I had to get the Hep A & B series of shots started, then I had to get a 'note' from my psychiatrists that I was mentally stable to start the process, I am diagnosed bi-polar. But do very well, yet do have problems with agression at this point, only on week three of my shots. And then all he said was 'water' drink water. and I do. I get the flavored water, a six pack at a time and drink a six pack a day, no more soda's to dehydrate me, and no chocolate, no caffeine. (sorry for the spelling). See my psy every other week, and blood tests weekly.
You know, mine did not drug test, but he said if they saw any indication of drug use or alcohol use, he would stop the treatment immediately...good thing I'm on a natural high....
oh. i just finished my first 4 weekly labs. have to go back in a 1 1/2 weeks 'cuz my neutrophils dropped a little more but i don't go to the dr.'s office until may for my 12 week appt. just call if i need them.
before tx, bx. ecg, uppergi, xrays, ctscan, bloodwork. general physical, eyes tested. charge me money.
During, blood work, ekg. charge me money,
What i don't understand is my doctor makes me take a shot once a week and pills everyday and you didn't say anything about that. Gonna have to have a talk with him on that one.
I agree with Kalio, what drug testing? I didn't have to do all that testing and see so manydrs. I did get the a vaccine but had the B vaccine a few years ago. Did have a lot of blood taken and still do. Was told to drink water which I do (80oz) a day.
fishdoc-- This went over my head...What did you mean we lost the east and west coast????
Hope all are having a great Sun.
Beagle
They said I need the A & B vaccines because if you got A or B while you had C it could kill you. But as you said, I never got A or B before. I just deferred to the doctor on that one. Where I live, it's the ONLY game in town, they drug test before you start treatment regardless. They want to know you aren't currently drinking or doing illegal drugs. I think it was the standard 5 drug panel - maryjane, opiates, barbituates, amphetamine, cocaine.
Maybe the east and west coast shut down? It sure is pretty outside here!
sorry, just seemed like for a while there, pretty and me were the only ones in cyberspace.... watched signs last night, a little melodrama... long sigh
thanks for reminding me...i've got to get my a & b vaccines...
I had to see an eye dr. and do blood work. that's it. I was told to drink 1/2 my weight in water daily and take a multi-vitamin...i'm on week 5, 1b, 10 million pre-tx.
I live in the DEEP SOUTH! They give you plenty of warning that they are going to drug test you before they actually do it. It really didn't bother me to take the test and I think they do it so they know what you are doing before they treat you. I don't know that they would withhold treatment if you tested positive. I guess it would depend on what. I know with alcohol, if you drink with interferon it completely neutralizes it.
The eye doctor is for determining if you have existing cotton wool spots or other eye issues. The interferon is a high risk drug for problems with eyes. In fact they put me on restasis for my eyes because of the interferon drying them out.
pretty-- Kalio is right that should not be allowed and I don't believe it is without breaking the law. I have to check on that to see if it's a federal law, it may be a part of Hipa law but not sure.
Kalio isn't there a clause in that law that can be taken a few ways?
fishdoc-- I got it now, not many on this morning. So you were wondering about the east and west coast. It seem's to be slow here on the week end and I think it's because most take their shots over the week end and not feeling that well.
Beagle
I had a full physical in addition to the bloodwork. A heart test (EMG EKT whatever they call it), eye test and biopsy. Then I started it wasn't really much of a big thing except lots of poking and prodding LOL.
The best thing I ever did was come in here and LEARN about the disease because the little pamplets they give out well - we should write one because honestly it didn't tell me anything I really needed to know.
I agree! They could give you a couple of pages of really good information instead a folder full of pamphlets that make your eyes glaze over!
How are you? We have been worried about you! May your sides be microscopic this weekend!
my dr gave me a perscription and said see him in 48 weeks.
I got my teeth cleaned before tx. Also, if you have any history of depression, talk to a doctor about antidepressants. I think that can make the difference for a lot of people.
The #1 thing to do is gather all the supportive people you can. Take it easy and check in here. These folks gave me more information and support than I could find elsewhere.
Good Luck,
-cbee
OMG, are we all alone out there?? have we lost the east coast, the west coast, TEXAS....
My doctor told me not to worry, drink lots of water, and he did say something that I totally disagreed with. He said attitude was what kept some people functioning, and others well they Just didn't want to work. Of course, I have a good attitude, but I totally disagree with the whys of how some handle treatment better than others. ITS BIOLOGY, and what jobs. Someone said something about mental stress, which I agree is huge, but I can sit in front of my computer and zone if I have too, when your knocking a wall down and carting it off, someone notices when you sit down and zone for an hour. Again, my hat is off to those that have to do physical labor on treatment. So, I guess the answer to your question, is not much! water, needed hep vaccines, but forgot them, only a 24 week pcr scheduled, although I think I argued my way clear to a 12 week also, but I did one bloodwork at 2 weeks, one at 4 weeks, then we go monthly from here on out. no thyroid baseline... no cbc baseline...