Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

abacomike

Got results from my blood tests from last week.  Hepatitis C Virus is no longer detectable in my blood.  Last Wednesday when I had the tests was only 3-1/2 weeks into the regimen of a total of 12 weeks.  The drug is called Harvoni.

Just 7-1/2 more weeks from today and I will be off the drug (lots of side effects - but who cares so long as it's working).

If you know of anyone with Hep C, give them the name of the drug - it really is a miracle after suffering for 35 years with this from a blood transfusion.

ray80

abacomike said:

Got results from my blood tests from last week.  Hepatitis C Virus is no longer detectable in my blood.  Last Wednesday when I had the tests was only 3-1/2 weeks into the regimen of a total of 12 weeks.  The drug is called Harvoni.

Just 7-1/2 more weeks from today and I will be off the drug (lots of side effects - but who cares so long as it's working).

If you know of anyone with Hep C, give them the name of the drug - it really is a miracle after suffering for 35 years with this from a blood transfusion.

Very good to hear, hope it continues on that path

oldfarmer50

abacomike said:

Got results from my blood tests from last week.  Hepatitis C Virus is no longer detectable in my blood.  Last Wednesday when I had the tests was only 3-1/2 weeks into the regimen of a total of 12 weeks.  The drug is called Harvoni.

Just 7-1/2 more weeks from today and I will be off the drug (lots of side effects - but who cares so long as it's working).

If you know of anyone with Hep C, give them the name of the drug - it really is a miracle after suffering for 35 years with this from a blood transfusion.

That's terrific news Mike! I've heard great things about that drug. Very expensive and some insurance carriers cheap out on the (what is it $80k) price tag. Usually they change their minds after considering the cost of a liver transplant or heroic end of life care.

It only works with one strain of Hep C but that's the one that 90% have.

qbrozen

good news, mike.

houdini1

abacomike said:

Got results from my blood tests from last week.  Hepatitis C Virus is no longer detectable in my blood.  Last Wednesday when I had the tests was only 3-1/2 weeks into the regimen of a total of 12 weeks.  The drug is called Harvoni.

Just 7-1/2 more weeks from today and I will be off the drug (lots of side effects - but who cares so long as it's working).

If you know of anyone with Hep C, give them the name of the drug - it really is a miracle after suffering for 35 years with this from a blood transfusion.

Great news Mike. Yipee !!

driver100

Great Mike!

abacomike

Thanks all.  I never thought I would live to see the day when they discovered a cure for this awful disease.

The cost is nearly $100,000 for 12 weeks.  My insurance covered everything except my co-pay ($4000+).  I am now no longer in the donut hole - I pay $2.80 for every prescription - even 90 day supplies - through December 31 of this year.

The drug company (Gilead) has nurses call me every few weeks and I call them with the side-effects.  Insomnia is the worst side-effect - I sleep only 3-4 hours a night even with high dose sleeping pill Rx's.  Tiredness and some dizziness are also bothering me.  But I can live with this for another 8 weeks.

suydam

I have a friend in the same situation as you. I hope she will have the same results you are. Really good news.

carnaught

Mike, so happy to hear this great news. The fact that you have cleared the virus this early in the course is truly a positive. Keep going!

abacomike

carnaught said:

Mike, so happy to hear this great news. The fact that you have cleared the virus this early in the course is truly a positive. Keep going on this course!

Thanks, carnaught and suydam.  

Carnaught, in 93% of the patients taking this new drug (Harvoni), the virus is not detectable in the blood after 2-4 weeks after starting the regimen.  That's how effective this new drug is.  I still have to continue taking the pills once a day for 7 more weeks and have to take blood tests every 3-4 weeks to make sure my blood continues to be devoid of the virus.

My viral load was 352,000 (considered moderate) just before starting the drug.  Most Hep C patients who start the regimen have a viral load of 1-3+ "million" (and often 5-8 million) and are exhibiting the same high rates of success.

