Wow, DT that list of sx re E110 is pretty nasty! Although, I have to say reading any list of ‘possible side effects’ for products is always scary, they have to include all possibilities and it does depend on the amount you’re ingesting.
Since my meds are white, I assume no E110 there (not Harvoni) but I think I read somewhere (Dr James) listed ingredients of meds from Buyers Club and I think Lactose is there. While many of my family members are Lactose Intolerant, I can have a very small amount before I’m affected, so meds would be very minimal.

I know a medical herbalist with scientific degrees etc etc They say you shouldn’t take Probiotics ‘willy nilly’ and you have to get the right ones, balance them correctly and for you as an individual and add with other things. They also do the poop test and send it to Germany for a thorough diagnostic. Think I’m going to go for this EOT. The Germans are so up on bowel and digestive function, apparently some even having ‘see trough loos’ so you can keep a eye on your poop!

LG, I certainly agree not taking things “willy nilly”, I take a specific kind for IBS and my son also has a specific kind. I know they work, I know the results happen quickly, I know the difference when I have run out. So, by all means get your scientist friend to advise but given the problems during Tx I’d suggest doing it now and not at the EOT. That’s right we need ‘probiotics and prebiotics’ – different forms and finding what works for you. If you have someone to do that for you then take the opportunity.

Wow, the Germans – I know people call them ‘anal’ but that is literal!! “See-through loos”
Apparently the Japanese have quite an obsession with their ‘loos’ and digestion etc.

Certainly true if our intestines are toxic so is the rest of us. It’s well known, the cognitive impairment that occurs in severe cirrhotics is due to their liver not detoxifying everything as it should and sending this into the small intestine where the toxins get absorbed and sent to the brain.

We might be on opposite sides of the world LG but I’m also very blocked up in sinuses, phlegm and irritated dry cough, headache, dizzy spells – I thought it was the weather but you’ve got me thinking now.
I have had a few brief episodes of this ‘fluey’ feeling so far.

“Well here’s a huge hug Chejai
We are dealing with purging a lot of grief and real stuff and yep being dumped by family is a sharp knife but I still believe family doesn’t need to be blood (mine don’t want anything to do with my blood either lol) jokes aside, yep it’s important to just be warts and all here. I’m stoked we are here together
The support here is real isn’t it
All the stories we share from our silence are so healing
Big love Chejai
I know that the feeling of being able to talk without fear is a release
Love from Ariel”

Thanks Ariel! Yes, purging indeed, even this ‘gunk’ from throat and sinuses is symbolic as is the GI stuff we’re referring to.
LG, I really hope you’re feeling better soon

Thanks again, Love to you all

Great Movie Magpie, it was very profound – although some could watch it and not take in the soul-searching aspects – it was such a beautiful and honourable journey the father took. It made me wish I could go and do it! It was reminiscent of the movie, ‘Eat, Pray, Love,’ taking a physical journey in order to make a spiritual one.

Congrats LG on your latest blood results
Well LG, I could quote you again and Debs and Ariel – OMG! You described EXACTLY how I’m feeling. Hey, if ever you want to discuss GI probs (gotta love autocorrect trying to put the word ‘probe’ after GI ) re your ‘stools’ I’m not too embarrassed
Alternating diarrhoea, constipation and pale ‘floating’ stools hmy:
I take Inner Health Probiotics daily to help with these issues. Constipation – I eat extra fibre e.g. fruit, greens; if that fails I take ‘Super Greens’, tablets – they contain Spirulina, Chlorella, Barley Grass and Wheat Grass – also comes in powder forms to mix in smoothies etc. Great source of protein and heaps of vitamins, excellent for vegans. I’m not taking it daily, only for constipation, 3-4 tablets and plenty of water.

Of course you could try the old remedy of drinking Epsom Salts in water but only if you can control the gag reflex! ick:' />
I have continued with the Magnesium through Tx because the lower back pain, muscle spasms, leg cramps at night etc., are all improved by taking it. When I’ve not had enough money and gone without I really notice these symptoms hit back.

