Re: first day of treatment

[Guest guest]

It's important to know what you are getting into before you go onto treatment - depending on your genotype, you will be on treatment for 24, 48, or 72 weeks and maybe longer. Currently, the success rate for genotype 1b is about 30% - but I think that it is much lower. Other genos have various rates of success. Also, one is considered "cured" once they have no detectable virus in their system for 6 months. They don't tell you that it could come back in a year or two years or 5 years.

A lot depends on your genotype, the results of your biopsy and your overall health. If you have little damage, you might want to consider waiting a few years for the newer DNA type treatments, or less toxic stuff to come around in the next few years. Remember, the virus is very slow moving, usually taking decades to appear.

Interferon/riba can cause all kinds of sides, including psychiatric kinds - in my city, one must be evaluated by a psychiatrist prior to being approved for treatment. It also almost always causes a gluten sensitivity, that in turn activates other autoimmune disorders. Here's a link about the sides:

http://www.hepatitis-central.com/hcv/ifn/sideeffects.html

Please don't be forced into this treatment without having all of the facts. There are many liver friendly and healthy things that you can do to protect your liver until a more suitable treatment becomes available. I've had this virus since the early 70's and my liver is doing fine - I've never treated. Diet, herbs, supplements and exercise can do more than you can realize.

Others on this forum have been through treatment and can further advise you should you decide to treat. They are very knowledgeable and will be a help to you, especially as you unfortunately don't seem to have much of a support system around you.

Good luck whatever you decide and try not to be too scared - most folks die with the virus and not because of it - despite what the doctors and drug companies lead you to believe.

Chris

I am going in very optimistic that I am going to be ok. My regulardoctor was like "Do you know how bad this treatment is?" Why would he even say this when I have to do the treatment to getbetter. Vote for your city's best dining and nightlife. City's Best 2008.

[Guest guest]

Everyone

responds differently. Some tolerate the treatment without any problems. Some

do not.

m

From:

Hepatitis_C_Central

[mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On

Behalf Of massgal08

Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2008 2:28

PM

To:

Hepatitis_C_Central

Subject:

first day of treatment

Hello everyone,

I start my first day of treatment tomorrow. How did you all feel after

your first shot and riba pills? I am SO nervous. My doctor has not

referred me to a social worker for help through treatment. How many of

you have a social worker and what do they do for you? Right now I

have been doing all of my dr visits and all of this on my own. No help

at all just me. It's stressful but somehow I manage. All of my family

is out of state so treatment and working full time is going to be

interesting. I just hope that I am going to be able to do it all. I

start treatment tomorrow and work on Monday. I have no idea how I am

going to be, but there is not much that I can do about it.

I am going in very optimistic that I am going to be ok. My regular

doctor was like " Do you know how bad this treatment is? "

Why would he even say this when I have to do the treatment to get

better.

Thanks for listening,

One scared 20 something on her own

[Guest guest]

Depending on other factors (age, other health issues ,etc) will determine how well you go through treatment . For some it is like having the flu and others it is like having the world crash down on you . Each of us reacts differently to the treatment , but having your shots on Fridays in the evening will help you , that way if you do get sick you have the weekend and will feel better by Monday . I have heard that towards the middle of treatment the patient starts to feel better . Just take some Tylenol about 30 minutes before your shot and have plenty of fluids ready , Hydration is important while on treatment and can eliminate leg cramping etc.

first day of treatment

Hello everyone,I start my first day of treatment tomorrow. How did you all feel afteryour first shot and riba pills? I am SO nervous. My doctor has notreferred me to a social worker for help through treatment. How many ofyou have a social worker and what do they do for you? Right now Ihave been doing all of my dr visits and all of this on my own. No helpat all just me. It's stressful but somehow I manage. All of my familyis out of state so treatment and working full time is going to beinteresting. I just hope that I am going to be able to do it all. Istart treatment tomorrow and work on Monday. I have no idea how I amgoing to be, but there is not much that I can do about it. I am going in very optimistic that I am going to be ok. My regulardoctor was like "Do you know how bad this treatment is?" Why would he even say this when I have to do the treatment to getbetter. Thanks for listening,One scared 20 something on her own

[Guest guest]

I was also scared to death, but it turned

out to be no big deal. Sometimes, I wondered if there was any real interferon

in the syringe since I felt fine!