It is estimated that 4-6 million people in the U.S. suffer from this virus.  It is passed from person to person through contact with blood (drug addicts usually get it from infected needles; most people got it from blood transfusions prior to 1992 when the virus was identified and donated blood started to be screened for the Hep C virus; it can also be contracted during sexual relations).  I did not find out I had it until 1996 during a routine physical and blood tests.  The only way I could have gotten it was from a blood transfusion I had in 1980 after back surgery.

Now, if they can find a pill that can cure most cancers, it would be a God-send!

fezo

Great news, Mike.

On the medical front I called up to Sloan to get results of immunity tests run 10 days ago. Not all tests are in but the news is my t cells (the ones that detect something that's not supposed to be there) have doubled, even though they are a bit shy of normal range. My b cells have hit normal range. Based on how they're going (growth accelerated a lot on the last four months) I think by the next time they test I think I'm going to be in the clear. I've had my first vaccination and will be following with more. Rounding third and heading for home.

Given the number of blood transfusions I've had over several years it's stunning that I never got Hep C.

abacomike

fezo said:

Great news, Mike. On the medical front I called up to Sloan to get results of immunity tests run 10 days ago. Not all tests are in but the news is my t cells (the ones that detect something that's not supposed to be there) have doubled, even though they are a bit shy of normal range. My b cells have hit normal range. Based on how they're going (growth accelerated a lot on the last four months) I think by the next time they test I think I'm going to be in the clear. I've had my first vaccination and will be following with more. Rounding third and heading for home. Given the number of blood transfusions I've had over several years it's stunning that I never got Hep C.

That's terrific news fezo.  Only blood transfusions given prior to the early 1990's are suspect.  That's why I could never donate my blood or participate in sexual relations without appropriate protection for my partner.  What surprises me is that my wife never contracted the disease - but she developed breast cancer and passed in 1998.

abacomike

Hey, Old Farmer, tell us more about your driving experiences in your new Mustang.  Gorgeous car!

fezo

Yeah. First ticket yet? Right car. Right color.

oldfarmer50

abacomike said:

Hey, Old Farmer, tell us more about your driving experiences in your new Mustang.  Gorgeous car!

Put 100 miles on it the first full day of ownership. Driving like an old lady during the break-in. Interesting, on my regular morning commute driving the speed limit and taking it easy on accelerating I managed to get 27 mpg. Didn't expect that. Drove my son to the store and scared him taking some turns faster than I should have. Starting to have fun. Awful lot of buttons in this thing. Took me 20 minutes to figure out how to set the clock.

oldfarmer50

fezo said:

Yeah. First ticket yet? Right car. Right color.

Well I am typing this from jail so........

bwia

abacomike said:

Thanks all.  I never thought I would live to see the day when they discovered a cure for this awful disease.

The cost is nearly $100,000 for 12 weeks.  My insurance covered everything except my co-pay ($4000+).  I am now no longer in the donut hole - I pay $2.80 for every prescription - even 90 day supplies - through December 31 of this year.

The drug company (Gilead) has nurses call me every few weeks and I call them with the side-effects.  Insomnia is the worst side-effect - I sleep only 3-4 hours a night even with high dose sleeping pill Rx's.  Tiredness and some dizziness are also bothering me.  But I can live with this for another 8 weeks.

Mike, glad to hear that the drug is working for you. Oh the wonders of modern medicine. Keep us in touch on continuing progress. 

mako1a

OF, I know you're joking now but just wait until you get froggy passing a couple of semis. The 5.0 is so powerful that you can go from 75 to 105 in a couple of seconds like passing a pair of semis. I know because it happened to me. I was shocked by how quickly it accelerated. There seems to be no top end or lack of fuel/air. I just goes really fast and does it more quickly at higher speeds. Hey Hey, be careful out there.

jwilliams2

OldFarmer, congrats on the new Mustang. The color is beautiful. I like it a lot!

Mike and Fezo, great news! Modern medicine is amazing. And I'm with you Mike on hoping for that pill. Having stage 4 M1, it would be nice if they found it sometime soon...

imidazol97

mako1a said:

OF, I know you're joking now but just wait until you get froggy passing a couple of semis. The 5.0 is so powerful that you can go from 75 to 105 in a couple of seconds like passing a pair of semis. I know because it happened to me. I was shocked by how quickly it accelerated. There seems to be no top end or lack of fuel/air. I just goes really fast and does it more quickly at higher speeds. Hey Hey, be careful out there.

