New to Group

[Guest guest]

The HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) has

provisions protecting those who have lost coverage.

You don't have to complete 18 months of COBRA coverage. You just have to

show continuity of coverage. If you are currently covered under your

previous employer's plan through COBRA and you get a job, you can go onto

the new employer's plan as soon as you qualify there & can't be denied.

Once you go without coverage for a specified period (63 days), then you can

be denied coverage for pre-existing.

If you do get health insurance through a new employer and did have a lapse

of more than 63 days without insurance, they can make you wait 12 months

before covering a pre-existing condition. As long as you can show the prior

insurance (get a certificate of creditable coverage from prior insurance),

you get credit for those months.

And note that this will only be an advantage if you find a job - then you

get coverage under a group plan so they can't turn you down. However, if

your COBRA coverage ends and you need to find health insurance on your own,

you could be denied for individual coverage. An insurance company is under

no obligation to cover anyone if they are applying for individual coverage.

_____

From: Hepatitis C

[mailto:Hepatitis C ] On Behalf Of Deron Giuliani

Sent: Saturday, July 12, 2008 1:14 PM

Hepatitis C

Subject: Re: Re:New to Group

Once you complete the 18 months on Cobra, you then automatically become

eligible for HPPA. Under HPPA, you can go to any insurance company and they

CAN NOT turn you down even with pre-existing conditions. You must complete

the COBRA first, and then purchase your own insurance under HPPA.

Deron

Re:New to Group

> Hepatitis Csupportgr oupgroups (DOT) com

> Date: Friday, July 11, 2008, 5:02 PM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> You not alone. I work through treatment and all , then last year

it got so bad had to cut back on my hours from 8 till 6 a day.

Company was fine with that then in December got my call and had a

transplant. Company had gone through a buy out with new owners . So

only took a little over a month off after the operation and have

been working half days (against doc's orders),but doing a full days

work since . On Monday went it and was told no longer needed after

20 day short of 19 years.

> Luckily My side business picked up this week also, not enough to

pay bills but will get by. As severance they did say they would pay

for my cobra insurance for 18 months time will tell.

>

> rich

> www.rslaserkits. com

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I get my insurance thru work and it's Blue Cross Blue Shield. So it sounds like

if I have to quit, somehow I need to try for Cobra but is it expensive..

From: Deron Giuliani <deron_giuliani@...>

Subject: Re: Re:New to Group

Hepatitis C

Date: Saturday, July 12, 2008, 5:14 PM

Once you complete the 18 months on Cobra, you then automatically become eligible

for HPPA.  Under HPPA, you can go to any insurance company and they CAN NOT turn

you down even with pre-existing conditions.  You must complete the COBRA first,

and then purchase your own insurance under HPPA.

Deron

Re:New to Group

> Hepatitis Csupportgr oupgroups (DOT) com

> Date: Friday, July 11, 2008, 5:02 PM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> You not alone. I work through treatment and all , then last year

it got so bad had to cut back on my hours from 8 till 6 a day.

Company was fine with that then in December got my call and had a

transplant. Company had gone through a buy out with new owners . So

only took a little over a month off after the operation and have

been working half days (against doc's orders),but doing a full days

work since . On Monday went it and was told no longer needed after

20 day short of 19 years.

> Luckily My side business picked up this week also, not enough to

pay bills but will get by. As severance they did say they would pay

for my cobra insurance for 18 months time will tell.

>

> rich

> www.rslaserkits. com

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I get my insurance thru work and it's Blue Cross Blue Shield. So it sounds like

if I have to quit, somehow I need to try for Cobra but is it expensive..

From: Deron Giuliani <deron_giuliani@...>

Subject: Re: Re:New to Group

Hepatitis C

Date: Saturday, July 12, 2008, 5:14 PM

Once you complete the 18 months on Cobra, you then automatically become eligible

for HPPA.  Under HPPA, you can go to any insurance company and they CAN NOT turn

you down even with pre-existing conditions.  You must complete the COBRA first,

and then purchase your own insurance under HPPA.

Deron

Re:New to Group

> Hepatitis Csupportgr oupgroups (DOT) com

> Date: Friday, July 11, 2008, 5:02 PM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> You not alone. I work through treatment and all , then last year

it got so bad had to cut back on my hours from 8 till 6 a day.

Company was fine with that then in December got my call and had a

transplant. Company had gone through a buy out with new owners . So

only took a little over a month off after the operation and have

been working half days (against doc's orders),but doing a full days

work since . On Monday went it and was told no longer needed after

20 day short of 19 years.

> Luckily My side business picked up this week also, not enough to

pay bills but will get by. As severance they did say they would pay

for my cobra insurance for 18 months time will tell.

>

> rich

> www.rslaserkits. com

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

COBRA is the same insurance you have through your job - the difference is

that YOU pay the whole premium. While you're working, either your boss pays

it all or your boss pays most and you pay part. Once you leave the job, you

have the option to continue with the insurance under the COBRA laws. You

are entitled to the coverage as long as it's still offered by the employer.

If the employer goes broke and discontinues the insurance, you're out of

luck.

First, I think a lot of people think that COBRA is an insurance company or

something. It stand for Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act and

it's federal regulations to protect workers. HIPPA is similar and protects

workers as well as protecting all patients with regard to privacy.

So if you do quit and decide you want to continue your coverage, you start

paying the premiums. If you quit, you can continue for 18 months. There

are other instances where someone can continue for 3 years (divorce, death

of spouse.)

Yes, it's expensive and you may have other options. In NY, there's Healthy

New York which provides coverage for those who meet certain income

requirements.

The most important thing to remember is that you should never have a lapse

in coverage of more than 63 days. I posted about that in a separate e-mail.

As long as you don't, you can meet the requirements for continuity of

coverage and will be eligible for immediate coverage of pre-existing

conditions at your next job.

It's very confusing and your HR Dept should provide you with the information

you need.

_____

From: Hepatitis C

[mailto:Hepatitis C ] On Behalf Of Kathy Knight

Sent: Saturday, July 12, 2008 5:00 PM

Hepatitis C

Subject: Re: Re:New to Group

I get my insurance thru work and it's Blue Cross Blue Shield. So it sounds

like if I have to quit, somehow I need to try for Cobra but is it

expensive..

From: Deron Giuliani <deron_giuliani@ <mailto:deron_giuliani%40>

>

Subject: Re: Re:New to Group

Hepatitis Csupportgr <mailto:Hepatitis C%40>

oup

Date: Saturday, July 12, 2008, 5:14 PM

Once you complete the 18 months on Cobra, you then automatically become

eligible for HPPA. Under HPPA, you can go to any insurance company and they

CAN NOT turn you down even with pre-existing conditions. You must complete

the COBRA first, and then purchase your own insurance under HPPA.

Deron

Re:New to Group

> Hepatitis Csupportgr oupgroups (DOT) com

> Date: Friday, July 11, 2008, 5:02 PM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> You not alone. I work through treatment and all , then last year

it got so bad had to cut back on my hours from 8 till 6 a day.

Company was fine with that then in December got my call and had a

transplant. Company had gone through a buy out with new owners . So

only took a little over a month off after the operation and have

been working half days (against doc's orders),but doing a full days

work since . On Monday went it and was told no longer needed after

20 day short of 19 years.

