Epogen

I am a nurse coordinator in a Hep C clinic and have run into a wall.
Do you have any routes for your indigent pt's to receive epogen?
Both Procrit and Epogen programs reguire certain diagnosis, eg.renal failure, ca, for the pt to get assistance. There doesn't seem to be any program for a diagnosis of anemia secondary to treatment for Hep C. I hope I've just missed something obvious. We also are not a VA facility so there is no option there.

any ideas?

Chris

[GI.PA]

I have absolutely hit a wall with this issue because there is no "FDA indication" for these meds in this setting so they wont let us use the patient assistant programs.

Erin PA-C
Gastro Associates of North Texas

[Tallblonde]

I thought this might be a good thread to sneak in a quick announcement that I'm pregnant.  As a reminder, I'm a 44-year-old married woman who is childless after five miscarriages (4 natural conceptions, one using "technology").  I was diagnosed with HCV in September 2003 after a routine exam for life insurance.  Luckily, I have a pretty mild case as this point: low viral load and no significant fibrosis.  I thought my baby plans were over, but my GI's (I have two) and my family doctor all said "go for it."

Well, we did.  I had a frozen embryo transfer 10 days ago, and it apparently "took."  I still have many hurdles to overcome before I can rest easy and believe this is a viable pregnancy, so I'm trying to not get my hopes up too high.  I dread another crushing disappointment.  But, as they say: "what will be will be."  It's totally out of my hands.  

I want to thank those of you who have kept me in their thoughts and prayers.  I really appreciate it!

Susan

[Fubarcat]

Congrats!  Since you have all your doctors' blessings and the green light, I think this is wonderful news.  Take very good care of yourself and I'll say a prayer for you and the baby!

[yucatanchic]

SUSAN, That is the greatest news! I am so incrediably happy for you. I am very proud of your persistence. What a very lucky baby!

[mikesimon]

What wonderful news!!!!!!!! Congratulations and all that good stuff. Mike

[DonL]

Congratulations!!! This is fantastic news and I am really happy for you. Just promise not to name the baby after this forum...

[slarso]

great news, good for you!

[Foreign girl]

These are the best news! Congratulations!
Kids are definitely the most exciting thing that ever happened to me!

Foreign girl.

[hepcgetlost]

Fabulous news. Wanted you to know that you have been in my thoughts and prayers (I read many of your previous posts)

After I contracted HCV from a blood transfusion in 1969 ( and didn't know I had it), I had 3 miscarriages followed by the birth of my son in 1971. I nursed him for six months. When I found out about the hep c in 1993, the first thing I did was have him tested...he was negative. As were his father and my second husband. I hope that gives you encouragement. Congratulations again and keep us all posted.

Judi

[nurse12hr]

Congrats!

Come on over to the Maternal Child forum and play with us over there.  Great group of ladies, some TTC, some preg, some with other questions and concerns.

Anyway, wonderful news!

[doll face]

I am so excited for you. Relax enjoy and don't worry about the hep till much later. Good luck.

[honey1616]

That is really weird as I was just thinking about you earlier and then got on and Yeah!!  I know you are thrilled and take so very good care of yourself right now!! Next...we will be having a baby naming party! haha

[audreywald]

I am so happy for you.  BTW, my cousin had her first at 46.

[DownThisRoad]

Congratulations to you and your husband.  Just take each day as it comes along and take good care of yourself.  This is beautiful news!!

[katch20]

I am so happy for you.  I for one will keep on keeping you in my prayers... and I will tell my aunt to keep you in the circle as well.  I wish you the very, very best for the next 38 or so weeks.  And then a lifetime of love with that kid.  We've all got our fingers and toes crossed for you.  I have been thinking of you and hoped to find your post by tomorrow.  Congrats!

[GwithHepC]

CONGRATULATIONS.....thats Great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

G

[jg2001]

Wonderful news!  I know the feeling of thinking a child will never be!  I was run over by a car when I was 18 and told "no kids".  Well, MY 12 YEAR SON is as tall as I am and I'm 5'10"! You will certainly continue to be in my prayers!

Jamie

[cindee]

Oh my GOSH!!!!!!!! Congratulations!!!!!!!!! I have been reading your post, and I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HAPPY for you! I wnt to wish you the best, and you and baby will be in my prayers. Oh I can't tell ya how glad I am for you!!!! Much Love, Cindee

[Tallblonde]

Wow! I am completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of good wishes from all of you!  You guys amaze me.  Thank you for being so generous in spirit -- especially when many of you are going through such a difficult time with treatment. My day for facing all of that will eventually come, I suppose.  So perhaps it's even more important to cherish the happiness I feel today.

My prayers are with all of you, too.  

Susan

[Eyedeas]

Congrats lady!  Nothing like a new life to brighten up most days.

Kim

Everytime a hepper clears, an angel smiles!

[simpleman]

I was 40 when we had our first of 3. It was the best thing that ever happened to me. Congratulations.

[berlynn]

Congratulations, I am so happy for you...I also have been watching your posts for some time and am very happy to hear your good news.....just to let you know.....I have 3 healthy children... Hep C Free.....and I apparently had the Hep through all of these pregnancies and subsequebnt nursings. So

[berlynn]

Congratulations, I am so happy for you...I also have been watching your posts for some time and am very happy to hear your good news.....just to let you know.....I have 3 healthy children... Hep C Free.....and I apparently had the Hep through all of these pregnancies and subsequebnt nursings. So

[berlynn]

Congratulations, I am so happy for you...I also have been watching your posts for some time and am very happy to hear your good news.....just to let you know.....I have 3 healthy children... Hep C Free.....and I apparently had the Hep through all of these pregnancies and subsequebnt nursings. So WAY TO GO AND GOOD LUCK!!!! My prayers are with you, berlynn

[CARUU]

That's wonderful news.  Congratulations!

[cuteus]

Hey! breastfed 2 & 1/2 yrs the first one AND over 4 and 1/2 the last one.   None is positive for hcv. This country is not breastfeeding friendly, both culturally and socially: It didn't stop ME! pop it out everywhere.

ive

[MajNeni]

I wish you a happy pregnancy and a healthy outcome for both of you.  Oh, and Dad, too.  MN

[berlynn]

Whoops!!!!!! Sorry....all thumbs this morning :)...berlynn

[DebbieDo]

Word travel to me via email........what a true blessing for you......best wishes and good health in the months to come.......please keep us posted........  :)
                   Deb