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53833 tn?1234996629

Doctor Inexperience

Wanted to share this funny/irritating story about my dr who treated me for 6 months. Doctor returned my call yesterday (while I was at work) about my Heptimax and SGOT results. He said he had the SGOT results & asked me what the other test was. I told him Heptimax and I swear I had to repeat myself 3 times because he didn't know what I was talking about. When I first requested the Heptimax test 6 months ago he had never even heard of it so I faxed him some info from Quest's web-page and then he wrote my script. Being at work and not wanting to blurt out exactly what it was, I had to say HEP C under my breath. It just blew me away that this guy still didn't know what the Hepitmax test was, even though he should have had the previous test results in my chart and he sounded totally clueless as to what this test could possibly be for, even though HEP C was the only thing he ever treated me for.

I guess my point in posting this is to tell everyone that some dr's do not know all and if you can help educate them from information you gather from other sources, the better it is for you. My doc is a GI and I would have hoped he would stay current with research, meds and tests. My whole tx I had to monitor my blood counts and request Neupogen to stay on tx when by WBC got too low. And not once did I ever hesitate to keep calling for my test results if they didn't call me first. I figured this is my life and if they get pissed off at me for calling so much - so be it!

Test results weren't in anyways so the wait is still ongoing...

Feel Good --- Laurie
25 Responses
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Avatar universal
Notice how when you try to give him some insight---
one of the alter-egos comes out
I rest my case LOL

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Avatar universal
<a href="http://www.hcop.org/hcvinfo/category/index.cfm?categoryid=45>Longitudinal Study of Newly Aquired Hepatitis C</a>

thanbey
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Avatar universal
Here is the article you requested on spontanous remission:

<a href="http://www.hcop.org/hcvinfo/category/index.cfm?categoryid=45>Longitudinal Study of Newly Aquired Hepatitis C</a>

We are always looking for ways to increase awareness of hepatitis C and the need for testing. Thank you for asking.

thanbey

<a href="http://www.hcop.org>Hepatitis C Outreach Project</a>
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Avatar universal
Thank you for posting that link. I hope people take your advice and read through the discussion.

Excellent choice!

thanbey
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Avatar universal
If someone is banned from this forum, can they simply re-register with another ID? Why have multiple aliases?

Scott, you remind me of a bull I once had. Very protective of the herd. Just don't wave a red flag at him or he came unglued.

I have a suggestion. Henceforth, when someone disagrees with a post, simply state why and request cooroborative information such as links to studies. I appreciate posts from most people including Scott (when he's not bashing Thanbey) , Thanbey, Indianna and others who attempt to provide info. What happenned to Magnum?

BTW, what happened to my bull, you ask? During deer season a hunter came across my land , wearing (you guessed it), a red jacket. He tried everything to placate the bull; all to no avail. The bull was dispatched to that Big Pasture in the sky ...


  ... good luck to all,
      From deep in East Texas, I am still Crybabytoo ...
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Avatar universal
You are pushing a few names in there that do not belong.  I know.  Let's be careful . I am kind of paranoid too at all these  aliases, but scott ALWAYS lets you know who he is.  can't say that for the others.  
Heck, I think a couple of Ts here are the same person... but I'm most likely wrong.


Scott: I know you feel like the T poison is eating us away, but I would like to not hear her mention when not needed, it keeps my stomach settled.  Just like I don't want to hear about the toxic meds everytime, either.
Hope you are well with your soulmate and kids.
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Avatar universal
ps- pull out the old websters and look up the word FRAUD
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Avatar universal
ps- do that thing where you post as return... or scott.... or tnhepguy.... or beathepc... or poor woman....
(it looks like others agree with you when you post under other names) LOL
thanks for the comedy relief
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Avatar universal
No, you've turned what used to be a supportive board (for all types of people)into a narrow place-- littered with comments about _______ on every thread.

If one were to take your advice (about not reading your comments)-- I guess they'd have to skip this entire board. LOL

You yap even when you have nothing supportive to say (every thread)
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Avatar universal
After lurking for weeks (flaming on this site is such a big turnoff), this is a topic I can't keep silent on. Here's a couple of my doozies.  When I asked my doc for the 2 sets of bloodwork done since beginning tx (Pegasys/Rib week 15/48) he was obviously annoyed and condescending.  When I looked at reports I found the first gave my name but described me as a 60 year-old female.  I am male, 55. And the SS# was not mine.  Since the second report appeared correct, I'm just ignoring the first one, as some of the results were senseless.

2 years ago I had prostate cancer.  The urologist who performed the biopsy grimly told me I had cancer in both prostate lobes, and reported to my GP that cancer had progressed too far for me to be a good candidate for surgery.  I got a copy of the bx report which clearly stated there was cancer in the right lobe only.  I had surgery and my PSA remains undetectable after 20 months.  Same urologist sent me for an MRI with a referral that gave reason as "bladder tumor".  He said the PA made a mistake, the PA said he had nothing to do with it.  Guess who I believed.

