Dr.'s Visit

[loosenup]

Funny how when confronted people become defensive.  Thanks to you guys, I was armed with  knowledge and a whole lot of questions.  First and foremost, I was given a bottle of riba by the nurse and received a box of peg by the pharmacist.  (I thought I was to pick up one shot only, but was pleasantly surprised)  The nurse had "no idea" that I needed another prior authorization.  I do have a question though, is there any difference between rebetol and copegus?  The nurse said "no", but just want to make sure.  I think it was Jim who once said, it's like buying ketchup, you can buy Heinz or Del Monte.  I did ask the nurse for copies of my lab work and biopsy report.  Being told I'm a grade 4, I didn't question anything.  My report states that I am a grade 2, stage 4.  I don't know if that's better or not, but I do like seeing a 2 in there.  It also said possible early cirrhosis, but that's better than confirmed.  I also had my 12 week blood work drawn and should find out in a week.  I am  praying for at the very least a 2 log drop.  If not, I guess I'll have some peg and riba left for anyone in need.  But I'm trying to remain positive.  Oh.....has anyone heard from alagirl?  I haven't seen any posts from her lately and hope she's doing better.  Thanks again to all of you!
Diana

[kcrandy]

good for you its good to see you "looseningup".  i bet the doc will be more resposive to your concerns as well as the nurse.

it is amzing when a educated? nurse, doc, or spslst is questioned. the ones i tend to listen to are the ones who listen and not demean me for questioning there proffesional integrity and or knowledge. thats what i like about this group is the knowledge that comes from those of us who have been thru it. as far as your grade 2 stage 4 i am not sure. i guess the question would be did you have a biopsy done and if so could you share that with the group.  i am sure there are some in here who can give you a more definitive answer.

also as for the hienz versus delmonte issue, personally i like whatever is cheapest lol. : O )  

[mikesimon]

Yeah, I remember too but, Heinz is not the same as Delmonte and I should know - I'm from Pittsburgh - so it's not exactly analogous to Rebetol and Copegus. Mike

[H20Lover]

Hi there.....I remember the Heinze/Delmonte thing....it was NYgirl I believe, I remember because I had the same question as to which one was better and of course found out they are the same.

Ask all kinds of questions and after a while you will find you know more than the people in the docs office do.  

Like Jim says....they are only dealing with life altering drugs and issues!  Our lives and issues!

My docs nurse ordered a Qualatative test for my first viral check on tx and if it was not for Jim and HR I would have had the wrong test.  It should have been a Quantatative test.  It was hard for me to question them, but it is my @ss not theirs!  I called, got it fixed and had the right test.  Fortunately it was negative, so the numbers did not matter, but who knew that then?  

Take care of yourself and ask questions and come here often to learn.

Good wishes to you!

Pam

[jmjm530]

Glad things worked out. But no,  the "Heinz/Delmonte" line was not mine. Copegus is Roache's version of ribavirin and Rebotol is Shearings. Copegus therefore usually goes with Pegasys, but since you're nurse apparently handed you Rebtol to carry you over, I'd accept it gladly. As to the nurse having "no idea" re the preauthorization -- they  often don't have a clue -- after all, they're just dealing with life altering drugs and treatment issues, so you really have to cut them some slack. I was also wondering about "alagirl". I hope she's been out having a good time during the holidays, but of course the concern is her fight with anemia.

All the best,

-- Jim