Best idea is Friday evening…..I used

to do my shot around 10 pm on Friday. That way, you go to sleep and hopefully,

manage to sleep through any sides. If I remember correctly, I think I woke up

during the night of my second shot shaking like I was freezing. But I had

gotten a flu shot that week and I thought that it may have been that or the

combination of the two. The first week was a piece of cake and actually, my

entire 24 weeks were fairly easy. No social worker for me. I started out with

a nurse practitioner, but she had just quit to move away and I would have liked

to have her to talk to. But this group will pitch in – you won’t

need a social worker unless you really want one. Just come right here and

someone will be available to offer suggestions, hold your hand or offer a

shoulder to cry on.

Good luck.

Dorothy

From:

Hepatitis_C_Central

[mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On

Behalf Of massgal08

Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2008 3:28

PM

To:

Hepatitis_C_Central

Subject:

first day of treatment

Hello everyone,

I start my first day of treatment tomorrow. How did you all feel after

your first shot and riba pills? I am SO nervous. My doctor has not

referred me to a social worker for help through treatment. How many of

you have a social worker and what do they do for you? Right now I

have been doing all of my dr visits and all of this on my own. No help

at all just me. It's stressful but somehow I manage. All of my family

is out of state so treatment and working full time is going to be

interesting. I just hope that I am going to be able to do it all. I

start treatment tomorrow and work on Monday. I have no idea how I am

going to be, but there is not much that I can do about it.

I am going in very optimistic that I am going to be ok. My regular

doctor was like " Do you know how bad this treatment is? "

Why would he even say this when I have to do the treatment to get

better.

Thanks for listening,

One scared 20 something on her own

[Guest guest]

I dozed a little on shot nights, but my body hurt too dam bad for real sleep. I could feel everything tightening in the grip of the pain. Some, as you, Dorothy, have it easier and tylenol is recommended with the shot. My docs did not believe in pain killers, so I endured and eventually have won the game with the dragon....

This group is unparalleled in support, tho. You can bring it all here and get the benefit of the groups knowledge and concern. Carry on, knowing that all things pass with time.

Sharon in NW Washington

Knitting is...time and love made tangible. Alison Hyde

RE: first day of treatment

I was also scared to death, but it turned out to be no big deal. Sometimes, I wondered if there was any real interferon in the syringe since I felt fine!

Best idea is Friday evening...I used to do my shot around 10 pm on Friday. That way, you go to sleep and hopefully, manage to sleep through any sides. If I remember correctly, I think I woke up during the night of my second shot shaking like I was freezing. But I had gotten a flu shot that week and I thought that it may have been that or the combination of the two. The first week was a piece of cake and actually, my entire 24 weeks were fairly easy. No social worker for me. I started out with a nurse practitioner, but she had just quit to move away and I would have liked to have her to talk to. But this group will pitch in - you won't need a social worker unless you really want one. Just come right here and someone will be available to offer suggestions, hold your hand or offer a shoulder to cry on.

Good luck.

Dorothy

[Guest guest]

I dozed a little on shot nights, but my body hurt too dam bad for real sleep. I could feel everything tightening in the grip of the pain. Some, as you, Dorothy, have it easier and tylenol is recommended with the shot. My docs did not believe in pain killers, so I endured and eventually have won the game with the dragon....This group is unparalleled in support, tho. You can bring it all here and get the benefit of the groups knowledge and concern. Carry on, knowing that all things pass with time.Sharon in NW Washington Knitting is...time and love made tangible. Alison Hyde RE: first day of treatmentI was also scared to death, but it turned out to be no big deal. Sometimes, I wondered if there was any real interferon in the syringe since I felt fine! Best idea is Friday evening...I used to do my shot around 10 pm on Friday. That way, you go to sleep and hopefully, manage to sleep through any sides. If I remember correctly, I think I woke up during the night of my second shot shaking like I was freezing. But I had gotten a flu shot that week and I thought that it may have been that or the combination of the two. The first week was a piece of cake and actually, my entire 24 weeks were fairly easy. No social worker for me. I started out with a nurse practitioner, but she had just quit to move away and I would have liked to have her to talk to. But this group will pitch in - you won't need a social worker unless you really want one. Just come right here and someone will be available to offer suggestions, hold your hand or offer a shoulder to cry on. Good luck.Dorothy

[Guest guest]

Hello,

Firstly GOOD LUCK! I hope your first day goes well for you.

I was expecting to feel deathly ill after the injection (I remember my

mom sleeping for days after hers), and so I crawled into bed and

waited about 2 days but the side effects never hit! I did have a low

grade fever / headache. But for the most part I was really fine. As

treatment went on and my blood counts started to get lower I started

to have some annoying side effects: fatigue + the anemia and insomnia.

