That's great news Steve that your Zep is on it's way!
You mentioned ... "I should receive it on Friday. I take something for thyroid and a statin. The pharmacy said I should talk to my Dr. about reducing the statin from 40 to 20 MGs. Myralax for GI issues has worked well. I take about a 1/2 dose a day" ....
Be sure you have touched base with your doc before you start (if you two have not already seen each other, unless he told you to just go ahead and start regardless) - but, just in case there ARE any other last minute things he would want to cover with you - ie ... like the drugs you mention above, or his advice (on anything), or to pre-book your next series of appointments with him, and to pre-arrange what exact days to go to the lab for ongoing bloods through treatment. As well, you never did say if you and he have finished assurring that your hep a/b or other immunizations have been covered.
You may expect to be required to have lab work (on time) at the end of week 4, and, at end of treatment (EOT) - if your Zep is for 12 weeks, then those may be the minimum labs you will have during treatment, there may be more labs than that asked of you during treatment - so do check with your doc's office what your lab draw schedule is, and, what your doc appointment schedule is.
Get your water intake "system" ready and set up ahead of time, you are going to have to drink a lot of water while on treatment - strive to drink a gal of water per day - without fail - do not ever let yourself get behind or dehydrated during each day - you may well feel poorly without the help of the water. Carry water with you if you are out and about.
The increased water intake is very important, it may feel a burden to have to drink that much water, and inconvenient when you are busy and have to be peeing all the time - but so worth it, it helps tretament and can actually prevent common complaints people have sometimes while on tretament such as headaches, etc., and this is aside from water just being good for our bodies and bowels in general.
Figure out the best time of day to take you Zep and stick with that time, create a way you will never be able to forget to take the Zep each day, on time/same time.
Glad your start day is so near! C.
Stevebol said
Oct 10, 2017
I should receive it on Friday. I take something for thyroid and a statin. The pharmacy said I should talk to my Dr. about reducing the statin from 40 to 20 MGs. Myralax for GI issues has worked well. I take about a 1/2 dose a day.
Carbs cause a lot of problems for some people. You get too heavy and you get sedentary as a result. I try to be more consistent about eating right. I just discovered Steel Cut Oatmeal which is way better than regular oatmeal. I love bread but it's just not good unless you work out like crazy.
I got some help with the resume so it's done. Might as well get serious about the job hunt now.
Thanks for all the encouragement!
Canuck said
Oct 5, 2017
Hey Steve,
That's great you got the approval for Zep! If the doc (and/or pharmacy) does not instruct you shortly as to how and when the drugs are going to arrive to you, call them to inquire about what to expect as far as route, when, and if the doc needs anything else from you before you start. Double check with your docs office for any last minute stuff/or further instruction he may wish to do prior to your start - so check with his office before you start, should the drugs be delivered directly to your home.
I'll just have to assume the doc HAS checked your HepA and B immunity levels and that you did not need any further A/B (or other) immunizations?? That should always be done prior to a HCV treatment start.
How are your GI conditions now, have things remained "regular"and OK, since the endo/coloscopy and polyps were nipped out? I was glad to hear your platelets (formerly lowish) are now within normal limits at the last test.
Keep us posted, we're looking forward to your start! C.
Tig said
Oct 4, 2017
That’s excellent! Be sure to check out the discussions here with our other Zep Heads. It’s a great treatment and you’ll do great. The pharmacy will contact you fairly quickly once the process is set in motion. Good luck, we’ll be here to cheer you on!
Stevebol said
Oct 4, 2017
I've been approved for Zep! I guess the pharmacy deals with you directly.
Canuck said
Sep 13, 2017
Hi Steve,
Hey nice, you are getting closer to starting now. Good for some more bloodwork to be done tomorrow.
Thanks for posting some of the labs from the 18th.
The HCV RNA PCR is indeed your viral load (VL) - how much virus they can measure in your blood at that point in time when it was drawn - your result is shown here in two ways. VL measurements can be expressed either way, by "log" (your VL log = 6.37 exactly), and a "log" of 6.37 is exactly the same thing (converted) to another scale they can use, which is that other number on your page (2,343,782 IU per ml) - they are exactly the same thing, just expressed by two dif. methods of measurement.
VL's can and do flucuate as do ALT's and other bloods, pre-treatment. That was something I did not realize prior to treatment, that my VL's could have been flucuating up and down over the years (over the decades in my case really!).
