rest. I have started breaking the 10 mg Ambien in half, and it seems to work okay. I got my results back today on my just-off-treatment PCR. I am still undetectable. But, the important test will be in 6 months. Also got the results of the liver biopsy, which I was disappointed in. Right before treatment, I was a 'minimal' grade 1/stage 1. One week off the medications and my second biopsy was done. I am now a full grade 1 and a 0/1 stage one. The lab could not agree on whether my stage was a 0 or a 1. Now, how does all this grade/stage stuff fit together? What should my liver biopsy be at this point in my life (if I had no previous liver disease or other major health problems)? Should I be, if not for HepC, a grade 0/stage 0 or is that happen only with newborn babies? I am feeling better everyday. It has now been just 2 weeks off my medications. So far, I have been pretty active and have not hit that brick wall yet, but I wouldn't be surprised if I do. I also gained 5 lbs in two weeks because I got my appetite back. Now I need to get off that Benadryl, Ambien, and Zoloft....but will do that slowly! Yes, my dr. is very progressive in this field. I don't know about my bodies ability to withstand a double dose of interferon for 12 weeks. I found out after treatment that my dr. was watching my red blood cell count closely. It got pretty low (about a 10.1) but he says I just barely hung on. I was always tired and it was hard to walk and climb stairs. Also, two other tests I've never heard about that go hand-in-hand for auto-immune disease came back bad for me. My numbers were way high on these two tests...so I guess I better watch that. It would be BAD to have HCV and auto-immune hepatitis at the same time. Edie Re: Post Tmt Update > Edie said <<DOUBLE the interferon dose (1.5 units to 3.0 units per kg of > bodyweight) for the first 12 weeks and then put me back on the normal dose > of interferon for the rest of the time. >> > > That's interesting. I hadn't heard of that type of regimen. Thanks for > sharing that > > What was your genotype? > > Edie said <<still taking Ambien and Benadryl>> > > TOGETHER???? OY VEY. > > I'm so glad you are doing well after treatment! The first month off > treatment was total hell for me. I felt worse than I did the whole 48 weeks! > I just considered it withdrawal symptoms and suffered thru it. Slowly over > the next 6 months I got better, but it was sure hard. I got a job and > barely made it thru every day, but as the weeks passed, was taking fewer > pain meds to get thru the day and then finally none. > > Now and then I think I'm " normal " and go like that till I hit a brick wall, > like last nite. I had 3 neices over to spend the nite, ages 9, 5 and 3, > along with the 2 grandsons who live with me, ages 3 and 4 and thot I'd get > thru it unscathed. No way, after they left I had a migraine. At least it > was after! So I still hit a few snags now and then. > > So glad you're doing well!!! Always good to hear the good stuff. > > alley > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 14, 2002 Report Share Posted March 14, 2002 Alley, I am a 1a that started with 3.2 million copies. Yes, am taking Ambien and Benadryl together. That combination allows me to get some rest. I have started breaking the 10 mg Ambien in half, and it seems to work okay. I got my results back today on my just-off-treatment PCR. I am still undetectable. But, the important test will be in 6 months. Also got the results of the liver biopsy, which I was disappointed in. Right before treatment, I was a 'minimal' grade 1/stage 1. One week off the medications and my second biopsy was done. I am now a full grade 1 and a 0/1 stage one. The lab could not agree on whether my stage was a 0 or a 1. Now, how does all this grade/stage stuff fit together? What should my liver biopsy be at this point in my life (if I had no previous liver disease or other major health problems)? Should I be, if not for HepC, a grade 0/stage 0 or is that happen only with newborn babies? I am feeling better everyday. It has now been just 2 weeks off my medications. So far, I have been pretty active and have not hit that brick wall yet, but I wouldn't be surprised if I do. I also gained 5 lbs in two weeks because I got my appetite back. Now I need to get off that Benadryl, Ambien, and Zoloft....but will do that slowly! Yes, my dr. is very progressive in this field. I don't know about my bodies ability to withstand a double dose of interferon for 12 weeks. I found out after treatment that my dr. was watching my red blood cell count closely. It got pretty low (about a 10.1) but he says I just barely hung on. I was always tired and it was hard to walk and climb stairs. Also, two other tests I've never heard about that go hand-in-hand for auto-immune disease came back bad for me. My numbers were way high on these two tests...so I guess I better watch that. It would be BAD to have HCV and auto-immune hepatitis at the same time. Edie Re: Post Tmt Update > Edie said <<DOUBLE the interferon dose (1.5 units to 3.0 units per kg of > bodyweight) for the first 12 weeks and then put me back on the normal dose > of interferon for the rest of the time. >> > > That's interesting. I hadn't heard of that type of regimen. Thanks for > sharing that > > What was your genotype? > > Edie said <<still taking Ambien and Benadryl>> > > TOGETHER???? OY VEY. > > I'm so glad you are doing well after treatment! The first month off > treatment was total hell for me. I felt worse than I did the whole 48 weeks! > I just considered it withdrawal symptoms and suffered thru it. Slowly over > the next 6 months I got better, but it was sure hard. I got a job and > barely made it thru every day, but as the weeks passed, was taking fewer > pain meds to get thru the day and then finally none. > > Now and then I think I'm " normal " and go like that till I hit a brick wall, > like last nite. I had 3 neices over to spend the nite, ages 9, 5 and 3, > along with the 2 grandsons who live with me, ages 3 and 4 and thot I'd get > thru it unscathed. No way, after they left I had a migraine. At least it > was after! So I still hit a few snags now and then. > > So glad you're doing well!!! Always good to hear the good stuff. > > alley > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 14, 2002 Report Share Posted March 14, 2002 Edie, don't worry too much about the biopsy, there's a 20% chance either way on each biopsy and it's a subjective thing. So the tiny details, grade 0 or 1, are probably pretty close. One guy said i had no liver damage only inflamation, the second guy says mild fibrosis with inflamation, so what the heck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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