I read your post and noticed you mentioned being on Victoza. I have noticed a huge increase in reports and TV shows discussing the severe problems people have been experiencing with pancreas and thyroid disease as a result of it. Here is an article (there are many) on the subject.
Interesting read. Luckily I have not experienced these problems and it has very been helpful to me. Have been on it for years now. Every medication has a list of adverse effects from to death. Even this treatment is known thyroid killer. Better living through chemistry and it is a matter what poison you chose to make your quality life better. Remember, the worst thing a person can do to their self is take 2 Tylenol for a hang over.
-- Edited by Northern on Friday 23rd of August 2013 07:37:38 PM
Northern said
Aug 23, 2013
I became diabetic after my 2nd round of treatment. Insulin resistance to boot. Sugars >500. They didn't want to use any oral meds to control my glucose so I became insulin dependent. A fairly new injectable med came called Victoza. Along with Lantus, It helped bring my A1c from >11 to a 6. Something worth considering.
mallani said
Aug 23, 2013
Hi Don,
Side effects (Sx) vary enormously from person to person to person. The younger and fitter you are, the better. Also those with low VL's and less liver damage cope better, usually. Rx is a mental grind, and a positive attitude and good results made the Sx easier to bear. You may get a rash, have some ano-rectal issues, get anaemic, get cranky- we've all had them to some degree. This Forum has a lot of info and experience in dealing with Sx, so use the 'Search' box, or ask for advice. We're here to help. Good luck, hope you have an easy trip.
Ranger said
Aug 23, 2013
Thanks Mallani
There is no doubt that it is my diet at this point. I am still working on that. How bad are the side affects from going on these meds for the duration. Cause maybe thats why they want me in the best health as I can be so I don't quit. But I have my life at a point right now here I can do the treatment. I don't have any comentments and my wife is suppotive. But how hard will it be ??
mallani said
Aug 23, 2013
Hi Ranger,
I think the blood glucose levels are pretty universal. The fasting glucose should be under 6, but 10 is not a big deal. During Rx mine ranged from 6 to 12, and I had to watch my sugar intake as I am a borderline diabetic.
Try to get a fasting insulin level done. There is a condition called IR (Insulin Resistance) which is common in HepC patients. This often causes a poor response to Rx, but if it's normal, just watch your sugar intake. As a cirrhotic, you'll have to do 48 weeks, which is a pain, but the end result is worth it. If you're doing the Incivek triple, the first 12 weeks will be the worst, then it's just Peg. and Riba. Good luck. Cheers.
Loopy Lisa said
Aug 22, 2013
You're welcome......I choosethe name because when I opened the account I was half loppy with worry lol. I am fine now, promise! ;)
Ranger said
Aug 22, 2013
Thanks for your support it means a lot. I won't ask why the name Loopy Lisa hahaha and yes I do deserve to be treated with dignity.
Ranger said
Aug 22, 2013
Hi Bills you are so right they took my word that was how I got the hep c . I just said that to speed it up as I had just found out that my brother had it and I had lost a brother about two years ago from complications from hep c . I bet you a dime to a donut that if I had said that it was a blood transfusion it made have helped my status. Now I did do intravenous and I have lost my second brother now. I am going to get another Dr.. Thanks for your support it really does HELP.
Ranger said
Aug 22, 2013
Hi Mallani I would like to start with THANKS for all the replies they make me feel well better. I've kept this secret for a long time now. Any way I live in Canada and my sugar levels are fasting 10 . Now I have noticed in the USA there numbers are different. The Dr I went to is a Gastroenterologist and I don't doubt his ability there is a link below, that is public and it tells the same story I'm getting.I have had the Biopsy to confirm the cirrosis. And so did my brother by the way and he was told in October 2012 no cancer died May 22 2013 and was told by another Dr he had his liver cancer for at least 2 years.
I have did all the hoops I have been aproved for the triple theraby. peginterferin rivivarin and insivic and that was a major hurtle in its self. I am so very grateful that I promise that every medicine I get prescribed from now on I am going to get the cheapest to help save the insurance company money.It is over 65.000 dollars.
I have made an appontmet with a clinic called PARN to see what they have to say. I only have to wait 2 weeks not months to see them.
mallani said
Aug 22, 2013
Hi Ranger,
Do you know what your blood glucose level is? It should be easy to control and is not a reason to delay treatment, particularly if you have cirrhosis. Did you have a liver biopsy to confirm cirrhosis? Depending on where you live, treatment may be delayed, but you should change doctors if you can't get fairly prompt treatment. Find some-one who is experienced in HepC treatment! Good luck.
Dillo said
Aug 22, 2013
Hi Ranger,
I have type 2 Diabetes that has been under control for a few years and it didn't effect my treatment. My Doc asked me to change my meds for it but that was only after seeing there was a problem during treatment that needed to be changed. If you have type 1 or it is not under control I don't know how that would effect it. If your blood sugars are very high I would imagine that could effect treatment.
