Is anyone out there know,or do use the VA ?

[dmk45044]

I was diagnosed in 12-05, was all set had liver biopsy and even have the meds, and ready to start. I lost my job insurance, and now I have an appt. with the V A, and am very concerned about their care.
Thanks,
           David

[jmjm530]

Don't know if you caught Dog Lover's post #C24 in thread below "When to call it a day -- 24 week result".

In any event, maybe some here more familiar with how the VA works can give him some guidance.

-- Jim

[dyce]

Ha jim, the next pcr will warrant a more sensitive. This is another part of tx to think about. Thirtysix more weeks (ouch).
   I believe I'm gettin hmg starved , aother cbc tomarrow . I hope the hmg is holdin but it sure don't feel like it. Many days thought wow , wish I could quit , now I'm glad I didn't.

         Have to admit, no to much steak . Digestive issues hammerin , exteme moderation now dude.

[dog_lover]

I too am "stuck" with the VA and I have just one thing to say, Thank Goodness.  The VA has a very high population of patients who are Hep-C positive and are really in the vanguard when it comes to conducting research and new treatment protocols.  The physicians are less concerned about costs and more concerned over your progress and healing the disease.  Here, in Portland, Oregon a popular local magazine listed the best one-hundred physicians in Portland, the number one guy was from the VA and was doing research in Hep.  No matter what you thought about Bill Clinton he sunk quite a bit of money into the VA system and in a resent study reported by NBC news the VA system is considered the best hospital chain in the Nation.  Along with medical care the VA is providing me with extensive counseling and they use a team approach to treat each patient so they do a lot of discussing so no body's going to putt the group off track.  Now for the downside.  If you have any problems, like drug addiction or depression that may be factored in the treatment equation more than it would on the outside and that's frustrating.  If you play the system, if you are patient (no pun intended) and you can wait sometimes you should receive wonderful care at the VA.

[strator]

dmk - I am treating but not at the VA(I'm not a vet). I have however attended a hep c support group there with Vets that are treating. From what I could see they have a golid caring liver team. Moniker may know more about it. I know he's been to the group but am not sure if he treats through the VA. What area are you in?
Be Well,
Don

[strator]

Okay that was sort of a lie, although 4hrs in a very hot crawl space today almost put me to sleep. A nasty one.
I've been okay but swamped with work. Even working the last couple of weekends both on the yard and other jobs.

Also I needed some time to think and absorb all the great advice I've gotten here. One of those times to look at things. I can listen with my heart but don't want my ego getting in the way. My logic cells were diminished long before I came here. Sometimes I need to just live like I'm not on tx and let the committee in my head fight things out on their own. Wackos though they be.
I went for a cbc this morning, probably fine there, but I left a list of questions for my Doc. You know, what's his opinion on whether he really thinks extending is worth it as I wasn't clear at 24. That I'm on week 36 and will insurance cover a pcr or what does it cost. Otherwise not feeling much different and the weekends I've felt great doing about 6 hrs in the yard.
So I've been saving some energy off the computer.

lilmomma/amirtracy: Hey Congrats on the UDs. Sorry I didn't catch it when you posted, that's awesome. Brought a great smile to my face.

mikesimmon: Mike I can only say I hope things work out for your concerns on labs. I've got a ton of respect for your posts and the way you battle.
CDMan- I'll try to post later. In the meantime understand if you misbehave I'm coming back bootin butt and not taking names.And what are you up to and feeling like?
Be Well,
Don

[can-do-man]

It is bronx treating with the VA right? Or am i having brain frogs?........And yes i meant frogs