> Luckily My side business picked up this week also, not enough to

pay bills but will get by. As severance they did say they would pay

for my cobra insurance for 18 months time will tell.

>

> rich

> www.rslaserkits. com

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much for this link, I swear it could have been me writing this..

That's what people don't understand, is that living with this changes your whole

life. I used to be so energetic and do the work of two people and was active in

all sports from bowling, golf, tennis, raquetball and now I can't do anything

and I miss it. Even though I have not been on treatment for over two years, I

still can't do things. I have had to change every area of my life. I can't make

a lunch date with my friend in advance because I never know if I can get out of

bed. If I can then I call that day, it's the only way I can do it. I have gotten

so many secondary diseases from the Hep C that prevent me from feeling good.

After the last treatment, I now have Thyroid disease/goiter and I have severe

phyrictic arthritis (with joint damage), severe fybromyalcia, stomach issues,

skin problems and chronic fatique (sorry about the spelling). In the past I have

had mono,

vasculiltis and rhemutoid arthritis. I learned that everything I come down with

is actually from the Hep C. I remember being suicidal thru my first treatment, I

have never experienced anything so bad in my life, it was hell. The hardest part

is that " You don't look sick " . Someone will say " Gee, you look good Kathy " and I

have to bite my tongue because at that time I can hardly stand and all I want to

do is go home and lay down.  I am a strong person and have gotten thru all these

years by having faith and trying to laugh as much as possible. It's just that

after all these years, I'm finding it harder and harder to hide how sick I am

and to laugh as much as before. I have my days where I cry and then the next day

I'm ready to go out fighting again and put on the show. Thanks again for this

link, this person said it all.

From: hdhepper1 <grisley4@...>

Subject: Re:New to Group

Hepatitis C

Date: Saturday, July 12, 2008, 4:00 AM

This is rather 'wordy' but I think it applies here.

http://nationalhepa titis-c.org/ living.htm

>

> From: shepard richard <yenko_stinger65@ ...>

> Subject: Re:New to Group

> Hepatitis Csupportgr oupgroups (DOT) com

> Date: Friday, July 11, 2008, 5:02 PM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> You not alone. I work through treatment and all , then last year

it got so bad had to cut back on my hours from 8 till 6 a day.

Company was fine with that then in December got my call and had a

transplant. Company had gone through a buy out with new owners . So

only took a little over a month off after the operation and have

been working half days (against doc's orders),but doing a full days

work since . On Monday went it and was told no longer needed after

20 day short of 19 years.

> Luckily My side business picked up this week also, not enough to

pay bills but will get by. As severance they did say they would pay

for my cobra insurance for 18 months time will tell.

>

> rich

> www.rslaserkits. com

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much for this link, I swear it could have been me writing this..

That's what people don't understand, is that living with this changes your whole

life. I used to be so energetic and do the work of two people and was active in

all sports from bowling, golf, tennis, raquetball and now I can't do anything

and I miss it. Even though I have not been on treatment for over two years, I

still can't do things. I have had to change every area of my life. I can't make

a lunch date with my friend in advance because I never know if I can get out of

bed. If I can then I call that day, it's the only way I can do it. I have gotten

so many secondary diseases from the Hep C that prevent me from feeling good.

After the last treatment, I now have Thyroid disease/goiter and I have severe

phyrictic arthritis (with joint damage), severe fybromyalcia, stomach issues,

skin problems and chronic fatique (sorry about the spelling). In the past I have

had mono,

vasculiltis and rhemutoid arthritis. I learned that everything I come down with

is actually from the Hep C. I remember being suicidal thru my first treatment, I

have never experienced anything so bad in my life, it was hell. The hardest part

is that " You don't look sick " . Someone will say " Gee, you look good Kathy " and I

have to bite my tongue because at that time I can hardly stand and all I want to

do is go home and lay down.  I am a strong person and have gotten thru all these

years by having faith and trying to laugh as much as possible. It's just that

after all these years, I'm finding it harder and harder to hide how sick I am

and to laugh as much as before. I have my days where I cry and then the next day

I'm ready to go out fighting again and put on the show. Thanks again for this

link, this person said it all.

From: hdhepper1 <grisley4@...>

Subject: Re:New to Group

Hepatitis C

Date: Saturday, July 12, 2008, 4:00 AM

This is rather 'wordy' but I think it applies here.

http://nationalhepa titis-c.org/ living.htm

>

> From: shepard richard <yenko_stinger65@ ...>

> Subject: Re:New to Group

> Hepatitis Csupportgr oupgroups (DOT) com

> Date: Friday, July 11, 2008, 5:02 PM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> You not alone. I work through treatment and all , then last year

it got so bad had to cut back on my hours from 8 till 6 a day.

Company was fine with that then in December got my call and had a

transplant. Company had gone through a buy out with new owners . So

only took a little over a month off after the operation and have

been working half days (against doc's orders),but doing a full days

work since . On Monday went it and was told no longer needed after

20 day short of 19 years.

> Luckily My side business picked up this week also, not enough to

pay bills but will get by. As severance they did say they would pay

for my cobra insurance for 18 months time will tell.

>

> rich

> www.rslaserkits. com

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Dorothy.

From: Deron Giuliani <deron_giuliani@ <mailto:deron_ giuliani% 40>

>

Subject: Re: Re:New to Group

Hepatitis Csupportgr <mailto:Hepatitis Cs upportgroup% 40groups. com>

oupgroups (DOT) com

Date: Saturday, July 12, 2008, 5:14 PM

Once you complete the 18 months on Cobra, you then automatically become

eligible for HPPA. Under HPPA, you can go to any insurance company and they

CAN NOT turn you down even with pre-existing conditions. You must complete

the COBRA first, and then purchase your own insurance under HPPA.

Deron

Re:New to Group

> Hepatitis Csupportgr oupgroups (DOT) com

> Date: Friday, July 11, 2008, 5:02 PM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> You not alone. I work through treatment and all , then last year

it got so bad had to cut back on my hours from 8 till 6 a day.

Company was fine with that then in December got my call and had a

transplant. Company had gone through a buy out with new owners . So

only took a little over a month off after the operation and have

been working half days (against doc's orders),but doing a full days

work since . On Monday went it and was told no longer needed after

20 day short of 19 years.

> Luckily My side business picked up this week also, not enough to

pay bills but will get by. As severance they did say they would pay

for my cobra insurance for 18 months time will tell.

>

> rich

> www.rslaserkits. com

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Dorothy.

From: Deron Giuliani <deron_giuliani@ <mailto:deron_ giuliani% 40>

>

Subject: Re: Re:New to Group

Hepatitis Csupportgr <mailto:Hepatitis Cs upportgroup% 40groups. com>

oupgroups (DOT) com

Date: Saturday, July 12, 2008, 5:14 PM

Once you complete the 18 months on Cobra, you then automatically become

eligible for HPPA. Under HPPA, you can go to any insurance company and they

CAN NOT turn you down even with pre-existing conditions. You must complete

the COBRA first, and then purchase your own insurance under HPPA.

Deron

Re:New to Group

> Hepatitis Csupportgr oupgroups (DOT) com

> Date: Friday, July 11, 2008, 5:02 PM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> You not alone. I work through treatment and all , then last year

it got so bad had to cut back on my hours from 8 till 6 a day.

