7 Weeks Post Treatment

In 2006 I treated my Hepatitis C for the first time with PEG-Interferon and Ribavirin. Through a grueling six months I endured side effects no human should suffer, with a less than satisfying outcome. It took me roughly 16-17 weeks to go undetected on a 24 week therapy that should have been 48 weeks, with only a 34% chance of a cure. In just 3 weeks post treatment, I had relapsed. Emotionally I was drained. Physically I was pushed to my limits.

Fast forwarding 7 years later, and the drug Sovaldi was approved by the FDA in December 2013. By January 21st, 2014 I was on treatment with the new drug, and in just 4 weeks my Hepatitis C was gone! Not only was I a rapid responder to the new drug, but I remained undetected for the duration of my 24 weeks to July 7th.

On August 18th, 2014 I was due for 6 week "post treatment" labs to be drawn. Given my previous history in 2006, I was more than just anxious, I was on edge. The results are to your left (click image). 6 weeks post treatment, and I'm still undetected.

I can't begin to tell you the feeling deep inside. Pure joy, and knowing that God is always in control. It's easy sometimes to loose sight of Him, and it just takes a split second to look down. Not only does this serve as a reminder to me that God is still in control of my life, but He still is in the healing business. Psalm 41:3 says, "The LORD sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness."

Clinically, my status cannot be called a cure until 6 months post treatment, which is January 2015. But, I'm off to one heck of a start, and I know "God's Got This."

On a side note, I had reported a few weeks ago that I was experiencing some digestive issues post treatment, especially with diarrhea. After talking with my doctor, she recommended I try a daily probiotic to balance out my stomach and restore the good bacteria in my digestive system. She explained that Hepatitis C treatment often can kill or damage the good bacteria needed to break down foods.

After just two days in taking this supplement, my diarrhea had resolved, and I was back to some sense of normal again. So if any of my fellow dragon slayers are experiencing digestive issues during or after treatment, I highly recommend starting a daily probiotic. I still have random occurrences, but usually it's based on my diet.