unable to work

[puakoramp]

I just started & allready had to call it quits, I hope this treatment is our answer to kill this viruis. Did it hit anyone else
as hard & fast as this? I thought I could handle working through this, wow I was wrong. Thank all of you for your
support & personal input's. Start date: 1-14-12  tela,peg,riba

[printze]

No I am not sick , I do have to get in shape that's the plan over the next 6 mths, drop some  weight, exercise more . No drug or alcohol issues , never had. If I can't work then it will be unemployment for the time of tx . No other options for me . I will manage somehow .Thanks for the advice .

[bivalve]

Quite a few people are in uncertain situations with employers and insurance. At $4100 a week for Incivek, you'll want to have insurance sorted out.

Unless you're really sick already, I think it's worth waiting to start treatment until you have a good chance at seeing it through. If you take REALLY good care of yourself while sorting out the insurance and employment issues, you could start treatment in much better shape than you are now.

I got my viral load from 12M to 2M in the past year, with the last two ALT & AST tests being normal. Exercise, a good diet (no booze or smokes), and tapering off most other
medications (with help from a doc) did it for me.

I'm not enjoying the treatment at all...it *****! But I'll beat HCV...

[suezeeque]

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability Benefits are available to individuals who have made enough contributions to the Canada Pension Plan, and whose disability prevents them from working at any job on a regular basis. The disability must be long lasting or likely to result in death.

[suezeeque]

Yes, I understand that.

[printze]

Yes at my office the short term coverage was too expensive we are aboit 17 employees amd most of them are in their 50's and 60;s incl myself .I am glad to know the waiting for UI is only2 weeks in my case , is that true?then that makes it a little more doable. By the way for my American friends , I live in Canada, Quebec , so social security does npot apply here. Thanks for the advice..

[bivalve]

I'm on Day 5 of Pegasys/Ribavirin/Incivek. The first two days were rough - felt like I hadn't slept in days - but now I'm just tired. No nausea, but bowel movements feel like hot coals (which should go away when Incivek is stopped).

I was running 1.5 miles 2-3 days a week before treatment, but now a 2 mile walk wipes me out...just have to start again when tx is over. I can do my work with these symptoms if I take it easy.

I think it's important to get in the best shape you can before treatment: exercise, lose excess weight, eat right, no smoking or drinking, eliminate stresses. The treatment is NOT FUN, and no one wants to do it twice; might as well give yourself the best chance at success.

Puakoramp: the standard is 12 weeks of Incivek/Telaprevir, with Pegasys and Ribavirin. At 12 weeks you stop Incivek, and your viral response dictates the rest; continue Pegasys & Ribavirin for either 12 or 36 more weeks, or discontinue all treatments.

Good luck everyone, and look foward to the day when you can either kick HCV down the street, or start getting in shape for the next treatment. You'll beat it!

[Revalation]

I know how you're feeling the first time I treated I worked and it was hard.  Just keep in mind not everyone has horrible sx. You may be one of the lucky ones who tolerates the meds with only minor sx.

I'd get a plan of action just in case the sx are bad. Be prepared, but understand you may not need to work your plan.

Other members have given you some excellent suggestions.
Check on what you can do before you start.  Then you won't have to if the sx are
more than you can handle. You don't want to have to do that when you're in a desperate situation.

Sometime apprehension causes people to be reluctant. Try not to be so scared
you don't do what is in your long-term best interest.

Remember this  group is a select population of all who treat. I am treated at teaching facility (university doctors) the meetings I attend speak  of people with sx that are not as bad a some who have reported to the Forum. You could fall into that category.

I do however understand your fear as I will soon be treating again with Incivick and I'm frighten as well. Just make sure you consider all you options.

I will pray that you have the insight and wisdom needed to make this hard
decision.

Reva.

[diesel1959]

I would apply for social security disability, talk to your Dr,s first and then try talking to an attorney that specializes in this.When you apply @ social security office you will have to put down all the Dr's that you are seeing plus meds and you should get it if you explain that you only have 1 income. You might be able to talk to your boss and get a medical temp leave of absence. I am on 12 week with incevek doing the triple therapy so I could attest that I could not work, I live alone, I have my 12 yr old daughter 1/2 the time and it takes all I have to do the basic things. But I can't believe I am on final week of incivek and from what other members are telling me here and what I remember from my 1rst 72 weeks of double treatment, that I will be feeling better when I get back on double treatment, good luck

[printze]

I have long term disability coverage at work, but no short term, the only option is unemployment , like you said by the time I receive anything 2-3 mths will have passed . Not easy.I am going to have to drag my sick butt to work. I can use my vacation days, and some sick days, and hope for the best , that's all one can do ! The insurance pays 80% the other 20% will picked I believe by the drug co. I think, I hope .

[suezeeque]

Disability isn't always a good option.  My employer WANTED me to take disability and did all the research for me.  I would have been paid my full salary but only after a 12 week waiting period.  I would be eligible for government disability after a 4 week (I think) waiting period, with a max eligibility of 400-something a week.

