Hey Tonib!

Im sorry that yesterday didnt go as smoothly as it should. Just remember that all the trials and tribulations are worth the reward in the end.

As for the meds. Zytec 24 hour should not make you tired, I take my in the morning with my other meds. I would take the antidepressant at night to help you sleep. I usually take 1 500mg tylenol 30 mins before I take my shot and usually dont need it any other time. 

For the insurance company... I had to be very proactive and made many calls to my insurance company, Drs office and specialty pharmacy. I think they got stuff done quickly cause they were tired of hearing from me...lol! You have to remember its just another day at work for them and not of high importance....to us on the other hand feel like this is the most important thing in life. Be proactive and get on the phone and make yourself known!

Thinking about you and sending good vibes and love your way!

Thanks so much everyone!  fingers crossed I will keep you posted, till then I wish you all well! 

tonib,

     i started out just like you. everyday was another 1 or 2 hrs. on the phone dealing w/insurance companies and rude np's at the drs. this forum is a god send. take a paxil,a deep breathe and all will be fine. the meds cost 20k/month,incivek. so you best believe your dr. can't wait 4 you to begin.

after day one all the anxiety diminishes for the most part. i'm now on day 12/13 before you know it time flies. hopefully as quick as one of "gorden ramsey's" private jets.

     stay in the loop regarding side effects. i'm 5'3" and 120 lbs. on day 3 the rash came in like a devil over 2/3rds of my body. therefore you need to stock up on otc side effects management prior to treatment.

sandy,ucbgal

Hey Toni I wouldn't worry too much about the Vic approval. The insurance companies understand that approving treatment now and you having success now is better for your overall health and will save them much more down the road if you required more complex treatment, like a transplant. They want you to win this battle, the sooner the better! Once your doctor resubmits the request it should go right through. Good luck!

Tonib

You don't say how low your platelets are. I take a platelet inhibitor so I have had low platelets since beginning treatment so it's not a deal killer I don't think.

Mine started at 121 and have gone as low as 62K/ul during treatment. Normal by the lab I go to is 130-400K/ul

My doc said 2 extra strength Tylenol a day but if I have more than one headache I have been known to take more. You can take more than that without it hurting you liver..I usually don't take more than 4 in a 24 hr period... he didn't want me taking Motrin or aspirin though. Some people take a couple before each shot of Peg. for one of those "just in case things"

Ask the pharmacist about the zyrtek. It's their job to let you know about interactions and yours to let them and the Doctor know what all your taking. :)

Insurance is slow but I'm sure they will approve ya. Took a couple of try's for all my paperwork to get in right.

Hi tonib...no worries about venting-this is the place.  I sometimes think venting should be considered a side effect of Hep C.  A positive side effect...it feels so good to share with people who understand what we are going through.  Please take care...Stay focused on what is good.  Keep us posted.

I went for my baseline blood test today and the plan was to start the peg/rib on Friday 7/5.....ok then the insurance company is giving a hard time about the victrellis because my doctor was on vacation and the office staff did not provide the info that the insurance co requested....ugh ugh ugh...so then I find out that I have low platelets.....ok....what is a platelet?  Its a part of the blood that does this clotting thingamaging....ok and the triple X can cause low platelets....ouch..but I can start anyway...thats if the insurance co okays the victrellis.....blah blah blah!!!

So now I WAIT to see if the insurance co will approve the victrellis because my doc says the invecek thing is a different treatment.....ok  but I should have the vic because I already have all these rash and things like fungus in my mouth....

Meanwhile, back on the farm..(the funny farm...) I have started taking paxil because I am freaking out!  But the pharmacy said take the paxil in the morning,,,,, the label warns "may cause drowsiness/dizziness"....ok thats no good cause I drive a bus for a living....ok so take it at night...oh but what about the zyrtek allergy medicine I take?????  Oh I can't take them together?  The zyrtec also causes drowsiness so I take that at night.....so I just took my first paxil at 6 pm and I will take the zyrtec around 9 or 10?   

Al I keep thinking is all the pills I will be taking.....eventually it will be about 18 pills a day including the paxil....ugh  

Here is my BIGGEST LAUGH of the day  (NOT)....I asked my doc what should I take for "symptoms"  he said only 1 extra strength tylenol a day is allowed, and just rest.....

I needed to vent...sorry about complaining so much...but any wise sweet words would be greatly appreciated!