Hep C Geno 2 was Given Sovaldi and Ribavirin

[Leagh88]

Hi all. New to the forum. I have carried Hep c for, I am sure, Many years. No doctors interested in testing. No symptoms other than highish ast alt. So I persevered. I kept all records since 1988 of blood tests. Viral load down from 57k 2 years ago to 9700 today. Today my (had to prod my Dr) blood results back for genotype. It is 2. My good friend could not handle his prescriptions, and needs a transplant. He gave me a 8 week supply of Ribavirin, and a 4 week supply of Sovaldi, and a 4 week supply of Olysio.
I earn $22k a year. My insurance, I am sure will say "see ya! " I would sure welcome any advice or ideas from anyone here. I could probably charge $20k of Sovaldi on my credit card. Never had much money. Is there any help out there for low wage earners? Leagh

[patra_]

Smart move, and very good that you were proactive!  : -)

Keep us informed as you go in your treatment life.  We are here to help with questions and to cheer you on, and comfort you when you feel down.  That happens to most of us sometime during tx - doesn't mean the tx isn't working, just a result of the strong meds.

Hang in there, and let us know what your new Dr says and how you like him/ her.

Blessings,

Pat

[Leagh88]

Thank you so much for this information. I have started a journal, and have a new doctor that I am seeing on Tuesday. A younger, perhaps more in touch person. I have made a list of local gastroenterologists who are accepting new patients. As I said I have kept results of my requested blood work since 1988, when I first saw the elevated ast alt levels. I will get more testing lined up, and then I will move ahead towards treatment. This HCV has always been hanging out there in the background. I would love to live life w/o it. I will update. I really appreciate the help all.  Leagh

[patra_]

GILEAD SUPPORT PATH INFO
Credit to flyinlynn for the info.
here is the link for support path just in case you need it or call 1-855-7-MYPATH (1-855-7697284) to register over the phone.

http://www.mysupportpath.com/

they have their intake form:
http://www.mysupportpath.com/~/media/Files/mysupportpath_com/Support_Path_Intake_Form.pdf

(Any errors in the above, however, are mine, not Lynn's).

My understanding is if your household income is below $100,000.00 / year and you otherwise qualify you should be good to go.

Good luck and, yes, definitely 'your soon to be former GP'.  Hard to believe in this day and age, every doctor on the planet is not totally aware that hepc definitely needs to be treated - not just for it's own sake, and for your quality of life, but because of other conditions that can develop.

Blessings,

Pat

[Leagh88]

Thank you so much for your posts. I am in the process now of finding a physician who can help direct me to the proper path. My current(soon to be former) GP told me not to worry about it. I would probably die of something else first. It is the "probably" part I am suspect of. Leagh

[HopeInPA]

hi  Leagh! as Kim said, the meds you have may not be enough. In your place, I would go through the motions, whatever is required, and if your insurance denies you, you can apply directly to Gilead (look up the patient assistance program), and they will likely give you the meds at no charge, or at a huge discount.  

[Livelife777]

Hi and welcome.  Geno 2 is the easiest genotype to cure, in fact I'm also geno 2 and quickly cured within 12 weeks.  You can get assistance thru other avenues should your individual carrier turn you down.  What would be a mistake would be to take the current meds you have been given, as you need to be monitored by a Dr thru the treatment process.  The drugs that you currently have would be inadequate to eradicate the virus, and also dangerous to attempt on your own.  My viral load was also 57 when first diagnosed and 352 once I started treatment.  The sentiment goes that the lower the viral load the quicker the cure.  Some may debate that theory but this is what was told to me at Mayo Clinic by my Hepatologist.  With that in mind it's wise to get started and finally be free of this ****** virus.
We will be happy to help you thru your journey.
....Kim