Company was fine with that then in December got my call and had a

transplant. Company had gone through a buy out with new owners . So

only took a little over a month off after the operation and have

been working half days (against doc's orders),but doing a full days

work since . On Monday went it and was told no longer needed after

20 day short of 19 years.

> Luckily My side business picked up this week also, not enough to

pay bills but will get by. As severance they did say they would pay

for my cobra insurance for 18 months time will tell.

>

> rich

> www.rslaserkits. com

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I'm sorry, Kathy, I'm not up to speed on your situation - did your

treatments work? Did the HCV become undetectable after the second

treatment?

I finished my treatment in February and am still undetectable, but I know

where you're coming from. I have rheumatoid arthritis so bad that sometimes

I can't hold a pen to sign my name. I have peripheral neuropathy in one leg

and my feet are so swollen that I can't wear shoes most of the time. I have

glaucoma. I believe that these are all a result of cryoglobulenemia which

is a result of the HCV.

Not that helps any, but have you been tested for cryo? There's no treatment

that I'm aware of except to treat the cause - for me, HCV. I did that and

hoped that my other problems might, by the grace of God, go away....no such

luck.

Most of the time I look great so nobody realizes that I'm having trouble

walking or can't open the door because my hands are so painful.

I filed for social security disability and I'm sure I'll be denied since

when I went for the physical, I could walk & touch my toes. I've been

living on my 401K funds that I had hoped would be there so I could retire

some day...

There are no easy answers and most of the time, it sucks. But the support

of groups like this help get through the day so use it and cry, scream, vent

all you want. Everyone here understands and that's invaluable.

Dorothy

_____

From: Hepatitis C

[mailto:Hepatitis C ] On Behalf Of Kathy Knight

Sent: Saturday, July 12, 2008 5:29 PM

Hepatitis C

Subject: Re: Re:New to Group

Thank you so much for this link, I swear it could have been me writing

this.. That's what people don't understand, is that living with this changes

your whole life. I used to be so energetic and do the work of two people and

was active in all sports from bowling, golf, tennis, raquetball and now I

can't do anything and I miss it. Even though I have not been on treatment

for over two years, I still can't do things. I have had to change every area

of my life. I can't make a lunch date with my friend in advance because I

never know if I can get out of bed. If I can then I call that day, it's the

only way I can do it. I have gotten so many secondary diseases from the Hep

C that prevent me from feeling good. After the last treatment, I now have

Thyroid disease/goiter and I have severe phyrictic arthritis (with joint

damage), severe fybromyalcia, stomach issues, skin problems and chronic

fatique (sorry about the spelling). In the past I have had mono,

vasculiltis and rhemutoid arthritis. I learned that everything I come down

with is actually from the Hep C. I remember being suicidal thru my first

treatment, I have never experienced anything so bad in my life, it was hell.

The hardest part is that " You don't look sick " . Someone will say " Gee, you

look good Kathy " and I have to bite my tongue because at that time I can

hardly stand and all I want to do is go home and lay down. I am a strong

person and have gotten thru all these years by having faith and trying to

laugh as much as possible. It's just that after all these years, I'm finding

it harder and harder to hide how sick I am and to laugh as much as before. I

have my days where I cry and then the next day I'm ready to go out fighting

again and put on the show. Thanks again for this link, this person said it

all.

From: hdhepper1 <grisley4mchsi (DOT) <mailto:grisley4%40mchsi.com> com>

Subject: Re:New to Group

Hepatitis Csupportgr <mailto:Hepatitis C%40>

oup

Date: Saturday, July 12, 2008, 4:00 AM

This is rather 'wordy' but I think it applies here.

http://nationalhepa titis-c.org/ living.htm

>

> From: shepard richard <yenko_stinger65@ ...>

> Subject: Re:New to Group

> Hepatitis Csupportgr oupgroups (DOT) com

> Date: Friday, July 11, 2008, 5:02 PM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> You not alone. I work through treatment and all , then last year

it got so bad had to cut back on my hours from 8 till 6 a day.

Company was fine with that then in December got my call and had a

transplant. Company had gone through a buy out with new owners . So

only took a little over a month off after the operation and have

been working half days (against doc's orders),but doing a full days

work since . On Monday went it and was told no longer needed after

20 day short of 19 years.

> Luckily My side business picked up this week also, not enough to

pay bills but will get by. As severance they did say they would pay

for my cobra insurance for 18 months time will tell.

>

> rich

> www.rslaserkits. com

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I'm sorry, Kathy, I'm not up to speed on your situation - did your

treatments work? Did the HCV become undetectable after the second

treatment?

I finished my treatment in February and am still undetectable, but I know

where you're coming from. I have rheumatoid arthritis so bad that sometimes

I can't hold a pen to sign my name. I have peripheral neuropathy in one leg

and my feet are so swollen that I can't wear shoes most of the time. I have

glaucoma. I believe that these are all a result of cryoglobulenemia which

is a result of the HCV.

Not that helps any, but have you been tested for cryo? There's no treatment

that I'm aware of except to treat the cause - for me, HCV. I did that and

hoped that my other problems might, by the grace of God, go away....no such

luck.

Most of the time I look great so nobody realizes that I'm having trouble

walking or can't open the door because my hands are so painful.

I filed for social security disability and I'm sure I'll be denied since

when I went for the physical, I could walk & touch my toes. I've been

living on my 401K funds that I had hoped would be there so I could retire

some day...

There are no easy answers and most of the time, it sucks. But the support

of groups like this help get through the day so use it and cry, scream, vent

all you want. Everyone here understands and that's invaluable.

Dorothy

_____

From: Hepatitis C

[mailto:Hepatitis C ] On Behalf Of Kathy Knight

Sent: Saturday, July 12, 2008 5:29 PM

Hepatitis C

Subject: Re: Re:New to Group

Thank you so much for this link, I swear it could have been me writing

this.. That's what people don't understand, is that living with this changes

your whole life. I used to be so energetic and do the work of two people and

was active in all sports from bowling, golf, tennis, raquetball and now I

can't do anything and I miss it. Even though I have not been on treatment

for over two years, I still can't do things. I have had to change every area

of my life. I can't make a lunch date with my friend in advance because I

never know if I can get out of bed. If I can then I call that day, it's the

only way I can do it. I have gotten so many secondary diseases from the Hep

C that prevent me from feeling good. After the last treatment, I now have

Thyroid disease/goiter and I have severe phyrictic arthritis (with joint

damage), severe fybromyalcia, stomach issues, skin problems and chronic

fatique (sorry about the spelling). In the past I have had mono,

vasculiltis and rhemutoid arthritis. I learned that everything I come down

with is actually from the Hep C. I remember being suicidal thru my first

treatment, I have never experienced anything so bad in my life, it was hell.

The hardest part is that " You don't look sick " . Someone will say " Gee, you

look good Kathy " and I have to bite my tongue because at that time I can

hardly stand and all I want to do is go home and lay down. I am a strong

person and have gotten thru all these years by having faith and trying to

laugh as much as possible. It's just that after all these years, I'm finding

it harder and harder to hide how sick I am and to laugh as much as before. I

have my days where I cry and then the next day I'm ready to go out fighting

again and put on the show. Thanks again for this link, this person said it

all.