Don't fret about how high or low your VL is to start with, the important bit to know that you and your doc are going to see to it, right shortly, that that VL is going to be knocked right down to zilch, cured and never to be seen again! : )
If you are over about 6 million count (near 6.8 log) that might have a bearing on what drug regime you receive, or for how long, and being that you are over 2 million but under 6 million, it is toss up as to what regime they may choose for you - there are other parameters they will consider as well to chose a regime and length that is best for you - level of cirrhosis, and perhaps resistence testing (if resistence testing is done). So we will see what you end up with, Zep or Harvoni and whether the Harvoni might be a shorter course.
Did they discuss immunization for hep A and hep B with you? That should have been covered by now - let me know, if you know. If you are not sure, ask them if they have finished assessing your hep A and B status. This should be done before you start hep C treatment.
For all of the other bloods you listed you have already deduced which are elevated, and most all of these just support the existence of your level of fibrosis/inflammation that your liver is experiencing (ALT and Alpha2Mac). Without knowing anything more about you "fibrotest" or othe rlabs or perhaps imagings, the result of your "fibrotest" wold seem to plave you solidly within the fibrosis score of F3, as you wrote.
Keep us posted, fire away if you have questions, someone 'round here will always try to help in anyway we can. C.
Stevebol said
Sep 13, 2017
Tig wrote:
Hey Steven,
You should be thrilled with Zepatier! The C-Edge trials ended with 99% of genotype 1B patients achieving SVR12, after 12 weeks of treatment. Not too shabby, eh?
Yes, I'm looking forward to getting started. I'm also in the job hunt. I moved to Las Vegas last Feb. Just something part time like casino porter.
Stevebol said
Sep 13, 2017
Canuck wrote:
Hey Steve,
Progress! It's good news when you know your treatment start is near/imminent. A welcome relief to know you can soon get started on this road to rid yourself of this virus.
Do you have a tentative start date yet?
I know you saw the hep doc Aug 18 of course, but have you been back again?
Has anything been said about you platelets? And I am still wondering where you are at with your hep A and B immunity - have any of your docs checked on your immunity or need for immunization (or re-immunization). You shoud have been checked for that by now, or will be, ask for it, if they have not.
Have you had an abd. ultrasound, or a fibroscan? You might inquire after those too.
I am glad you will start soon, and are looking forward to it. Best thing you can do for yourself and your health. You will be rid of this HCV in no time! C.
Saw the doc on the 18th and the following week. I have to go for another lab tomorrow for insurance purposes.
I 'm still getting a handle on readouts and what it all means.
HVC RNA PCR, Quant. 2343782
Not sure if that's viral load.
LO HCV RNA PCR, QT 6.37
No clue what that means
ALT 48
It's a little high
C02 19
A little low
HEMATOCRIT 51.0
A touch high
Fibro test score; F3 0.65
That's not good. Could be worse.
Alpha-2-Macroglobulin 310
That's high. I don't know what that is.
_______________
OK I see the platelet count now. It must have gone up. It's 158. 140-400 is normal range.
-- Edited by Stevebol on Wednesday 13th of September 2017 12:57:52 AM
Canuck said
Sep 8, 2017
Hey Steve,
Progress! It's good news when you know your treatment start is near/imminent. A welcome relief to know you can soon get started on this road to rid yourself of this virus.
Do you have a tentative start date yet?
I know you saw the hep doc Aug 18 of course, but have you been back again?
Has anything been said about you platelets? And I am still wondering where you are at with your hep A and B immunity - have any of your docs checked on your immunity or need for immunization (or re-immunization). You shoud have been checked for that by now, or will be, ask for it, if they have not.
Have you had an abd. ultrasound, or a fibroscan? You might inquire after those too.
I am glad you will start soon, and are looking forward to it. Best thing you can do for yourself and your health. You will be rid of this HCV in no time! C.
Tig said
Sep 7, 2017
Hey Steven,
You should be thrilled with Zepatier! The C-Edge trials ended with 99% of genotype 1B patients achieving SVR12, after 12 weeks of treatment. Not too shabby, eh?
Stevebol said
Sep 7, 2017
My insurance turned down Havorni so it looks like it's probably going to be Zepatier for 12 weeks.
I'm looking forward to getting started.