I also find that when my body is trying to fight off a bug I get VERY

sick and this will last about 2-3 days and then I'm fine again.

Let us know how it goes! Best of luck tomorrow.

>

> Hello everyone,

>

> I start my first day of treatment tomorrow. How did you all feel after

> your first shot and riba pills? I am SO nervous. My doctor has not

> referred me to a social worker for help through treatment. How many of

> you have a social worker and what do they do for you? Right now I

> have been doing all of my dr visits and all of this on my own. No help

> at all just me. It's stressful but somehow I manage. All of my family

> is out of state so treatment and working full time is going to be

> interesting. I just hope that I am going to be able to do it all. I

> start treatment tomorrow and work on Monday. I have no idea how I am

> going to be, but there is not much that I can do about it.

>

> I am going in very optimistic that I am going to be ok. My regular

> doctor was like " Do you know how bad this treatment is? "

>

> Why would he even say this when I have to do the treatment to get

> better.

>

> Thanks for listening,

>

> One scared 20 something on her own

>

[Guest guest]

That is aweful Sharon , even my doc's prescribed quinine and soma's for the muscle spasms . I can not imagine going through treatment without side effect management .

RE: first day of treatment

I was also scared to death, but it turned out to be no big deal. Sometimes, I wondered if there was any real interferon in the syringe since I felt fine!

Best idea is Friday evening...I used to do my shot around 10 pm on Friday. That way, you go to sleep and hopefully, manage to sleep through any sides. If I remember correctly, I think I woke up during the night of my second shot shaking like I was freezing. But I had gotten a flu shot that week and I thought that it may have been that or the combination of the two. The first week was a piece of cake and actually, my entire 24 weeks were fairly easy. No social worker for me. I started out with a nurse practitioner, but she had just quit to move away and I would have liked to have her to talk to. But this group will pitch in - you won't need a social worker unless you really want one. Just come right here and someone will be available to offer suggestions, hold your hand or offer a shoulder to cry on.

Good luck.

Dorothy

[Guest guest]

I would do it again if I could predict the end result of clearance, but it was miserable during the tx time. Glad it's over....I've gone back to work now, that's how much better I'm feeling. Just got the usual old age aches and pains now. lolSharon in NW Washington Knitting is...time and love made tangible. Alison HydeThat is aweful Sharon , even my doc's prescribed quinine and soma's for the muscle spasms . I can not imagine going through treatment without side effect management . RE: first day of treatmentI was also scared to death, but it turned out to be no big deal. Sometimes, I wondered if there was any real interferon in the syringe since I felt fine!Best idea is Friday evening...I used to do my shot around 10 pm on Friday. That way, you go to sleep and hopefully, manage to sleep through any sides. If I remember correctly, I think I woke up during the night of my second shot shaking like I was freezing. But I had gotten a flu shot that week and I thought that it may have been that or the combination of the two. The first week was a piece of cake and actually, my entire 24 weeks were fairly easy. No social worker for me. I started out with a nurse practitioner, but she had just quit to move away and I would have liked to have her to talk to. But this group will pitch in - you won't need a social worker unless you really want one. Just come right here and someone will be available to offer suggestions, hold your hand or offer a shoulder to cry on.Good luck.Dorothy

[Guest guest]

I will treat again and again until I no longer can and then I will wait to try again lol So I can understand your feelings Sharon .

RE: first day of treatment

I was also scared to death, but it turned out to be no big deal. Sometimes, I wondered if there was any real interferon in the syringe since I felt fine!

Best idea is Friday evening...I used to do my shot around 10 pm on Friday. That way, you go to sleep and hopefully, manage to sleep through any sides. If I remember correctly, I think I woke up during the night of my second shot shaking like I was freezing. But I had gotten a flu shot that week and I thought that it may have been that or the combination of the two. The first week was a piece of cake and actually, my entire 24 weeks were fairly easy. No social worker for me. I started out with a nurse practitioner, but she had just quit to move away and I would have liked to have her to talk to. But this group will pitch in - you won't need a social worker unless you really want one. Just come right here and someone will be available to offer suggestions, hold your hand or offer a shoulder to cry on.

Good luck.

Dorothy

[Guest guest]

you know Liz,, if I had it all to do all over again,, I'd like to think that I would treat again,, Im pretty sure I would..JackieSubject: Re: first day of treatmentTo: Hepatitis_C_Central Date: Thursday, June 12, 2008, 9:45 PM

I will treat again and again until I no longer can and then I will wait to try again lol So I can understand your feelings Sharon .

