you're welcome! I've shielded mine from all but a close few. always careful and considerate since I found out. I've not attempted to contact others that I had a physical relationship with in the past. I'm not certain how to approach it.. hetro only, no drugs etc. unprotected 'normal' affairs. I have abstained from alcohol since I began tx. I'm aware that my best bet is to continue. it has not been difficult, knowing that I needed to wash my system of this i'll probably try a program if I have any issues. after my 24 month EOT date, hopefully, I may have that bug out of my system as well... never say never. don
i'll trade your clouds for my still, snow covered ground... get me outta here!
Don: Thanks, and so glad you are getting your last meds. That was a thrill in itself! Yes, ALL of those mentioned are in my daily prayers, those who don't know and need to, those who are waiting for tx, those on tx, those waiting for word, those SVR'd, and ALL of those who made this all possible! Truly my cup is full, tamped down and running over!
AM: We WILL get there! even if your liver doesn't become like new, w/SVR, I truly believe you will improve to the point where a) you won't need a transplant, and b) you will be pretty much symptom free and can enjoy your life!
ALL: I have begun my 'See how many people we can get the word out to' campaign. Yesterday, I announced my virus free status and SVR 12 at a Transportation Disadvantaged Local Coordinating Committee meeting. We had representatives from all sorts of local and state agencies, Commissions, private companies, and I asked each of them to announce about getting HepC Antibody tests to their office, companies, departments, other meetings.
Of course I have never tried to conceal my hepc and I have never had the negative reactions that so many on here have, so some of them already knew I was on treatment. I don't have the money or power to do something in a big way, BUT I do have a BIG mouth, and a heartful of gratitude and deside to pass it on, so this is the best way I can think of to do so. I remembered what Dee, Lynn and some others said about mentioning it to Dr as PCPs have been encouraged to do so, and, instead, have tried to talk people out of thinking they had hepc and told them that, too, and said, 'Insist!
It is an inexpensive test.'. Then, if it is positive, they will understand the need for the viral load test. I tried to be clear that 'Reactive' on Antibody test did NOT mean a person had the disease, only that they needed the viral load test to determine. Also, that treatment these days is an average of 12 weeks, with practically NO side effects, and a very high percentage od SVR (cure), on first go around, now.
Hope it helps somebody.
Pat
Wowzer, love it, congrats. I am so happy for you. I am SVR12 too, but being cirrhotic they will only accept 24-week EOT labs which I will get May Day. They said if you make EOT SVR12 you have a very slim chance of relapse, so I'm holding my breath for us both. Onward and upward.
congrats pat, I pick up my last, 28 day script morrow. we are blessed. need to thank god for giving the researchers, scientist's and everyone involved, the knowledge, skill and brains to cure us all. more of my prayers are for those waiting approval for the wonder drugs. don
Pat. Fabulous news and a big "CONGRAGULATIONS ". You are such a great asset to this community as I always read your encouraging words of wisdom to others. Am so happy that you are finally free of this devastating
virus, and want you to know that the best is yet to come.
Warm Wishes
......Kim
Thanks! I don't know abou where you are, but here in FL, today, I have plenty of clouds to choose from. lol
Hey there, you so deserve to be sitting on your cloud, I am very happy for you. I know what it feels like and it is awesome.
When I went to see my doc in June he said they are considering SVR12 weeks cured.
I am thrilled for you!!
Dee
kOkO: Yes, to the cloud, still can't take it in! As for 'cured' he's pretty confident, but has scheduled Labs for EOT24 just to be sure. : -)
Sue: We both thank you!
Thanks, Mary. I can't get the grin off my face.
As for SVR12 it is the usual point to be considered cured. I took Sovaldi and Ribavirin. Used to, SVR24 was the 'cured' point, but with Sovaldi, results were so good that by 12 weeks, Gilead considered SVR the permanent cure mark. However, Gilead did a study on their Trial III cohorts, showed that of 863 people, 85 relapsed. Of those, 83 relapsed before 12 weeks, the largest group, something close to 80%, I think, relapsed before 4 weeks. Anyway, two relapsed between 12 and 24 weeks. They were both Gt3s.
I am, oops, WAS Gt3, so we are being careful and testing @ 24 Wks EOT and, again, at 1 year. My Dr feels pretty confident that I won't have that happen, but I am so glad that he is being conservative and doing follow-up.
Thank you for the kind words. If I helped, I am so glad, but it is because I was helped first. The people on this site are awesome. I feel so blessed to have been a part of the knowledge and caring here, and want to give back, to pass on the knowledge and hope and comfort I received.
As for enjoying our new hepc free life, we are already planning our summer and fall travels! : -)
hope you are doing well!
Blessings,
Pat
I'm so happy for you!! Yay!!!!! You are free!!!! Way to go!! Cheers for your husband too!
Congrats! Are you floating on a cloud? Did Doc say "you are cured"?
OH MY GOSH!! I'm jumping up an down in my heart for you right now!!! Been off line a few weeks, an got it going tonight an BAM.. great news. Pat, you helped me sooo much with getting thru treatment with your help. All the kind words an encouragement from everyone an especially you. Now the tears are flowing for happiness for you, Pat..I will never forget anyone here that helped me.my prayers are with you all continuously ..Question, I thought if you were undetected post treatment for 12 wks, your cured..has the parameters changed. Refresh my memory, what meds were you treating with? Anyhoo, you an hubby enjoy the rest of your hep CFREE life!!!! Take care. Mary
That's great news. Congratulations! I'm very happy for you.
I thank each and every one of you for your kind wishes and thoughts--talk about getting the warm fuzzies! Truly, this Forum is a family, so sharing here is like sharing with family.
Deb: Bob got such a kick out of your post! He sends his thanks for that.
I did post on nan's site.
Thanks, Sandi, for the bump! : -)
Pat
Congratulations!! The odds are now greatly in your favor that you are cured. I'm very happy for you. You have helped so many others here. In my opinion, don't jinx yourself and wait til 24. ;)
Oh my!!!! How did I miss this?? BIG congratulations! It does feel surreal, doesn't it? I am thrilled for you. Enjoy it.
Congratulations Pat! It also brought tears to my eyes reading this! Yes step up and receive your Dragon Slayer Insignia! Another dragon has been slain! Don't forget to post on Nan's survey!
~Sandi
Congratulations on your SVR12!
Congratulations!!!!! I cried when I got my SVR too- welcome to your new hep C free life!!!!!!!!!! I'm so happy for you!
Congratulations! I say add to the list, now--I think it a remote tiny chance that you'll change in the next 12 weeks.
This is such wonderful news! As far as I'm concerned all these cures are like miracles. I know it's science but at the same time...
Congratulations!
Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Welcome to being cured!
Enjoy
;-)
Hector
Wonderful news!! Congrats!!!