Starting treatment in 2 weeks and very nervous

Well this is good news I think. Yes, tired has been a way of life for me too for a while. I'm looking forward to hearing what the blood work says! It's still so early for me, but I am in for the stay here. Talk to you soon,
Plant

Hey Painter!
The varisces had no symptoms at all- thank GOD! They were discovered during an endoscopy which was ordered when cirrhosis was suspected. It's basically one of the things that happens with portal hypertension when the liver starts backing up with decreased blood flow due to cirrhosis. Anyway some people don't discover them until they have a bleed, so as much as it's a pain to have repeated endoscopes with banding, it sure as he'll would beat the alternative of one bleeding.
Do you have cirrhosis Painter? They will likely order an endoscopy if you do.
Plant

You Painter all in all I'm not doing that badly. So many people have more serious conditions than me. I think there's a good chance that I can clear the virus and that will halt the progression of the cirrhosis. I'm not sure what you've been told yet, but it would strongly suggest that you refrain from drinking any alcohol. Keep that liver in decent shape! Some of my problems are likely due to the the fact that I only quit about 4 months ago and also that I've been on some powerful drugs to help my rheumatoid arthritis. They can be hard on the liver. Regardless, here we are- with a chance to live today as cleanly as possible and give our livers a chance to heal.
The very best,
Plant

Painter we are on the same page. There is a lot of living for all of us to do! And heck no- I'm never giving up! Have a great day!!! Thank you for your support!
Plant

Hey plant good to hear from you. I'm doing good,I have my moments but ok. Really tired sometimes and a bit dizzy. I have a blood test Monday and they are finally going to test me viral load. Im looking forward to that. How are things going for you? You're a couple of weeks ahead of me. Looking forward to getting this over with.

Plant no I'm not on beta blockers, don't even know what that is. My emotions seem to be on edge too. Are you getting that? I will let you know when I get test results. Thanks for being there.

Thanks Themiz!! A cheer is always such a boost! And so far this really is so doable. I keep remembering my nightmare of interferon.....
Painter the bêta blockers are meds that lower your heart rate and blood pressure if you have portal hypertension. Varisces are one of the issues that can result from portal hypertension, and beta blockers help reduce the likelihood of a bleed. They are making me tired and dizzy along with the ribavirin. Unfortunately I've been a crab too, and just started ( eek!) antidepressants because I had a little meltdown this week. :(. Sigh. I'm just putting one foot in front of the other though and trying to remember how many things I have to be thankful for. Hang in there Painter!!'
Hugs,
Plant

Hey Plant good to hear from you. I'm doing ok very tired all the time and light headed.Other than that ok. How about you? I've been away from home a lot so not very in touch. The Prozac seems to be doing very well keeping my emotional swings in order. Starting my 3rd month on Tues lookinhg forward to the end. Very good to hear from how are you holding up?

Plant, how are you doing? I think you must be completing your 3rd month. Are you holding up ok? I'm doing fairly well, I'm tired of this crap but pressing forward. Got some more test results and VL is undetectable. All other blood counts are very good.Looking forward to the end, 3months and 2 weeks to go. Woo Hoo

Plant, havent heard from you in a while. How are you doing? I'm doing well just tired of being tired. I have 7 weeks to go then we'll see if it worked. Have your tests been ok?My doctor seems very encouraged but I suppose thats his job. What has your DR been telling you?

Hi Painter! And Zoarie!
I'm down to 5 1/2 weeks and doing well! Also geno 3a, I've finished 3/4 of this treatment without a lot of problems. (Especially compared to my interferon ordeal 18 yrs ago). My labs already look way better ( the enzymes are NORMAL which I can't remember seeing I first started having them checked almost 20 yrs ago. I've had a little anemia but not enough to warrant lowering my Ribavirin. I'm working full time at an active job where I'm on my feet constantly but have been able to get through it ok. I just lay low after work.
My viral load also went undetectable at 3 weeks Zoarie- I'm so glad that you continue to be virus free! I hope the same happens to me and also to Painter. Painter my doctor is optimistic. Yes that's their job. I'm just going to keep doing everything I can to help my liver and to avoid all things that can injur it further. That's the least it deserves. I really count us fortunate to have options other than interferon.
I'm crossing fingers, toes, legs, eyes that one day all those with hep C can clear it with a relatively easy treatment. Please keep me posted- .Painter hang in there- we are almost at the finish line!!!!
Best, Plant

Hey painter! A Merry Christmas to you! Yes indeed I am FINISHED! I feel absolutely jubilant and very happy to have made it through with no real huge snafus. I actually go in tomorrow morning and they want to draw a viral load. Then, they will retest in three months. That is the big test. Although of course I need. to be clear tomorrow. How are you doing? You must be very close to being through too!!! I will post when I get the results of this first test, and let you know how I'm doing. Please let me know how you're doing and certainly if you get a test right after completion, I'd love to know how that comes out.
Sending you the very best, and wishes for a healthy new year.
Plant

Plant, good to hear that your ok. I'm curious about the end game. I have 10 more days then a blood test a week later. After that I'm not sure. What have yall been hearing about final results? I sure hope all of us can be done with this crap. I'm feeling weak but ok. To bad we can't all get together and celabrate when this is all over.