From: hdhepper1 <grisley4mchsi (DOT) <mailto:grisley4%40mchsi.com> com>

Subject: Re:New to Group

Hepatitis Csupportgr <mailto:Hepatitis C%40>

oup

Date: Saturday, July 12, 2008, 4:00 AM

This is rather 'wordy' but I think it applies here.

http://nationalhepa titis-c.org/ living.htm

>

> From: shepard richard <yenko_stinger65@ ...>

> Subject: Re:New to Group

> Hepatitis Csupportgr oupgroups (DOT) com

> Date: Friday, July 11, 2008, 5:02 PM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> You not alone. I work through treatment and all , then last year

it got so bad had to cut back on my hours from 8 till 6 a day.

Company was fine with that then in December got my call and had a

transplant. Company had gone through a buy out with new owners . So

only took a little over a month off after the operation and have

been working half days (against doc's orders),but doing a full days

work since . On Monday went it and was told no longer needed after

20 day short of 19 years.

> Luckily My side business picked up this week also, not enough to

pay bills but will get by. As severance they did say they would pay

for my cobra insurance for 18 months time will tell.

>

> rich

> www.rslaserkits. com

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Yeah.  Thanks Dorothy.  I had no idea that after COBRA ends, I'm screwed.   

LOL. 

Re:New to Group

> Hepatitis Csupportgr oupgroups (DOT) com

> Date: Friday, July 11, 2008, 5:02 PM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> You not alone. I work through treatment and all , then last year

it got so bad had to cut back on my hours from 8 till 6 a day.

Company was fine with that then in December got my call and had a

transplant. Company had gone through a buy out with new owners . So

only took a little over a month off after the operation and have

been working half days (against doc's orders),but doing a full days

work since . On Monday went it and was told no longer needed after

20 day short of 19 years.

> Luckily My side business picked up this week also, not enough to

pay bills but will get by. As severance they did say they would pay

for my cobra insurance for 18 months time will tell.

>

> rich

> www.rslaserkits. com

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Yeah.  Thanks Dorothy.  I had no idea that after COBRA ends, I'm screwed.   

LOL. 

Re:New to Group

> Hepatitis Csupportgr oupgroups (DOT) com

> Date: Friday, July 11, 2008, 5:02 PM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> You not alone. I work through treatment and all , then last year

it got so bad had to cut back on my hours from 8 till 6 a day.

Company was fine with that then in December got my call and had a

transplant. Company had gone through a buy out with new owners . So

only took a little over a month off after the operation and have

been working half days (against doc's orders),but doing a full days

work since . On Monday went it and was told no longer needed after

20 day short of 19 years.

> Luckily My side business picked up this week also, not enough to

pay bills but will get by. As severance they did say they would pay

for my cobra insurance for 18 months time will tell.

>

> rich

> www.rslaserkits. com

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Well, hopefully..you get a job with coverage before the 18 months ends.

You don't even want to think about trying to get coverage on your own - if

you think the cost of COBRA is bad, at least it's at group rates.

By the way, if you have a family that was covered under your plan at work,

you can elect to pick up COBRA just for a child or children or just a wife.

You don't have to keep the same family plan.

_____

From: Hepatitis C

[mailto:Hepatitis C ] On Behalf Of Deron Giuliani

Sent: Saturday, July 12, 2008 5:55 PM

Hepatitis C

Subject: Re: Re:New to Group

Yeah. Thanks Dorothy. I had no idea that after COBRA ends, I'm screwed.

LOL.

Re:New to Group

> Hepatitis Csupportgr oupgroups (DOT) com

> Date: Friday, July 11, 2008, 5:02 PM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> You not alone. I work through treatment and all , then last year

it got so bad had to cut back on my hours from 8 till 6 a day.

Company was fine with that then in December got my call and had a

transplant. Company had gone through a buy out with new owners . So

only took a little over a month off after the operation and have

been working half days (against doc's orders),but doing a full days

work since . On Monday went it and was told no longer needed after

20 day short of 19 years.

> Luckily My side business picked up this week also, not enough to

pay bills but will get by. As severance they did say they would pay

for my cobra insurance for 18 months time will tell.

>

> rich

> www.rslaserkits. com

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Well, hopefully..you get a job with coverage before the 18 months ends.

You don't even want to think about trying to get coverage on your own - if

you think the cost of COBRA is bad, at least it's at group rates.

By the way, if you have a family that was covered under your plan at work,

you can elect to pick up COBRA just for a child or children or just a wife.

You don't have to keep the same family plan.

_____

From: Hepatitis C

[mailto:Hepatitis C ] On Behalf Of Deron Giuliani

Sent: Saturday, July 12, 2008 5:55 PM

Hepatitis C

Subject: Re: Re:New to Group

Yeah. Thanks Dorothy. I had no idea that after COBRA ends, I'm screwed.

LOL.

Re:New to Group

> Hepatitis Csupportgr oupgroups (DOT) com

> Date: Friday, July 11, 2008, 5:02 PM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> You not alone. I work through treatment and all , then last year

it got so bad had to cut back on my hours from 8 till 6 a day.

Company was fine with that then in December got my call and had a

transplant. Company had gone through a buy out with new owners . So

only took a little over a month off after the operation and have

been working half days (against doc's orders),but doing a full days

work since . On Monday went it and was told no longer needed after

20 day short of 19 years.

> Luckily My side business picked up this week also, not enough to

pay bills but will get by. As severance they did say they would pay

for my cobra insurance for 18 months time will tell.

>

> rich

> www.rslaserkits. com

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Unfortunately, my current employer doesn't offer insurance to their employees. 

On the side, I used to be a caregiver until my friend died.  That's how I got

insurance in the first place.  I've been paying $308.00 per month for the last

12 months thinking that after 18 months, I would be able to qualify for the

HIPPA and then go on to get my own individual plan.  I must thank you because

now I'm going to go ahead and drop my COBRA and sign up for our local San

Francisco health plan which is really shitty coverage but a heck of a lot

cheaper than $308.00 per month.  I've been working with this company for six

years but since they are a small business, they don't offer health insurance. 

Maybe I should start looking for a new job.

Re:New to Group

> Hepatitis Csupportgr oupgroups (DOT) com

> Date: Friday, July 11, 2008, 5:02 PM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> You not alone. I work through treatment and all , then last year

it got so bad had to cut back on my hours from 8 till 6 a day.

Company was fine with that then in December got my call and had a

transplant. Company had gone through a buy out with new owners . So

only took a little over a month off after the operation and have

been working half days (against doc's orders),but doing a full days

work since . On Monday went it and was told no longer needed after

20 day short of 19 years.

> Luckily My side business picked up this week also, not enough to

pay bills but will get by. As severance they did say they would pay

for my cobra insurance for 18 months time will tell.

>

> rich

> www.rslaserkits. com

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

You can go get your own plan. Do some research on plans available and

compare them for cost and coverage with the San Francisco health plan.

When you cancel your current coverage, make sure they give you the

certificate showing you have been covered. You can also use your paid

bills. Then regardless of what plan you go to - individual or the SF plan,

you won't have any penalty waiting period to cover your pre-existing

illnesses.