It was about 1 month from getting my final testing done...exploring the options, questions and answers, before I started treatment. I suggest you get the treatment from a Hepatologist (liver specialist) if at all possible. If there is not one in your area I would suggest a Gastroenterologist or Infectious-disease specialist as lisa said. Hopefully one of those are in your options in Canada. No way I would trust a MD or NP to treat Hep C.
Bills said
Aug 22, 2013
Hi Ranger
As said how you got it shouldn't matter so long as your drug free now. Me and many others played and paid. If that's the reason he is hesitant treating you I agree second opinion is in order. Diabetes is another case and I suspect most Drs are cautious on how you will tolerate it . Also new meds are coming out maybe you've caught on to that ? Less time in treatment and less side affects. If you do go for a 2nd opinion see how urgent it is that you treat right away. And mention the new drugs and ask how it is affecting people with diabetes. It might be worth the wait ( if you can afford to wait for them )
Bill S
Loopy Lisa said
Aug 21, 2013
It really should be of no consequence how you contracted the disease. There is no one on the planet that deserves a disease from a lapse of judgement. Personally I would get another doctor. Within two months of diagnoses, I had all blood tests, scan and biopsy with the option to treat straight away. My doctor is an infectious disease specialist and has never made me feel anything but supported. If your doctor makes you feel anything less I would shop about. This is your body, your health and you have the right to be treated with dignity. Good luck!
Ranger said
Aug 21, 2013
Thanks for your fast reply Cinnamond Girl it's good to know there is a place like this where there are others in the same boat so to speak.I am hoping that there is some one that can help me on here. How long does it normally take to get treatment started ? I have been dealing with this speacalist since last Dec . Am I paranoid but the stigma attached with this Hep C might be why it's taking so long to get treatment. I told them that I contracted the disease by sharing needles back in the 70's. So maybe they are not making me a priority ?? I mean my brother whom I met in his office, cause I did not know he had it , was waiting for the treatment and he passed away waiting for the treatment , now mind you different deal but you would think they would move on me . I dont know but I have had enough and maybe getting a different Dr is in order.
Thanks again
Cinnamon Girl said
Aug 21, 2013
Hi again, it`s actually not that uncommon to have quite a long wait before starting treatment, and no decent doctor would delay it because of how you caught the disease. But it would probably be a good idea to see another doctor anyway, for a second opinion at least.
I`m really sorry to hear about the loss of your brother, it must have been heartbreaking. Condolences to you.
All the best of luck with getting things moving along, keep in touch.
Cinnamon Girl said
Aug 21, 2013
Hi Ranger, welcome! We have had members here who have been able to do treatment even though they had diabetes, so I think this is something you need to discuss further with your doctor. I should imagine your blood sugar levels would need to be well controlled before you were able to proceed. This is only guesswork on my part though, I`m not a doctor!
Other people might be able to add something. Best of luck!
Ranger said
Aug 21, 2013
Hi my name is Ranger and I have Hep C. I have been to the Dr and went through all the hoops. My insurance plan is going to pay for the triple treatment. Dont know what my viral load is I and geno type 1 with cerrosis. Now because my blood sugars are high they have refused me treatment ! Does any one on here know any thing about that?
I read your post and noticed you mentioned being on Victoza. I have noticed a huge increase in reports and TV shows discussing the severe problems people have been experiencing with pancreas and thyroid disease as a result of it. Here is an article (there are many) on the subject.
http://fightforvictims.com/defective-drugs/victoza-lawsuit
Interesting read. Luckily I have not experienced these problems and it has very been helpful to me. Have been on it for years now. Every medication has a list of adverse effects from to death. Even this treatment is known thyroid killer. Better living through chemistry and it is a matter what poison you chose to make your quality life better. Remember, the worst thing a person can do to their self is take 2 Tylenol for a hang over.
-- Edited by Northern on Friday 23rd of August 2013 07:37:38 PM
I became diabetic after my 2nd round of treatment. Insulin resistance to boot. Sugars >500. They didn't want to use any oral meds to control my glucose so I became insulin dependent. A fairly new injectable med came called Victoza. Along with Lantus, It helped bring my A1c from >11 to a 6. Something worth considering.
Hi Don,
Side effects (Sx) vary enormously from person to person to person. The younger and fitter you are, the better. Also those with low VL's and less liver damage cope better, usually. Rx is a mental grind, and a positive attitude and good results made the Sx easier to bear. You may get a rash, have some ano-rectal issues, get anaemic, get cranky- we've all had them to some degree. This Forum has a lot of info and experience in dealing with Sx, so use the 'Search' box, or ask for advice. We're here to help. Good luck, hope you have an easy trip.
Thanks Mallani
There is no doubt that it is my diet at this point. I am still working on that. How bad are the side affects from going on these meds for the duration. Cause maybe thats why they want me in the best health as I can be so I don't quit. But I have my life at a point right now here I can do the treatment. I don't have any comentments and my wife is suppotive. But how hard will it be ??
Hi Ranger,
I think the blood glucose levels are pretty universal. The fasting glucose should be under 6, but 10 is not a big deal. During Rx mine ranged from 6 to 12, and I had to watch my sugar intake as I am a borderline diabetic.