Mike has found his medicine. AND I see OldFarmer has found HIS medicine!

roadburner

abacomike said:

Got results from my blood tests from last week.  Hepatitis C Virus is no longer detectable in my blood.  Last Wednesday when I had the tests was only 3-1/2 weeks into the regimen of a total of 12 weeks.  The drug is called Harvoni.

Just 7-1/2 more weeks from today and I will be off the drug (lots of side effects - but who cares so long as it's working).

If you know of anyone with Hep C, give them the name of the drug - it really is a miracle after suffering for 35 years with this from a blood transfusion.

Great to hear!!!

nyccarguy

Hello everyone from Saint Simons Island, GA! Lots of posts to catch up on. 1st to Mike & Steve - Congrats on feeling better. I'm glad you guys are going to be around for a LONG time now! Please send Richard my best! He's such a kind soul and must be devastated.

Jwilliams - I hope for your sake, they find a cure real soon.

@oldfarmer50 - congratulations on your beautiful, new Mustang! You've wanted one for a LONG time & deserve it. Use it well! I LOVE the color!

bwia

Pardon the blasphemy but is it me or I am mistaken to believe that most here have a stronger preference for the Mustang than the Camaro. No matter how hard I try, I just can't seem to warm up to the Mustang. The Camaro on the other hand elicits an orgasmic response and it makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

Everything about the Camaro epitomizes the modern American muscle car with style and sophistication. At a recent auto show the teenage boys (and girls) were salivating to a get a little seat time in the Camaro compared to the middle aged men who surrounded the Mustang. Based upon that experience can I conclude that the Mustang and Camaro appeal to different demographics?

Don't want to start a war but I am a Camaro man.

mako1a

bwia, While I never took a tape measure to the width of Mustang or Camaro it just looks like the Camaro is wider. With garage space at a premium that may be a break point.

OF, I just noticed there are no fog lights in the grill of your 5.0. Now how am I to know whether I'm seeing a V-8 or V-6 coming towards me?

graphicguy

Fezo and Mike...all good news. Happy for both of you.

BWIA.....I've always had a soft spot for both the Camaro and the Mustang. I've had the opportunity to drive the Camaro (before the "redo" on the current platform) and used to own a couple of Mustangs (the most recent an '05 GT).

Camaro was fast, no doubt. But, it was also more punishing tp drove regularly. While I wasn't a huge fan of my '05 Mustang's interior, it was worlds better than that of the Camaro.

Now, given the Mustang update, I think it actually pulled far ahead of the Camaro, at least in style (particularly the interior).

I don't know about either appealing to different demographics. I know I've priced out a Mustang GT 'vert and came up with an MSRP tht was tickling the high $40s. I know you can get a Camaro to that level with all the goodies, too.

So, at that price, I would think that puts it out of the price range of most Millenials.

stever

I lean more toward the Camaro. My sister had an early Firebird and I never much cared for the old 60's Mustangs and thought Ford jumped the shark with the Mustang II.

Haven't driven one though (ever!). Really enjoyed a rental Camaro a few years back in SoCal. Mostly I like the look a bit better, maybe it is that wide stance.

Best come out this way and give me an educational ride, @oldfarmer50.

abacomike

bwia said:

Pardon the blasphemy but is it me or I am mistaken to believe that most here have a stronger preference for the Mustang than the Camaro. No matter how hard I try, I just can't seem to warm up to the Mustang. The Camaro on the other hand elicits an orgasmic response and it makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

Everything about the Camaro epitomizes the modern American muscle car with style and sophistication. At a recent auto show the teenage boys (and girls) were salivating to a get a little seat time in the Camaro compared to the middle aged men who surrounded the Mustang. Based upon that experience can I conclude that the Mustang and Camaro appeal to different demographics?

Don't want to start a war but I am a Camaro man.