I don't know what the SF covers, but if you need considerable medical care,

take that into consideration. Add what your co-pays are going to be when

you do a comparison. And see if your current doctor(s) will be covered

under each plan if you want to continue any ongoing care.

Unfortunately, medical insurance in this country is outrageously expensive.

Just do some careful research and comparisons before you drop your current

coverage - you may find that it may be better to stick with it for the 18

months even at the $308 a month.

If there's any way I can help you with making a decision, I'd be glad to

help.

Good luck!

Dorothy

_____

From: Hepatitis C

[mailto:Hepatitis C ] On Behalf Of Deron Giuliani

Sent: Saturday, July 12, 2008 6:35 PM

Hepatitis C

Subject: Re: Re:New to Group

Unfortunately, my current employer doesn't offer insurance to their

employees. On the side, I used to be a caregiver until my friend died.

That's how I got insurance in the first place. I've been paying $308.00 per

month for the last 12 months thinking that after 18 months, I would be able

to qualify for the HIPPA and then go on to get my own individual plan. I

must thank you because now I'm going to go ahead and drop my COBRA and sign

up for our local San Francisco health plan which is really shitty coverage

but a heck of a lot cheaper than $308.00 per month. I've been working with

this company for six years but since they are a small business, they don't

offer health insurance. Maybe I should start looking for a new job.

Re:New to Group

> Hepatitis Csupportgr oupgroups (DOT) com

> Date: Friday, July 11, 2008, 5:02 PM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> You not alone. I work through treatment and all , then last year

it got so bad had to cut back on my hours from 8 till 6 a day.

Company was fine with that then in December got my call and had a

transplant. Company had gone through a buy out with new owners . So

only took a little over a month off after the operation and have

been working half days (against doc's orders),but doing a full days

work since . On Monday went it and was told no longer needed after

20 day short of 19 years.

> Luckily My side business picked up this week also, not enough to

pay bills but will get by. As severance they did say they would pay

for my cobra insurance for 18 months time will tell.

>

> rich

> www.rslaserkits. com

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

You can go get your own plan. Do some research on plans available and

compare them for cost and coverage with the San Francisco health plan.

When you cancel your current coverage, make sure they give you the

certificate showing you have been covered. You can also use your paid

bills. Then regardless of what plan you go to - individual or the SF plan,

you won't have any penalty waiting period to cover your pre-existing

illnesses.

I don't know what the SF covers, but if you need considerable medical care,

take that into consideration. Add what your co-pays are going to be when

you do a comparison. And see if your current doctor(s) will be covered

under each plan if you want to continue any ongoing care.

Unfortunately, medical insurance in this country is outrageously expensive.

Just do some careful research and comparisons before you drop your current

coverage - you may find that it may be better to stick with it for the 18

months even at the $308 a month.

If there's any way I can help you with making a decision, I'd be glad to

help.

Good luck!

Dorothy

_____

From: Hepatitis C

[mailto:Hepatitis C ] On Behalf Of Deron Giuliani

Sent: Saturday, July 12, 2008 6:35 PM

Hepatitis C

Subject: Re: Re:New to Group

Unfortunately, my current employer doesn't offer insurance to their

employees. On the side, I used to be a caregiver until my friend died.

That's how I got insurance in the first place. I've been paying $308.00 per

month for the last 12 months thinking that after 18 months, I would be able

to qualify for the HIPPA and then go on to get my own individual plan. I

must thank you because now I'm going to go ahead and drop my COBRA and sign

up for our local San Francisco health plan which is really shitty coverage

but a heck of a lot cheaper than $308.00 per month. I've been working with

this company for six years but since they are a small business, they don't

offer health insurance. Maybe I should start looking for a new job.

Re:New to Group

> Hepatitis Csupportgr oupgroups (DOT) com

> Date: Friday, July 11, 2008, 5:02 PM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> You not alone. I work through treatment and all , then last year

it got so bad had to cut back on my hours from 8 till 6 a day.

Company was fine with that then in December got my call and had a

transplant. Company had gone through a buy out with new owners . So

only took a little over a month off after the operation and have

been working half days (against doc's orders),but doing a full days

work since . On Monday went it and was told no longer needed after

20 day short of 19 years.

> Luckily My side business picked up this week also, not enough to

pay bills but will get by. As severance they did say they would pay

for my cobra insurance for 18 months time will tell.

>

> rich

> www.rslaserkits. com

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

You can go get your own plan. Do some research on plans available and

compare them for cost and coverage with the San Francisco health plan.

When you cancel your current coverage, make sure they give you the

certificate showing you have been covered. You can also use your paid

bills. Then regardless of what plan you go to - individual or the SF plan,

you won't have any penalty waiting period to cover your pre-existing

illnesses.

I don't know what the SF covers, but if you need considerable medical care,

take that into consideration. Add what your co-pays are going to be when

you do a comparison. And see if your current doctor(s) will be covered

under each plan if you want to continue any ongoing care.

Unfortunately, medical insurance in this country is outrageously expensive.

Just do some careful research and comparisons before you drop your current

coverage - you may find that it may be better to stick with it for the 18

months even at the $308 a month.

If there's any way I can help you with making a decision, I'd be glad to

help.

Good luck!

Dorothy

_____

From: Hepatitis C

[mailto:Hepatitis C ] On Behalf Of Deron Giuliani

Sent: Saturday, July 12, 2008 6:35 PM

Hepatitis C

Subject: Re: Re:New to Group

Unfortunately, my current employer doesn't offer insurance to their

employees. On the side, I used to be a caregiver until my friend died.

That's how I got insurance in the first place. I've been paying $308.00 per

month for the last 12 months thinking that after 18 months, I would be able

to qualify for the HIPPA and then go on to get my own individual plan. I

must thank you because now I'm going to go ahead and drop my COBRA and sign

up for our local San Francisco health plan which is really shitty coverage

but a heck of a lot cheaper than $308.00 per month. I've been working with

this company for six years but since they are a small business, they don't

offer health insurance. Maybe I should start looking for a new job.

Re:New to Group

> Hepatitis Csupportgr oupgroups (DOT) com

> Date: Friday, July 11, 2008, 5:02 PM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> You not alone. I work through treatment and all , then last year

it got so bad had to cut back on my hours from 8 till 6 a day.

Company was fine with that then in December got my call and had a

transplant. Company had gone through a buy out with new owners . So

only took a little over a month off after the operation and have

been working half days (against doc's orders),but doing a full days

work since . On Monday went it and was told no longer needed after

20 day short of 19 years.

> Luckily My side business picked up this week also, not enough to

pay bills but will get by. As severance they did say they would pay

for my cobra insurance for 18 months time will tell.

>

> rich

> www.rslaserkits. com

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

You can go get your own plan. Do some research on plans available and

compare them for cost and coverage with the San Francisco health plan.

When you cancel your current coverage, make sure they give you the

certificate showing you have been covered. You can also use your paid

bills. Then regardless of what plan you go to - individual or the SF plan,

you won't have any penalty waiting period to cover your pre-existing

illnesses.

I don't know what the SF covers, but if you need considerable medical care,

take that into consideration. Add what your co-pays are going to be when

you do a comparison. And see if your current doctor(s) will be covered

under each plan if you want to continue any ongoing care.

