No Meds, Started Tx Sept 1, 2011

[beeblessed]

As stressful as the 'waiting' to begin treatment was, I also had stress from the fact I had no meds in hand.  NONE.  Long story, suffice it to say.......somebody -- between my insurance and doctor's office -- dropped the ball, big time.  I was Not supposed to be involved in the medication process at all, but started making calls anyway when I had not heard anything, the week before I planned to treat.  Got the run around the block and down the street.  Finally made some headway at the end of last week.......or so I thought.  Then, had to start again this week and finally got "THE" call from the scheduling department of the pharmacy.  I started tx September 1st, today is September 15th.  My meds will arrive September 20th., and they will ensure I have meds before the 1st of each month (I'm guessing near the 20th of each month), so there is no interruption.  How I will reimburse my nurse for starting me with her month's supply......I don't know yet.  I spoke to one person who said she would work on that......but that was 1,2, no 3 people ago.  Fortunately, my nurse told me that should be the least of my worries.  But still.  Any suggestions??  I have been approved for 3 months, for now: September - November.  But if the dates do not overlap, I just don't know how to get the meds back to the nurse and still have enough to treat with.

NEWBIES........Beware the red tape!!  But be proactive whenever you feel you need to be.

[evangelin]

II asked Joe's PA, (the Dr. she works for was heaily involved in Boceprevir trials) If they would wait for the results of the lead in before starting Vic.  She said absolutely not.  
By the way, I had not realized that you already started the lead in.  Joe is looking at starting next Thursday so you beat us.  I hope it goes really well for you this time.  Your predictive stats sure look promising.  We are having to rely on prayer and postive thoughts to keep our hopes up because the stats are not exciting.

We also went with the Sam-E protocol and a few other tweaks that looked worth it.  Drink coffee, drink more coffee , drink even more coffee... Wish we could just hook up an IV bag for good measure.  Joe really enjoys his coffee now but I wonder how he will feel about it a year from now?  
Ev


Ev

[beeblessed]

Horse -- I like your idea :)  I'll send her flowers or some equivilant at some point.  Was going to give her chocolate when I started but she doesn't do sweets.  Even though the meds were a sample, I feel bad because I know how much these drugs are in demand right now....and because, I honestly had no intention of things going the way they did.

Frijole -- Yes, I will be on VIC at the end of the month.  And yes, you are right.  I think insurance companies are approving meds in increments, so they can base the need on guided therapy results, before they cough up the costs.

NYgirl -- I'm glad you understand :)

Thanks!

[nygirl7]

Most of us know all too well how important to have the extra meds in the fridge.......how many times has something gotten screwed up somewhere.

I'm glad you remember that my friend :)

[frijole]

Aren't you doing the Victrelis?  I guess they are only approving what is needed to find out if you have treatment failure at 12 weeks.  In the event that you do, you will have to give the nurse back that last week of meds.  Otherwise you will probably receive approval for whatever the response guided therapy allows.

Good luck on getting everything timely.  I tried to get all 3 meds (including the VIC) delivered today (tonight is my 4th shot and I wanted them a week ahead of time) but the VIC was not approved.  They did send me a month of VIC upfront, so I have it waiting in the fridge for next Friday -- my start date -- but I like the comfort of having a month ahead in the fridge. I don't know if they will insist on waiting until the lead in PCR results or what.

frijole