Newly diagnosed type 2b, and then nothing?

[ChelseaRhea1992]

So, i was recently diagnosed type 2b hep c... i was sent to a GI who told me my genotype, and that type 2 is easiest to treat, but that my and most insurances wont treat type 2b... he said to check back in five years... my family physician said he wasnt equipped to help me and since my insurance wont cover treatment my GI didnt even follow up. What is 2B and why is it different than 2A? Who can help me with my insurance issue because i have one of the best providers in the country. Also, i have been so nauseus, like, i thought it was all in my mind because of my diagnosis, but im sick. like, i cant hold down liquids. its been two weeka, two doctor appointments, no help related to my diagnosis. only zofran for nausea... what do i do? does the gagging and being tired and weak ever stop, or until i get treatment what should i expect?

[hepcandme]

I misspoke

I had Gen 1B (the easiest to cure - not 2B) but flyinlynn nailed it in her summary

Still, I highly recommend you do some research on our own in order to know as much as you can about Hep C and have a long list of questions for your liver doc

The science is moving at breakneck speed on cures.

Good luck and stay in touch!

[flyinlynn]

Just to add Harvoni is not currently approved for genotype 2 but could possibly be available in a clinical trial I am not sure about that. However participating in a clinical trial is another avenue to treatment.  Also some have gotten the meds from other countries at their own expense at prices lower than in the US.

Good luck

[flyinlynn]

Per the current recommendations of the AASLD American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases the treatment recommendations for genotype 2 are as follows

Recommended regimen for treatment-naive patients with HCV genotype 2 infection.
Daily daclatasvir (60 mg*) and sofosbuvir (400 mg) for 12 weeks is recommended for treatment-naive patients with HCV genotype 2 infection who cannot tolerate RBV.

Rating: Class IIa, Level B

Daily sofosbuvir (400 mg) and weight-based RBV for 12 weeks is recommended for treatment-naive patients with HCV genotype 2 infection.

You should see a hepatologist or gastroenterologist or at minimum a infectious disease specialist doctor who in familiar with treating hep c.

Following is a list of the different genotypes of chronic Hepatitis C:

Genotype 1a
Genotype 1b
Genotype 2a, 2b, 2c & 2d
Genotype 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e & 3f
Genotype 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i & 4j
Genotype 5a
Genotype 6a

Genotype 1 is the most common in the US.

They are all just sub types of hep c and they respond differently to treatment so that is why it is important to know your genotype so you can know what is the best treatment for you.

Get tested, get treated, get cured!
Fight hep c

[hepcandme]

Unfortunately, jumping through all the hoops can be one of the biggest challenges to getting the treatment you need

There are many stories on this forum of people who fought their docs and insurance companies, won those battles with a lot of effort and some frustration, got treatment and are now cured

" GI who told me my genotype, and that type 2 is easiest to treat, but that my and most insurances wont treat type 2b."

This GI doesn't know what she is talking about. I also had 2B geno, treated twice and now I am cured.

Ask your Primary to refer you to a hepatologist and look online at  your insurance info about which drugs are included in their formulary to see if Harvoni is on the list. If it is, there is no reason for you to not be treated. If you can't find the formulary on their website, call customer service and ask them

I don't think the nausea is caused by the virus but the weakness and lethargy are symptoms - especially if one is cirrhotic as well

You can also look to HCV Advocate to learn basic information about the disease and treatments

Good luck!