Four week triple therapy report

[DougV]

Ray,  i like prep H wipes 'cause they're soft.  But what really worked best for me was wipe then wash.  Shower, tub, spritz bath whatever just remove traces wipes don't get. 

As for fat.  Pay attention to fat content.  For example Blue Bell ice cream only 8 grams of fat per 1/2 cup.  Hagen Daz (sp?) has 17g fat in the same 1/2 cup.  I choose the latter as then I don't have to eat much.  That, for me, is critical early in the morning and late at night.  Or a Lil Debbie Honey Bun, 13g fat and only about 4-5 bits big.  That and a glass of milk and you have 21g fat.  I also highly recommend NOT choosing nuts as fat sourse while still impacted by burning.  Nuts are not always fully broken down and you end up with internal sandpaper if ya get my drift.

Mainly I look for max fat count in minimum amount.  I too watch my weight and rarely eat 20g fat in a day.  But for 12 weeks I choose convenience and chokedownability.

Doug

[rayc2001]

Doug,
Thanks for the reply.  I also do the same.  2 times like clockwork, then in the hot bath/shower. It was a shorter duration of the flameoff for me.  Lasted only about a week to ten days.  I do stay away from nuts and peppers, and yes, I never experienced anything like that with my butt!!..  Although it may be gross, yes, people need to know it is definately a hot one.  Literally sat squeezing eyes shut just moaning and praying for it to stop!!!  Past that point, I hope!!!

I had to call the Doctor to see what the heck had fat.  All these years of trying not to eat fat, I forgot what had it!!!  I am glad you told me about the ice cream.  4 scoops at bed is just a bit much.  Am feeling very good.  The only other side effect I have had is tiredness.  Probably the 1st week of rbc drop.  I feel almost back to normal though.  I am assuming our bodies just get used to the pegasys and riba???  I am not feeling the effects like before.  Thanks again, and will be praying for your svr.

[DougV]

Funny, I too don't seem to be feeling affects as much.  However in looking over past history it is usually around end of week six before anemia starts having significant impact.  I have intentionally ignored blood work (I get weekly draws due to past history).  Stupid maybe but as long as I feel good I don't wanna know.  I have noticed the air must be getting thinner, I assume sea level Florida has floated up to a level equal to mile high Denver, certainly can't be my labs.   . What I am certain of is this treatment, excepting the previously mentioned nuclear butt burn, of which good description on elimination BTW, is no harder than the now passe dual therapy.

Doug

[rayc2001]

Doug,
I just moved back from Lakewood Co to California.  I had a clinic on Colfax Avenue.  I have been referring back to my journal, and like you, really, if it isn't bothering me, I don't want to know!!!  Will see what it brings.  Sending positive thoughts your way, and lets kill this thing together!!!!

Just for the books I am Genotype 1a Stage 2  in good health other than the underlying condition.  I have had the beast over 20 years.  Didn't drink or drug for 20 years and have kept pretty healthy.

Ray C

[rayc2001]

Doug,
I have some good news for you, and some bad(heehee) news for you.  First the good news!!!  Nuclear butt burn ends rather quickly, for me it was 5-7 days.  Now the bad news.  After 2 days of relevent comfort, the burn has been replaced with an insatiable itch!!!  A complete 180 degrees.

This means you will need a couple of new tools!!!  First, a baby's bottle washer.  The bristles are softer.  You made may need to increase to a moderate strength bristle rather rapidly!!!!  A hair brush!!!  I am sure you will know how to use both!!!

I hope I am laughing with you!!!  best wishes

Ray

[RiverRandy]

Doug

Sounds like you are doing good.  I do remember you over the years.  I will start my triple threat treament Nov 7th.  the medication will be mailed to me next Wed Oct 19th and willl start round 2 on Nov 7th after I get my labs results back . I need 48 weeks back in 2008 but due to the bad side effects from the Riibavirin, blistering rash over 70% of my body they stopped the Rivavirin after about 6 weeks.  I continued on the interferon shots for 48 weeks and my viral load went from 1.6 million down to 120.  But then on week 48 my viral load increased back up to 20,000.  They stopped my treatment until recently when the DFA came up with the new treatment.  Hopefully I do not have the bad side effects this time, but If I had the blistering rash why would I not have the same reaction this time.  If I get the rash they will stop the treatment.
I feel pretty good now, except that I am very tired and fatigue due to my illness .  My Hep C went unnoticed for 20 - 25 years and when I first got diagnosed back in 2007 the damage was done 1a 3/4 . I have received great support in this room by Missy, Bill, Mom, Robin,  an others that come into the chatroom.

RiverRandy

[DougV]

Hey RIverRandy, been awhile.

Rash with Incivek can be really severe, with histiry of rash with Riba, man watch carefully. 

I cannot say this is easy.  I don't feel bad, but labs, doctor visits to two doctors, infusions, and so on it is causing me problems at school and would work for the same reason.  Seems like a lot of folks are having blood chemistry issues. 

Bottom line is it is harder than the old, but it is shorter for most, a nice cure rate, and hearing undetectable at four weeks or less is an excellent motivator.  Plus 12 weeks and then at least some issues will get back to normal.

I've got 7 weeks to go.  It has seemed to have gone by fast.

If I can tell ya anything, holler.

Doug

[RiverRandy]

Yeah I know what you mean, I had a fairly tough time the first go around.  I started treatment right after my youngest son was killed in a automobile accident...killed by a drunk driver, and now I am going for round two and we are finally going to court and trial on his death which is very stressful for myself and my wife.  Then dealing with this new treatment and the rash or blisters plus labs once a week, procrit the whole nine yards again, but hopefully everything will work out . I've been really lucky and have been able to keep my job and work but it is getting tougher and tougher to work a full 8 to 10 hours a day, I am always so faitgued by the end of the day.  You know when you wake up my tank is about 1/2 full due to the Hep C.  by the time the work day is completed I am on empty.  I do have my military retirement check and disability of 70% so if he gets to tough I might have to take off work, I am trying to make another 7 years so I can retire with 20 years plus 24 yrs in the military.

Randy

[DougV]

Let me toss possible alternative to Procrit...

Having twice been through Procrit/dose reduction/infusions and twice relapsed I opted for a different tack this time.  I went before I started to a hematologist, she reviewed history and concluded Procrit was not that useful and that she could maintain with packed RBC infusions, no Procrit, no dose reducyion.  Plus she maintains blood between 8.0 and up so I don't have the extremes I did before.  It is a pain due to scheduling around work, but I feel one heck of a lot better than before.

Doug

[Kristi]

Doug V I am so glad to hear how well you are doing and how planned your tx was.  I really hope you make it.  By the way how did you go to school or work on tx?  You and your blunt personal stories are the type of things that really help and rally patients on tx.  Your I am gonna win no matter what.  This is the side effect, this is what I did, and I am still having problems  ___ and ___ but I am going to kick but.  This post really meant a lot.  Thank you