Each to their own bwia.  I find the Mustang a bit more comfortable than the Camaro.  Seats, more comfortable ride, nicer styling.  But that's me.  If everyone had the same tastes, we'd all be driving the same car from one car manufacturer.  

andres3

Ford did a driver's test thing at the mall about 7 months ago with the new Mustang. I took them up and went for a test drive, unfortunately, they were letting people drive the new 2.3 instead of the 5.0, which I think was a HUGE mistake.

Also, this mall has way too much traffic around it to ever do a real test drive. They didn't think this thing through. As such, I wasn't impressed by the 2.3, but we can put an asterisk next to that due to my lame test drive.

ab348

I liked the 2005-up Mustang for the most part. I think they reached the high water mark with the 2011-12 version of the GT with the 5.0 engine. But the interiors were always a turn-off. The new model doesn't look as good on the outside to me as the older one, though the interior is supposed to be better (I haven't sat in one though). The Camaro is not a car I ever could see myself in, though I always look at one when I see one. It certainly catches the eye. But the visibility is non-existent, it is far too big, bulky and heavy, and the interior (specifically the dash) is not good. I'm a GM guy but it just isn't for me. I'm looking forward to seeing the new one in the flesh, which is supposed to be a bit smaller and lighter, though it still has very similar styling and so maybe the same shortcomings.

qbrozen

bwia, I want to like the Camaro. It is a pretty car. But I tried to sit in one at the auto show back when it was just introduced and I could not fit nor see out of it, so it became a simple matter of practicality for me to wind up with a Mustang instead.

andres3

My rental experiences with the V6 Camaro left me bored, and the V6 Mustang Covertible the same. Maybe the non-convert Mustang would be lighter, but they both felt like heavy tanks.

stever

Drive a minivan for a few years and then get back to us.

stickguy

I'm with Q. the Camaro is definitely stylish, and makes a bold impact (IMO, more so than the Mustang), but it fails the practicality test. I can't really fit in it, and can't see out of it. Also more of a chore to drive with the prow.

If I had to drive one on a regular basis, would absolutely be the Mustang. And at the risk of getting flamed, I think it presents a more "mature" image if you want it to.

fezo

The tiny windows in the Camaro are an issue for me. I like the Mustang better unlsee you're talking a drop top. The the Camaro is probably too much to pass up.

Mr_Shiftright

I think a Camaro is like a woman's high heel shoe---you endure a certain amount of torture when you wear it, for the sake of fashion.

ray80

Mr_Shiftright said:

I think a Camaro is like a woman's high heel shoe---you endure a certain amount of torture when you wear it, for the sake of fashion.

(Struggling not to comment on Mr Shifty's thoughts)

While I haven't owned a ford product I have always liked the looks of the Mustang (except for that poor excuse of one that carried the name for a while) and would like to have one, but equally would like to have Camaro.

fezo

Truth in advertising.



There is indeed no bay for a couple of miles....

cdnpinhead

Required side-impact regulation + styling = mini windows. Read it and weep.

The cars I grew up with (some of which I loved) are no longer possible to make.

I will not be buying any new cars in the forseeable future.

I'm sure all the manufacturers are quaking in their boots.

driver100

ray80 said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

I think a Camaro is like a woman's high heel shoe---you endure a certain amount of torture when you wear it, for the sake of fashion.

(Struggling not to comment on Mr Shifty's thoughts)

While I haven't owned a ford product I have always liked the looks of the Mustang (except for that poor excuse of one that carried the name for a while) and would like to have one, but equally would like to have Camaro.

ray80 said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

I think a Camaro is like a woman's high heel shoe---you endure a certain amount of torture when you wear it, for the sake of fashion.

(Struggling not to comment on Mr Shifty's thoughts)

While I haven't owned a ford product I have always liked the looks of the Mustang (except for that poor excuse of one that carried the name for a while) and would like to have one, but equally would like to have Camaro.

My Mr Shifty thought is...how does he know what it is like to wear high heals?

Actually, just joking, I agree with that comment regarding the Camaro. Give up comfort and vision to relive the past....I don't think so.

