Procript?

[stalion]

I just got test results, and was wondering would I be eligble, for any relief from being so tired, that I can barely function! The results were WBO 3.3, RBC3.85 , Hemoglobin 10.8, Hematocrit 32.5, these no,s mean nothing to me, the last time I treated I was not prevy to the no,s my doctor keeped saying I was within normal range, I am not just taking his word this time , I feel like walking death! thank you Mary Ann

[Allison1965]

I too agree with everything said above.  When my husband dropped below Hglobin 10 and HCrit 25 his Transplant Team Dr, prescribed both Procrit and Neupogen. It does help, but his Insurance (Medicare-as he is disabled now) was always a big pain when it came to Prior Authorizations.  It is best to get that ball rolling as soon as possible, however.  Even if you don't need it yet, that process can take time . . .  My husband received 5-6 transfusions over the coarse of 18 months while on the dbl TX.  It is a very difficult time during TX, but I think if the Virus can become UND and never return, it must be worth it.  We have not achieved that yet, but we are trying.

Hang in there and I too believe in lots of rest and lots of water, whole foods, low fat and low sugar.  My best!

[stalion]

                                                                                                                                     Thank you for the advice, like I have said before, if not for this forum, I do not know how i could have made it through the last time , or this time   Mary ann

[Sentinel13]

LF12: Terrible story to hear. Great advice to Mary Ann

Mary Ann: I was beating the drum for Procrit shortly after I started treatment because I knew from previous experience that I would eventually need it. Insurance companies like to play hardball on this. Technically, Epogen (and likely Procrit) is supposed to be used to avoid blood transfusions -- I think insurance companies like to adhere to that position to keep down costs. My doctor put in an early request and my insurance agreed to pay for Epogen (Procrit) once my hemoglobin dropped to 10.5 -- and agreed to continue paying until my hematocrit increased to 36. Procrit/Epogen carries with it some significant risks -- check their web sites if you haven't already. Despite how bad you feel right now, 10.8 is likely too soon to begin Procrit. That said, stay on top of your CBCs to help avoid LF12's situation. Best Wishes, GB

[stalion]

                                                                                                                                  I did not know what any of my stats were, my own fault, I am having my GP, keep me keep up on things , she has been great with perscriptions, for the sides, that Gastronologist I see is worthless, all I need him for is the perscripts, for the riba Incevik and Interferon. I am being pro active this time around I suffered why too much the last time thank you for your advice it is greatly appreciated, Mary Ann

[LookingForward12]

As someone who feels that my doctor could have managed my anemia a little better, I urge you to stay on top of this!  I watched as my hemoglobin went from 15.5 to 7.7 in seven weeks. Procrit was not started until I hit 8.0 and of course was not effective at stopping a further decline. A dose reduction was done at 8.4....also not in time. I spent two days in the hospital last week receiving four units of blood and an extra day on fluids because of a dangerously low blood pressure. I also had sto take a four day 'vacation' from the ribavarin and have just started back at 400 mg a day.

Ask your doctor point blank what his plan is for you. I honestly think mine was surprised at how quickly I declined.

[stalion]

what would I do with out your advice, I trust it more than my Doctors. I just did not feel this bad till well into the lst tx, and yes I am on Incevik. I will probably forge ahead, just feeling sorry for myself, thank you all again love Mary Ann

[frijole]

You have  only been on tx for 4 weeks and already dropped to the  10s and that is significant.  Please ask your doctor for weekly CBCs so you can see the trend.  Although he may not rx procrit until you get lower, it is important to see that you have a downward trend that is not coming up.  I guess you are on Incevik?

I don't blame you for wanting to discontinue if you are still positive, but just in case you are UND, keep pushing for the procrit.  It will take some time for insurance approval.

bean

[1oftheclub222]

what shape is your liver in?  What were your biopsy results?

i would just take take it one day at a time, don't make any long term plans because you feel bad today, they can do things to help you feel better and withstand treatment Sx.  give your doc a chance to do what he can do first before you stop treatment.

Which meds are you on?

[working dog]

i wasn't und at 4 weeks and most likely will svr...we will see...i would stay on longer and keep in mind triple works much better then soc but can cause lots of symptoms......maybe give it 8 weeks to und..take it easy!!!

[stalion]

I guess I am  just not up for the fight like the first round, I am having thyroid issues again, that might also be the cause, I have not gotten my 4 week hepra-max results, I have decided to go off of tx if not UND at 4 weeks , I believe my chances go down greatly and I do not want a repeat of the last time when I should have took the advice of members rather than the same doctor I am treating with again , and put myself through a year of hell, I was not completely UND at 12 weeks the last time

[working dog]

wow mary ann you got the two best answerer's on the forum above...will and bill...listen to them and you'll be fine...good luck.....billy

[willbb]

Hey stranger  :)

[willbb]

Hi Mary Ann.  Sorry to hear you feel so poorly,however all those numbers are well within normal ranges for someone on treatment and no  rescue drug would be warranted at this point.
It is usually the low hemoglogin that causes one to feel  so tired and although yours is a little low(10.8) it is not at the level where most doctors would intevene,however hopfully they are keeping a close eye on it .
Some doctors will reduce Riba slightly(as perdosing protocol) at <10 and/or introduce procrit.

Hang in...
Will

[Bill1954]

Hi Mary Ann,

Sorry to hear you’re feeling so poorly. Typically, doctors won’t consider Procrit/epo until hemoglobin values drop below 10.0. The stuff is pricey too, and often insurance balks at paying for it until it’s deemed medically necessary. How rapidly did that value fall? You might make a case if it dropped precipitously; patients can  become symptomatic from rapid declines as well as absolute values reflected in lab results. It might be time to call your insurance company and see if they require pre-authorization in anticipation of future needs though.  

Good for you for requesting hard copies of your labs; keep them in a file for later review or for other specialists should you need to see other doctors.

Hang in there,

--Bill