TOPIC: Anticipation and Thanks

I have had HCV for longer than I can remember. I was initially diagnosed in 1994 and had to convince doctors that I had never used injecting drugs nor had a tattoo, piercing or blood transfusion. I was not believed. In 1995 a professor of hepatology placed me on a trial using Interferon only. It was an ordeal and I suffered depression. Unfortunately I never met the criteria for continuation although my Liver Function Tests showed a major improvement. In 1995 I had "bridging fibrosis' which is a step away from cirrhosis. Fast forward to 2015 and I have mild cirrhosis, fibroscan has jumped from 7 to 12 in under a year and my fatigue has skyrocketed. For me time was running out and although the government may eventually come to the party with treatments I feel that they might rather want to spend the money on a nice bomb for the Air Force. I cannot afford to wait and am deeply indebted to Dr Freeman and his team at the buyers' club. These people show that we can be a compassionate Nation. My meds are in the country and soon I will embark on a journey so many have successfully done before. Thankyou to all for sharing your stories.

Hi Rowan, welcome to the generic rebels club, and all the best with your treatment.

Hi Rowan I too am awaiting arrival of drugs..will join you on the journey.

G'day Rowan
I'm eagerly awaiting my tx as well
My wife says she wants to fly to Tasmania and hug Dr Freeman and the buyers club people
I think she just wants a holiday lol

Good luck mate - you're doing the right thing
We'll keep each other up to date with how we are going

Hi Rowan,
happy you found this great bunch. What genotype are you? It is amazing how quickly we are all clearing the virus with minimal side effects, certainly compared to the other toxic substances used. Good luck

Hello Rowan
Welcome I too am awaiting to start treatment I look forward to sharing stories.

Good luck Joan - You will be on the mend soon I'm sure.
All the best for minimal sides and a complete recovery.
LG

ps I am only 42 kgs - not on treatment yet.

G'day to you Rowan, like you I have doubts about PBS listing of these drugs, but honestly, who wants to wait six months for a 'maybe' when good chances are in that time you could be cured and have all new problems to consider ..Like what toppings you want on your pizza.

Anyways I start my Tx soon as well so good luck to all of us eh!, and I don't care about how this virus was contracted, nobody deserves to live with this hanging over their heads.

Ann Bee

I am a Geno 1A.

I see from yr sig that treatment is going well. good luck.

Cheers, Rowan

Hi Rowan
My drugs should arrive shortly too. Best of luck with your treatment. I'll let our community know how I go.
Thanks again Dr Freeman and Greg Jefferys.

Hi Everyone.

It has been about 4 weeks plus on SOF/DAC/RBV. Initially I felt invigorated slightly and was coping well with medications. But since day 4 to now (day 34) it has been a roller-coaster of slight nausea, insomnia, lethargy, some aches and feeling OK for a while. Some nights I have an elevated temperature, lymph nodes enlarged and restless legs. (Rinse and repeat!)

Bloods were done yesterday and am waiting for results on 25th. Hoping that it is just side effects but have to admit feeling deflated when things didn't rapidly improve on day 17 as some have reported. I guess we are all different and each journey is unique.

Good luck to all and thanks again to FixHepC for making it possible.

(G1A, previously treated, ALT/AST in the 200s at start, 73 Kgs, VLoad unknown)

Hi Rowan, Well done you and from what I read, yes, we are all different.

Also, from what I have read, the Ribavarin can make you feel poorly the longer you take it, tired and some nausea.
Have also read you must take it with some fat and many suggest you drink a natural pro-biotic yogurt drink to help the stomach.

Best wishes for the best outcome.

The evidence favouring Ribavirin is fading. For GT3 it has faded. With GT1a you would need to be cirrhotic to need Ribavirin and even then 24 weeks Sof/Dac would be my personal choice due to the Riba sides.

Thank-you Dr F, I will not be taking Ribavarin.

Hi Rowan,

I'm on the same meds as you and the Riba will be the main culprit. Due to delays in arrival of the Riba I started on the Sof/Dac first and added the Riba 16 days later. Definitely noticed the difference and fairly similar sides to you. Lethargy, intermittent aches, lots of insomnia and leg cramps a couple of nights. No nausea but as LondonGirl suggests I do take the Riba with some fat. Full fat milk on my cereal and fruit in the morning and whatever I'm eating in the evening although if it is low/no fat I will have a glass of milk or chunk of cheese at the same time. Having said that, I do feel much better overall than pretreatment, both physically and psychologically.

<edit> .....and it looks like a chat with my specialist soon about the latest evidence!