Unfortunately, medical insurance in this country is outrageously expensive.

Just do some careful research and comparisons before you drop your current

coverage - you may find that it may be better to stick with it for the 18

months even at the $308 a month.

If there's any way I can help you with making a decision, I'd be glad to

help.

Good luck!

Dorothy

_____

From: Hepatitis C

[mailto:Hepatitis C ] On Behalf Of Deron Giuliani

Sent: Saturday, July 12, 2008 6:35 PM

Hepatitis C

Subject: Re: Re:New to Group

Unfortunately, my current employer doesn't offer insurance to their

employees. On the side, I used to be a caregiver until my friend died.

That's how I got insurance in the first place. I've been paying $308.00 per

month for the last 12 months thinking that after 18 months, I would be able

to qualify for the HIPPA and then go on to get my own individual plan. I

must thank you because now I'm going to go ahead and drop my COBRA and sign

up for our local San Francisco health plan which is really shitty coverage

but a heck of a lot cheaper than $308.00 per month. I've been working with

this company for six years but since they are a small business, they don't

offer health insurance. Maybe I should start looking for a new job.

Re:New to Group

> Hepatitis Csupportgr oupgroups (DOT) com

> Date: Friday, July 11, 2008, 5:02 PM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> You not alone. I work through treatment and all , then last year

it got so bad had to cut back on my hours from 8 till 6 a day.

Company was fine with that then in December got my call and had a

transplant. Company had gone through a buy out with new owners . So

only took a little over a month off after the operation and have

been working half days (against doc's orders),but doing a full days

work since . On Monday went it and was told no longer needed after

20 day short of 19 years.

> Luckily My side business picked up this week also, not enough to

pay bills but will get by. As severance they did say they would pay

for my cobra insurance for 18 months time will tell.

>

> rich

> www.rslaserkits. com

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I did not know I had Hep C until around 1990, when I donated blood and they sent

a letter that they would not accept it. They said I had this virus and to see a

doctor and he handed me a small brochure and said nothing else, no big deal. He

did not tell me it was serious and acted like it was nothing. So I went on with

life but year by year started getting sicker. I went to many doctor's who said I

was fine and because I told them I would cry because of my pain, they wanted to

put me on Prosac. I got so angry because they thought I was depressed and

thought it was all in my head. My pain was so bad I would cry if I had to turn

over in bed, it was getting so bad and no one would listen. It was not until 8

years ago when I changed doctor's that I finally got help.The new doctor sent me

to a specialist, a Rhemutologist. I finally got some prescription medication for

the first time to help with the pain. He explained about how having Hep C was

causing me

to have all the other issues. Just after I saw him for my joints and muscles,

he sent me to a Gastrologist for my liver and stomach problems. That was when I

got my first viral load checked and he called saying my viral load was way over

a million and told me start treatment. That was the rough one that I was on for

over 8 months and did not think I would survive. I had the viral load checked 3

months after going off of it and it was already over 800,000, it came back with

a vengance. When it got over 3 million I knew I had to go on treatment again and

this time I made the whole year. It took almost eight months before the virus

was undetectable but since I made it a year I thought I would be good. After

being off treatment for two years, it is not gone completely, it's about

10,000. I have never heard of cyro before, so I will have to look into that. You

sound like me where you get good at hiding how you feel but the pain is always

there. I am

taking up to six pills of Ultram a day, two Relafen, Hydrocodone, Synthroid,

Nexium, Provigial and Huimara injections. I never thought of filing for

disability until this last year. If you have more info on that I would

appreciate it. I have heard it is hard to get approval and should have a lawyer.

Thanks.

From: hdhepper1 <grisley4mchsi (DOT) <mailto:grisley4% 40mchsi.com> com>

Subject: Re:New to Group

Hepatitis Csupportgr <mailto:Hepatitis Cs upportgroup% 40groups. com>

oupgroups (DOT) com

Date: Saturday, July 12, 2008, 4:00 AM

This is rather 'wordy' but I think it applies here.

http://nationalhepa titis-c.org/ living.htm

>

> From: shepard richard <yenko_stinger65@ ...>

> Subject: Re:New to Group

> Hepatitis Csupportgr oupgroups (DOT) com

> Date: Friday, July 11, 2008, 5:02 PM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> You not alone. I work through treatment and all , then last year

it got so bad had to cut back on my hours from 8 till 6 a day.

Company was fine with that then in December got my call and had a

transplant. Company had gone through a buy out with new owners . So

only took a little over a month off after the operation and have

been working half days (against doc's orders),but doing a full days

work since . On Monday went it and was told no longer needed after

20 day short of 19 years.

> Luckily My side business picked up this week also, not enough to

pay bills but will get by. As severance they did say they would pay

for my cobra insurance for 18 months time will tell.

>

> rich

> www.rslaserkits. com

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I did not know I had Hep C until around 1990, when I donated blood and they sent

a letter that they would not accept it. They said I had this virus and to see a

doctor and he handed me a small brochure and said nothing else, no big deal. He

did not tell me it was serious and acted like it was nothing. So I went on with

life but year by year started getting sicker. I went to many doctor's who said I

was fine and because I told them I would cry because of my pain, they wanted to

put me on Prosac. I got so angry because they thought I was depressed and

thought it was all in my head. My pain was so bad I would cry if I had to turn

over in bed, it was getting so bad and no one would listen. It was not until 8

years ago when I changed doctor's that I finally got help.The new doctor sent me

to a specialist, a Rhemutologist. I finally got some prescription medication for

the first time to help with the pain. He explained about how having Hep C was

causing me

to have all the other issues. Just after I saw him for my joints and muscles,

he sent me to a Gastrologist for my liver and stomach problems. That was when I

got my first viral load checked and he called saying my viral load was way over

a million and told me start treatment. That was the rough one that I was on for

over 8 months and did not think I would survive. I had the viral load checked 3

months after going off of it and it was already over 800,000, it came back with

a vengance. When it got over 3 million I knew I had to go on treatment again and

this time I made the whole year. It took almost eight months before the virus

was undetectable but since I made it a year I thought I would be good. After

being off treatment for two years, it is not gone completely, it's about

10,000. I have never heard of cyro before, so I will have to look into that. You

sound like me where you get good at hiding how you feel but the pain is always

there. I am

taking up to six pills of Ultram a day, two Relafen, Hydrocodone, Synthroid,

Nexium, Provigial and Huimara injections. I never thought of filing for

disability until this last year. If you have more info on that I would

appreciate it. I have heard it is hard to get approval and should have a lawyer.

Thanks.

From: hdhepper1 <grisley4mchsi (DOT) <mailto:grisley4% 40mchsi.com> com>

Subject: Re:New to Group

Hepatitis Csupportgr <mailto:Hepatitis Cs upportgroup% 40groups. com>

oupgroups (DOT) com

Date: Saturday, July 12, 2008, 4:00 AM

This is rather 'wordy' but I think it applies here.

http://nationalhepa titis-c.org/ living.htm

>

> From: shepard richard <yenko_stinger65@ ...>

> Subject: Re:New to Group

> Hepatitis Csupportgr oupgroups (DOT) com

> Date: Friday, July 11, 2008, 5:02 PM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> You not alone. I work through treatment and all , then last year

it got so bad had to cut back on my hours from 8 till 6 a day.

