Waiting to start treatment

[hoocbud2]

Hi I found out that I have hep c .  I was in denial at first. I've had this for years according to 1 doctor.  I have all the test done recently and a was told I have genotype 1a  3/3.  I do not know what my levels are.  I will ask my doctor for a copy of my blood test.  But I won't understand what they mean.  Can someone explain what ranges I need to be concerned with and what are the normal ranges and what these levels means as far as my health is concerned.  My doctor has told me but I don't seem to absorb what he is telling me in the office.  I should be starting treatment very soon. Just waiting on the call from Dr office that everything is set.

Thanks Debi
I

[newleaf09]

Forgot to say that the copy of the bloodwork results will have the ranges printed on them next to your test values and that will help you see how far you are from normal range.

[newleaf09]

My doctor's nurse once called to schedule my next appt.  It was a week after my MRI looking for liver cancer.  I freaked and said how can you even ask me when you've never called me with my cancer scan results.  Doctor called me all apologetic.  I want to go back to him but may need to ask if the nurse is still there.  I didn't need any more fear.

Do you live near a city where they have a teaching hospital?  Another option is to go into a new drug trial.  Lots of us have done them.  All meds, tests, bloodwork, etc. are covered by the trial.  Phase 3 trials are safe and just used as a proof of concept (drug company says 'See, we were right about how good this drug is." and all kinks are worked out.  Go to www.clinicaltrials.gov and see what's near you.

I don't know where you live, but in the US you have patient's rights.  You have a right to a copy of all your labwork & test results.  They may charge you for the copies, but they belong to you.  I have a file of all my bloodwork almost as thick as the clinic file.  Very useful for helping yourself understand how things are going. At 3/3, you need to treat sooner rather than later.  Don't want to frighten you but you are out of time for deciding.

[hoocbud2]

I got bad news yesterday.  The insurance will not pay for injectable meds.  I'm not sure if  I will be able to treat or not.  I've called the drug maker and filled out a application will have to wait.  I was so upset with my nurse as she has been telling me everything was fine with insurance then she calls me at work and leaves a message on the answering machine  That insurance has denied paying for it. And I must call them back to go over my results for some testing.  3 weeks ago we when over them and I was treated for H polyro.  It's been over a week since I finished the med. So natural I thought oh no!!!  now what is wrong!!!!  She wanted to talk about treating me for the H polyro. I could not believe what she had just said to me.  I could not understand how she could call in the med to the pharmancy and not know I've all ready been treated for it.  She wanted me to make an appointment to go over the hep c. results with the Doctor.  We done that weeks ago that is why I was to start treatment last week the week before MAKES me really wonder if she has done anything right on my case. Last night I was going to get tore down drunk and say the h___ with it.  But I pulled my self to gather  and didn't  that was hard choice for me as I LOVE MY BEER. Haven't drank any since I found out about all this. I'm sure some how we will figure it out but for now I just wanted to *****. Good Luck to all

Debi

[Trinity4]

Very wise choice to start treatment now.  Stage 3 means your liver has advanced fibrosis.  Usually, the older we get the more the scarring (fibrosis) accelerates.

Good Luck with treatment.

[GSDgirl]

Welcome to the forum and Good Luck.

Denise

[hoocbud2]

Thanks I'll be back

[annieCinMD]

First off, welcome to the forum!  Yes, you probably have had it for many years. I've had mine for at least 21 yrs. Many others have had it much longer. You have the same genotype I do. I think 1 a and b are the most common genotypes found in the US. Unfortunately, it is also the hardest to treat. You will most likely treat for 48 weeks if you stay the course. I'm guessing your 3/3 is from your biopsy. Grade 3, Stage 3. Here is a link that will explain it far better than I can.  http://janis7hepc.com/home8.htm Take a look around some of the other links on that site. It has some real good information on just about anything Hep C related. I ordered Hep C for Dummies when I was doing my initail research. LOL!  You can actually find all you need on the web. I think you made a good decision to treat. Best of luck to you and keep us updated on your progress.