UPDATE on lost my job after disclosing posible treatment

[SurfThaNet]

UPDATE: Lost my job after disclosure of treatment posting.

My laywer says that the company broke local and federal laws. I guess this is because HIPPA. We are looking into it and more to come. We will file with the court soon.

I just got approved for Unemployment after I had to prove that I am able and ready to work. (Hoop...Hoop...Hoop...) You know what I am tring to say.

Tomorrow; I am heading back to McGuire VA Hospital to have the first of many shots in my treatment program. I am sure that you all can remember back to that day for yourselfs. It has been a long road to get to this point. Almost 10 months. Any comfort, commits, or prayers on the above would greatly help.

GIG,

Red

(GIG=God Is Good)

[cuteus]

sounds ok now!  big difference! you will be fine, tx is no ride in the park, but it can be managed when you keep your eyes on the gold.
take care

[SurfThaNet]

Sorry I think I misinformed you. I am taking 3x200mg (1200mg)twice a day of Copegus and 1mL of Pegasys once a week.

So far sx not too bad. Is that normal or does ot get worse?

GIG,

Red

[cuteus]

it seems that you are getting underdosed? That is 600mg of riba?
the pegasys seems to be under normal dosing of 1.8. Are you ok with substandard doses? It reduces your chances for clearing the virus. The standard for geno 1 is 1.8pegasys and 1000mg of riba.

[SurfThaNet]

Hello family:

I started my first treatment at Mcguire/MCV on Dec. 1st. I learned what Leg of the IDEAL Study Program that I will be on. 1.0mL Pegasys (1/wk) and 200mg Copegus (3/3 day). So far treatment is not that bad mainly tired. My second shot will be Dec. 9th. I have been taking Ambien for years but not helping at all these days. Does anyone know of med(s) that work better than the Ambien?

Who else is going to McGuire VA in Richmond, Virginia. I'm seeing Dr. Shiffman for treatment. I have questions about the IDEAL program which I may post sepriate.

I have not heard back from my Lawyer yet but I'll keep you posted if you keep me in your prayers. ;-)


Keep the support and GOOD information coming!

GIG,

Red

PS: What are these pic posting of eyes? I have some....  

(GIG=God Is Good)

[GoofyDad]

Best of luck getting off and running to the folks starting this week. I truly think the build-up is the worst for most of us. Get Friday behind you and the milemarkers will start clicking by, one-by-one (or one-by-three for you Smiley!)

Strator and I started on the same Saturday, going on 11 weeks ago.  There was a gaggle of us that week, if I remember, but my slow brain won't tell me who they were. NY Girl was in that class.... who else?

OK! Roll Call! Who else is somewhere around shot 12?

[GoofyDad]

Thanks for the pepping up.

60-80% of 2's & 3's clear at 4 wks. It does improve odds markedly - so I'm surely grateful.

[Forseegood]

Also, forgot to say, please don't think youre a bad parent, you and your hubby are probably doing the best you can...teenagers are so complicated as we all know, he'll come around.

[Forseegood]

Hi just wanted to say I read your post and it really, really touched me. I used to ride myself and I pictured you out on the trails to get yourself some relief and respite from your circumstances. Horses, animals in general, are so great at grounding us "humans." Hope this can happen for you as often as possible. I'll say a little prayer for you...Anyway, just wanted to add that I was very much like your son at that age, I had more than a few problems, the only thing that saved me is that I was able to keep up my grades in school, I'd always been a competitive cuss in matters dealing with school. My parents put me in boarding school for the summers and it did help, I had to learn to be responsible for myself, and the counseling helped as well. Just my take, but I think he might feel a little helpless in the face of all this and he just doesn't have the coping skills to deal with it properly. I shudder to think what it might be like to be a teenager these days, but I guess it was always hard. Hopefully, he'll come around once he feels more secure about things.

I have a girlfriend that was having a hell of a time with her 16 year old boy, doing many of the same things, then he just up and turned himself around once he really saw what was happening in his life. This can happen you know! Be well and please let us know what is happening with you. Take care, peace to you!

[2irish]

thanks, angie!  i left you a message today, will talk to you tomarrow.  And, yes, Chicago is a balmy 25 degrees and falling!

[PasoPerson]

Thank you to each of you for your prayers and advice.  I appreciate so much your taking time out to give me info and strength.  

You're right, too, about prayer.  If not for that, I don't know any of us could make it through tx.

God bless, I will keep you posted.

Carolyn

[friole]

To all starting out this week -Surf, John, Asmile, and whomever else -- may your sides be light and your journey smooth.

To all those awaiting the results of that oh-so important 12-week PCR -Fish, Strator, Goof, Merrie, and others -- may your waiting be short and your anxiety light and your results clear.

friole

[ASmile4U]

Thank you.  So glad I've got a couple of shooting buddies.  :)

[PasoPerson]

Preface:  Female, age 60, Hep C 1a.  Diagnosed May 2005, Modified Knodell (HAI) as Grade 5/18 (mild), Fibrosis as Stage 5/6 (partially cirrhotic), and Steatosis 10% (?).  Haven't done drugs or had any alcohol since 1979 - 26 years.  

