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Veterans Admin for hep tx

Anybody get tx from the V.A? How did you feel about their service and attitude? What products did they use? . What city? Not a negative from me, curious as to how they are comparing to the private sector, BTW, if you are a Viet Nam vet and apply, they will take care of you 100%, less a small co- pay for each prescription  ($8) for a month of Peg and Riba. If you have insurance, they will bill and take whatever they are given
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Avatar universal
I finished 24 weeks in seattle Oct 18> My experience at the VA was so positive, I posed this question as I had not experienced this good of service in the private sector. I had heard whining and compalining about VA care in the news, etc but I did not really see it . Lab wait 10-15 mins, rx wait 20-30 mins. If I heard another vet complaining about another long line, waaaah, waaah, I just asked "aren't you glad they're here?" >the only neg was their refusal to acknowledge that some of us may have gotten the virus by the air injection shots, but I'm sure that was political, following orders. I know of 1 dude that swears he didn't "drink, smoke or chew and don't go with girls that do",but got his air injections before going to the pacific.???? In my case, its the multiple choice answer (D) All of the above. I'm just glad tx is done and hope for a good SVR in Feb
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Avatar universal
I completed 48 weeks of treatment with the VA in Tampa on Sept. 28th and am currently waiting to see if I'm SVR.  I am male, 57 years old, dual genotype 1A, 2B, early cirhosis.  I treated a few years ago with a private doctor and relapsed.  I have to say that my experience with the VA was much superior to my experience with the private doctor, perhaps because the first doctor was a jerk!  The VA has much experience treating veterans with Hep C.  They say that about 10% of VietNam veterans are infected.  The first doctor never treated any of the side effects of the treatment, but the VA assigned me a nurse who would go to the doctor with any of my concerns and promptly answered all my questions.  They came through with rescue drugs when I needed them.  
Given my experience, I think you'll be happy with the standard of care you'll receive.  By the way, They wanted me to come in once a week for the first month (an hour drive for me) and then once a month after that.  I would get my labs, see the doctor and then pick up my drugs.  They wouldn't mail them to me.
Good luck, buddy!  The treatment can be hard, but it's "doable".  This forum can be a great help to you when you need encouragement.
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137539 tn?1344379928
You are not the only one who has had a doc seem "VERY" judgemental about gettiing this disease.  I am almost positive I got this thru tattoos back between 78 and 81  (That was when I got mine, I have 3)  My nurse was/is a very good friend of mine so when I found out he went to her and asked her about my background, then the day of my appt he asked "just what did I do in my life that I could have gotten this" very accusatory.  Not long after I found I also had an ov cyst that needed to be removed before TX (ob/gyn and 2 specialist's ordered)  My PCP refused to order the pre tests for surgery, he demanded that I start TX and didn't think my specialists knew what they were talking about. My liver one said he wouldn't start TX before that was gone.  And I am stage and grade 1 so plenty of time to wait before TX. That was the final straw. Needless to say I changed my PCP immediately. I don't need the stress of TX and a PCP who is not understanding to my needs. But then I had only been with him for a year, due to new ins.  I just feel that a doc works for you and is not there to judge you they are there to provide TX for whatever symptoms you might have.
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Avatar universal
This has been my experience with the "private sector" so far.  I am seeing an internist who specializes in Infectious Diseases (this group is suppposed to be one of the best in my area in treating HCV). I have only been one time when he ordered the lab work for Genotype and V/L and gave me a cursory exam.  The doctor is a numbers guy.  Rattled off a bunch of statitistics and didn't seem all that concerned about me being symptomatic for 2 years (was dx originally in March 2005 with Fibromyalgia).  He asked me if I knew how the virus was transmitted.  I told him that I had pierced ears and had been knicked several times over the years at nail salons.  He kinda sneered and said "It's very hard to catch.  75% of people with HCV have used IV drugs".  He seemed judgemental or maybe it was my own perception because of the stigma.   Anyway he appears to be a results and numbers oriented guy.  I see him again Monday and my hope is he will be a little more "concerned" with my thoughts and concerns since the results are back 4,750,000 V/L, Genotype 3.  As long as he provides me with good tx (which I now know what that is thanks to all of you here)I can handle him.  Probably better for me not to have a touchy-feely doctor otherwise I would probably cry.  (I've been with my PCP for @ 12 years and he has handed me a lot of tissue over the past 2 years because I have been so sick and saw no end in sight!)

BTW - I had been tested for everything under the sun - except HCV (not in the high risk group).  Found out when my hemoglobin got really high and my PCP suggested I donate blood!  What a shocker!  

- Linda
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Avatar universal
By the way, go to www.hcvets.com for a lot of information on vets with HepC.
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Avatar universal
Some of the feed back I get is that VA is better than most Dr.'s offices.  They take care of you there.  I am sure you have a few bad appples anywhere you go.  But, for the most part I have gotten good feed back, and not just on this treatment; in many cases.

Cajun
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96938 tn?1189799858
Over the months, I've read that several people here have been treated at VA's.  In general, they report excellent care.  Stay tuned.
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