I bought my wife one of those poor excuse for a Mustangs, but don't feel bad, I can take it. Actually, it was an ex-wife so it was probably a good thing....I got the last laugh.

oldfarmer50

bwia said:

Pardon the blasphemy but is it me or I am mistaken

to believe that most here have a stronger preference for the Mustang than the Camaro. No matter how hard I try, I just can't seem to warm up to the Mustang. The Camaro on the other hand elicits an orgasmic response and it makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

Everything about the Camaro epitomizes the modern American muscle car with style and sophistication. At a recent auto show the teenage boys (and girls) were salivating to a get a little seat time in the Camaro compared to the middle aged men who surrounded the Mustang. Based upon that experience can I conclude that the Mustang and Camaro appeal to different demographics?

Don't want to start a war but I am a Camaro man.

Nothing wrong with that. If some of the track videos are true the Camaro outperforms the Mustang in flat out cornering so the true track fanatic might prefer it. Personally I could never warm up to the new style and having riden in one I found the visibility to be less than ideal.

Mustang an old farts car? Suits me since I am one. Don't want teen girls throwing themselves on the hood as I drive. Maybe when they turn 21..........

Bottom line, get what you want and don't let anyone tell you your choice is wrong unless they are willing to pay the note.

oldfarmer50

mako1a said:

bwia, While I never took a tape measure to the width of Mustang or Camaro it just looks like the Camaro is wider. With garage space at a premium that may be a break point.

OF, I just noticed there are no fog lights in the grill of your 5.0. Now how am I to know whether I'm seeing a V-8 or V-6 coming towards me?<


There there. Nestled in that little round black housing at the bottom. Haven't figured how to turn them on yet.

mako1a

Haven't figured how to turn them on yet.
Pull out the rotary switch handle.

roadburner

So...
I test drove this puppy today. The sales guy I had been emailing was busy so he asked the Sales Manager to help me. The SM copied my license, stuck a dealer tag on the trunk, threw me the keys, and said, "See you in a bit." I took it out for about 20 minutes and when I returned the SM said he was surprised I was back so soon!

What did I think? Well, it definitely has an edge to it- which I like. The throaty exhaust makes itself known at idle, and the ride quality-especially at low speeds-is very firm. The seats are extremely comfortable and the interior, while not Audi quality, looks and functions better than a BMW E90 cockpit(what's that about damning with faint praise?). I was prepared to hate the base audio quality, but I guess my ears have been numbed by the so-so "Hi-Fi" speakers in my wife's 3er- it was passable(and Subaru sells a speaker upgrade kit for a street price of $760 that I can install in an afternoon). The touch screen interface was logical and responsive, and there is a secondary screen which can be configured to show a boost gauge, the adjustable differential bias, etc.

Out on the road it was a hoot. With a 4.8 second 0-60 it can just barely be described as fast; it didn't feel appreciably quicker than my MS3- but then I didn't give it full throttle since it wasn't broken in. The steering is direct(there's a properly fat rim on the square bottomed wheel, by the way) and has a nice communicative feel. STI has an optional short shifter but I can't imagine needing it, as the stock shifter is very precise with very short throws and a well defined gate. Braking? Brembos That is one reason I won't consider a base WRX(the other is electric steering); Car and Driver wore out the pads on their Lightning Lap WRX in short order. But having said all that, handling is the main reason you buy an STI; it puts the relatively meager 305 bhp to the wheels with no drama. Just point and shoot. Again, I didn't really flog the car but the sporting goodness was still evident.

Funny thing; I guess I really am well and truly finished with BMW- the Soob dealer had a F30 335i M Sport in the used lot, and I didn't even walk over to look at it or ask about the price. I guess because even If I could get it for the same price as the STI I'd still take the STI.

Next up? I guess I'll see if I can tolerate a Mustang GT Premium PP sans Recaros. If not, it's off the list. My loving bride did suggest I look at a CPO LeMans Blue 335is manual at my local BMW dealer, but I'm totally unenthusiastic about the prospect.

abacomike

cdnpinhead said:

Required side-impact regulation + styling = mini windows. Read it and weep.

The cars I grew up with (some of which I loved) are no longer possible to make.