Stevebol said
Aug 24, 2017
Canuck wrote:
Hey Steve,
Nice to hear more from you again.
Man, you sure have had your fair share of gastro-problems. I agree, that stay in the hospital for the partial bowel obstruction was a serious thing! Not to detract from the importance of any of the other nasty gastro-things you got going on or have had!
What kind of hernia? Inguinal, umbilical or ... whereabouts is it? Will it require surgery at some point, did it have anything to do with your obstruction?
Good you are under the care of a GI guy now - I hope he gets to the bottom of everything! (No pun intended). Have you and your doc deduced what the main reason(s) were for why you became partially obstructed? Do you suffer from chronic constipation?
Good you had the endo/and colonscopy done and had the polyps nipped out.
Has your GI now layed out a plan for you, for all these gastric issues? - has he counselled you well on diet, fibre, water intake, lax use, to best suit all the maladies you have been experiencing.
I'll say! (it can be complicated)!
Complicated it can be in getting these gut things nice and controlled, and complicated the process we go thru before we can start our HCV therapy! Also complicated is your medical system down there (to me anyway)! - I have never figured out the medical system down there in the States, it's dif up here in Canada, there always seems to be a way to get a hold of records and labs, from anywhere up here within Canada, IF records exist. Not saying it is always easy to do so up here mind you, but I have never heard of hospitals declining to provide you your info if requested by you or your docs! That's so strange to me. But believe me, our medical system up here, otherwise, also has no shortage of strangeness or complications!
So, with your low platelets, and the doc talking about cirrhosis, it will be interesting to know what they see via your endoscopy, and what an abd. ultrasound and/or what other abd. imagings you may have had done, show in you.
Let us know what your GI says about your endo/or any imagings you have had done. I hope your GI also gives you a fibro-scan and an abd. ultrasound too, if you have not had those.
Hope they keep "working you up" quickly, and when ready, you get a well-timed start on your HCV cure.
Keep us posted. Fire away if you have questions. Someone here will always try to help. C.
The gastro is partly my own doing. I finally started exercising regularly and cut way down on carbs. Being overweight doesn't help even if it's just 20 lbs. The partial blockage was probably going on for a couple years. The only solution is 'bowel rest' and changing your habits.
I'm seeing the specialist on Friday so I'll see what's up with the low platelet count.
Canuck said
Aug 23, 2017
Hey Steve,
Nice to hear more from you again.
Man, you sure have had your fair share of gastro-problems. I agree, that stay in the hospital for the partial bowel obstruction was a serious thing! Not to detract from the importance of any of the other nasty gastro-things you got going on or have had!
What kind of hernia? Inguinal, umbilical or ... whereabouts is it? Will it require surgery at some point, did it have anything to do with your obstruction?
Good you are under the care of a GI guy now - I hope he gets to the bottom of everything! (No pun intended). Have you and your doc deduced what the main reason(s) were for why you became partially obstructed? Do you suffer from chronic constipation?
Good you had the endo/and colonscopy done and had the polyps nipped out.
Has your GI now layed out a plan for you, for all these gastric issues? - has he counselled you well on diet, fibre, water intake, lax use, to best suit all the maladies you have been experiencing.
I'll say! (it can be complicated)!
Complicated it can be in getting these gut things nice and controlled, and complicated the process we go thru before we can start our HCV therapy! Also complicated is your medical system down there (to me anyway)! - I have never figured out the medical system down there in the States, it's dif up here in Canada, there always seems to be a way to get a hold of records and labs, from anywhere up here within Canada, IF records exist. Not saying it is always easy to do so up here mind you, but I have never heard of hospitals declining to provide you your info if requested by you or your docs! That's so strange to me. But believe me, our medical system up here, otherwise, also has no shortage of strangeness or complications!
So, with your low platelets, and the doc talking about cirrhosis, it will be interesting to know what they see via your endoscopy, and what an abd. ultrasound and/or what other abd. imagings you may have had done, show in you.
Let us know what your GI says about your endo/or any imagings you have had done. I hope your GI also gives you a fibro-scan and an abd. ultrasound too, if you have not had those.
Hope they keep "working you up" quickly, and when ready, you get a well-timed start on your HCV cure.
Keep us posted. Fire away if you have questions. Someone here will always try to help. C.
Stevebol said
Aug 22, 2017
It's can be a little complicated.
