Hepatitis C Support Group
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne viral disease which can cause liver inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread by blood-to-blood contact with an infected person's blood. Many people with HCV infection have no symptoms and are unaware of the need to seek treatment. Hepatitis C infects an estimated 150-200 million people worldwide.
Tomorrow will be my third time meeting with my gastro dr. My last visit I was told I would be doing the Sovaldi, Ribavirin treatment. He said his office has not yet developed a protocol for sovaldi. He said he would also be contacting the health insurance to see if its covered. he also keeps saying there's no hurry. Here's the thing. There is a hurry. I ready to be cured! lol Im hoping tomorrow he prescribes me. I will be so upset if I go there and he tells me he hasnt been able to contact my insurance. I called them as soon as this treatment was approved by the FDA. They said it was covered. They said it will probably be denied at the pharmacy at first because of the price, but they would just have to call in for the approval. I just hope they don't have me come all the way there for nothing. If there is no progress tomorrow what should I do? Should I speak my mind? I think if they don't have any plans for tests or starting treatment they should have called me and just rescheduled. Also, as excited as I am to start treatment, I am scared to death! Any advice is appreciated! Thanks!
What GT are you? What stage fibrosis/cirrhosis are you? Have you ever treated before? How old are you and how long do you think you've had HCV? What are your labs, such as: ALT, AST, Platelets?
These are all going to be taken into consideration. Currently, the sickest are getting approved easier - allegedly - than those who are believed to be able to wait for other treatments such as Ledispavir coming soon, although no one knows the cost of those either.
If it's a big trip, can you call and ask if there is any news yet or if the appt could be postponed until there is?? Kinda late to do this now, I am guessing...but...
Remember that HCV progresses very slowly, so waiting a couple of months - even 6 mos to a year - for treatment will likely not be harmful in any way, and once you are cured, your liver can regenerate. I've had HCV about 47 or more years and waited 11 years from diagnosis till treatment and failed my first tx. Many of us have had it for decades and waited many years for tx or failed several txs and are still here trying again.
HCV is one big waiting game...waiting for tx, waiting for ins approval, waiting for test results...
BTW, I am type 2b, with fibrosis, and grade b cirrhosis discovered through biopsy during gall bladder surgery. The liver damage may have played a part in the quick approval.
Good luck to you!!
Bc/bs approves that no problemo. ..but other health issues warn against that combo. Thanx for your input.! All helpful input is grately appreciated.
I can't treat my HepC until I have a liver. So....the kinks better at least be worked out by then. ha
Sounds like we both have almost the exact same stage of infection. I too am new to the forum but i have already learned so much from the folks here , theyre awsome !
I was just prescribed sovosbuvir/riba yesterday and now im waiting to hear from bcbs. This is some scary stuff and i completely understand the feeling of just being a protocol or a number. Dont let it get to you........its a very difficult game of hurry up and wait.
I have learned that its best to just take one day at a time........we,re all with you, take comfort and pace yourself.