RE: [Hepatitis_C_ Central] first day of treatment

I was also scared to death, but it turned out to be no big deal. Sometimes, I wondered if there was any real interferon in the syringe since I felt fine! Best idea is Friday evening...I used to do my shot around 10 pm on Friday. That way, you go to sleep and hopefully, manage to sleep through any sides. If I remember correctly, I think I woke up during the night of my second shot shaking like I was freezing. But I had gotten a flu shot that week and I thought that it may have been that or the combination of the two. The first week was a piece of cake and actually, my entire 24 weeks were fairly easy. No social worker for me. I started out with a nurse practitioner, but she had just quit to move away and I would have liked to have her to talk to. But this group will pitch in - you won't need a social worker unless you really want one. Just come right here and someone will be available to offer suggestions, hold your hand or offer a shoulder to cry on. Good luck. Dorothy

[Guest guest]

I totally agree with you on this however,, the statistics show that less than 1% of those who reach SVR of being undetectible 6 months after finishing tx ever relapse after 2 years.. and even less at 5 years... MOST relapses occur during the first 6 months to 1 year..JackieSubject: Re: first day of treatmentTo: Hepatitis_C_Central Date: Thursday, June 12, 2008, 1:10 PM

It's important to know what you are getting into before you go onto treatment - depending on your genotype, you will be on treatment for 24, 48, or 72 weeks and maybe longer. Currently, the success rate for genotype 1b is about 30% - but I think that it is much lower. Other genos have various rates of success. Also, one is considered "cured" once they have no detectable virus in their system for 6 months. They don't tell you that it could come back in a year or two years or 5 years.

A lot depends on your genotype, the results of your biopsy and your overall health. If you have little damage, you might want to consider waiting a few years for the newer DNA type treatments, or less toxic stuff to come around in the next few years. Remember, the virus is very slow moving, usually taking decades to appear.

Interferon/riba can cause all kinds of sides, including psychiatric kinds - in my city, one must be evaluated by a psychiatrist prior to being approved for treatment. It also almost always causes a gluten sensitivity, that in turn activates other autoimmune disorders. Here's a link about the sides:

http://www.hepatiti s-central. com/hcv/ifn/ sideeffects. html

Please don't be forced into this treatment without having all of the facts. There are many liver friendly and healthy things that you can do to protect your liver until a more suitable treatment becomes available. I've had this virus since the early 70's and my liver is doing fine - I've never treated. Diet, herbs, supplements and exercise can do more than you can realize.

Others on this forum have been through treatment and can further advise you should you decide to treat. They are very knowledgeable and will be a help to you, especially as you unfortunately don't seem to have much of a support system around you.

Good luck whatever you decide and try not to be too scared - most folks die with the virus and not because of it - despite what the doctors and drug companies lead you to believe.

Chris

In a message dated 6/12/2008 2:47:37 P.M. Central Daylight Time, massgal08yahoo (DOT) com writes:

I am going in very optimistic that I am going to be ok. My regulardoctor was like "Do you know how bad this treatment is?" Why would he even say this when I have to do the treatment to getbetter. Vote for your city's best dining and nightlife. City's Best 2008.

[Guest guest]

well my first shot was so weird,, it was the worst but yet, I kept waiting for serious side effects that almost never came... I did have a fever and severe body aches in my butt and legs, lower back and big headache,, but I didnt have rigors like my friend did with her first shot... I know you are nervous, but I THINK the anticipation is much worse than what tx really is.. yeah, its hard and yeah, you're gonna feel like crap, but you can do it and remember, its NOT forever... just remember to start drinking that gallon of water NOW,, and take your 2 tylenol 30 min before you do your shot and again at 4 hours later to stay on top of the fever etc.. JackieSubject: first day of treatmentTo: Hepatitis_C_Central Date: Thursday, June 12, 2008, 12:28 PM

Hello everyone,

I start my first day of treatment tomorrow. How did you all feel after

your first shot and riba pills? I am SO nervous. My doctor has not

referred me to a social worker for help through treatment. How many of

you have a social worker and what do they do for you? Right now I

have been doing all of my dr visits and all of this on my own. No help

at all just me. It's stressful but somehow I manage. All of my family

is out of state so treatment and working full time is going to be

interesting. I just hope that I am going to be able to do it all. I

start treatment tomorrow and work on Monday. I have no idea how I am

going to be, but there is not much that I can do about it.