I will not be buying any new cars in the forseeable future.

I'm sure all the manufacturers are quaking in their boots.

I guess I should sell my automobile stocks Monday - they are sure to tumble in value now that you have announced "NO SALE" for the foreseeable future. Just let me know when you change your mind, cdn, and I'll start buying stocks in automobile corporations.

abacomike

oldfarmer50 said:

bwia said:

Pardon the blasphemy but is it me or I am mistaken

to believe that most here have a stronger preference for the Mustang than the Camaro. No matter how hard I try, I just can't seem to warm up to the Mustang. The Camaro on the other hand elicits an orgasmic response and it makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

Everything about the Camaro epitomizes the modern American muscle car with style and sophistication. At a recent auto show the teenage boys (and girls) were salivating to a get a little seat time in the Camaro compared to the middle aged men who surrounded the Mustang. Based upon that experience can I conclude that the Mustang and Camaro appeal to different demographics?

Don't want to start a war but I am a Camaro man.

Nothing wrong with that. If some of the track videos are true the Camaro outperforms the Mustang in flat out cornering so the true track fanatic might prefer it. Personally I could never warm up to the new style and having riden in one I found the visibility to be less than ideal.

Mustang an old farts car? Suits me since I am one. Don't want teen girls throwing themselves on the hood as I drive. Maybe when they turn 21..........

Bottom line, get what you want and don't let anyone tell you your choice is wrong unless they are willing to pay the note.

You tell 'em, oldfarmer. There are several 80+ year old men here in my condo community who drive brand new Stingrays. It can't be a mid-life crisis - has to be an "end of life" crisis!!!

[Deleted User]

cdnpinhead said:

Required side-impact regulation + styling = mini windows. Read it and weep.

The cars I grew up with (some of which I loved) are no longer possible to make.

I will not be buying any new cars in the forseeable future.

I'm sure all the manufacturers are quaking in their boots.

I wonder about the window size being related to safety regs. Subaru is the vaunted safety champ with every model a top safety pick, but the Forester, Outback, and Impreza all have very large windows with incredible outward visibility. I could absolutely be wrong, but I'm thinking that styling is driving the small window trend. Or maybe Subaru is doing more crash homework and spending extra money on high strength steel to make that possible. I know it's possible, at least, to still see out of a modern car without cameras.

oldfarmer50

Speaking of teen girls.....

My 18yo niece graduated high school last month. Her graduation party for the old folks is tomorrow. I was thinking I'd bring the new car down to show her. I taught her to drive and she was so technically proficient that I let her drive her boyfriend to a car show in the Corvette. I was very proud.

Then she smashed up both her parents' cars.

So I think I'll leave it home.

bwia

roadburner

All three ponycars appeal to me in different ways.

I love the 6.4 engine in the Scat Pack Challenger, as well as the very comfortable and well-equipped retro-themed interior. The major downside is the size and weight.

I could also live with an SS 1LE- the handling is really exceptional, but like others have said, outward visibility is an issue.

The GT? I'm torn. It feels as big as the R/T from behind the wheel, but it is actually significantly lighter. I also don't understand why you have to give up heated seats when you spec Recaros; the Fiesta ST and Focus ST Recaros are heated. If I'm pushing close to $40k for one I might as well pick up a used Boss 302...

abacomike

My dealership did a stupendous job of detailing my car.  First, it was hand washed.  Next, they used a kind of clay on the painted surfaces which removed hidden grime and dirt.  Then, the car was washed again.  They applied two coats of wax, rubbed in and buffed by hand - no swirling machines.  Then they used a special leather cleaner and then a leather protectorant.  Then they waxed and buffed all the wood on the dash, console and doors.  

It it took them 3 hours and the final bill was around $110.00.  Car looked great.  But on the way home, the skies opened and we had 2-1/2 inches of rain in less than an hour which flooded streets and my car is no longer clean and shiny thanks to the dirty road grime from the streets.  But that will come off next time I have the car washed.

I used to do my own detailing on my cars, but I no longer have the strength or the patience.  At that cost, it sure was a great value for the money.