I was going to the VA for a number of years but I don't go there anymore. Now I'm on Medicaid as of this year and living in a new state. Medicaid has no regard for VA medical records but that's OK. I have gastritis as of a couple years ago. Throwing up, etc.. That seems to be under control with taking a laxative everyday and change of diet, etc..
I was in the hospital about 7 weeks ago with a partial bowel blockage. Blood work for hep C was done about a week after that. Then again last week. I had a colonoscopy and endoscopy a few days after my stay in the hospital. My regular doctor recommended a gastro specialist and that's who I saw last week. The hospital told me to have the colon/endo from someone else....... Competition for business!
The doc last week asked why I decided to go with him. I said my regular doc recommended him and he was much closer. The hospital won't share info with my regular doc or him. After the colon/endo they tell you right away if you're OK. Meaning nothing very major. Other than gastritis, a hernia, some polyps which they removed, I guess I'm OK.
A bowel blockage is serious, even a partial one. I was on IV and nothing to eat or drink for 3 days. I started exercising right after the hospital stay and I'm finally trying a low-carb diet. I'm hoping to lose 20 lbs.
Wish I had know about laxatives sooner. Generic Miralax works well.
Canuck, I'll ask for copies of blood tests, etc..
-- Edited by Stevebol on Wednesday 23rd of August 2017 12:26:08 AM
Canuck said
Aug 19, 2017
Hi again Steve,
Glad you got your specialist appointment done and good they took more blood work. Also good to know about your platelet count and what that "possibly" might mean. That platelet count must have been from a prior (recent) blood draw? Did he say what the platelet count was?
I am still curious how much "work-up" has already been done on you to date (before you got to the specialist). i.e. - Have you had an abd. ultrasound done, or a fibroscan? If not, perhaps your specialist now ordered some of these tests to be done?
I would (for your own reference at home) ask for copies of the blood tests you have had done in the recent past, and have just had drawn, and future tests you will be now be getting through your treatment. It is valuable telling info that we can try to help you decipher.
Has your immunization status been checked, and brought up to date if necessary for hep A/B and flu?
I am glad he is talking about what drug choices he has in mind for you. What other things did he say (other than drugs and your platelets)?
How are you "feeling" about your visit with him, and/or just how have you been feeling in general? C.
-- Edited by Canuck on Saturday 19th of August 2017 03:17:32 AM
Tig said
Aug 18, 2017
Either treatment will be appropriate for you. Depending on your viral load and history of prior treatment, you may be able to do 8 or 12 weeks of Harvoni. Zepatier is going to be 12. This is if you are a compensated cirrhotic. Decompensated cirrhotics and prior treatment failures change some of the protocol.
Please fill out your signature line with your history, test results, etc. It makes responding easier with some some background info.
When will you hear back? Let us know!
Stevebol said
Aug 18, 2017
Saw a specialist today and they did more blood-work. My platelet count is low and it may indicate early stage cirrhosis. He mentioned Havorni and Zepatier. Guess it depends on my insurance.
gabbiegal said
Jul 21, 2017
Hi Steve!!! Welcome to the best forum you could ask for. The support and knowledge you'll receive here is a blessing from God.
Tig said
Jul 20, 2017
Hi Steve,
Be sure to write down any questions that come to mind, before you see the doctor. I can promise you will have a million of them before you walk in and will remember one or two of them. It happens to all of us. Turn your phone recorder on before sitting down, it will help you remember everything said. You should ask for copies of all the lab tests to be performed and keep them on file. They are yours for the asking and can prove very helpful down the road. Be sure and let us know what you find out, good luck!
Stevebol said
Jul 20, 2017
Thanks to everyone. I'm seeing the specialist on August 18. Hoping for the best!
I remind myself to drink plenty of water and take vitamin C. Try to eat well.
JimmyK said
Jul 18, 2017
Greetings,
You already have enough questions from good folks.
So let me welcome you also to a group of very special people.
