three months since tx

[screaming48]

Arent' you supposed to have a pcr three months post tx? I had an appointment the 29th of this month and the nurse called last week and said that the doc didn't want to see me until it had been 6 months which will be August. She said unless I was having issues then that is when they needed to see me. It is obvious that my reg doc hasn't told him about the RAI that I have to go in for next week for my thyroid and now for the 2nd time in three weeks I have another bladder infection and go to doc this morning. Is anyone else having the bladder and thyroid issues? I have been off my synthyroid for 3 weeks as well as I had to go off that for the RAI test. Any comments are appreciated. Thanks guys

[sandysf]

Just an FYI on the antiobiotics, I too had many illnesses post tx and took antiobiotics to get rid of them, but because of this and my bodies weakness, I now have CDiff, which is horrible.  Please be careful with the antiobiotics, I would discuss the cdiff possiblity with your doctor.  

[Idyllic]

Sorry about your infection.

I agree with Hector. If you are curious about your PCR then ask them to check it when you do your thyroid. What do they care since your insurance is going to cover it? I just mean I would want to know after three weeks so that is what I think I would do. :)

[ceanothus]

I think I know how you are feeling. I'd worry too about taking anything that sounds dangerous to the liver unless your hepatologist approves it, and I hope you can call his office and get an answer quickly. On the other hand, you sure don't want to risk permanent kidney damage! If it was me, I'd place the phone call but go ahead and start the antibiotic while awaiting an answer, and hope for the best. I hope you are soon feeling better and that your hepatologist responds quickly regarding the antibiotic AND in ordering the PCR you want. Best wishes!

[screaming48]

Thanks all, just got back from the reg doc for the bladder infec and yes the blasted thing is back big time, she did a urinalysis at her office then sent me to the hospital to see what kind of bacteria it is and how she should treat it. She also told me that my body has been through alot and is still trying to recover hence the infections as my immune system is still not up to par. I am too impatient I guess. Anyway she prescribed me avelox which of course I looked up when I got home, lots of side effects not good for the liver and can cause steven johnson syndrome rash, which I had a bait of rash during tx. I don't know whether to go ahead and take one a day like prescribed until Friday when she gets the other results back or tough it out, though my kidneys are killing me. Doctors do prescribe antibiotics for other things that are off label. I guess I just want to stop feeling like crap. Thanks for everyones response and I guess I will wait until Aug as I feel ok other then being so tired I can't stand myself which my pcp said was also due to the infection. I guess I am gun shy,sorry this is so long.

[HectorSF]

The standard protocol is the HCV RNA test 24 weeks after stopping treatment. Some doctors may choose to test at 12 weeks. You should talk to your doctor if you want to be checked at 12 weeks.

Your other medical issues will have no affect on testing your viral load.

Good luck.

Hector

[orphanedhawk]

I think lib has a point about speaking up.
Most do indeed do a three month pcr. Statistically speaking, if you don't relapse within the first 3 months, you probably won't after that.
Of course you could but it's less likely.

If you have no anxiety about your viral load, then waiting until 6 months won't make a difference. But if it will make you feel better, to know the virus hasn't returned, I'd call my doc and make a fuss.
Remember they are working for you.

Good luck.

[Gerbils]

Hi,

I am glad to see you on here. I was wondering what was happeneing with your thyroid and was about to send you a note. I don't think there is a set protocol for checking at 3 mos. I asked my doctor to check me at 3 mos because I still had a rash around my neck and wanted to rule out relapse. He did one. I think you have to give them a reason to do the test. Let me know how you are and how this comes with you. Take care.
G

[libzo2]

Wow, they dropped you like a hot potatoe.  You must feel awful and not having your concerns addressed is disquieting.  Who is your Doc?  Are you a number?  NEXT!  Eeegads.  

I hope you get the attention you need.  Don't take their negligence with out a scream - easy to say.  I turn into a calm and cooperative patient in a white coats presence but really hate that I am not a better advocate for myself.  

I don't know about the thyroid but I have had life threatening bladder infections requiring hospitalization.  Drink lots of water and cranberry juice.  Go to another doc - really can't rely on a liver doc to cover any other system it seems.  

Doctors generally don't like when I question them - "how would you treat this condition if I were your sister or  daughter?  That generally stops them for a second.  Demand what you deserve.  You can go to your primary doc and request a referral or physcription for the blood test you need and use a place like Lab Corp.  This will be expensive but you will bypass your difficult doc.  If money is an issue (duh) I would use the free clinic and sit in a overcrowded room with dozens of others in an anxious state hoping to be seen.  

I am not much help but wanted you to know I know how you feel.  Bona Suerte