It's Time

[threepaddleCurt]

OK, guys.

Keep your fingers crossed.  Right now the insurances are fighting with each other over who is going to pay for what, but it appears within the next couple of weeks I will finally be starting treatment.  For some odd reason, the insurance isn't having any problem with Vic, or Riba, but doesn't want to pay for the Peginterferon.  Go figure.

Decided to start treatment now as sx are getting horrible.  The night sweats have amped up to the point where I'm soaking not only the sheets, but the blankets of a king size bed more often than I care to think of, the fatigue has escalated where I can easily sleep 20 hours a day, and I can no longer think well enough to feel ok about functioning in my job. I won't even mention the chronic h/a and irritability.  And thank God for spell check!  Otherwise, this would be a disaster.

Going the Peginterferon, Riba, and Vic route.  Dr is saying Incv a bad idea due to my supersensitive skin, which is prone to severe rashes and reactions.  Guess we'll see what happens.

[starshine1ca]

Just  want to wish you good luck with the new treatment.  I too am on VIC and just started week 17.  I have sensitive skin also and am using Aveeno regularly as well as antihistamines when the itching gets too much but so far  it is manageable!  Hope the insurance companies get that  worked out for you asap.  

Sincerely, Starshine

[frijole]

So how do you handle 3 paddles at once?

I am on week 23 with victrelis.  I think it is a good choice since you have skin issues.  Now victreles is not kind to the skin either so be aware that you may still get a lot of itching.  However, it is nothing like what the people on incevik have been talking about.

My insurance company had problems covering the Peg Intron although Pegasys would have been no problem.  My doctor had to submit papers proving i had relasped using Pegasys.

Good luck on getting started.

frijole (bean)

[threepaddleCurt]

I understand.  I think we average 20 hours a month easily on the phone with the insurance people, who like to say the other company should be the one paying for it.  I have both private insurance and Tricare (military retirement), and both have been promising for two weeks now they will straighten things out in 24 hours, but apparently they never actually talk to one another.  

Thanks for the encouragement on the Vic.  I think it's the best choice for me and I am more than ready to do whatever it takes to clear this virus and hopefully get back to a normal life again!

[leebambee]

Wow!17k....I don't see that type of paperwork in my rx pack. That is astounding. In the end, our premiums go up to pay for it. Vic isn't so bad, hope you achieve goood lab tests and clear this virus!

[Hepcwife926]

I'm glad to hear they do something! I luckily have good insurance, but they bill my insurance $17,177 per month for incevik!! I don't know anyone who could pay for that.

[Idyllic]

Maybe one of the online copay assistance programs can help. The Incivek one took care of my entire copay.

So far this one helped with my first four doses of PEGASYS® (peginterferon alfa-2a): It's the regular syringe and not the Redipen:

https://www.activatethecard.com/pegasys/welcome.html


http://www.genentechaccesssolutions.com/portal/site/AS/menuitem.7ef3b8542d7c63460313edacd79c23a0/?vgnextoid=ad7b1d41003c9210VgnVCM100000d70bf60aRCRD

Anyway, I spent so much time with my insurance company trying to straighten out the financial aspects and still, this is all only for the first month.

[Hepcwife926]

Good luck! The incivek seems to have worse side effects than the vitricellis. Atleast that one us covered! The pegasus is about $2000 a month though- so I hope they cover it for you!!