Regards
JimmyK
robertsamx said
Jul 18, 2017
Hi Steve . 1b responds well to Therapy . If your gonna have hep c 1b is the one to have! You may get away with only 8 weeks of treatment . The treatments of today are fairly easy as compared to those of the past. Keep us informed,we're here to help.Look into setting up a signature line at the bottom of your post,I know you dont have all the numbers yet, but as they come in let us know-it helps us to offer advice based on your numbers. Were glad your here! RC
Stevebol said
Jul 18, 2017
I've been referred to a specialist and they should get back to me in a day or two to set up an appointment. I'm new to Nevada and new to Medicaid. All I know so far is I have type Ib and my viral load is fairly high. My regular Dr. didn't go into details about various treatment options so I guess she might leave that up to the specialist. I'll keep my signature up to date as I learn more.
-- Edited by Stevebol on Tuesday 18th of July 2017 02:38:10 PM
-- Edited by Stevebol on Tuesday 18th of July 2017 02:38:37 PM
Canuck said
Jul 18, 2017
Hi Steve,
Glad to see you here. This is a good place to come for info, to ask questions, and/or just for company. I hope you get to find out soon, when you get to start treatment.
Have you completed all the preliminaries? Have all your assesment thngs been done - recent bloodwork? - do you know your viral load or liver funtion test results? Have your Hep A/B immunizations been reviewed to see that they are adequate? Have you had an abdominal ultrasound and fibroscan done? Do you know what your Fscore is?
Anything you would like to share or ask is welcome here.
How soon is soon do you think?
I am glad you say you are hoping for the best - nowadays, with these new DAA's, you have EVERY reason to EXPECT the best. C.
,
Tig said
Jul 18, 2017
Hi Steve,
Welcome to the club! Glad you introduced yourself and look forward to you getting started.
Tell us what you know when you have time. You mentioned having 1b, there are several good options available for that genotype. Have you talked with your doctor about a particular regimen yet? Any shared info is appreciated and helps us get to know you better. What you can place in your signature line helps having to repeat it.
Stay in touch, others will be along to say hi. You'll be saying you HAD Hep C in no time. I've never seen greater success than we are now.
Stevebol said
Jul 17, 2017
Hello to everyone! I guess I'll be starting treatment for Hep C fairly soon. I'm 59. Doc say's I have type Ib. I'm hoping for the best and I look forward to reading more info on this site.
That's great news Steve that your Zep is on it's way!
You mentioned ... "I should receive it on Friday. I take something for thyroid and a statin. The pharmacy said I should talk to my Dr. about reducing the statin from 40 to 20 MGs. Myralax for GI issues has worked well. I take about a 1/2 dose a day" ....
Be sure you have touched base with your doc before you start (if you two have not already seen each other, unless he told you to just go ahead and start regardless) - but, just in case there ARE any other last minute things he would want to cover with you - ie ... like the drugs you mention above, or his advice (on anything), or to pre-book your next series of appointments with him, and to pre-arrange what exact days to go to the lab for ongoing bloods through treatment. As well, you never did say if you and he have finished assurring that your hep a/b or other immunizations have been covered.
You may expect to be required to have lab work (on time) at the end of week 4, and, at end of treatment (EOT) - if your Zep is for 12 weeks, then those may be the minimum labs you will have during treatment, there may be more labs than that asked of you during treatment - so do check with your doc's office what your lab draw schedule is, and, what your doc appointment schedule is.
Get your water intake "system" ready and set up ahead of time, you are going to have to drink a lot of water while on treatment - strive to drink a gal of water per day - without fail - do not ever let yourself get behind or dehydrated during each day - you may well feel poorly without the help of the water. Carry water with you if you are out and about.
The increased water intake is very important, it may feel a burden to have to drink that much water, and inconvenient when you are busy and have to be peeing all the time - but so worth it, it helps tretament and can actually prevent common complaints people have sometimes while on tretament such as headaches, etc., and this is aside from water just being good for our bodies and bowels in general.
Figure out the best time of day to take you Zep and stick with that time, create a way you will never be able to forget to take the Zep each day, on time/same time.
Glad your start day is so near!
C.
I should receive it on Friday. I take something for thyroid and a statin. The pharmacy said I should talk to my Dr. about reducing the statin from 40 to 20 MGs. Myralax for GI issues has worked well. I take about a 1/2 dose a day.
Carbs cause a lot of problems for some people. You get too heavy and you get sedentary as a result. I try to be more consistent about eating right. I just discovered Steel Cut Oatmeal which is way better than regular oatmeal. I love bread but it's just not good unless you work out like crazy.
I got some help with the resume so it's done. Might as well get serious about the job hunt now.
Thanks for all the encouragement!
