New doctor--feeling more positive

[HarlemHon]

I haven't posted for awhile as I was waiting to see the hepatologist I chose after being unhappy with the gastroenterologist who wanted me to decide for/against treatment without having a liver biopsy and who noted on the summaries of my visits that I refused treatment. Thanks to everything that I read on this forum, I knew the liver biopsy was critical to making a decision, and it is now ordered, as well as a CAT scan.  This new doctor, who also recruits for clinical trials by the way, has indicated that, depending on the results, "wait and watch" could be an option because he feels I have had Hep C a very long time (I had a blood transfusion of multiple units 41 years ago and never did drugs or got tattoos).  He said the clinical trial through UTMB in Galveston for GS 7977 was so popular and worked so well that it is closed.  I hope that it is soon approved so we all can take it.  So I feel much more confident with Dr. Duchini.  By the way,Incivek seems to be making a real push as almost every magazine I have picked up lately has a three- or four-page spread. Do you think that is about educating people or about profit?  When I keyed it into potential Medicare plans, it upped my cost for drugs by $47,000!

[Dee1956]

Hi there!  I am really happy you have found a doctor who is human.
Getting your biopsy done is very important.  I had been told when first dx that I had time to wait and think about it.  After the biopsy show me as transitioning into cirrhosis I had no time.  My doc said my blood work did not indicate how much damage I had.  I have also heard that the 7977 is working well for people.  I have a URL regarding that on my journal and Advocate1955 has one as well.
I hope that the ads are about educating people but have to admit if it is for Incivek it is profit.  Vertex is helping people pay for the Incivek if they don't have ins or have enough money.  I was able to get help for my copays through the drug companies, it save me about $200 a month.
Best of luck to you, thank you so much for sharing
Dee

[pooh55811]

It must be a relief to know you have a doctor that you like and that you feel is competent. It is great that you found a good one.

I know just how you feel. I switched from my Gastro to a Hepatologist in late May. I no longer have to manage my own care and correct their mistakes. What a difference a doc makes, LOL.

Best of luck with your new doc and with Tx. Let us know how things are going.