Looks like I made it

[Bill200]

Well, this is the post I've dreamed of writing for many, many years.  Looks like I'm SVR.  Got my 4 month back this week and still not detected!  I almost felt I would weep with happiness for a second.  My face got hot and flush for about 5 minutes.  

One of the coolest things is every little ache, pain, tiredness, anything, I don't have to think "if only I didn't have the HCV causing it."

I was pretty sure I was still clear because I more or less have a ton of energy most of the time, almost feels like some kind of mania sometimes.  It is a very cool feeling.  Just having energy to do stuff that I haven't had for oh so many years.  Kind of like I'm filled with helium so light at times.  Yeah it's good.

Did the triple (incivek) and then continued on INF and RIBA for a total of 19 months this time.  Fourth treatment over 20 years.  Throw in a liver transplant and there you have it.

My first treatment was in the mid nineties and it was trial.  It was call high-dose infusion interferon where the doses were on par with chemo level treatments.  Next I tried another trial in the 90s with INF and the first RIBA trials.  Around 2007 I did Peg INF and Riba.  All three times my VL got down to a couple of thousand maybe 3 thousand but just wouldn't go any lower.

They found HCC in late 2010 and I had the transplant in 2011.  Was fine for a few months then the HCV came back with a vengeance.  My new liver rapidly progressed to stage 2 and then in May of 2012 I convinced my doctor to try triple.  Of course it's not approved for LT patients so it was all off-label.  Nineteen months later in October '13 I finished.  And here we are.

I haven't done any big celebration.  Of course my family is extremely happy and it makes me especially happy to see my wife and mom and dad so happy.

My advice is don't give up.  At times especially during the 12-week incivek part I thought maybe I should have just given up.  It was hard no doubt.  But right now things look better than they have for a long long time.  Obviously I think Man I'm glad I didn't give up.

best, David

[Groupergetter]

Thanks David for sharing your story. Years ago I did the Interferon/riba only to relapse. Did it a second time and couldn't finish. Started the Olysio/Sovaldi and hoping for SVR.  I can relate to the difficult times you've been through. Thanks for giving us all continued hope.  I share in your joy.
Now back to sleep...if I can :)  Take care.

[his3707]

A very heartfelt congratulations to you for persevering through.  I really did have my hand on my heart while reading your post.  Im so happy for you!  

[mikesimon]

Congratulations on your wonderful news David.
Your strength and determination are truly inspirational.
Stay well.

Mike

[Rosebudfrita]

Congratulations to you! I'm so happy for you and admire you NOT giving up . You have been through so much and came out on top. Now go enjoy life!

[shocked60]

Congratulations!!!! Know the feeling. Enjoy every minute of it . You worked for it. I thought I had a tough time, nothing compared to you. You really went through it all. Congrats!!!

[nzkiwilife]

congratulations. You persevered and thoroughly deserve to be svr.

[Bill200]

Thanks for all the good comments.  Way back when before we had this website it was just mailing list.  But this website really took it to another level.  So many people and so much input.  That really helped.  I remember the years leading up to Incivek.   That was a long few years.  I could never get a trial on that.  But this group often gave me hope and information over the years.  Such a good source for questions answered and stories told.

Glen, I know they told me I couldn't drink.  Obviously no one should drink with HCV.  I wasn't a big drinker anyway but sometime I hope I can have a beer with friends again but I'm sure they'd never agree to that.  Really all you need to do is take the immunosuppresents, don't eat grapefruit or sushi.  There are a lot of potential complications from a LT but on the ohter hand people go for years like it's no big deal.  I was supposed to get a biopsy EOT but passing on that for now.  Not sure I even want to know what shape it's in.  Better to just feel good as it stands.  :)

-David

[GP7852]

Congrats David! Enjoy your new lease on life,thats fantastic! Question,do they put any restictions on what you can or can't do with the new liver or is it all the same as your 1st one.
                           Glen
                

[Jeff88]

So happy for you David,

I very well understand how you feel and how happy your wife and parents are too!
Such a relief! Enjoy life to the fullest now!

[Verdugo]

I loved reading your Cinderella story!  Thanks for sharing.  

Now go enjoy your life.

Cheers, V.

[josejuan2013]

Great..

[flcyclist]

Congrats David!  You've had a very rough haul to get to SVR and should be extremely proud to push through the hard time.  Simply amazing.  Great work.  Have a healthy life.

[bensonf]

Fantastic news David on being SVR !! Must be on the Top of the World ...
Go out and Enjoy your new Life...

[cheflady]

Congratulations David i am absolutely thrilled for you Love Jules

[mzkity]

Wow, you get a lifetime achievement award. You really pushed through all the odds and you won!!! Fantastic news!!! Wishing you the best!!

Kitty

[nan535]

That is really wonderful news! To be dealing with treatments for over 20 years
and now FINALLY reaching SVR - well I can certainly understand what a feeling of exhilaration that must give you. You finally slayed the dragon!

Congratulations!
Nan

[nursehepc]

Wow. With all that you have been through, I am especially happy for your good news. Enjoy your life and family...and mania...Jo

[pooh55811]

David, that is fantastic. Congratulations!

You really stuck with it and never gave up and it paid off nicely for you. I know it was not easy. but it sure was worth it. This is truly very uplifting and wonderful.

Best wishes for the future (which must look very bright right now).