Hey Steve,
That's great you got the approval for Zep! If the doc (and/or pharmacy) does not instruct you shortly as to how and when the drugs are going to arrive to you, call them to inquire about what to expect as far as route, when, and if the doc needs anything else from you before you start. Double check with your docs office for any last minute stuff/or further instruction he may wish to do prior to your start - so check with his office before you start, should the drugs be delivered directly to your home.
I'll just have to assume the doc HAS checked your HepA and B immunity levels and that you did not need any further A/B (or other) immunizations?? That should always be done prior to a HCV treatment start.
How are your GI conditions now, have things remained "regular"and OK, since the endo/coloscopy and polyps were nipped out? I was glad to hear your platelets (formerly lowish) are now within normal limits at the last test.
Keep us posted, we're looking forward to your start!
C.
That’s excellent! Be sure to check out the discussions here with our other Zep Heads. It’s a great treatment and you’ll do great. The pharmacy will contact you fairly quickly once the process is set in motion. Good luck, we’ll be here to cheer you on!
I've been approved for Zep! I guess the pharmacy deals with you directly.
Hi Steve,
Hey nice, you are getting closer to starting now. Good for some more bloodwork to be done tomorrow.
Thanks for posting some of the labs from the 18th.
The HCV RNA PCR is indeed your viral load (VL) - how much virus they can measure in your blood at that point in time when it was drawn - your result is shown here in two ways. VL measurements can be expressed either way, by "log" (your VL log = 6.37 exactly), and a "log" of 6.37 is exactly the same thing (converted) to another scale they can use, which is that other number on your page (2,343,782 IU per ml) - they are exactly the same thing, just expressed by two dif. methods of measurement.
VL's can and do flucuate as do ALT's and other bloods, pre-treatment. That was something I did not realize prior to treatment, that my VL's could have been flucuating up and down over the years (over the decades in my case really!).
Don't fret about how high or low your VL is to start with, the important bit to know that you and your doc are going to see to it, right shortly, that that VL is going to be knocked right down to zilch, cured and never to be seen again! : )
If you are over about 6 million count (near 6.8 log) that might have a bearing on what drug regime you receive, or for how long, and being that you are over 2 million but under 6 million, it is toss up as to what regime they may choose for you - there are other parameters they will consider as well to chose a regime and length that is best for you - level of cirrhosis, and perhaps resistence testing (if resistence testing is done). So we will see what you end up with, Zep or Harvoni and whether the Harvoni might be a shorter course.
Did they discuss immunization for hep A and hep B with you? That should have been covered by now - let me know, if you know. If you are not sure, ask them if they have finished assessing your hep A and B status. This should be done before you start hep C treatment.
For all of the other bloods you listed you have already deduced which are elevated, and most all of these just support the existence of your level of fibrosis/inflammation that your liver is experiencing (ALT and Alpha2Mac). Without knowing anything more about you "fibrotest" or othe rlabs or perhaps imagings, the result of your "fibrotest" wold seem to plave you solidly within the fibrosis score of F3, as you wrote.
Keep us posted, fire away if you have questions, someone 'round here will always try to help in anyway we can. C.
Yes, I'm looking forward to getting started. I'm also in the job hunt. I moved to Las Vegas last Feb. Just something part time like casino porter.
Saw the doc on the 18th and the following week. I have to go for another lab tomorrow for insurance purposes.
I 'm still getting a handle on readouts and what it all means.
HVC RNA PCR, Quant. 2343782
Not sure if that's viral load.
LO HCV RNA PCR, QT 6.37
No clue what that means
ALT 48
It's a little high
C02 19
A little low
HEMATOCRIT 51.0
A touch high
Fibro test score; F3 0.65
That's not good. Could be worse.
Alpha-2-Macroglobulin 310
That's high. I don't know what that is.
_______________
OK I see the platelet count now. It must have gone up. It's 158. 140-400 is normal range.
-- Edited by Stevebol on Wednesday 13th of September 2017 12:57:52 AM
Hey Steve,
Progress! It's good news when you know your treatment start is near/imminent. A welcome relief to know you can soon get started on this road to rid yourself of this virus.
Do you have a tentative start date yet?
I know you saw the hep doc Aug 18 of course, but have you been back again?