Try to get a fasting insulin level done. There is a condition called IR (Insulin Resistance) which is common in HepC patients. This often causes a poor response to Rx, but if it's normal, just watch your sugar intake. As a cirrhotic, you'll have to do 48 weeks, which is a pain, but the end result is worth it. If you're doing the Incivek triple, the first 12 weeks will be the worst, then it's just Peg. and Riba. Good luck. Cheers.
You're welcome......I choosethe name because when I opened the account I was half loppy with worry lol. I am fine now, promise! ;)
Thanks for your support it means a lot. I won't ask why the name Loopy Lisa hahaha and yes I do deserve to be treated with dignity.
Hi Bills you are so right they took my word that was how I got the hep c . I just said that to speed it up as I had just found out that my brother had it and I had lost a brother about two years ago from complications from hep c . I bet you a dime to a donut that if I had said that it was a blood transfusion it made have helped my status. Now I did do intravenous and I have lost my second brother now. I am going to get another Dr.. Thanks for your support it really does HELP.
Hi Mallani I would like to start with THANKS for all the replies they make me feel well better. I've kept this secret for a long time now. Any way I live in Canada and my sugar levels are fasting 10 . Now I have noticed in the USA there numbers are different. The Dr I went to is a Gastroenterologist and I don't doubt his ability there is a link below, that is public and it tells the same story I'm getting.I have had the Biopsy to confirm the cirrosis. And so did my brother by the way and he was told in October 2012 no cancer died May 22 2013 and was told by another Dr he had his liver cancer for at least 2 years.
http://www.ratemds.com/doctor-ratings/85280/Dr-Steven-Brien-Peterborough-ON.html
I have did all the hoops I have been aproved for the triple theraby. peginterferin rivivarin and insivic and that was a major hurtle in its self. I am so very grateful that I promise that every medicine I get prescribed from now on I am going to get the cheapest to help save the insurance company money.It is over 65.000 dollars.
I have made an appontmet with a clinic called PARN to see what they have to say. I only have to wait 2 weeks not months to see them.
Hi Ranger,
Do you know what your blood glucose level is? It should be easy to control and is not a reason to delay treatment, particularly if you have cirrhosis. Did you have a liver biopsy to confirm cirrhosis? Depending on where you live, treatment may be delayed, but you should change doctors if you can't get fairly prompt treatment. Find some-one who is experienced in HepC treatment! Good luck.
Hi Ranger,
I have type 2 Diabetes that has been under control for a few years and it didn't effect my treatment. My Doc asked me to change my meds for it but that was only after seeing there was a problem during treatment that needed to be changed. If you have type 1 or it is not under control I don't know how that would effect it. If your blood sugars are very high I would imagine that could effect treatment.
It was about 1 month from getting my final testing done...exploring the options, questions and answers, before I started treatment. I suggest you get the treatment from a Hepatologist (liver specialist) if at all possible. If there is not one in your area I would suggest a Gastroenterologist or Infectious-disease specialist as lisa said. Hopefully one of those are in your options in Canada. No way I would trust a MD or NP to treat Hep C.
Hi Ranger
As said how you got it shouldn't matter so long as your drug free now. Me and many others played and paid. If that's the reason he is hesitant treating you I agree second opinion is in order. Diabetes is another case and I suspect most Drs are cautious on how you will tolerate it . Also new meds are coming out maybe you've caught on to that ? Less time in treatment and less side affects. If you do go for a 2nd opinion see how urgent it is that you treat right away. And mention the new drugs and ask how it is affecting people with diabetes. It might be worth the wait ( if you can afford to wait for them )
Bill S
It really should be of no consequence how you contracted the disease. There is no one on the planet that deserves a disease from a lapse of judgement. Personally I would get another doctor. Within two months of diagnoses, I had all blood tests, scan and biopsy with the option to treat straight away. My doctor is an infectious disease specialist and has never made me feel anything but supported. If your doctor makes you feel anything less I would shop about. This is your body, your health and you have the right to be treated with dignity. Good luck!
Thanks again
Hi again, it`s actually not that uncommon to have quite a long wait before starting treatment, and no decent doctor would delay it because of how you caught the disease. But it would probably be a good idea to see another doctor anyway, for a second opinion at least.
I`m really sorry to hear about the loss of your brother, it must have been heartbreaking. Condolences to you.
All the best of luck with getting things moving along, keep in touch.
Hi Ranger, welcome! We have had members here who have been able to do treatment even though they had diabetes, so I think this is something you need to discuss further with your doctor. I should imagine your blood sugar levels would need to be well controlled before you were able to proceed. This is only guesswork on my part though, I`m not a doctor!
Other people might be able to add something. Best of luck!
Hi my name is Ranger and I have Hep C. I have been to the Dr and went through all the hoops. My insurance plan is going to pay for the triple treatment. Dont know what my viral load is I and geno type 1 with cerrosis. Now because my blood sugars are high they have refused me treatment ! Does any one on here know any thing about that?
Thanks so much