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.
Not sure why I am going other than the fact that the appt was scheduled back in Feb when I last saw her (my 2nd visit, this week will be the 3rd visit). Last time I saw her, I informed her that I knew of the new meds, but of course they were being used for the sickest of her patients. I understand. She did say she could prescribe it, but that I may not get it (mostly due to the fact that I am tx naive and have state ins.).
So I may be going in to the same visit as I had 7mths ago. Ugh. I naturally want to, and will, ask her about S&L coming in Oct, but I'm sure the same applies. Overall, it will be a visit to retrieve more of my blood for usual labs. Is there anything else that I can ask her? Maybe a test (through blood or urine) that I can ask for? Like, to test my ammonia levels? Can they find out just from blood work if you have cancer of any type, not just HCC? We did do the AFP tumor marker test almost a year ago and it said, LESS THAN 2, with a range of 0 - 8 ng/ml. I assume that is good.
Clearly, the SOV/LED won't be out for another month, so I can't get her to "preorder" it. Can I tell her that is what I want, and when it comes out, can she just prescribe it via phone/email or do I have to actually be there for her to write it up? I am still open to trials, and she did have my name down for whatever comes up - none did though.
Thanks for the Q & A's guys!!!!! - LEO
So I may be going in to the same visit as I had 7mths ago. Ugh. I naturally want to, and will, ask her about S&L coming in Oct, but I'm sure the same applies. Overall, it will be a visit to retrieve more of my blood for usual labs. Is there anything else that I can ask her? Maybe a test (through blood or urine) that I can ask for? Like, to test my ammonia levels? Can they find out just from blood work if you have cancer of any type, not just HCC? We did do the AFP tumor marker test almost a year ago and it said, LESS THAN 2, with a range of 0 - 8 ng/ml. I assume that is good.
Clearly, the SOV/LED won't be out for another month, so I can't get her to "preorder" it. Can I tell her that is what I want, and when it comes out, can she just prescribe it via phone/email or do I have to actually be there for her to write it up? I am still open to trials, and she did have my name down for whatever comes up - none did though.
Thanks for the Q & A's guys!!!!! - LEO
You can definitely tell her that's what you'd like and does she think it is a good match for your Gt etc... and then ask if she would just prescribe it when it's avail. or if you have to come in again.
Hoping you get yeses!!
Yes, I'd tell them what tx I'm interested in taking. They can review its efficacy for your status & discuss other tx modalities.
Whether your dr would prescribe a tx w/o a visit, I can't answer. I suspect most physicians would expect a visit & screen for any changes.
Everything will unfold for you! You'll get tx soon.
Appt done around 10:30 am, aside from my mother getting us lost driving for 2 hours (and yes, some had to do with the roads not having signs and my phone losing batt after using the maps, cause my mom always gets us lost...sigh), it was a good appt. Quick. But good.
My hep doc said I didn't need labs or imaging today cause last visit (with full blood work) almost a year ago showed great levels. She reminded me that if I treat now, it would be Inf/Ribs/Sov. She knows that I don't want that, so she said there is the new med coming out October...........and before she could say it, I said "Tenth." And, she smiled and said yes.
I straight out asked her if I will have to fight for it. She thinks not, seeing how it will be FDA approved, but just to be safe she said she would schedule me 4 months out to make sure it is through and added to insurance list. IF there is still a speed bump, she said that they would fight them, not me.
She asked me if I wanted to treat with it (S&L) immediately when available to me and I said, "Yes. I just want to feel normal again...."
Doc, "Ok, then we will fight if we have to."