Has anything been said about you platelets? And I am still wondering where you are at with your hep A and B immunity - have any of your docs checked on your immunity or need for immunization (or re-immunization). You shoud have been checked for that by now, or will be, ask for it, if they have not.
Have you had an abd. ultrasound, or a fibroscan? You might inquire after those too.
I am glad you will start soon, and are looking forward to it. Best thing you can do for yourself and your health. You will be rid of this HCV in no time! C.
Hey Steven,
You should be thrilled with Zepatier! The C-Edge trials ended with 99% of genotype 1B patients achieving SVR12, after 12 weeks of treatment. Not too shabby, eh?
I'm looking forward to getting started.
The gastro is partly my own doing. I finally started exercising regularly and cut way down on carbs. Being overweight doesn't help even if it's just 20 lbs. The partial blockage was probably going on for a couple years. The only solution is 'bowel rest' and changing your habits.
I'm seeing the specialist on Friday so I'll see what's up with the low platelet count.
Hey Steve,
Nice to hear more from you again.
Man, you sure have had your fair share of gastro-problems. I agree, that stay in the hospital for the partial bowel obstruction was a serious thing! Not to detract from the importance of any of the other nasty gastro-things you got going on or have had!
What kind of hernia? Inguinal, umbilical or ... whereabouts is it? Will it require surgery at some point, did it have anything to do with your obstruction?
Good you are under the care of a GI guy now - I hope he gets to the bottom of everything! (No pun intended). Have you and your doc deduced what the main reason(s) were for why you became partially obstructed? Do you suffer from chronic constipation?
Good you had the endo/and colonscopy done and had the polyps nipped out.
Has your GI now layed out a plan for you, for all these gastric issues? - has he counselled you well on diet, fibre, water intake, lax use, to best suit all the maladies you have been experiencing.
I'll say! (it can be complicated)!
Complicated it can be in getting these gut things nice and controlled, and complicated the process we go thru before we can start our HCV therapy! Also complicated is your medical system down there (to me anyway)! - I have never figured out the medical system down there in the States, it's dif up here in Canada, there always seems to be a way to get a hold of records and labs, from anywhere up here within Canada, IF records exist. Not saying it is always easy to do so up here mind you, but I have never heard of hospitals declining to provide you your info if requested by you or your docs! That's so strange to me. But believe me, our medical system up here, otherwise, also has no shortage of strangeness or complications!
So, with your low platelets, and the doc talking about cirrhosis, it will be interesting to know what they see via your endoscopy, and what an abd. ultrasound and/or what other abd. imagings you may have had done, show in you.
Let us know what your GI says about your endo/or any imagings you have had done. I hope your GI also gives you a fibro-scan and an abd. ultrasound too, if you have not had those.
Hope they keep "working you up" quickly, and when ready, you get a well-timed start on your HCV cure.
Keep us posted. Fire away if you have questions. Someone here will always try to help. C.
It's can be a little complicated.
I was going to the VA for a number of years but I don't go there anymore. Now I'm on Medicaid as of this year and living in a new state. Medicaid has no regard for VA medical records but that's OK. I have gastritis as of a couple years ago. Throwing up, etc.. That seems to be under control with taking a laxative everyday and change of diet, etc..
I was in the hospital about 7 weeks ago with a partial bowel blockage. Blood work for hep C was done about a week after that. Then again last week. I had a colonoscopy and endoscopy a few days after my stay in the hospital. My regular doctor recommended a gastro specialist and that's who I saw last week. The hospital told me to have the colon/endo from someone else.......
Competition for business!
The doc last week asked why I decided to go with him. I said my regular doc recommended him and he was much closer. The hospital won't share info with my regular doc or him. After the colon/endo they tell you right away if you're OK. Meaning nothing very major. Other than gastritis, a hernia, some polyps which they removed, I guess I'm OK.
A bowel blockage is serious, even a partial one. I was on IV and nothing to eat or drink for 3 days. I started exercising right after the hospital stay and I'm finally trying a low-carb diet. I'm hoping to lose 20 lbs.
Wish I had know about laxatives sooner. Generic Miralax works well.
Canuck, I'll ask for copies of blood tests, etc..
-- Edited by Stevebol on Wednesday 23rd of August 2017 12:26:08 AM
Hi again Steve,
Glad you got your specialist appointment done and good they took more blood work. Also good to know about your platelet count and what that "possibly" might mean. That platelet count must have been from a prior (recent) blood draw? Did he say what the platelet count was?
