Aa
Treatment
Why in the world do I have to find a Dr whose doing studies on 2b genotype instead of just starting treatment right away? The longer I wait the more damage it's doing to my liver! Irritated to the Max!!! Why wait any longer???
The thing is I work for one of the biggest hospitals in the Nation practically. MEMORIAL HERMAN. So I took the time to think it over and I'm going to just make an appt with one of our gastrointestinal/internal Med doctors here! I need someone that is a specialist not general practice. Hopefully I can get started on something soon and I'll do a little more research while I wait. Thank you for your input, it has been most helpful :)
Your genotype has a high success rate and a short treatment duration. I doubt very much that you have to go it alone once you make your position clear. Still I had to laugh since you sound as jaded as I was when I was ready to treat again.
It helps to have one central doctor who can:
1. Labs - run preliminary tests (HCV RNA, Genotype & all that)
2. *Usually assess the state your liver is in* however as Can-do pointed out yesterday:
"For persons with either genotype 2 or 3 HCV, the high SVR rates coupled with the shorter duration of treatment has prompted many experts to proceed with treatment without obtaining a liver biopsy"
http://depts.washington.edu/hepstudy/hepC/mgmt/hcvtxit/discussion.html
3. Discuss your treatment options as well as the implications of each choice (some options would be to treat with dual, wait for all orals, do nothing).
It sounds as if your doctor is under the impression you want to try and get in a trial. If this is not the case then point that out. You might want to see how much experience he has treating Hepatitis C patients and find out his philosophy on treating side effects.
4. If you decide to treat be sure you understand what all is involved and that you are prepared. Ask how the doctor treats side effects, verify your what all your insurance covers and for how long, find out how long you treat and how often you have labs, see if you will be able to take time off from work on days you don't feel well, and things like that.
________________
If the doc you are seeing now isn't one you are impressed with then ask for a referral or seek one elsewhere. Be sure he knows what your preferences are first though. It helps to be assertive and not wait until the doctor presents you with acceptable options.
I learned from personal experience that Hepatitis C is the kind of disease where it helps to learn some of the basics so you don't get the run around or substandard care.
It helps to have one central doctor who can:
1. Labs - run preliminary tests (HCV RNA, Genotype & all that)
2. *Usually assess the state your liver is in* however as Can-do pointed out yesterday:
"For persons with either genotype 2 or 3 HCV, the high SVR rates coupled with the shorter duration of treatment has prompted many experts to proceed with treatment without obtaining a liver biopsy"
http://depts.washington.edu/hepstudy/hepC/mgmt/hcvtxit/discussion.html
3. Discuss your treatment options as well as the implications of each choice (some options would be to treat with dual, wait for all orals, do nothing).
It sounds as if your doctor is under the impression you want to try and get in a trial. If this is not the case then point that out. You might want to see how much experience he has treating Hepatitis C patients and find out his philosophy on treating side effects.
4. If you decide to treat be sure you understand what all is involved and that you are prepared. Ask how the doctor treats side effects, verify your what all your insurance covers and for how long, find out how long you treat and how often you have labs, see if you will be able to take time off from work on days you don't feel well, and things like that.
________________
If the doc you are seeing now isn't one you are impressed with then ask for a referral or seek one elsewhere. Be sure he knows what your preferences are first though. It helps to be assertive and not wait until the doctor presents you with acceptable options.
I learned from personal experience that Hepatitis C is the kind of disease where it helps to learn some of the basics so you don't get the run around or substandard care.
I have insurance, I think my regular PC is wanting to get me into the study because I'm sure he gets his cut somewhere along the line! I guess I will go ahead and do this Alone and say screw my regular Dr. Its been long enough already. I feel like **** all the time and I know the treatments might be ruff but I just wanna feel good!
Not sure why you are seeking out a trial? Is it because you don't have insurance to pay for treatment? If this is the case then apply for assistance with the pharmaceutical companies.
There shouldn't be a problem with going to a Hepatologist or GI doctor and treat immediately. Unless there some other medical / mental health issues preventing it.
Best of luck
There shouldn't be a problem with going to a Hepatologist or GI doctor and treat immediately. Unless there some other medical / mental health issues preventing it.
Best of luck
After reading some of your prior posts it seems like your trying to get into a trial. Being you do not a regular Hepatologist good luck with that... Since hospitals only get a very limited amount of slots and the Doctor involved already has their own set of patients. The trial I was in the hospital had only 16 slots and the Hepa had many more patients wanting in.
Be careful as you just might end up into a trial you don't want, if it is a popular trial drug its going to fill up and leave you in one that maybe a lot of other people don't want to risk...
Be careful as you just might end up into a trial you don't want, if it is a popular trial drug its going to fill up and leave you in one that maybe a lot of other people don't want to risk...
Hi i am type 2 also i went right to a hepatologist and started my treatment i am now on week 19 of 24 and am undetectable maybe you should take idylics advise and seek a hepatologist i also did not want to wait it sounds like your trying to get into a study group and are getting turned at least thats what it sounds like to me im not an expert but we do both have the same type and i started treatment right away
Best of luck to you
Best of luck to you
What do you mean been turned down? Are you looking for a study? If not have you considered obtaining a Gastro or Hepa and then just treating with that person? Or is it your current doctor who is giving you the run around? One thing about Hepatitis C is it helps to be your own advocate especially if you are ready and willing to treat with dual therapy. My regular PCP did a viral load before I obtained my referral to my GI.
not sure why they have not run a PCR to see if you have a viral load, as for a Biopsy they don't do those much with type genotype 2..... I'm not sure are you wanting to treat now with SOC or wait for future drugs?
I'll loose my mind by then LOL I'm waiting on a call from St Luke's in Houston. Been turned down by two places already. This is pissing me off. Treat me already lets get something started I don't even have a viral load yet or biopsy, wth?
Not sure why neither, SVR rates for SOC are very high for type 2. And depending on a few things a shorter treatment of 12 to 16 weeks is even possible for some if treatment becomes to tough. Of course ones state of liver should be of concern. If no or very little damage waiting maybe 18 to 24 months might make treatment easier....... Good luck to you.
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