Aa
Infectious Disease Specialist
An informative slide presentation on Sof/Ledi trial data from this past March was posted recently by a member of our generous community. It got me thinking about the value of input from an IDS. Has anyone had such a consult Bx or during Tx or since? What did you think?
Best to all - z
Best to all - z
Mt treating physician IS an Hepatologist/Infectious Diseases specialist. In addition he has/ is involved in the research on this drafon. I really feel comfortable with everything so far. Like JM he reviewed everything, studied history, treatments, meds including O-t-C, did a full exam. The only thing he did not order was a Fibroscan (did I spell that correctly?). was going to then remembered that I had just had a biopsy, which was what brought me there and reviewed it again.
You are right - this is an infectious disease, and, a pandemic, recognized or not - but one that CAN be cured and eradicated. I, like Dbzc2 want to see this in the history books as a deal of the past, for us, here, and for everyone else.
You are right - this is an infectious disease, and, a pandemic, recognized or not - but one that CAN be cured and eradicated. I, like Dbzc2 want to see this in the history books as a deal of the past, for us, here, and for everyone else.
There has been so much negative said about VA hospitals recently. Sounds like you had a quality treatment experience which is really good to hear.
I hadn't thought about pandemic association - really interesting. I agree with you about making HEP C ancient history. I read a feature today on WebMD about more progress with 3-D printers making organs for transplant using a patient's own cells.
Exciting that this day will come. Still too far off for those with advanced disease diagnoses already, but a revolutionary application of technology that eventually will save lives and reduce health care costs.
Exciting that this day will come. Still too far off for those with advanced disease diagnoses already, but a revolutionary application of technology that eventually will save lives and reduce health care costs.
I received my HCV treatment from the VA. In many situations once the gastroenterologist and you make a treatment decision, Infectious Diseases Department will actually administer the treatment.
When my gastroenterologist recommended treatment that I wanted. He then sent his recommendation to the VA Infectious Diseases department who actually provides the treatment
A nurse practitioner with expertise in Infectious Diseases and treatment along with a pharmacist with similar knowledge of the medications used worked as a team to provide treatment to me.
1. Pre-treatment interview The NP reviewed my medical history, especially coexisting conditions and consulted with appropriate specialist if needed, setup up a phone consultation with a psychologist, ordered pre test labs, reviewed details of treatment and made an assessment of my ability to be compliant with treatment. He consulted my primary doctor and my cardiologist.
2. Closely followed me during treatment with exams, blood tests, asked about side effects and etc. It makes sense, HCV is an infectious disease and who better to have monitoring if you contracted another type of infection during treatment. He kept my gastro in the loop.
The pharmacist assigned to the NP reviewed all my prescriptions, OTC, supplements and/or herbs. Was present or readily available during my clinic visits during treatment.
When my gastroenterologist recommended treatment that I wanted. He then sent his recommendation to the VA Infectious Diseases department who actually provides the treatment
A nurse practitioner with expertise in Infectious Diseases and treatment along with a pharmacist with similar knowledge of the medications used worked as a team to provide treatment to me.
1. Pre-treatment interview The NP reviewed my medical history, especially coexisting conditions and consulted with appropriate specialist if needed, setup up a phone consultation with a psychologist, ordered pre test labs, reviewed details of treatment and made an assessment of my ability to be compliant with treatment. He consulted my primary doctor and my cardiologist.
2. Closely followed me during treatment with exams, blood tests, asked about side effects and etc. It makes sense, HCV is an infectious disease and who better to have monitoring if you contracted another type of infection during treatment. He kept my gastro in the loop.
The pharmacist assigned to the NP reviewed all my prescriptions, OTC, supplements and/or herbs. Was present or readily available during my clinic visits during treatment.
I think the best venue for opinions would be via the CDC. I wrote a book on infectious disease, but it was pandemic influenza. So my area is a bit different. However, I keep watching for an announcement that hep c has been declared a pandemic as we have surpasses HIV / AIDSs deaths per year.
The flip side...if the meds surpass all expectations and the death rate goes down, Hep C will just be in the history books and no longer such a damn nuisance. I prefer history books! The vaccine is right around the corner too!
Best, dbzc
The flip side...if the meds surpass all expectations and the death rate goes down, Hep C will just be in the history books and no longer such a damn nuisance. I prefer history books! The vaccine is right around the corner too!
Best, dbzc
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