Seeing specialist for the first time, what to expect?

[thepoet]

Hi all, I am finally getting to see the Hep C doctor today and a little shaken but glad to maybe get the help I need. I had a few questions to ask. First of all Im Hep C 1b and have had some hard times sense being sick. I have the crazy itches that wont let me sleep, a wife who doesnt understand or should I say doesnt seem to care about the mood swings, so its not been easy dealing with this on my own. I wanted to know if the Byops of the liver is painful and what should I expect and the meds if Im put on that, how will it make me feel, what questions should I ask the doctor? At one point my blood count was as high as 8 million, but it goes up and down. I feel in my heart that I can beat this monster, I have over come great odds before, to all that dealing with this keep in mind that we are always being tested. Keep a bright out look on life and if you have it dont waste time cause you feel ok today, try and get rid of it before it makes you know its in you. Also, should I ask about getting the vaciane for Hep a and b?

[Amerabrit]

Hi, I'm a 1b, also. My liver biopsy was totally painless. Told the DR. I had low tolerance for pain and to give me as much meds as was legal without killing me:).
My Dr. advised me to get vaccinated which I did (HA & HB)  from my experience here, sx vary from person to person. I am 8/48 PegIntron/Riba.  First night was rough, since then my sx are manageable. Good luck!
Does anyone have a link to posting or finding out info on good Drs;  I'd like to recommend mine.

[twotells]

The only thing painful about my biopsy was the long wait in the waiting room of the hospital prior to the procedure.  I was surprised at how little discomfort I felt during or after the biopsy.

I'm also 1b, and my viral load fluctuated prior to tx (>2M to 600,000 to 1.7M).  It was explained to me that this is normal.

The answers above are right on target, in my opinion.  Communication with my GI's office was poor and from what I've picked up here on the forum, I'm not alone.  My GI's practice was clear that they would use procrit for anemia before tx. But when I became anemic, they didn't pick it up even though they had the labs.  Fortunately, my hematologist picked it up and treated me with Procrit.  I would recommend obtaining your own copies of labs and do your best to understand the numbers.

In my judgement, the recommendations of satisfied patients outweigh the assertions of the practice staff when it comes to matters like responsiveness and communication.  No practice staff will say "were poor at communication."

I wish you the best,  Dave

[Ballermarc]

Hi, My biopsy was painless, almost, slight twinge when the needle went all the way in.I took very little meds, and the worst part was the anticipation. On this great site, you can get a listing of all the lab work, terms, norms, etc..I agree, try and get copies of your labs, I do, and look it all up and check. The better informed we are the better off we are. B.

[thepoet]

Ok I went we talked and now I go for blood work and then biop within a week. Thanks for everyone for responding and chevygal, yes thats me, the fighter. Well I almost died from the 2 stabbings. The first one in the neck, cutting the jugular, and I had 3 bypasses that night, my heart stopped and plus because of the amount of blood loss I was to get a shot to stop my body from rejecting all that new blood, which I never got. (lol) They called my brother and father and told them to make plans for funeral, that I wouldnt make it to the next day. Well I was up at 12 pm that day rasin hell cause I had a catheder and I wanted it out my winker. lol

then the stabbing to the liver in 96 was from a robbery gone bad, me fighting back wasnt in there plans, I was jumped by a new york gang for not giving up my money. Hey chevygal, heres another one, I was born with six hernias and operated on more than 10 times before my 4th birthday. So I have been a fighter all my life, I will not let this monster win, and if it does, it will know its been in a hell stopping fight. But truthfully, it cant win because it cannot have my soul.

[thepoet]

Here is a poem for all that is sick and needing some imsperation. Its called, "Monster"

Oh there, I see you, hiding in a liver or two. No gain or groth without holding a hostage or two. Your like a big boy now, all grown in my body, look at you throwing wild parties.

Your dancing and rasin hell, fighting with my red blood cells.
Your friends have left a mess, you too, are really putting my patents to test. But I think you have no manners or resect, to invite yourself in, then turn around and bring all your friends.

Well let me inform you, your really not welcome in my house, I have asked you to leave, quiet as a mouse. But I see you have no intentions of doing what is right, just remember who your messing with,  you picked the wrong person to start this fight.

So you just keep in mind what I said before, Hep C police will be kickin in the door. You and your friends will be caught and put in jail and I will watch as you and your friends go stright to hell.

How dare you come and invade, Im calling on my bouncer.
Now Im standing back and watching as he kicks your butt you monster.