Where do I go now that I've been diagnosed?

[smiley9556]

I was diagnosed with HepatitisC this week. Unfortunately I lost my job over a year ago and I don't know where to turn. Is there anywhere that will take me for experimental purposes? How do I find these programs? Can anyone tell me the best form of treatment?   Thanks for any info.
Karen aka smiley9556

[smiley9556]

Thank you for all your trouble. You're the best. looks like I stumbled into a wonderful place full of caring, understanding people. I am truely blessed.
Smiley9556

[Isobella]

oh my stars...again.  It rhymes with  hot mom.  Or not not bom.  

[Isobella]

Let me try again... the phone number for free procrit is 800 with 553 and then 3851

the web address is procritline and then the *******.

There is an enormous amount of good information on the forum and in the archives to help you get started, so do lots of reading.  The more you learn the better you will feel about this whole mess, lol!

Good luck Smiley =)

[smiley9556]

Thank you so much for all your responses. At least I have an idea of where I might start. I am a 52 yr. old woman from the Chicago area. I was diagnosed with diabetes about a month ago, so my Dr. started investigating my blood. She came up with the HepC diagnosis and told me to start looking for a specialist. I have no job or money so I need free help. The #'s you gave me Izzy, is where I will start tomorrow. Fortunately, my sister has given me a place to stay, plus she is a nurse so she is very supportive.

Once again, thank you all for your support and I will be checking in daily for the next couple of weeks. So I will keep you posted on my progress.


Karen........aka..smiley9556

[Deb_c430]

Good advice,  Izzy your phone number got got stared out.   Vets to if you were ever military,   Don't give up there is help out there! may need to dig  abig.

Best wishes!

[Isobella]

Welcome to the forum.  Glad you found this place =)

One thing you can do is call any large or teaching hospitals in your area.  You could start with their GI department and see if they have any clinical trials that you qualify for.


I will also copy a list of drug assistance contact numbers.  That way if you end up treating outside a clinical trial, you can get assistance from the drug companies themselves.

Good luck

Isobella



Pegassist (Roche Pegasys system): 1-877-734-2797

Commitment to Care (Schering- Plough PEG-Intron system): 1-800-521-7157

Rousch Pegassist Resource Center  877-734-2797

Healthwell Foundation  800-675-8416

Chronic Disease fund 877-968-7233

Shared Solutions  800-887-8100

Mnord  800-634-7207

Free procrit, call 1-***-***-****
Just go to www.****.***

[eureka254]

If you're want to investigate experimental clinical trials in your area, the website clinicaltrials.gov is a great place to start.  Treatment options and guidelines vary depending on your genotype and several other factors, so as Peg points out it's important to be under a physicians care (best to find a hepatologist who is familiar with hep c management.)  Hope this helps -- and welcome to the forum.

[PegOnPeg]

Hi, Smiley!

Welcome aboard..this is the place to be if you have questions...you'll get plenty of feedback here, as you can see by surfing the pages.

I have no idea what part of the world you're in...for us, in California, they're big on gov't funded programs for helping to wipe out the virus...

Will you still be under a physicians care?  they should be able to help guide you thru this...there's so much to do before treating..

Good luck...