I am going in very optimistic that I am going to be ok. My regular

doctor was like "Do you know how bad this treatment is?"

Why would he even say this when I have to do the treatment to get

better.

Thanks for listening,

One scared 20 something on her own

[Guest guest]

I see a new hepatologist next month and am going to try to talk them into letting me do tx again . I still have Infergen, Procrit, and Neupogen in my fridge lol

RE: [Hepatitis_C_ Central] first day of treatment

I was also scared to death, but it turned out to be no big deal. Sometimes, I wondered if there was any real interferon in the syringe since I felt fine!

Best idea is Friday evening...I used to do my shot around 10 pm on Friday. That way, you go to sleep and hopefully, manage to sleep through any sides. If I remember correctly, I think I woke up during the night of my second shot shaking like I was freezing. But I had gotten a flu shot that week and I thought that it may have been that or the combination of the two. The first week was a piece of cake and actually, my entire 24 weeks were fairly easy. No social worker for me. I started out with a nurse practitioner, but she had just quit to move away and I would have liked to have her to talk to. But this group will pitch in - you won't need a social worker unless you really want one. Just come right here and someone will be available to offer suggestions, hold your hand or offer a shoulder to cry on.

Good luck.

Dorothy

[Guest guest]

You mean they just now thought of this???

My doctor’s office also took care of

the whole insurance thing to get the necessary approval. They set it up

for a local pharmacy to hand deliver both the Pegasys and Ribavirin once a

month. The prefilled syringes have to be kept refrigerated so they will

probably set up a similar delivery plan for you or send them by Fedex or UPS

overnight.

My insurance was terrific. I had

co-pays of $15 a month for the Pegasys and $5 a month for the Ribavirin.

The pharmacy put it on my credit card each month prior to the delivery.

Hope it doesn’t take them long to

get the approval so you can get started. I’m not sure which is

better – tx during the winter months or the summer. I did September

through February and that was perfect for me.

Dorothy

From: Hepatitis_C_Central

[mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On

Behalf Of massgal08

Sent: Saturday, June 14, 2008 2:59

PM

To:

Hepatitis_C_Central

Subject: Re:

first day of treatment

Well I didn't start treatment yesterday. My dr is

calling my insurance

company to see what they cover. Then they are going to have my

medicine mailed to my door. I hope the cost is not too much. So maybe

next Friday or the Friday after I will start treatment. I am getting 1

months worth of meds to start out.

I did get a big kit from my dr about the medicine, so I have this

weekend to look over the materials. I got my last dose of the

Hepatitis A vaccine shot yesterday and my arm hurts a bit. Other than

that I am trying to remain calm and eat healthy so I will be ready

when my riba/peg meds show up at my door.

[Guest guest]

Have you had your Hep B vaccines, as well?

Subject: Re: first day of treatmentTo: Hepatitis_C_Central Date: Saturday, June 14, 2008, 11:59 AM

Well I didn't start treatment yesterday. My dr is calling my insurancecompany to see what they cover. Then they are going to have mymedicine mailed to my door. I hope the cost is not too much. So maybenext Friday or the Friday after I will start treatment. I am getting 1months worth of meds to start out.I did get a big kit from my dr about the medicine, so I have thisweekend to look over the materials. I got my last dose of theHepatitis A vaccine shot yesterday and my arm hurts a bit. Other thanthat I am trying to remain calm and eat healthy so I will be readywhen my riba/peg meds show up at my door.

[Guest guest]

Those kits are cool. I got one for each of the treatments that I went through. One had a sleep mask that you put in the fridge and it is great. I still use it. Love Janetmassgal08 wrote: Well I didn't start treatment yesterday. My dr is calling my insurancecompany to see what they cover. Then they are going to have mymedicine mailed to my door. I hope the cost is not too much. So maybenext Friday or the Friday

after I will start treatment. I am getting 1months worth of meds to start out.I did get a big kit from my dr about the medicine, so I have thisweekend to look over the materials. I got my last dose of theHepatitis A vaccine shot yesterday and my arm hurts a bit. Other thanthat I am trying to remain calm and eat healthy so I will be readywhen my riba/peg meds show up at my door. "There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go" Frederick Faber

[Guest guest]

Hello Dorothy,

I asked a year ago how much money it would cost me and the drs office

never gave me a message. Pretty much if I don't speak up I don't get

things. When I was diagnosed with Hep C I was on my own for finding a

GI doctor. It was quite frustrating. I was at my doctors appt and they

were like yes you have hep c, this is serious etc. Then I left the

office.

