Aa
Friend Won't Listen
I have a dear female friend that's like a sister. She's had Hep C for over 20 years. She has scarring of the liver and is scheduled for a Varices test. I told her about the offer of free medicine (Harvoni) from Gilead, if she meets their criteria. This was four months ago. She applied for and received the papers for her and her doctor to sign. Again, four months ago. She has yet to fill them out and take them to her doctor.
Why some people don't feel this is important is beyond me. We speak at least every other day and I've mention to her to fill out the papers at least a dozen times. Her answers: "I'm going to do it first thing tomorrow", "I have to take care of a couple of things first", and so on.
I don't know what to say to her anymore and have mostly given up. The thing that hurts, is that it's very possible that when she has Cirrhosis, it will be too late. Her husband is very aware of this situation and has not only tried to prompt her to fill the papers, but also offered to help her fill them out. I just don't know what to say anymore.
A few years ago, my Gastro in Las Vegas told a story of a 62 year female patient of his who was diagnosed with Hep C, no scarring, no Cirrhosis. Within 6 months, the Hep C progressed so rapidly, that she developed Cirrhosis, was on the transplant list, and died before a liver was found. All within 6 months. This is why I'm so concerned about my friend. I told her this story, but apparently it hasn't sunk in, because she has yet to fill out the papers. I've heard her say a few time "I feel good" and other times "I'm so tired, I think I'll eat and go to bed early".
Why some people don't feel this is important is beyond me. We speak at least every other day and I've mention to her to fill out the papers at least a dozen times. Her answers: "I'm going to do it first thing tomorrow", "I have to take care of a couple of things first", and so on.
I don't know what to say to her anymore and have mostly given up. The thing that hurts, is that it's very possible that when she has Cirrhosis, it will be too late. Her husband is very aware of this situation and has not only tried to prompt her to fill the papers, but also offered to help her fill them out. I just don't know what to say anymore.
A few years ago, my Gastro in Las Vegas told a story of a 62 year female patient of his who was diagnosed with Hep C, no scarring, no Cirrhosis. Within 6 months, the Hep C progressed so rapidly, that she developed Cirrhosis, was on the transplant list, and died before a liver was found. All within 6 months. This is why I'm so concerned about my friend. I told her this story, but apparently it hasn't sunk in, because she has yet to fill out the papers. I've heard her say a few time "I feel good" and other times "I'm so tired, I think I'll eat and go to bed early".
Great news Mag!
Cheers
Cheers
1 Comments
Glad to say she's half way through the Harvoni treatment and on her first blood test was Hep C negative. I'm talking about the friend who took months to fill out the papers to get free Harvoni. And so it goes...
Magnum
Magnum
also see
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/Support-Path-policy-changes/show/2666924#post_12957499
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/Support-Path-policy-changes/show/2666924#post_12957499
sorry for the copy link error it was missing 5 at the end
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/Tired-of-waiting-Insurance-issues-Get-help-here/show/2534985
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/Tired-of-waiting-Insurance-issues-Get-help-here/show/2534985
See my reply to this topic for help if you have medicare, Medicaid other gov
Health coverage
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/Tired-of-waiting-Insurance-issues-Get-help-here/show/253498
For help with copays donut hole if they will provide treatment meds this is the programs you should apply to.
Best wishes.
Health coverage
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/Tired-of-waiting-Insurance-issues-Get-help-here/show/253498
For help with copays donut hole if they will provide treatment meds this is the programs you should apply to.
Best wishes.
Well good for her. Maybe if the paperwork was filed before July 1st they will still fill the orders. I really don't know. I think Gilead is having a meeting or conference on Thursday. I will see what I can find out and post here if I do. Tell your friend I am wishing her the best!
Jules
Jules
This is very interesting. Another female friend of mine in Las Vegas, has had Cirrhosis for a few years. I told her about Gilead's proposal for those who can't afford the medicine. She didn't know anything about it (as most people). I told her this a mere two weeks ago. She filled out the papers and got her first Harvoni meds on the 8th. This is how fast it worked for her....
Magnum
Magnum
Yes Mag that is what the letter stated. I received my Harvoni on 6-29 through support path. So I barely made it. Unfortuneately it doesn't pay to wait. I don't know what her situation is but she may have to wait until Jan to get the drug depending on Gileads new policy in 2016. Just wishing her the best!
Jules
Jules
Magnum. I think your friend is afraid to get treated. Maybe in the past she had a bad experience with Drs or in a hospital setting. Knowing that you have possible Cirrhosis and not treating what's destroying you liver is irrational thinking. Perhaps if you or her husband can get her to talk about the "Real" reason she won't accept treatment you may find your answers.
Best to you
.....Kim
Best to you
.....Kim
Thanks. Something here is amiss...
I had Medicare and Medicaid when approved, yet the notice you suggested my friend reads states "You are not eligible if you are enrolled in a government healthcare prescription drug program such as Medicaid or Medicare Part D"
What?
I had Medicare and Medicaid when approved, yet the notice you suggested my friend reads states "You are not eligible if you are enrolled in a government healthcare prescription drug program such as Medicaid or Medicare Part D"
What?
HI Mag could to see your doing so well. You might want to show this to your friend that Lynn posted.
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/Support-Path-policy-changes/show/2666924
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/Support-Path-policy-changes/show/2666924
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