Finally get to treat my hep c!

[truredhead]

I had not heard back from my doctor or insurance on my appeal for Olysio. They had approved Solvaldi and not the Olysio so I called them several times and they were great to talk to and they told me why the Olysio had been denied and what they needed from the doctor, she had not sent enough info they said. I have a infectious disease doctor and we decided to appeal because I have treated for depression several times, she had my physcologist send a statement of that. It is not recomended to treat with interferon. Any Way.. I found out today I was approved for both and they are on the way to doctor!!! Yippee! I am genotype 1A and have had hep c at least 20 years. My viral load is 17 million. I have such a bad rash, only on right arm and bruise so bad from scratching there. I have no energy at all seems like, so I am glad I get to treat. I just did not ever want to use the interferon or ribavarin, I always had a bad feeling about my body not handling it well, I just turned 60 years old last month.

[truredhead]

I went to my doc appt today and she said she is sending for my meds today, she wanted to make sure I was ok with the Solvaldi and Olysio treatment? Stupid question. I was hoping I would start today. She said they will be in soon after she sends them the ok to send. She also said what we are seeing in the websites as well, that they are having just as good results without the ribavarin. They have new research out almost daily she said. She is a infectious disease doctor but she is new in this town. I hope she is good to have while I treat. I am exicited.

[zarmar]

Wonderful news!  I completely understand your reluctance to treat with interferon/ribi regimen.  I held on for the Sov/Oly.  Am two days away from taking last dose.  Side effects including fatigue were tolerable - some days barely apparent.  I do think being positive and active helps.  Wish the same or better for you.  

[Dee1956]

Congratulations!!

Slow and steady wins the race or something like that

Your persistence paid off, yeah!!

[patra_]

Wonderful!!  Self advocacy is great - and really makes a difference.  If someone is too ill to do it themselves, it is good th find a family member or friend who is willing.

That said, you go, Girl.  Whip the dragon's whole body!  : -). Wishing you SVR.

[Idyllic]

Hey congratulations for succeeding in your fight to treat with meds you can handle. I have seen so many posts on here recently about people being denied coverage of the newer, less harsh meds.

Your experience truly illustrates how important it is to have a doctor advocate on the patient's behalf.  I am glad this worked out for you.