Anyone seeking triple tx in Toledo Ohio?

I'm seeing Dr. Basista in Toledo and haven't had any communications with him since they "threw" the drugs at me and basically said - Have At It!  You're on your own!  Just wanted to see if anyone else is seeing him and if they are getting the same negative results from his office?

[hrsepwrguy]

I see that you are taking incivek, I have no idea what your situation is with your doctor but if you are needing assistance or having questions about the incivek you can call 855-546-2483 it is vertex nurse 24/7 hotline

[pooh55811]

It seems to me that your doctor should be closely monitoring you while you are on these medications. There are potential severe side effects and the doctor or case manager should be monitoring you for the severity of side effects.

I am seen every week by my case manager (Registered Nurse) to see how I am doing and how the side effects are. I have a complete blood count every week. I have a metabolic panel about every two weeks. In addition, my thyroid and some other values are checked as needed.

If you are not satisfied with this doctor's care, I would suggest trying to find a different specialist (GI or hepatologist) to care for you during the rest of your treatment.

[JasmineT]

Wow, I show up every 4 weeks for blood work and a check up and call if there is an issue during off weeks.  I would be missing a lot more work if I went weekly so not complaining.  

[ceanothus]

This sounds like awful medical care. You didn't actually say when this occurred or whether you have started the medications or not. Your doctor should have arranged a teaching session for you to learn how to inject and how to take the pills correctly, and they should be following up frequently with blood tests at least every two weeks to watch for adverse side effects. However, if you've already started the medications, do NOT stop them at this point on your own as that can cause a lot of problems too. You should look for a doctor who will take better care of you. It sounds like you will have a heavy load to try to figure all this out on your own, but do use the Vertex hotline - hopefully they will give you some help.

[hrsepwrguy]

Laboratory Tests
HCV-RNA levels should be monitored at weeks 4 and 12 and as clinically indicated. Use of a sensitive real-time RT-PCR assay for monitoring HCV-RNA
levels during treatment is recommended. The assay should have a lower limit of HCV-RNA quantification equal to or less than 25 IU/mL and a limit of
HCV-RNA detection of approximately 10-15 IU/mL. For the purpose of assessing response-guided therapy eligibility, an “undetectable” HCV-RNA result
is required; a confirmed “detectable but below limit of quantification” HCV-RNA result should not be considered equivalent to an “undetectable” HCVRNA
result.
Hematology evaluations (including white cell differential count) are recommended at weeks 2, 4, 8 and 12 or as clinically appropriate thereafter.
Chemistry evaluations (electrolytes, serum creatinine, uric acid, hepatic enzymes, bilirubin, and TSH) are recommended as frequently as the hematology
evaluations or as clinically indicated

That is vertex guidelines for testing some docs may want to monitor more frequently, some may stick to protocol.

[Bill200]

You should look at it as glass half-full.  If they aren't calling you based on your labs, it's a good thing brother (or sister)!

[kbfilly714]

I would find a new doctor

[Advocate1955]

My husband had labwork at Week 1 and Week 2 to check WBC and RBC.  Then he had labwork at Week 4 to check all counts and VL and an appointment with his NP to check on progress and advise on side effects.  His NP has responded each time we have called with a question regarding a side effect (rash, anal pain/bleeding, shortness of breath), called in any prescriptions to manage side effects on the same day of phone call, and called him in for extra lab work at Week 6 because we reported shortness of breath.  She called back same day to let us know that the RBC was fine that day and to continue the course.
He is being treated (third treatment) at the University of Washington.
Advocate1955

[brianmo]

Find a doctor you like. You live in a populated area, there should be someone. I know Cleveland has lots of docs, and yes, it's a drive, I drive three hours to get to Seattle to see my doctor once a month. We do blood work in my home town once a week then they fax to her. If there are any concerns, she calls me.  Good luck....mo

[belle19]

i would find a new doctor that you like.  i am monitored very closely as these are very potent drugs.  good luck.  belle