Who can wait for 4 weeks with nothing coming in, then 400 bucks a week?

By the time you realize you can't work anymore, you're looking at a waiting period that lasts until the end of treatment.  Not an option I was willing to consider.

I was able to work anyway, though.  My employer was trying to do me a 'favour'.  

[puakoramp]

As far as support, physical & moral this forum is great,Dont worry about
money,as long as your Insurance is in place,get on tx. Have DR put u on SDI. If u can no longer work. you need insurance as these med's are very$
good luck, stay Healthy
  PS.. u have all of us

[printze]

That is my situation , I will be starting for sure in a few months and NEED o work, I am alone , yes I  can take leave of absence, with no money.How to pay rent, bills, pet food, food, medicine .... that is my dilema.Where will the money and moral and physical support come from ? Hard when you have no one.

[ceanothus]

To all the people who are afraid to treat because they have to work: I just wanted to comment on my own experience: although the first 13 weeks were hell (the Incivek period and one week afterwards), and there was no way I could have worked at all during that period, I'm now past the Incivek and definitely well enough to work again. I'm lucky in that I don't have an outside job, but just work for myself as an artist, but I am back at work again and back to being able to manage all the other general obligations of life. If your health is such that treatment seems urgent, you might do fine treating now if you could just get a medical leave of absence for the first three months.

[Revalation]

If you haven't stopped yet try to hang on please!!
You might get better in a few weeks.
Don't give up unless you absolutley have to.

[Bovary73]

I startet treatment on the 6th of January and just like you, I think the first two weeks were really hard. But now I've had 5 good days in a row and feel pretty much ok. I can handle work, two small kids and a husband and really hope that the rest of tx will be manageable.

By the way; I'm from Norway. Not a lot of furums here...so very glad to be able to read all of your experiences here!

Good luck everyone :)

Maria

[stormy456]

"Also trying hard to stay positive & not feel like I
let my family down going on tx."

I'm sure your family recognizes that you're doing this for them as much as yourself.  This treatment requires an amazing amount of courage - I'm sure everyone around you can see that.

[beeblessed]

Hi again,

I posed part of your question on my last post.  Pooh suggested that you take a look at some of Advocate1955's posts or journals.  Here is a link to her journals:

http://www.medhelp.org/user_journals/index/1739543?personal_page_id=2242526

Hoping some of this info will help you.  Also, for the headache.....30-45 minutes before taking your meds (including the injection), take Advil or Tylenol (whatever your doc suggested).  I did notice the headaches were worse in the beginning, when the body is getting used to the meds.  Make sure you eat with your meds and that you drink plenty of water.  Best of luck to you!

Bee
(Thanks Pooh, thanks Advocate)

[ready1600]

I was a high voltage elec for 20 years

[fretboard]

Good for you!  Glad to hear you didn't have to quit your tx!!  Good luck with the rest of your tx journey!!

[puakoramp]

Thank's for your kind words, Day to Day for sure. If you dont mind me asking, what line of work are u in? Im a electrician.the drive & job demand
was too much to handle.Also trying hard to stay positive & not feel like I
let my family down going on tx.Glad to hear you are over Inciveck & feeling
much better, that gives me hope.
             Thanks Again

[ready1600]

Hi,
The second day I began treatment 10,30,11 the side effects hit me hard. I think I had every side effect listed.
I was unable to work, no question about it.
I was ready to quit treatment the 3rd day. I stuck it out until the next dose and then the next, just one more. I told myself to just worry about keeping breathing.
I finished Incivek this week, I'm feeling like I may be able to return to work on a limited schedule and hopefully ramp up to full responsibilities but that is ahead of me still. I feel better, not 100% but better. If this all works it will be worth it.
I was und since week 4
Also focus on taking care of yourself, no one else will. I found that everyone including family says the right words of sympathy and offers of support but I don't thing people care like they say they do, although in their minds they probably think they do. I guess for most people they are busy and don't want to modify their lifestyle to care for someone else. I think that as long as people see you alive they assume your ok and can participate in what interests them.
Also life's regular responsibilities don't go away, paying bills, home maintenance, keeping track of meds, apps, bloodwork, deliveries.
I guess I'm trying to say, I understand what it's like and encourage you that you can manage if you stay positive and believe in yourself. Good Luck

[lucky64]

Chin up - I shot up late Friday and slept all weekend. I originally took vicodin but switched to 'herbal' relief and it worked wonders on the fatigue and pain, but I was not subject to random drug testing. nothing touches the incivek lava butt though!
Good luck - at least you know it can only last to week 4 and its down or stop there !

[puakoramp]

Wow thanks for clearing that up, I feel I am way behind on what I should already know about this treatment.

[Advocate1955]

Sorry to hear you're having such a difficult time, but glad you're able to continue treatment.
Advocate1955