Company was fine with that then in December got my call and had a

transplant. Company had gone through a buy out with new owners . So

only took a little over a month off after the operation and have

been working half days (against doc's orders),but doing a full days

work since . On Monday went it and was told no longer needed after

20 day short of 19 years.

> Luckily My side business picked up this week also, not enough to

pay bills but will get by. As severance they did say they would pay

for my cobra insurance for 18 months time will tell.

>

> rich

> www.rslaserkits. com

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I did not know I had Hep C until around 1990, when I donated blood and they sent

a letter that they would not accept it. They said I had this virus and to see a

doctor and he handed me a small brochure and said nothing else, no big deal. He

did not tell me it was serious and acted like it was nothing. So I went on with

life but year by year started getting sicker. I went to many doctor's who said I

was fine and because I told them I would cry because of my pain, they wanted to

put me on Prosac. I got so angry because they thought I was depressed and

thought it was all in my head. My pain was so bad I would cry if I had to turn

over in bed, it was getting so bad and no one would listen. It was not until 8

years ago when I changed doctor's that I finally got help.The new doctor sent me

to a specialist, a Rhemutologist. I finally got some prescription medication for

the first time to help with the pain. He explained about how having Hep C was

causing me

to have all the other issues. Just after I saw him for my joints and muscles,

he sent me to a Gastrologist for my liver and stomach problems. That was when I

got my first viral load checked and he called saying my viral load was way over

a million and told me start treatment. That was the rough one that I was on for

over 8 months and did not think I would survive. I had the viral load checked 3

months after going off of it and it was already over 800,000, it came back with

a vengance. When it got over 3 million I knew I had to go on treatment again and

this time I made the whole year. It took almost eight months before the virus

was undetectable but since I made it a year I thought I would be good. After

being off treatment for two years, it is not gone completely, it's about

10,000. I have never heard of cyro before, so I will have to look into that. You

sound like me where you get good at hiding how you feel but the pain is always

there. I am

taking up to six pills of Ultram a day, two Relafen, Hydrocodone, Synthroid,

Nexium, Provigial and Huimara injections. I never thought of filing for

disability until this last year. If you have more info on that I would

appreciate it. I have heard it is hard to get approval and should have a lawyer.

Thanks.

From: hdhepper1 <grisley4mchsi (DOT) <mailto:grisley4% 40mchsi.com> com>

Subject: Re:New to Group

Hepatitis Csupportgr <mailto:Hepatitis Cs upportgroup% 40groups. com>

oupgroups (DOT) com

Date: Saturday, July 12, 2008, 4:00 AM

This is rather 'wordy' but I think it applies here.

http://nationalhepa titis-c.org/ living.htm

>

> From: shepard richard <yenko_stinger65@ ...>

> Subject: Re:New to Group

> Hepatitis Csupportgr oupgroups (DOT) com

> Date: Friday, July 11, 2008, 5:02 PM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> You not alone. I work through treatment and all , then last year

it got so bad had to cut back on my hours from 8 till 6 a day.

Company was fine with that then in December got my call and had a

transplant. Company had gone through a buy out with new owners . So

only took a little over a month off after the operation and have

been working half days (against doc's orders),but doing a full days

work since . On Monday went it and was told no longer needed after

20 day short of 19 years.

> Luckily My side business picked up this week also, not enough to

pay bills but will get by. As severance they did say they would pay

for my cobra insurance for 18 months time will tell.

>

> rich

> www.rslaserkits. com

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I did not know I had Hep C until around 1990, when I donated blood and they sent

a letter that they would not accept it. They said I had this virus and to see a

doctor and he handed me a small brochure and said nothing else, no big deal. He

did not tell me it was serious and acted like it was nothing. So I went on with

life but year by year started getting sicker. I went to many doctor's who said I

was fine and because I told them I would cry because of my pain, they wanted to

put me on Prosac. I got so angry because they thought I was depressed and

thought it was all in my head. My pain was so bad I would cry if I had to turn

over in bed, it was getting so bad and no one would listen. It was not until 8

years ago when I changed doctor's that I finally got help.The new doctor sent me

to a specialist, a Rhemutologist. I finally got some prescription medication for

the first time to help with the pain. He explained about how having Hep C was

causing me

to have all the other issues. Just after I saw him for my joints and muscles,

he sent me to a Gastrologist for my liver and stomach problems. That was when I

got my first viral load checked and he called saying my viral load was way over

a million and told me start treatment. That was the rough one that I was on for

over 8 months and did not think I would survive. I had the viral load checked 3

months after going off of it and it was already over 800,000, it came back with

a vengance. When it got over 3 million I knew I had to go on treatment again and

this time I made the whole year. It took almost eight months before the virus

was undetectable but since I made it a year I thought I would be good. After

being off treatment for two years, it is not gone completely, it's about

10,000. I have never heard of cyro before, so I will have to look into that. You

sound like me where you get good at hiding how you feel but the pain is always

there. I am

taking up to six pills of Ultram a day, two Relafen, Hydrocodone, Synthroid,

Nexium, Provigial and Huimara injections. I never thought of filing for

disability until this last year. If you have more info on that I would

appreciate it. I have heard it is hard to get approval and should have a lawyer.

Thanks.

From: hdhepper1 <grisley4mchsi (DOT) <mailto:grisley4% 40mchsi.com> com>

Subject: Re:New to Group

Hepatitis Csupportgr <mailto:Hepatitis Cs upportgroup% 40groups. com>

oupgroups (DOT) com

Date: Saturday, July 12, 2008, 4:00 AM

This is rather 'wordy' but I think it applies here.

http://nationalhepa titis-c.org/ living.htm

>

> From: shepard richard <yenko_stinger65@ ...>

> Subject: Re:New to Group

> Hepatitis Csupportgr oupgroups (DOT) com

> Date: Friday, July 11, 2008, 5:02 PM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> You not alone. I work through treatment and all , then last year

it got so bad had to cut back on my hours from 8 till 6 a day.

Company was fine with that then in December got my call and had a

transplant. Company had gone through a buy out with new owners . So

only took a little over a month off after the operation and have

been working half days (against doc's orders),but doing a full days

work since . On Monday went it and was told no longer needed after

20 day short of 19 years.

> Luckily My side business picked up this week also, not enough to

pay bills but will get by. As severance they did say they would pay

for my cobra insurance for 18 months time will tell.

>

> rich

> www.rslaserkits. com

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Getting put on disability can be a very long process. I applied in 2005 because

I just could not work,because of the fatigue,joint and muscle pain. I was not

yet diagnosed with Hep C. I didn't know what to do. My social worker told me to

sign up. After going through this process and seeing several of the Disability

Doc's, and being denied twice, I was diagnosed with H.C.V.

That is what turned my case around! In 2007 I went to my final hearing.It's like

court. I was scared to death! I was as broke as a person could be. I went there

with my head held high, and a legal service worker that was not the best. I told

the truth and looked the judge in his eye's. I had admitted to my Doc's that I

use Marijuana in the stead of Anti's. Of course the judge already knew all of

this. Also before this hearing I had endured 42 wk's of TX. In the end the

judge's decision was in my favor! In his words, even if I were to quit the

marijuana use and do the Doc's chemicals, I would still have a chronic disease.

