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Hi JF,

I was also on Harvoni generic. At first I had hints of a very mild headache which as others have said, went immediately on drinking water (filtered). My immediate side effects were that I felt much better! consultant said this was due to reduction of imflammation .

4 weeks in I got a cold which turned into a chest infection, it was winter in the uk at the time, but was told this was quite common on this treatment, but if you needed antibiotics you would need advise on which to take before swallowing. Spain of course will be very warm, but if on a boat (you don't say large or small boat) I would take care not to sit around damp clothes on a windy day!

I can remember the uncertainty & nerves re starting treatment, if I had to do it again, I personally would go to Spain on holiday. I take it you have your EU health card? (use it while you still can!).

Having said all that, there is a small risk , some people have had high blood pressure on starting tx for example. We are all different.

Don't know if you know, The Spanish healthcare system is very good, but also, private Drs are affordable. There are private Hepatologists in the Malaga area, I looked into that when I was looking for monitoring, I remember also a Dr in Mallorca being mentioned, I think Greg Jeffereys has those details. So you could have a plan in place if needed. Also, cheap flights to return home if you felt concerned.

My feeling is, fresh air, warm sun & relaxing would do you good, but definitely put some 'what if' measures into place to be prepared just in case.

I also had the Harvoni treatment and any side effects I had were very minor.
I'm not a doctor but I'd say if you were to have any worrying side effects you'd get them in the first 1 to days.
You won't be far from home.
I'd just go and enjoy myself

Well JF, looks like the votes are in and the tally points toward you going to Spain.
I personally think LondonGirl cast the deciding vote. She's wiser than her years ya know.
She's from the same area as you and makes some excellent suggestions to help alleviate some of your stress and fears over going after having started tx. You could also PM Dr. Freeman to see what he might have to say. He has a lot of experience I'm sure.
Either way, as beaches encourages, just go and enjoy yourself. Don't be like this guy ... ... and I'm not talking about the doctor.

Thank you all for your advice.

Unfortunately, I have had a small unexpected setback.

My HCV consultant called on Friday to say that my base bloods (Creatinine Level) was too high. I need to have more bloods done to double check.

I have been taking HIV meds for ten years and the consultant is concerned that that medication is affecting my kidney function. She advised not to start until we are sure my kidney function is good as the addition of Harvoni could strain my kidney function further. This may even involve switching HIV meds.

It could also be a false alarm - I've had a few of those before.

Anyhow, I will hold off on starting until we have cleared this up.

I'll keep you updated.

Thanks for your advice!

Hi James,

I am sending you a PM. I know someone who was in the situation as you and they may be able to share their experience. They are also in the UK medical profession and a patient advocate.

LG

Hi guys

i got good results on my kidney function and started my treatment today.

one tablet down and feeling ok!

That's great James!

Looking forward to your treatment journal!

Congrats on starting your tx
Best wishes to a quick and sustained UND