I am still curious how much "work-up" has already been done on you to date (before you got to the specialist). i.e. - Have you had an abd. ultrasound done, or a fibroscan? If not, perhaps your specialist now ordered some of these tests to be done?
I would (for your own reference at home) ask for copies of the blood tests you have had done in the recent past, and have just had drawn, and future tests you will be now be getting through your treatment. It is valuable telling info that we can try to help you decipher.
Has your immunization status been checked, and brought up to date if necessary for hep A/B and flu?
I am glad he is talking about what drug choices he has in mind for you. What other things did he say (other than drugs and your platelets)?
How are you "feeling" about your visit with him, and/or just how have you been feeling in general? C.
-- Edited by Canuck on Saturday 19th of August 2017 03:17:32 AM
Either treatment will be appropriate for you. Depending on your viral load and history of prior treatment, you may be able to do 8 or 12 weeks of Harvoni. Zepatier is going to be 12. This is if you are a compensated cirrhotic. Decompensated cirrhotics and prior treatment failures change some of the protocol.
Please fill out your signature line with your history, test results, etc. It makes responding easier with some some background info.
When will you hear back? Let us know!
Saw a specialist today and they did more blood-work. My platelet count is low and it may indicate early stage cirrhosis. He mentioned Havorni and Zepatier. Guess it depends on my insurance.
Hi Steve!!! Welcome to the best forum you could ask for. The support and knowledge you'll receive here is a blessing from God.
Hi Steve,
Be sure to write down any questions that come to mind, before you see the doctor. I can promise you will have a million of them before you walk in and will remember one or two of them. It happens to all of us. Turn your phone recorder on before sitting down, it will help you remember everything said. You should ask for copies of all the lab tests to be performed and keep them on file. They are yours for the asking and can prove very helpful down the road. Be sure and let us know what you find out, good luck!
Thanks to everyone. I'm seeing the specialist on August 18. Hoping for the best!
I remind myself to drink plenty of water and take vitamin C. Try to eat well.
Greetings,
You already have enough questions from good folks.
So let me welcome you also to a group of very special people.
Regards
JimmyK
Hi Steve . 1b responds well to Therapy . If your gonna have hep c 1b is the one to have! You may get away with only 8 weeks of treatment . The treatments of today are fairly easy as compared to those of the past. Keep us informed,we're here to help.Look into setting up a signature line at the bottom of your post,I know you dont have all the numbers yet, but as they come in let us know-it helps us to offer advice based on your numbers. Were glad your here! RC
I've been referred to a specialist and they should get back to me in a day or two to set up an appointment. I'm new to Nevada and new to Medicaid. All I know so far is I have type Ib and my viral load is fairly high. My regular Dr. didn't go into details about various treatment options so I guess she might leave that up to the specialist. I'll keep my signature up to date as I learn more.
-- Edited by Stevebol on Tuesday 18th of July 2017 02:38:10 PM
-- Edited by Stevebol on Tuesday 18th of July 2017 02:38:37 PM
Hi Steve,
Glad to see you here. This is a good place to come for info, to ask questions, and/or just for company. I hope you get to find out soon, when you get to start treatment.
Have you completed all the preliminaries? Have all your assesment thngs been done - recent bloodwork? - do you know your viral load or liver funtion test results? Have your Hep A/B immunizations been reviewed to see that they are adequate? Have you had an abdominal ultrasound and fibroscan done? Do you know what your Fscore is?
Anything you would like to share or ask is welcome here.
How soon is soon do you think?
I am glad you say you are hoping for the best - nowadays, with these new DAA's, you have EVERY reason to EXPECT the best.
C.
,
Hi Steve,
Welcome to the club! Glad you introduced yourself and look forward to you getting started.
Tell us what you know when you have time. You mentioned having 1b, there are several good options available for that genotype. Have you talked with your doctor about a particular regimen yet? Any shared info is appreciated and helps us get to know you better. What you can place in your signature line helps having to repeat it.
Stay in touch, others will be along to say hi. You'll be saying you HAD Hep C in no time. I've never seen greater success than we are now.
Hello to everyone! I guess I'll be starting treatment for Hep C fairly soon. I'm 59. Doc say's I have type Ib. I'm hoping for the best and I look forward to reading more info on this site.