"high risk" patients

[cjsam]

I was wondering if anyone else here was considered "high risk" for treatment (the "typical" treatment w/ pegasys (interfuron) and copegasys (ribaviron) and what their experience has been with both access to Doctors willing to try the therapy with them being "high risk" patients, and the therapy itself.  I am considered "high risk" because of my diagnosis of bipolar disorder and substance abuse (I have been stable for 3+ yrs), epilepsy (I have been seizure free for 5+ yrs) and possibly add (though I'm not sure if the last puts me in any sort of "high risk" category.  Mentally, my biggest presenting problem is lack of concentration and irritablity.  I am told that many would not treat me due to my high risk status.  

[cjsam]

I feel fine about it, like I said I have been stable for a couple years now, and want to give myself the best shot possible at beating this thing, also I know if I start to get depressed I will speak up (it's a pretty uncomfortable feeling...ok uncomfortable is an understatemennt...it outright ***** to be depressed).  

[cjsam]

I'm actually already in treatment, although was told by the doc that I am considered to be a high risk patient so was just wondering what others thought of this.  I was required to get a letter of clearance from my psychiatrist, my neurologist, and an eye doctor.  I have been "stable" for several years now, though am well aware that the meds can change this, and I am generally good with staying on top of things when it comes to staying on top of my health.

[newleaf09]

High risk categories are mental instability or already in liver failure.  If you have insurance and really 'pour it on" (get into counseling plus mood stabilization drugs) and stick with it through treatment, I think they will be more willing to treat you.  They will be leery of you, so line up all the psych stuff ahead of time.

[Bill1954]

Many doctors will feel better if you involve a psychologist/physiatrist to help manage your journey though treatment. I have dealt with previous depression; the question my doc asked me was if I’d been previously hospitalized; although I’m not sure that if the answer had been yes, if it would have been an absolute deal breaker.

Many doctors will ‘pretreat’ with antidepressants to help ameliorate the psych angle; it helps, but there’s still a chance that some stuff will bleed through. Not all of us deal with depression; it isn’t a given on therapy. How do *you* feel about it?

Bill