55 y/o male with hep c dx from 1998 (probable exposure in 1970) . Three biopsies indicate consistent decline (now at grade 3). I have continued to work full time, despite episodes of fatigue and neuropathy in my feet. In the past year the fatigue has worsened significantly and I now have begun experiencing joint pain in my hands. My G.I. Dr. consistently has not been very proactive in my condition. More than four times, it is I who has requested timely blood work. In May of this year, I had to remind him that it had been over a year since my last viral load. On two subsequent f/u appt's the report was not available and he said he would f/u on next appt. I saw him last week (no mention of the blood work) re: my continued decline and my inability to attend work consistently due to "cycling" into periods of almost debilitating fatigue, now lasting several days at time. I requested to begin treatment and to be placed on disability, to avoid losing my job and benefits; specifically my long term benefits which would pay me 66% of my base salary. He blew me off, telling me "he doesn't do that" and referred me to the Stanford Liver clinic which has a clinic monthly at the local hospital. By the time I'm able to be seen I may have already lost my job from calling in sick to much. Also, how can I be evaluated and ask for a leave of absence from someone who has no history with me. It may come across has a malingerer when my "specialist" has refused to do it. Likewise, if I change doctors it may look as some form of "shopping" in order to get off work. I don"t no what to do. I have a family to care for. This disease is difficult enough, let alone having to be treated in this way. Sorry for the long question, but what should I do? Thankyou