High Viral Load

[Peaches1958]

Hi, I'm new and trying to find out as much information as possible.  I was diagnosed in September 2014. Geno type 2. My viral load was 7.4, I quit smoking in February 2015 and my viral load from my April blood work is now just under 21 Million.  My Doctor said that she has never seen it that high before.  I figured out that it had to be from quitting smoking.   I was freaked out and I have smoked some this past week.   My Insurance has approved my treatment and I start treatment next week.  I've decided to put the cigarettes back down. My question is has anyone else experience a jump like that.  Has anyone been cured with a viral load this high.  My Doctor thinks that I will be unable to do anything while I'm on this medicine.  I have a trip planned for about 4 weeks after I start my treatment.  I would appreciate all the information I can get.  Thanks and God bless!

[Livelife777]

Hi Peaches.   I also have the same genotype as you which is Geno 2 and the easiest to cure.  Sooo you are very lucky in that regard.
Our treatment is Sovaldi and Ribavirin for 12 weeks.  I finished a year ago and am now Hep C free.  The treatment goes by fast and the side effects are not to bad.  Fatigue is the main problem but if you get rest you will be OK.
It's great that your getting started and you will be so thankful and grateful once you are cured.
I'm in your corner along with the amazing new friends you have already met.
Keep us posted.
.....Kim

[WalkingEagle]

Psssst! you are a God send, thank you

W.E.

[Ekkiemom]

Hi P.....

Yes you will find many friends with understanding hearts.
As Patra said we and others will be here for you and like my FK (Forum Mom) Patra said you can private message us both just click on our name and presto we will get your mssg.
Don't be afraid ok. We understand the anxiety with facing treatment, but with that being said WE ALL WERE!!  ;-). Honestly these meds are sooooo much better.
Hope I didn't scare you with my last text as I know it can be a lot of info to take in but the old saying "Power is Knowledge" is so true!
You will find that because we are either treating or have treated can give you great feedback, sometimes more informative than your Hepa, just because we have been thru it.

Thursday is going to be a great start to a healthy life, yipeeeeeeee

Hugs to you forum friend! Can't wait to celebrate your progress!

Peace
Deb

[patra_]

My dear, you are NOT alone on this journey.  It was amazing and wonderful to me how many and how different the people on this site were, who counseled me, answered my questions, cheered me along, and cheered me up, who understood exactly what I was going through!!  Those same people, plus new ones who came along as Deb (Ekkiemom) and I did, plus Deb and I, will be there to help you through.

You will also be surprised to find the support from within your community if you choose to disclose.  Also, I am afraid, a few friends will not be there for you in that same situation, but not to worry because so many others will be!

Come, take my hand and I will help you along this road!  Also, anytime you feel like talking to me - not on the Forum, you can click on my name at the top of one of my posts, and when you get to my page, select send a message.  That will just come to me - or anyone on the Forum you choose to send a message to - and that person will get it like a PM Personal Message.  I believe you will find that Deb feels the same way.

So glad your meds are in.  This tx time will speed by and you will be done before you know it.  

Now, gird yourself for battle, (although this 'battle' [the side effects] is not nearly as severe as in treatments in the past), put on you big girl, determined to do this, smiley face, and go forth to conquer this Dragon!

On to SVR (Sustained Viral Response)!!!

Blessings,

Pat

[Peaches1958]

Thank you both very much.  I am challenged on these forums.  I'm assuming that you both can read my response.   Pat, I started eating super healthy when I found out what I have.   My 2nd diagnosis was Lupus.  1st was Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.  Most recent is Hepatitis C genotype 2.  Since I was a naturalist (except for an occasional cigarette) the doctors never checked me for it. I married in 2007 at 49 years old and was getting sick by 2008.  My Pharmacy just called me and I will have. my prescription's on Thursday.  Yeah!  Deb, I appreciate you both and I need your support.  I feel so alone in this journey.   Thank you both!
Terri

[Ekkiemom]

Hi P.....
Welcome to the community, so happy u r here reaching out for info and support!  You have come to an exceptionally compassionate forum.  Everyone is so kind and no question is ever considered silly...
Just to put your mind at ease when I started my first Tx (treatment) my VL was 31.5 mil. But this past Tx it was down to 11.5 and I was cured officially in April.  Don't stress the VL will fluctuate as Pat has stated above.
PATRA has given you very good advice.  You are able to take 2000mg of Vit D while on Tx, just an FYI .
As Pat has said liver friendly diet, try to stay away from meat with hormones as its a bit more difficult for the liver to process.  As far as sugary junk I found that when Tx began I couldn't touch anything with sugar.  The meds may change your taste a bit and maybe not.
It is suggested that 4-5 small meals instead of 3 big meals.  You will know what to do based on your stomachs reaction to the foods you eat. Stay away from greasy stuff.  I found raw veggies ans some fruit were the only thing I could eat early on in the treatment.  Everyone is so different.
You may experience some fatigue or you may feel great, sleep when you need to, take small naps so your body can recharge and heal.

You will be fine. Just keep coming back to share your concerns and need a bit of encouragement. Hopefully you will leave feeling better and maybe a big smile as well.

You take care, remember we were in your same shoes when we first came to the forum. We will walk with you thru your journey with compassion and encouraging words.  :)

Peace
Deb

[patra_]

Peaches, welcome to the Forum!  You have come to a great place for information, support and just general caring!  Having said that, I suggest that you need to copy and post this post on the Hepatitis C Forum as you are definitely hepc and planning tx.

As to travelling, etc, that depends on the meds you are on and how you respond to them.

As far as the jump in viral load, basically, that is used to tell you that you have the virus, and when on treatment, that the mtx is working, as the load drops.

We have had people on here with much higher VLs and the VLs DO jump up and down.  Please don't stress about that!

YES, quit the smoking altogether, and,  also, alcohol, if you indulge, non prescription drugs, and

MAKE SURE your doctor has checked out all your prescribed medications, Over-the-Counter meds and supplements, to make sure none of those is contraindicated for your meds.

Don't want to take a course of these expensive meds and have them not work because of something you took which blocked their action, or messed with it in some way.

Finally drink LOTS of water, not sodas, eat a liver friendly diet - this helps the liver to feel better as not have to work so hard, And helps the meds to be able to do their jobs.

Drs may tell you normal diet, but they are thinking of a healthy diet not the fast food, chips, soda, sweets to excess diet, not the way so many of us eat (or in the case of many of us, ate).

Don't mean to overwhelm you with dos and don'ts - just trying to help.  All of the above has made a huge difference in my life!

Again, copy your post and post it on the Hep C Forum, where more people will see it and can respond.

On to good treatment and Blessings,

Pat