Week 8 of Devon Nicholson’s triple therapy Hepatitis C treatment video update has been released today.

In this video update (Shot on December 6th 2012) Devon talks about one of the most difficult side effects he has been dealing with; sleep deprivation.

Sleep deprivation can be so hard on the body that is regarded as torture under international laws and branded as such by the United Nations. Ongoing sleep deprivation can be an extraordinarily cruel as it leads to a breakdown of the nervous system and to other serious physical and psychological damage.

Nicholson’s side effects have been so severe while on treatment that his doctors have now placed him on sick leave from work. They feel for the treatment to be successful Devon will need as much rest and as little stress in his life as possible. Devon worked an average of 60 hours a week between 2 jobs in 2012. This was not giving him the rest he needs to beat the disease.

Despite feeling terrible physically the former National Champion in amateur wrestling has received some good news. His Hepatitis C Virus blood test results indicated that he had a Rapid Viral Response (RVR) and the Hepatitis C Virus is now undetectable in his blood. This means that the medication is working however it does not mean Nicholson is cured. Devon will need to obtain a Sustained Viral Response (SVR) 6 months post treatment to be cleared of the virus for good. It is highly important that Nicholson finishes the full 24 weeks of therapy no matter how severe the side effects become for this to happen.



This entry was originally published on December 24, 2012. Reprinted with permission.