Anyone try the 12 week Sovaldi treatment?

[andyhawaii123]

Has anyone had experience with the new 12 week drugs? Specifically  Sovaldi and Olysio? I saw my Hepatologist at the UCSD Liver Center today and he stated since my liver is now under control and compensating he wants to address my Hep C 1a.  Somehow when I went through 7 months in hospital and Skilled nursing facility from major Cirrhosis problems cause by Portal Hypertension, my Hep C never attacked.  My viral load is extremely low at 15,283. I have never had treatment for it and my liver seems to be fighting it, the Dr. says.  Of course it could pop it's nasty face at me at any given moment, so I am definitely interested in treatment.  Apparently UCSD School of Microbiological Medicine  had some tie to the testing of the new drugs and my Doctor wants to start me on a treatment plan starting in Dec. or Jan.  I know the Zovaldi costs $1,000. per pill ($84,000 for the 12 weeks), but it's a lot cheaper than a transplant.  He said if my insurance companies gripe too much the UCSD Medical School may be able to kick in some funds.  I just wondered if anyone out there has done it, and What I could expect...Cure, Side-Affects, Insurance issues etc.  Any help will be greatly appreciated.  As always I wish everyone the Best.
Andy

[Sarah1949]

Just want to let you know that I also have Medicare (Original) and the same as Medical - it's called Extra Help here in Oregon and in many other states. What took a long time for me to gain approval was not insurance but rather my doctor's office. I was denied the first time because they needed another test but was approved upon appeal. Medicare and Extra Help paid for the entire cost for me.

Also, what amazes me is that since starting the Sovaldi and Olysio is my labs. Not only am I undetected but I also have perfect labs. Nothing is high. Nothing is low. Everything is normal. And I have had cirrhosis now for at least a couple of years.

I am not an optimistic person by nature but I'm afraid I do have high hopes. We shall see.

[keepingOnkeepingOn]

I've had many of those bleed-outs but not from drinking. It's from liver, spleen and portal hypertension. My esophagus is scarred from all the banding. It's EZ to die during a bleed-out if you don't get to the hospital in time. Jan 13 you'll have 1 year of sobriety if you stay off the alcohol.

[AugustineMama]

It is all in the hands of the offices. They know how to get it when regular GI docs don't. I have Humana Medicare thru employer, and I paid $50 a month.

[AugustineMama]

No. Mayo Clinic ordered it thru their transplant center and the declined and by the next day they overturned it. I had the pills in hand within 1 week

[andyhawaii123]

PS. Haven't had a drink since Jan 13th ,2014.  The day a Mallory-Weis Tear  opened in my esophagus and I Bled out.  That was the first symptom related to alcohol I ever had.  It literally scared the hell out of me. I bled so hard they had to transfuse me in the ambulance, then I died on the endoscopy table and thank god they managed to get me back.  Then I clung to life by a thread for months...That day marked enough of the booze for me.  They say you have to hit a bottom....I had no idea my bottom was so deep..

Andy

[andyhawaii123]

Hi,

Thanks for all the input and good hope.  My Hepatologist is a Transplant Surgeon at UCSD Liver Center and quite a man. I trust his judgment impeccably. I moved to San Diego from Honolulu to be in his care.

And, as you said, the even newer drugs  are ready to hatch as they have all been given Fast-track statues with the FDA.  UCSD's Hepatology Dept. is holding a symposium in the next few weeks specifically to have round table discussions with other Liver Center Heads and the various Manufactures of the Drugs with everyone weighing in on the new Drugs.  (I'd love to be a fly on that wall).

That was the only reason my Doctor is waiting till December or possibly January.  He wanted to make sure the best available options were considered before starting me on a regime. I feel confident I can roll the dice another month or two.  And should problems arise, the Doc would immediately shift gears.  He brought me back from the dead twice so far and I am very comfortable with his choices.  He got me from a MELD of 24 down to 7, and from decompensating to compensating.

I'm more afraid of the insurance companies...lol...lol...

Thanks again for all the positive insight everyone has provided. Please keep me abreast of any new developments you all may find out there on the web.  I trust my doctor, but I certainly do my homework as well.  

I wish everyone the best.

Andy