Friends in Italy tell me that there, all lab reports etc go directly to the patient, who is responsible for keeping them, and you bring your own file to the doctor.  Sounds good to me.
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Avatar universal
Thank you guys so much for that information!  Very reassuring!  I tested negative on a qualitative and a quantatative, those were the ones that the specialist ordered, I just know that is what they said, I'm not sure of the exact test.  Then, I tested negative on the Heptimax.  I don't know if that means PCR or not.  And, to answer that other question, I don't think I have my iron or ferretin levels, they might be included in the blood tests that the specialist gave me, and I should be getting those next week (copies from over a year ago).  Yea, I thought the Heptimax page said something like that, it was like, there was not sufficient RNA to do a quan, and that there was none detected or something like that.  I know I probably should do another qual, but it makes me very nervous, since a mistaken (we think) blood test is what put me in this nightmare in the first place.  Anyway, you have been so much help, thanks so much!!  Val
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Avatar universal
There was an anticel in the news a few weeks ago, I think it is here,

http://washingtontimes.com/metro/20040319-111131-3362r.htm

about a lab at a hospital messing up several thousand  HIV and HCV tests and sending out wrong results. Labs do make errors. Sorry, you will have to copy and paste it.
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Avatar universal
what is your iron and ferritin levels? have the docs checked them?
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Avatar universal
Funny you would bring up this subject today, the headlines on the front page, below the fold, in the newspaper today is: "Skyrocketing Malpractice Cost: Who's To Blame?" Who in the h*ll do they think is to blame? The nit wit doctors who keep screwing up and are protected by the "good-ol-boys" that run the hospitals and country clubs.
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Avatar universal
Thanks so much for all the information as usual, I looked at that article, it's unreal.  The thing is, even my doctors just act so casual about everything, like they don't even realize or try to realize what you might be going through.  If this first test for me was, in fact, a false positive, then it's just unbelievable what it did to my life.  The thing is, the same day that I got the call from the doctors office saying that I had tested positive for HepC, my Dad started to get swelling on his legs and started a health crisis of his own.  After that day, things were like a nightmare for us.  He was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, and passed away in October of 2002.  But, I could have gone and visited him before he passed away, and I might very well have, but the main reason I didn't was because number one, we didn't know he was that sick yet, but also I considered going out, but wasn't sure of my HepC status yet, and was nervous about going on an airplane without my HepA and B shots and was just too nervous and a wreck at the time to do it.  So, it's amazing how these things can affect your life.  Anyway, thanks for the info also on the Heptimax, I hope that it does to a qual and a quan, that makes me feel a little better!  Thanks again, you guys are all so great!  Love, Val
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Avatar universal
lol thanks for the 'supportive' response (I was counting on that, you didnt let me down)
there is cancer on this board (more now than the 3 years I've been coming here)
I think your agenda is to get this board shutdown
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Avatar universal
Just a quick comment as to your questions regarding which test is more sensitive, and which type of test is the Heptimax.

As others have noted above, the Qualitative test is MORE sensitive than the Quantitative.  Now the differences today are not that great ... when the quantitative was first introduced, it only tested down to about 500 or 600 I think ... which is not very sensitive at all.

However, now the tests are much improved.  The Quantitative as order by my doctor (ordered from Lab Corp) tested down to 10 IU.  I was 'undetectable' at 8 weeks, but all that really means is less than 10 (of course, ZERO is less than 10!).  I go in for twelve week tests on Monday, and I intend to insist on the doctor ordering a Qualitative this time .... Lab Corp has a test called "UltraQual" that tests down to 2 IU.

As for the Heptimax, do a search on Google or some search engine.  I did once, and as I remember reading the information I found about Heptimax, that it is actually a COMBINATION Qual and a Quan test.  As I remember it, it first does a Qualitative to see IF there is any HCV virus (as I remember, it has a sensitivity of 5 IU), and if the Qualitative returns a 'positive' result, then the test kicks into Quantitative mode to measure how much of the virus is there.