I found my GI dr from a web search I think or many from a

recommendation and just picked a doctor that had an appt avaliable.

There was no rhyme or reason as to why I have my current GI doctor it

was just who I was able to find on my own at the time.

I have been seeing him for about a year and just got the hep c starter

kit yesterday. Needless to say I am frustrated that I have has zero

support or help and have had to be my own advocate to get what I need.

I am going to start requesting copies of my bloodwork because I have

not been getting this either.

Such a huge learning experience. Thank you for telling me you co-pays.

You are the first person here to answer that for me. I know that all

insurance plans are different but I asked a while ago about a ball

park figure and no one answered.

Thanks for your help.

>

> You mean they just now thought of this???

>

>

>

> My doctor's office also took care of the whole insurance thing to

get the

> necessary approval. They set it up for a local pharmacy to hand deliver

> both the Pegasys and Ribavirin once a month. The prefilled syringes

have to

> be kept refrigerated so they will probably set up a similar delivery

plan

> for you or send them by Fedex or UPS overnight.

>

>

>

> My insurance was terrific. I had co-pays of $15 a month for the

Pegasys and

> $5 a month for the Ribavirin. The pharmacy put it on my credit card

each

> month prior to the delivery.

>

>

>

> Hope it doesn't take them long to get the approval so you can get

started.

> I'm not sure which is better - tx during the winter months or the

summer. I

> did September through February and that was perfect for me.

>

>

>

> Dorothy

>

>

>

> _____

>

> From: Hepatitis_C_Central

> [mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of massgal08

> Sent: Saturday, June 14, 2008 2:59 PM

> To: Hepatitis_C_Central

> Subject: Re: first day of treatment

>

>

>

> Well I didn't start treatment yesterday. My dr is calling my insurance

> company to see what they cover. Then they are going to have my

> medicine mailed to my door. I hope the cost is not too much. So maybe

> next Friday or the Friday after I will start treatment. I am getting 1

> months worth of meds to start out.

>

> I did get a big kit from my dr about the medicine, so I have this

> weekend to look over the materials. I got my last dose of the

> Hepatitis A vaccine shot yesterday and my arm hurts a bit. Other than

> that I am trying to remain calm and eat healthy so I will be ready

> when my riba/peg meds show up at my door.

>

[Guest guest]

Yes I have. I needed them to get into college.

>

> From: massgal08 massgal08@...

> Subject: Re: first day of treatment

> To: Hepatitis_C_Central

> Date: Saturday, June 14, 2008, 11:59 AM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Well I didn't start treatment yesterday. My dr is calling my insurance

> company to see what they cover. Then they are going to have my

> medicine mailed to my door. I hope the cost is not too much. So maybe

> next Friday or the Friday after I will start treatment. I am getting 1

> months worth of meds to start out.

>

> I did get a big kit from my dr about the medicine, so I have this

> weekend to look over the materials. I got my last dose of the

> Hepatitis A vaccine shot yesterday and my arm hurts a bit. Other than

> that I am trying to remain calm and eat healthy so I will be ready

> when my riba/peg meds show up at my door.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

My co pay was 8.00 but I had military insurance at the time. Now I have another insurance and my co pay will be 20.00 either way that is lots cheaper than paying for it out of pocket. Love Janetmassgal08 wrote: Hello Dorothy,I asked a year ago how much money it would cost me and the drs officenever gave me a message. Pretty much if I don't speak up I don't getthings. When I was diagnosed with Hep C I was on

my own for finding aGI doctor. It was quite frustrating. I was at my doctors appt and theywere like yes you have hep c, this is serious etc. Then I left theoffice. I found my GI dr from a web search I think or many from arecommendation and just picked a doctor that had an appt avaliable.There was no rhyme or reason as to why I have my current GI doctor itwas just who I was able to find on my own at the time.I have been seeing him for about a year and just got the hep c starterkit yesterday. Needless to say I am frustrated that I have has zerosupport or help and have had to be my own advocate to get what I need.I am going to start requesting copies of my bloodwork because I havenot been getting this either. Such a huge learning experience. Thank you for telling me you co-pays.You are the first person here to answer that for me. I know that allinsurance plans are different but I asked a while ago about a