As you say, travelling about and eating out can mess you up, so try and take probiotics with you. Many have to be kept in the fridge but there are varieties for travelling.

I’m also finding walking is very therapeutic lately. I’ve noticed I’m able to walk 2x p/d now, whereas previously I was in so much pain and fatigue in the am, I couldn’t do a walk.
I had a massive meltdown yesterday and was stressed out and crying – haven’t been this bad for awhile, all my emotional stuff catching up with me – so, I stopped what I was doing and took my son and our dog off. Even though it was wild weather, strong gusty winds and spitting rain, we’ve had storms on and off for 1 1/2 weeks now.

Wow, it was so cleansing and emotionally I was a lot calmer when I got back. Totally weird because I HATE the Wind – it usually makes me very cranky and irritable.

Yes, things are changing within…a lot of soul-searching, reassessing my life, reviewing regrets, trying to just ‘let shit go’! It is hard there’s a lot to forgive and I’m really beating myself up with a lot of ‘what ifs.’
It is a grieving process, finally having a chance to be virus free and ‘healed’ and looking at how its affected my life – 35 years having this. I feel so very isolated, abandoned – my family and friends back ‘home’, haven’t contacted me to see how I’m doing – and very alone on this journey. It still amazes me how no-one wants to talk about this ‘virus’ and they’d rather ignore me than confront it.

As I’ve said before I couldn’t do this without the support and opportunity to vent anything and everything here and not ‘feel’ judged.
Thank you all and I feel so much better knowing others are feeling the same – although I don’t mean I’m glad others are feeling alone and depressed etc hmy:
Lots of to you all

Fantastic news for you isaing4
I can see you are over the moon – hope the rest of Tx goes as well

Hi Magpie, I too have had the skin reactions as described here, not on Riba, just have sensitive skin and it’s more so on Tx and in the sun – even minimal exposure gives me red blotches or those little bumps.

If I have only minor ones on arms I rub in Lavender Essential Oil -it stops the inflammation and itchiness.
I personally wouldn’t advise using Sorbolene – it is made from mineral oils e.g. paraffin oil; it is not a moisturiser but a barrier cream. This means the oils sit on the surface and create a layer on your skin that traps any moisture there and this can give temporary relief of dryness. But it doesn’t penetrate the skin to moisturise it and hence the problem returns and in the long term it’s believed to affect the skin’s natural barrier reaction to environmental effects.

Moo Goo products, as Ariel suggested are good as they don’t contain mineral oils.
Rubbing in Coconut oil, which a great for hydrating skin as it penetrates deeply, moisturises and softens skin. Also Jojoba, Rosehip, Sweet Almond (Cold-Pressed) or Avocado oils are all fantastic for dry, itchy skin problems and especially for sensitive skin issues.

I’ve been using an Organic Product – ‘Natural Instinct’ Body Lotion with Jojoba, Rosehip and Avocado oils. It has NO Petrochemicals, Parabens and PEG’s, Silicones or Mineral Oils.
I got it from a Chemist – one that carries lots of usual Health Store products.

Good Luck finding what works for you

Yes, wishing you good luck too Coral. At least your LFT’s are good and the extra course of Tx will hopefully be the answer for you to get the UND and stay that way
I am on 16 weeks of Sof/Dac, but G3a, no bloods yet even though I’m in week 4. GP wouldn’t do them so going elsewhere, I won’t know if I’m responding until about week 6.

All the best to you

Congratulations Dan on the UND , it seems to have given you peace of mind. Probably a good idea you’ve decided to complete the 12 weeks, there’s not enough known yet about the DAA’s and the length of Tx. It might be like taking a course of antibiotics, you have to complete the ‘course’ not stop when you feel better. Obviously Gilead etc. are trying to find the shortest and most successful length of Tx to save on their subsidies, so there’s lots of data being gathered.

Hope the rest of your Tx goes well