I had viral loads done 3 times in a month's time (doctors' idea, not mine, so don't ask why).  Highest VL 14,000,000.  Lowest VL 1,300,000.  Doctor went with LOWEST VL, making it toughest on me to achieve 2-log drop.  Would have to be 13,000 by Week 12.  

My results came in Monday.  My VL is 146,000.  The male NP who called me wanted to take me off treatment.  Being the Riba Rage Woman, I freaked.  I called Mitzi, the other NP.  I told her if she had gone with the HIGHEST VL, my results would be barely short of the 2-log drop.  She agreed to give me the benefit of the doubt and allow treatment to continue ... BUT I will have to clear by Week 24, about 10 more weeks.  This is not likely, according to all I've read.

I have had a time on this treatment, not just the standard sides, but also because I am a parent of a 15-year-old son and an 11-year-old daughter (we adopted "later" in life, lol).  My son has taken to running away regularly, 3 times in 3 weeks now, and staying gone anywhere from a day to eight days.  He is belligerent, disrespectful, and screams all the time.  My daughter is watching and reacting to her "big brother's" behavior.  I have horses and they are my therapy, my psychiatrists.  But I have not had the strength to hitch up, clean off horse and get out on the trails.  MY HUBBY IS THE BEST, THANK GOD FOR ONE CONSTANT.

Anyway, I now say all bets are off ... I must do all possible to attempt to "clear" in about 10 weeks.  Parenting is never easy, but TX makes it nigh unto impossible.  I take parenting seriously, and I take this TX as just another sacrifice along the road.  I have to get as well as possible in the next 10 weeks.  

Then what?  Must I just take life as it comes to me until better options are available?  I am worried about daily infergen because of the more debilitating sides.  I guess this is because I already am a terrible mom these days.  

Right now:  
Peg-Intron 0.4 ml once weekly (Thursday nite),
Copegus 1000 mg daily,
Procrit 1.0 ml once weekly (Sunday nite),
and now because of the Riba Rash I also take
an antihistamine & have creme to rub on rash.

I know y'all have the experience and knowledge to help.  All thoughts welcomed.

Thank you, God bless.

Carolyn

[NYgirl]

Let me know the day and the time - you know I will pray my butt off for anybody in here.  We all need it.  And I do believe in the power of PRAYER!

***@****   (shhhh!)

[cuteus]

I think you are officially a slow responder, but a responder nevertheless! Something needs to be done to schock the hcv into retreat. switiching or increasing IFN, or increasing the riba, or adding gamma IFn, something else.  There was a thread this wk about the different approaches that might help, did you read it?
If they do not change the protocol but you do achieve a negative by wk 24 or shortly after, a longer tx might be needed.  I wish you the wisdom to decide which route is best and the strength to pursue it.

[2irish]

thanks, chev, everything is good here.  hmmmm not sure about my sons but husband has really stepped up to the plate!  did i tell  you i have a cat named chevy??  thanks for the riba tip, i actually forgot about the fat thing.  hope you are well!

[fresnoborn]

hi goof. i am on shot 19 this week. still not svr yet but looking forward to it. geno 1b starting vl 500,000 now 188 had this virus for....who knows. i'm on pegintron/ribavirin. as for sides, besides headaches, some depression and lots of insomnia, 30lb weight loss, and hair falling out....i'm doing great. just found out i have something called "trigeminal neuralgia". will have to surf that one. it's all good, go figure. lot's of luck to you. i hope you reach svr real soon.

[GoofyDad]

Hey Fres. Nice to see you! Are the ADs still doing their good stuff? How are you recovering from the hysterectomy. Has the anemia improved? You are one tough cookie, my gal. It's really good you got on the ADs when you did.

When was your last VL test, and when's the next due?

[MerrieJane]

I had shot 13 today.I am a matter of mere days from finding out if I am a responder.  I really hope I get my two log drop so that I can continue until week 48.

[wMich]

Congrats on round one of the the work/legal thing going your way! I start Tx week #19 tomorrow and I agree with the numerous posters who say that this Tx is doable for the majority of us. I have found that learning about HCV and Tx removes a lot of doubt and fear. As I remember you have another support group out there too, as do I. As is so often heard there, keep comin' back! BTW, is someone still keeping track of the June/July '05 starters?
- Lee

[Forseegood]

Hey Goof, just wanted to nose in here, I talk to a lot of people on these boards, and I think it's the rare dude that clears at 4 weeks, bodes very very well my NoCal Dude! At least in my humble estimation!!!!

2Irish, hey woman!!!Was getting worried about you...glad to hear that you are in fine fettle once again!!!don't dissapear again unless you have to...enquiring minds and all that! Chicago must be nice this time of year...YIKES!

[LTCC]

Short for "Oh my God" and "laugh my a** off". :)

Red - Best of luck to you. I would hate to hear that a terrible company could get away with such an evil deed. I'll be keeping my fingers, toes, and eyes crossed for you during your Tx. ;)

~Lisa

[dndfunnel]

THANK YOU ! DEAN

[NYgirl]

I am one week behind you here on this road...bumpity bumpity bump.

Week 11 here I come.

God I am going to pray for you and strator and the 12 week testing!!!!!!

Luckily I have you too to smooth the road for me as I follow on down....  :)