So, IF you tested negative on a normal PCR, negative on a Qualitative, and negative on a Heptimax, then I would definately think that you need not be concerned, you are negative.  If you are still worried, get another Qualitative and if it says negative .... then forget it!
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Avatar universal
Thanks!  I guess that's the thing I don't know, I know that the specialist took a qualitative, and a quantitative, that were both negative, and then I had a quantitative at another doc's office that was negative, and then the negative Heptimax.  I know the Heptimax is very sensitive, but I don't know if it's a qual or a quan.  So, I just hope these neg's mean that I am truly negative because I also have a problem with fatty infiltration of the liver (seen on sonogram) and that combined with HepC could be bad, I think.  He seemed to say at the end of the Heptimax coming in negative, that I was HepC negative, and that the elevated enzymes were due to fatty liver.  He didn't go that far the other day on the phone, acting like he had to look back at my records to make sure, but he did say that fatty liver can also have serious consequences.  
   I know there is some anger towards thanbey, and I'm not sure why, but the reason I was nervous about that is because she seems to make me feel better, like saying that I'm probably negative with those test results, and I hope she is right.  I do think sometimes you get better attention and info from people on here than your own doctors, but I do also know that I verify everything with the doctors.  That's why I'm trying to consult my specialist with all of this info.  I think the frustrating thing is that I went about a year thinking I was ok, only to have this start again and have some doubts.  
     Anyway, thanks again for the information, and I hope you have a good Easter Egg hunt!!  I just got back from Wal-Mart, and I'm lucky to be alive!  The place was a mess, all of us last minute shoppers!  Thanks again!  Val
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Avatar universal
Keep on pushin for the answers Val. The qualitative Pcr is much more accurate than the quantitative. Since the qualitative is simply testing for the presence of the virus it is just a yes or no answer. Get that baby back negative a few times and you can sure feel pretty safe about things.
Happy Easter to you and yours. I have the Egg Hunt all ready to go. Hopefully the weather will cooperate. I'm still findin eggs from the Hunt I set up while on tx. I forgot to make a map and then forgot where they were all hidden. I will not make THAT mistake again.
Take Care.............
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Avatar universal
Hi all, this sounds just like what I've been going through!!  It's amazing how long it has taken me to get this matter settled, and it still isn't.  I don't know if you read my other posts explaining my situation, it's almost comical now.  I can't even explain it, really, it's too unbelievable.  But, still not knowing what my status is, is very frustrating.  Yes, as one of you did say in a post back to me, I did go home happy after that next test of his FINALLY came in negative, and then the negative Heptimax, but it seems like this doctor changes his mind each time I see him.  After his first rounds of test came back negative, he said that he didn't that I had HepC, and then, before I drew more blood for the Heptimax, I went back to him, just to clear up some questions, and he said, well, the first test, the HCV RNA by PCR test is a pretty good test, and it's probably 95% chance that it was right (it was positive).  Well, what about the second set that he took that came out negative?  He said to me, it's hard to know which one to believe.  Then, after the negative Heptimax, he wrote 'Neg for HepC' on my sheet, and had his nurse explain this to me, and left for another practice.  I only went back this last week to try to clear my name, and the new doctor acted like my body had to have reacted to something to get that first positive, and I didn't have any idea what he was talking about.  So, here I am again, trying to get answers.  I am sending all my test results up to that specialist that I saw the first time this next week, and he's going to look them over, and call me.  I am sure he won't call me, I'll have to call him.  I bet he'll want to take more tests, and I'm not sure I trust anybody.  It seems to me, with all the doctors I've been to for my kids and I, that it's really hard to get a good GI, and I'm not sure why.  Maybe it has something to do with the requirements they need to become a GI or something.  Also, just kind of an unusual observation, in my town, most of the GI's are from a foreign country, much more than any other type of doctor.  There are alot of arab type names, and not that this is any big deal, I just think it's interesting, and you know, like why would that be?  Anyway, good luck to all of you, and thanks for letting me go on again.  I guess you can tell I am frustrated!  It's hard, one more thing, becuase when I really thought I didn't have it, I was comfortable once again to hug and kiss my daughter, share drinks, things like that.  And, now I'm nervous again to share things with here, and that feels awful.  But, you're right about finding out your own info, he acted like the PCR test is so accurate, and I know it is pretty much, but when I searced on sites on the web, I found out that it is prone to error because of how the test is done, and some labs don't do it right.  Well, thanks again, and all of you have a great Easter!  May the Easter Bunny leave many surprises in your backyard!!  Val (ha ha)
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Avatar universal
I don't know how others here feel, but I for one would love to be able to go a week without hearing a reference to ________.
at all.

sure wish it was possible here
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Avatar universal
My husband and I were both told by two different drs. that we test positive for Hep C antibodies, and believe it or not, that there was NO CURE and that we should "SLOW" down on the drinking and "we'll just monitor it". DUHHHHHHHH!!!! Course, at that point, what the hell do we know?? we just go along with the quacks.  Now we deal with specialist's in the Hep field and although they are more knowledgeable, we still go to all appointments fully armed and as educated as possible, much of which I have learned here. You have to be vigilant with those buggers, afterall, they only have a license to "practise" medicine. hahahahahaha
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Avatar universal
I couldn't have said it better myself.........we all have horror stories about the doctors and you MUST take charge of our own medical tx........trust everybody....but always cut the cards.
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Avatar universal
Of course these things can happen with any specialty, but since hcv is our more pressing health concern, finding an adequate GI is paramount.

I am on my third hepatologist, well, second, since the first was GI only.The first would not do anything; bx, genotype, vl, as long as liver function was normal.  I was elated that he told me to go home and be happy and not to worry....then my intellect kicked in and I knew I had to get the full picture of my hcv  status before deciding to be happy.  
Next was a hepatologist, that placed the book on the liver that she wrote in the waiting room, ok, not sure what to think of that...but she was very competent in her field, took the time to talk with you, left the decissions to you and call after hours to check on you. some conflict with scheduling occured and on to the present hepatolgist, from a major research hospital.
And THAT still doesn't make them authorities. They will only follow the 48 wk model, the PA acts as if she knows all the answers and I just bide my time for my scripts and keep a close eye on them.  I also keep copies of my tests.
Our health is ONlY in our hands.
Look until you find the right one for you, not only the one that says nice things...
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