ballpark figure and no one answered.Thanks for your help.>> You mean they just now thought of this???> > > > My doctor's office also took care of the whole insurance thing toget the> necessary approval. They set it up for a local pharmacy to hand deliver> both the Pegasys and Ribavirin once a month. The prefilled syringeshave to> be kept refrigerated so they will probably set up a similar deliveryplan> for you or send them by Fedex or UPS overnight.> > > > My insurance was terrific. I had co-pays of $15 a month for thePegasys and> $5 a month for the Ribavirin. The pharmacy put it on my credit cardeach> month prior to the delivery.> > > > Hope it doesn't take

them long to get the approval so you can getstarted.> I'm not sure which is better - tx during the winter months or thesummer. I> did September through February and that was perfect for me.> > > > Dorothy> > > > _____ > > From: Hepatitis_C_Central > [mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of massgal08> Sent: Saturday, June 14, 2008 2:59 PM> To: Hepatitis_C_Central > Subject: Re: first day of treatment> > > > Well I didn't start treatment yesterday. My dr is calling my insurance> company to see what they cover. Then they are going to have

my> medicine mailed to my door. I hope the cost is not too much. So maybe> next Friday or the Friday after I will start treatment. I am getting 1> months worth of meds to start out.> > I did get a big kit from my dr about the medicine, so I have this> weekend to look over the materials. I got my last dose of the> Hepatitis A vaccine shot yesterday and my arm hurts a bit. Other than> that I am trying to remain calm and eat healthy so I will be ready> when my riba/peg meds show up at my door.>"There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go" Frederick Faber

[Guest guest]

I only got mine because I asked what kind of support there was. And

then the nurse was like oh we'll get you everything you need. I got a

kit from 2005 (I know this because of the journal log that was

included) I kind of want a new kit. I am going to call pegasys on

monday and see what they can do. I am getting ready to put the eye gel

pack on now. Fun fun.

You said that you got one for each of your treatments. How many times

have you been through treatment? Is it not working for you?

If only a coupon for a free massage was included. Ok I'm off to sleep

and relax.

> Well I didn't start treatment yesterday. My dr is calling

my insurance

> company to see what they cover. Then they are going to have my

> medicine mailed to my door. I hope the cost is not too much. So maybe

> next Friday or the Friday after I will start treatment. I am getting 1

> months worth of meds to start out.

>

> I did get a big kit from my dr about the medicine, so I have this

> weekend to look over the materials. I got my last dose of the

> Hepatitis A vaccine shot yesterday and my arm hurts a bit. Other than

> that I am trying to remain calm and eat healthy so I will be ready

> when my riba/peg meds show up at my door.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> " There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy

everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go "

> Frederick Faber

>

[Guest guest]

I treated twice. First with the Peg intron, and the rebetrol. I reached a virus level of 1500 not undetectable but it really did a number on the virus. Then 2 years later I treated again. This time with Pegasy and Co pegasy, and I did reach undetectable. But did not reach the SVR, which means that the virus came back after 3 months. But there were some factors involved. I think I could have remained virus free, but like I said there were other factors involved. Like a friend of mine was making me vanilla cokes with real vanilla which I didn't know had alcohol in it. Alcohol will make the virus come back in a heart beat. So remember that. I went through the treatment and because of a vanilla coke made with vanilla the real stuff (actually it was mexican vanilla which is higher in alcohol content.) I got the virus back. But I will treat again, and again till I

get rid of this dang stuff. I am a warrior, and not afraid of anything, not even treatment. I can do it standing on my head. LOL Love Janetmassgal08 wrote: I only got mine because I asked what kind of support there was. Andthen the nurse was like oh we'll get you everything you need. I got akit from 2005 (I know this because of the journal log that wasincluded) I kind of want a new kit. I am going

to call pegasys onmonday and see what they can do. I am getting ready to put the eye gelpack on now. Fun fun. You said that you got one for each of your treatments. How many timeshave you been through treatment? Is it not working for you?If only a coupon for a free massage was included. Ok I'm off to sleepand relax.> Well I didn't start treatment yesterday. My dr is callingmy insurance> company to see what they cover. Then they are going to have my> medicine mailed to my door. I hope the cost is

not too much. So maybe> next Friday or the Friday after I will start treatment. I am getting 1> months worth of meds to start out.> > I did get a big kit from my dr about the medicine, so I have this> weekend to look over the materials. I got my last dose of the> Hepatitis A vaccine shot yesterday and my arm hurts a bit. Other than> that I am trying to remain calm and eat healthy so I will be ready> when my riba/peg meds show up at my door. > > > > > > > > > "There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joyeverywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go"> Frederick Faber>"There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go" Frederick Faber

[Guest guest]

Eye pack? I thought the gel pack was to

use to keep your medication cool if you had to take it with you for some

reason.

