In a previous post, I pointed to the growing epidemic nature of Hepatitis C.
I’ve posted here many times concerning my responses to the side effects of what I’ve called the “abusive” drugs I took for the treatment… Yes, “took”.
Today is the first day, after eleven months, that I will not take them! I must have tests at six months and a year to see if the virus is really gone but my immediate battle is over !!
Now, to lick my wounds by working to rid my body of the traces of the drugs (2 – 6 months)…
I want to add a remark I left on the Group, alt.support.hepatitis.c, and the response from one of the most compassionate and knowledgable members of that Group:
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Hey, Fellow Dragon-Slayers, On Wednesday the 30th of April I cease the intake (48 weeks–type 1a) of the “abusive” drugs. I’m well aware I have three most important dates after that–results of the blood draw on that day and the 6 month and one year checks. Still, I’ve been doing some blogging about my experience (including the growing epidemic nature of Hep C) and I want to celebrate the 30th in the blog. You can definitely help. Tell the world how you felt when you stopped taking the drugs. God knows what my percentage is for complete SVR or a “cure”; still, I’m overjoyed about cessation of the drugs!!! Will you help me make my blog shimmer and glow that day?!? ~ Alex
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Well, I dunno about “shimmer and glow”, but here’s what I remember…The last shot of Peg, and a week later, the last handful of Ribavirin, left me feeling elated, relieved – and anxious as heck. I had even mentioned here that – after the full 48 weeks and total compliance to the regimen – I was leery of
stopping the meds. I had been clear from the first VL test (at 12 weeks) through to the end, but being a g1b with a lot of strikes against success, even though I was still anemic as hell throughout therapy, it felt “safer” to just keep taking the drugs, to keep on keeping the virus at bay.
Of course, I stopped on schedule. It would have crazy to keep going 😉 And I was very lucky in the SVR Sweepstakes…and still am.
Cheers
/greyhackles
Our Evolution 
I am so happy for you Alex. I am sure you will make a speedy recovery and be on that basketball court in no time! Talk to you soon~Brandi
You have come a long ways. I hear it has been a long journey. You have the marks to prove it. It has been quite a stint. Yet; there is a healing release. Flowing over as a balm into your body. The battle is over. Yes; the battle has been won dear Alex !
Thanks! Really funny. Big ups!