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My first Hepatologist Appointment June 13, 2008
Jun 13, 2008 08:04AM
- 4 comments
I just got back from the hospital. It went really well. I had a whole lot of blood drawn (9 vials). Ultrasound scan, urine test, chest xray, cardio 'thing'. Everything so far looks good.
They are redoing PCR and genotyping. They want to do all the baseline tests in their own lab, as that's what their reference will be during and after tx. So I will finally get results on my subtype, as I only know I'm a 3.
I spoke to a hepatologist who was extremely nice, though not the viral hepatologist who will be treating me, so we didn't discuss treatment. He explained that they don't usually do biopsies on geno 2 and 3. They treat them automatically. He was so nice, he went and asked the hepatologist who will be treating me a few questions for me. She answered that if I really wanted the biopsy, we could arrange it and that I could practically chose, if i wanted Pegasys or Pegintron, as they treat with both. They are two viral hepatologists treating only hep c at this hospital. The funny thing is, that they both have the same first name. Here in denmark ppl go by first name.
Anyway, I got the impression, that they are very flexible. And they really have their sh1t together. They are very thourough, too.
I was out of there by 12, everything went so fast, I did not have to wait at all.
They even have a 84 page book about hep b and c they hand out to the patients. It kind of states everything one needs to know about hep c, treatment, tests, biopsy, blood tests and diet. I was quite impressed. And everyone was extremely friendly. I feel I'm in good hands.
The bad news is that I do not have an appointment before August 5.... Waiting.... I let them know that they can call me any time, if someone doesn't turn up, as I live 5 minutes drive from the hospital. If I'm home, I'll come right away. So they noted that and my cell number. So who knows, maybe someone will cancel their appointment.
They are redoing PCR and genotyping. They want to do all the baseline tests in their own lab, as that's what their reference will be during and after tx. So I will finally get results on my subtype, as I only know I'm a 3.
I spoke to a hepatologist who was extremely nice, though not the viral hepatologist who will be treating me, so we didn't discuss treatment. He explained that they don't usually do biopsies on geno 2 and 3. They treat them automatically. He was so nice, he went and asked the hepatologist who will be treating me a few questions for me. She answered that if I really wanted the biopsy, we could arrange it and that I could practically chose, if i wanted Pegasys or Pegintron, as they treat with both. They are two viral hepatologists treating only hep c at this hospital. The funny thing is, that they both have the same first name. Here in denmark ppl go by first name.
Anyway, I got the impression, that they are very flexible. And they really have their sh1t together. They are very thourough, too.
I was out of there by 12, everything went so fast, I did not have to wait at all.
They even have a 84 page book about hep b and c they hand out to the patients. It kind of states everything one needs to know about hep c, treatment, tests, biopsy, blood tests and diet. I was quite impressed. And everyone was extremely friendly. I feel I'm in good hands.
The bad news is that I do not have an appointment before August 5.... Waiting.... I let them know that they can call me any time, if someone doesn't turn up, as I live 5 minutes drive from the hospital. If I'm home, I'll come right away. So they noted that and my cell number. So who knows, maybe someone will cancel their appointment.
Well good for you, I am happy that everything went well. I hope that you get an appt.sooner.
Good luck!
Peace
rita
Good luck!
Peace
rita
Good luck Marcia; please post how you're getting on. Denmark sounds so far ahead of New Zealand, but I'm going for tx and am also a 3a - I put it off for 3 years because I really didn't want another biopsy, but eventually had to have one to be eligible for treament. The good news is that as of now (June) they are offering all genotypes the treatment (prior it was for the more difficult genotypes and us easy ones had to wait for progression). Anyway I hope you get through all ok - I'm 5 minutes from hosptial also, just on the other side of the world!!! I'm glad you're in good hands and they do sound very thorough :-)
Best of luck Marcia - it does sound like you have some really good doctors where you are and that you will be well taken care of. Here in the King George's Country if you do not have insurance (and most of us don't) you will simply die from the consequences of the disease. I was lucky enough to be covered by the Veteran's Administration ,because of prior military service, but even there my treating practitioner is a Physician's Assistant (2 years medical training) who is operating way out of her league. Frankly, I'm lucky to have that.
Andromeda
Andromeda
Hi, Marcia, just wanted to let you know I'm still quietly following your upward progress. Sticking together is how we'll get through...and we will get through.
Cheers!
Cheers!
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