It looked like those things you put in the

freezer to keep your lunch cold!

Dorothy

From: Hepatitis_C_Central [mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of massgal08

Sent: Saturday, June 14, 2008

11:12 PM

To: Hepatitis_C_Central

Subject: Re:

first day of treatment

I only got mine because I asked what kind of support

there was. And

then the nurse was like oh we'll get you everything you need. I got a

kit from 2005 (I know this because of the journal log that was

included) I kind of want a new kit. I am going to call pegasys on

monday and see what they can do. I am getting ready to put the eye gel

pack on now. Fun fun.

You said that you got one for each of your treatments. How many times

have you been through treatment? Is it not working for you?

If only a coupon for a free massage was included. Ok I'm off to sleep

and relax.

> Well I didn't start treatment yesterday. My dr is calling

my insurance

> company to see what they cover. Then they are going to have my

> medicine mailed to my door. I hope the cost is not too much. So maybe

> next Friday or the Friday after I will start treatment. I am getting 1

> months worth of meds to start out.

>

> I did get a big kit from my dr about the medicine, so I have this

> weekend to look over the materials. I got my last dose of the

> Hepatitis A vaccine shot yesterday and my arm hurts a bit. Other than

> that I am trying to remain calm and eat healthy so I will be ready

> when my riba/peg meds show up at my door.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> " There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy

everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go "

> Frederick Faber

>

[Guest guest]

Cool, I hope he will let ya!!!Jackie

From: elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1@ earthlink. net>Subject: Re: [Hepatitis_C_ Central] first day of treatmentTo: Hepatitis_C_ Central@yahoogro ups.comDate: Thursday, June 12, 2008, 9:45 PM

I will treat again and again until I no longer can and then I will wait to try again lol So I can understand your feelings Sharon .

RE: [Hepatitis_C_ Central] first day of treatment

I was also scared to death, but it turned out to be no big deal. Sometimes, I wondered if there was any real interferon in the syringe since I felt fine!

Best idea is Friday evening...I used to do my shot around 10 pm on Friday. That way, you go to sleep and hopefully, manage to sleep through any sides. If I remember correctly, I think I woke up during the night of my second shot shaking like I was freezing. But I had gotten a flu shot that week and I thought that it may have been that or the combination of the two. The first week was a piece of cake and actually, my entire 24 weeks were fairly easy. No social worker for me. I started out with a nurse practitioner, but she had just quit to move away and I would have liked to have her to talk to. But this group will pitch in - you won't need a social worker unless you really want one. Just come right here and someone will be available to offer suggestions, hold your hand or offer a shoulder to cry on.

Good luck.

Dorothy

[Guest guest]

Actually they have a gel mask for sleeping in there. It is so cool. Love JanetDorothy wrote: Eye pack? I thought the gel pack was to use to keep your medication cool if you had to take it with you for some reason. It looked like those things you put in the freezer to keep your lunch cold! Dorothy From: Hepatitis_C_Central [mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of massgal08Sent: Saturday, June 14, 2008 11:12 PMTo: Hepatitis_C_Central Subject: Re: first day of treatment I only got mine because I asked what kind of support there was. Andthen the nurse was like oh we'll get you everything you need. I got akit from 2005 (I know this because of the journal log that wasincluded) I kind of want a new kit. I am going to call pegasys onmonday and see what they can do. I am getting ready to put the eye gelpack on now. Fun fun. You said that you got one for each of your treatments. How many timeshave you been through treatment? Is it not working for you?If only a coupon for a free massage was included. Ok I'm off to sleepand relax.> Well I didn't start treatment yesterday. My dr is callingmy insurance> company to see what they cover. Then they are going to have my> medicine mailed to my door. I hope the cost is not too much. So maybe> next Friday or the Friday after I will start treatment. I am getting 1> months worth of meds to start out.> > I did get a big kit from my dr about the medicine, so I have this> weekend to look over the materials. I got my last dose of the> Hepatitis A vaccine shot yesterday and my arm hurts a bit. Other than> that I am trying to remain calm and eat healthy so I will be ready> when my riba/peg meds show up at my door. > > > > > > > > > "There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joyeverywhere and of leaving it

behind them when they go"> Frederick Faber> "There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go" Frederick Faber