Hi Coral,

Strange that I didn’t get a notification in my inbox that you had written to me, I only came across your message by chance, and then it isn’t visible when I use my ipad – only my computer???

Anyway, it sounds as if you have really been through it! I can only imagine how you felt when you relapsed, but you sound optimistic about the outcome of your current treatment, and I’ll keep everything crossed for you that you manage to remain clear in future, and after everything you have done I’m sure that you will beat this disease.

Yes, I did manage to find a pill cutter and it was funny trying to cut it without this gadget. I reduced my dose last night and although I’ve felt slightly sickly all day my mood has much improved, which is great.

The only fly in the ointment is that an attic ceiling is threatening to fall down in my 250 year old rented house. It’s the old lath and plaster, so when the landlord sends someone to pull it down and replace it the mess will be unbelievable, no matter how many dust sheets I put down. It’s the sort of soot that permeates everything and continues to settle for weeks after the job is completed. I’ve had the ceiling propped up temporarily, but next week I have to arrange for the work to be done before it comes down of it’s own accord. No biggie in the usual scheme of things, but in the here and now I could so do without it. Thank goodness I’m blessed with lovely friends who have offered to help me clean up the mess, as although I’m feeling slightly better my energy levels are very low.

I hope you’re ok and the ribavarin isn’t taking it out of you too much, I’ve read that it’s a tough one to deal with sometimes. Thanks so much for your mails, it makes such a difference to hear from nice people who are going through similar times. Sending love to you x

I was wondering if such a gadget existed and then got your post. I bought one today so will use it later. So handy – thanks.

Thanks again Dr. J, I’ll do as you suggest starting tonight and let you know how I get on.

Here are my liver function and full blood count results which I have just scanned as promised.

Thanks so much for your prompt and informative reply Dr. Freeman.

To answer your questions I’m taking Sof and Dac.

As far as I know my renal function is fine. Would it help if I uploaded all of my results? If so I’ll have a go at doing it later when I have more time MSM as I’m new to this particular computer.

I am not taking any other medications and I never eat grapefruit.

I have however been taking some supplements, but always at the other end of the day from my meds. I only take them every 2 or 3 days as I was concerned that they might have a detrimental affect on my treatment. I take magnesium as I have a long standing back problem and if my levels are low then my muscles get very tight. Also a combined glucosamine, MSM and chondroitin tablet and fish oils as I have arthritis in one finger joint, which is enlarged at the moment as I’m not taking them every day. Also a good quality multivitamin as my tummy has been so upset some days that I don’t eat very much. Finally a Chinese HRT tablet that helps with the hot flushes, but again not every day. I will however stop taking all of these things, and wish I had done sooner, but what’s done is done and no point in regrets.