Lakeland or FL Doctors

[seabean]

I'm a newbie to this site.  I was treated for HCV for 44 weeks when at which time it almost killed me, so was stopped 4 weeks early.  Last tests showed undetectable.....however, it has been one year and the side effects continue.  I feel like a walking zombie!!  Extreme fatigue & weakness, no stamina, pain in joints & muscles, dizziness, balance issues, short term memory loss, brain fog, extreme perspiration, leg swelling, tingling in feet, and of course depression (who wouldn't have depression with all this going on).  The list goes on.  

Anyway, I noticed that a few of you were from Lakeland.  I'm in Winter Haven.  Have not had any luck at all with doctors, even went to Mayo in Jacksonville.  Would you let me know of any good physicians - also need psychiatrist.

I was a fairly healthy human before treatment and just want to get back to a somewhat normal life where I can function.  Any suggestions will be most appreciated.  Thanks!!!

[susan400]

I echo SJL,  Dr. J. in Lakeland is the one I recommend.  I have Geno 1A/1B  as well.  I'm a chronic non-responder and I'm up to bridging fibrosis stage.  I check back with Mayo's in April.

Susan

[seabean]

Thanks ya'll!  I'm going to call Dr. Johnson's office tomorrow for an appointment; he's even on my insurance network:)  It is so comforting to know that when I see him he will understand about my d.. side effects.  My treating dr always told me
"I never heard that one", I felt like the only problem child on the planet.  Thanks again!

[frecklesmom]

im new to this site i live in fla, hcv probably had it for 25 or
35 yrs couldnt do treatment because bloodcounts too low there is a doc yawer nensey in plant city good doc for hcv close to lakeland he is also known to hcv docs at usf and will put you in touch with tampa lifelink if you need transplant good luck! i go to hematologists in brandon not real sure i want to reccomend them though

[psychdoc]

Hey everyone. I am in Tampa and treated with Dr. Michael Dunn on McDill Ave [phone]. He is an infectious disease doctor and was great with the rescue drugs. In each office is a pad and pen and while you wait you write down whatever drugs you think you need to survive or need refills on. My gastroenterologist was totally negative and uninformed about tx. He said nobody gets SVR. I was 3 years undetetable as of
November. I was 1a/1b, viral load relatively low, female and fifty something but who can count anymore. I was undetectable at 1 month and have remained so. I had every side effect that was listed and a few that weren't listed on the pegasys info sheet but were added later. I have good days and bad days but have noticed a bit more energy in the last few months. I have neuropathy, pain in joints and muscles especially the head and neck, high cholesteral, hypertension, high blood sugar, fatigue (I have to nap most days)sensitivity to sun, skin problems and the list goes on. I don't want to be negative and many days I am not but I have had to learn to live with continuing medical problems. Was it worth it? Some days yes and some days no.
Good luck to all
Barb

[FlGuy]

Although Susan400 and I have had some challenges with the bureacracy there, there is a hepatology clinic at Shands in Gainseville. A doc there, Nelson (forget his front name) is pretty well regarded.  They are also involved in clinical trials there. I ended up in Miami.  There are a lot of us in FL who get do-overs.

[SJL]

I am in New Smyrna Beach but I go to Dr. Johnson in Lakeland, so does Susan400.He and his office staff are wonderful and I would recommend him to anyone! I have relapsed twice, and went on  maintainence, ending in Aug., 06. I have all the same problems that you do. The Neuropathy of my feet & legs is the worse, as they go totally numb, causing many falls. It has been documented by several Doctors that it is directly related to the toxic meds. I don't know how long it's going to take to get these out of our systems? I treated for 100 weeks total of Peg-Intron and daily Infergen injections. I then went on Pegasys maintainence for 3 mths. So, I have tried everything, and I am finished with therapies until something non-invasive is introduced. The therapy has totally torn my life upside down. I don't mean to be so negative but that's the truth. If I can be of any help with suggestions of any aids needed,or that I have tried, please let me know. Hopefully before long something will be come available for all of us! I wish you well.
Sandy