He could not deny disability. Oh, by the way, the TX did not work for me and the

sides were unbearable.

Kathy Knight <katknight75@...> wrote: I did

not know I had Hep C until around 1990, when I donated blood and they sent a

letter that they would not accept it. They said I had this virus and to see a

doctor and he handed me a small brochure and said nothing else, no big deal. He

did not tell me it was serious and acted like it was nothing. So I went on with

life but year by year started getting sicker. I went to many doctor's who said I

was fine and because I told them I would cry because of my pain, they wanted to

put me on Prosac. I got so angry because they thought I was depressed and

thought it was all in my head. My pain was so bad I would cry if I had to turn

over in bed, it was getting so bad and no one would listen. It was not until 8

years ago when I changed doctor's that I finally got help.The new doctor sent me

to a specialist, a Rhemutologist. I finally got some prescription medication for

the first time to help with the pain. He

explained about how having Hep C was causing me

to have all the other issues. Just after I saw him for my joints and muscles,

he sent me to a Gastrologist for my liver and stomach problems. That was when I

got my first viral load checked and he called saying my viral load was way over

a million and told me start treatment. That was the rough one that I was on for

over 8 months and did not think I would survive. I had the viral load checked 3

months after going off of it and it was already over 800,000, it came back with

a vengance. When it got over 3 million I knew I had to go on treatment again and

this time I made the whole year. It took almost eight months before the virus

was undetectable but since I made it a year I thought I would be good. After

being off treatment for two years, it is not gone completely, it's about 10,000.

I have never heard of cyro before, so I will have to look into that. You sound

like me where you get good at hiding how you feel but the pain is always there.

I am

taking up to six pills of Ultram a day, two Relafen, Hydrocodone, Synthroid,

Nexium, Provigial and Huimara injections. I never thought of filing for

disability until this last year. If you have more info on that I would

appreciate it. I have heard it is hard to get approval and should have a lawyer.

Thanks.

From: hdhepper1 <grisley4mchsi (DOT) <mailto:grisley4% 40mchsi.com> com>

Subject: Re:New to Group

Hepatitis Csupportgr <mailto:Hepatitis Cs upportgroup% 40groups. com>

oupgroups (DOT) com

Date: Saturday, July 12, 2008, 4:00 AM

This is rather 'wordy' but I think it applies here.

http://nationalhepa titis-c.org/ living.htm

>

> From: shepard richard <yenko_stinger65@ ...>

> Subject: Re:New to Group

> Hepatitis Csupportgr oupgroups (DOT) com

> Date: Friday, July 11, 2008, 5:02 PM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> You not alone. I work through treatment and all , then last year

it got so bad had to cut back on my hours from 8 till 6 a day.

Company was fine with that then in December got my call and had a

transplant. Company had gone through a buy out with new owners . So

only took a little over a month off after the operation and have

been working half days (against doc's orders),but doing a full days

work since . On Monday went it and was told no longer needed after

20 day short of 19 years.

> Luckily My side business picked up this week also, not enough to

pay bills but will get by. As severance they did say they would pay

for my cobra insurance for 18 months time will tell.

>

> rich

> www.rslaserkits. com

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Getting put on disability can be a very long process. I applied in 2005 because

I just could not work,because of the fatigue,joint and muscle pain. I was not

yet diagnosed with Hep C. I didn't know what to do. My social worker told me to

sign up. After going through this process and seeing several of the Disability

Doc's, and being denied twice, I was diagnosed with H.C.V.

That is what turned my case around! In 2007 I went to my final hearing.It's like

court. I was scared to death! I was as broke as a person could be. I went there

with my head held high, and a legal service worker that was not the best. I told

the truth and looked the judge in his eye's. I had admitted to my Doc's that I

use Marijuana in the stead of Anti's. Of course the judge already knew all of

this. Also before this hearing I had endured 42 wk's of TX. In the end the

judge's decision was in my favor! In his words, even if I were to quit the

marijuana use and do the Doc's chemicals, I would still have a chronic disease.

He could not deny disability. Oh, by the way, the TX did not work for me and the

sides were unbearable.

Kathy Knight <katknight75@...> wrote: I did

not know I had Hep C until around 1990, when I donated blood and they sent a

letter that they would not accept it. They said I had this virus and to see a

doctor and he handed me a small brochure and said nothing else, no big deal. He

did not tell me it was serious and acted like it was nothing. So I went on with

life but year by year started getting sicker. I went to many doctor's who said I

was fine and because I told them I would cry because of my pain, they wanted to

put me on Prosac. I got so angry because they thought I was depressed and

thought it was all in my head. My pain was so bad I would cry if I had to turn

over in bed, it was getting so bad and no one would listen. It was not until 8

years ago when I changed doctor's that I finally got help.The new doctor sent me

to a specialist, a Rhemutologist. I finally got some prescription medication for

the first time to help with the pain. He

explained about how having Hep C was causing me

to have all the other issues. Just after I saw him for my joints and muscles,

he sent me to a Gastrologist for my liver and stomach problems. That was when I

got my first viral load checked and he called saying my viral load was way over

a million and told me start treatment. That was the rough one that I was on for

over 8 months and did not think I would survive. I had the viral load checked 3

months after going off of it and it was already over 800,000, it came back with

a vengance. When it got over 3 million I knew I had to go on treatment again and

this time I made the whole year. It took almost eight months before the virus

was undetectable but since I made it a year I thought I would be good. After

being off treatment for two years, it is not gone completely, it's about 10,000.

I have never heard of cyro before, so I will have to look into that. You sound

like me where you get good at hiding how you feel but the pain is always there.

I am

taking up to six pills of Ultram a day, two Relafen, Hydrocodone, Synthroid,

Nexium, Provigial and Huimara injections. I never thought of filing for

disability until this last year. If you have more info on that I would

appreciate it. I have heard it is hard to get approval and should have a lawyer.

Thanks.

From: hdhepper1 <grisley4mchsi (DOT) <mailto:grisley4% 40mchsi.com> com>

Subject: Re:New to Group

Hepatitis Csupportgr <mailto:Hepatitis Cs upportgroup% 40groups. com>

oupgroups (DOT) com

Date: Saturday, July 12, 2008, 4:00 AM

This is rather 'wordy' but I think it applies here.

http://nationalhepa titis-c.org/ living.htm

>

> From: shepard richard <yenko_stinger65@ ...>

> Subject: Re:New to Group

> Hepatitis Csupportgr oupgroups (DOT) com

> Date: Friday, July 11, 2008, 5:02 PM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> You not alone. I work through treatment and all , then last year

it got so bad had to cut back on my hours from 8 till 6 a day.

Company was fine with that then in December got my call and had a

transplant. Company had gone through a buy out with new owners . So

only took a little over a month off after the operation and have

been working half days (against doc's orders),but doing a full days

work since . On Monday went it and was told no longer needed after

20 day short of 19 years.

> Luckily My side business picked up this week also, not enough to

pay bills but will get by. As severance they did say they would pay

for my cobra insurance for 18 months time will tell.

>

> rich

> www.rslaserkits. com

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>