I found this easy to understand explanation on iron levels and the values you'll see on your tests. Be sure to follow the link for a good explanation and additional resources. I hope it helps answer those questions you have regarding your lab values.
Further explanation on Iron (Fe) and Resources @ http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/iron-fe
Tig
jenjen said
Jan 8, 2014
Karen,
Thank you.
I'll be on Sovaldi/Riba/Interferon.
I am thankful for the team that is working with me. They are a lot of help.
I got a call today from the Drs and they said my Iron level was extremely low and had extreme anemia. So they put me on Iron supplements that I'll begin today.
3.9% was my level. She said that 20-50% is normal. Don't really know what the percentages mean, but I'm starting on iron.
I'm ready to do this!
Karen said
Jan 7, 2014
Hi JenJen...Welcome!
Sounds like you have a great team of professionals working with you. Do you know what treatment you will be on?
Look forward to your updates...
jenjen said
Jan 7, 2014
Well,
My appointment went well. My dr talked me through the treatment, I received baseline bloodwork (viral load and others).
The pharmacy they work with works with Insurance companies and they do all the paperwork/figure out approvals which is great.
So I'm now just waiting on a call from the pharmacy that insurance approved it and they will send me the meds!
I'll keep you updated!
Thank you all for the help
Tig said
Jan 7, 2014
Hi Jenjen,
Welcome to the forum from me too! I'm glad you've found the forum and hope you stay with us through treatment. The support and friendship are first class and the people are the best! I agree with Marktrux, the current insurance situation in the USA makes determining anything difficult. Stay informed and be your own advocate. I've found that most insurance agents are unsure as well. Good luck at your appointment!
marktrux said
Jan 6, 2014
With the new state of healthcare in the U.S. it's kinda hard to know how long it may take to get started. Pre-Obamacare it would typically take anywhere from one to three months.
Matt Chris said
Jan 6, 2014
Hello Jenjen
Welcome to the forum you have found a great place with caring people.
Yes, you will need a various tests with blood draws, hopefully you are seeing a specialist like a Gastro doctor that's experienced with the latest developments with HCV treatments.
I would guess that with insurance in the mixed it's could take 3-6 weeks.
Best advice, understand all your options of treatment before deciding.
matt
jenjen said
Jan 6, 2014
Hi new friends,
I am new to this forum, but have gained a lot of information just looking through everything.
I have an appointment with a dr tomorrow in hopes to begin the new treatment.
Just a little background:
Geno 1a. I haven't checked the viral load in about a year, but when I checked it was over 5 million.
I received a Blood Transfusion when I was a baby (1988) and that's where they think I was affected. almost 26 years ago. I just found out about it a year and a half ago, when I was donating blood.
I received an ultrasound last year as well and they said there was mild damage. I've never had a biopsy done.
I'm not sure if it was the Fibroscan one or just an ultrasound.
Anyway, my question is this (i'm sure this will be answered tomorrow, but I want to know now! haha)
How long does it generally take after your appointment to actually begin treatment? are there blood tests that need to be done again before starting? I'm assuming there is, just wondering other people's experience.
How long does it take for insurance approvals to take place and to begin?
Hi Jenjen,
I found this easy to understand explanation on iron levels and the values you'll see on your tests. Be sure to follow the link for a good explanation and additional resources. I hope it helps answer those questions you have regarding your lab values.
70-175 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL) or 12.5-31.3micromoles per liter (mcmol/L)
50-150 mcg/dL or 8.9-26.8 mcmol/L
50-120 mcg/dL or 9.0-21.5 mcmol/L
250-450 mcg/dL or 45-76 mcmol/L
10%-50%
15%-50%
Further explanation on Iron (Fe) and Resources @ http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/iron-fe
Tig
Thank you.
I'll be on Sovaldi/Riba/Interferon.
I am thankful for the team that is working with me. They are a lot of help.
I got a call today from the Drs and they said my Iron level was extremely low and had extreme anemia. So they put me on Iron supplements that I'll begin today.
3.9% was my level. She said that 20-50% is normal. Don't really know what the percentages mean, but I'm starting on iron.
I'm ready to do this!
Hi JenJen...Welcome!
Sounds like you have a great team of professionals working with you. Do you know what treatment you will be on?
Look forward to your updates...
Well,
My appointment went well. My dr talked me through the treatment, I received baseline bloodwork (viral load and others).
The pharmacy they work with works with Insurance companies and they do all the paperwork/figure out approvals which is great.
So I'm now just waiting on a call from the pharmacy that insurance approved it and they will send me the meds!
I'll keep you updated!
Thank you all for the help
Hi Jenjen,
Welcome to the forum from me too! I'm glad you've found the forum and hope you stay with us through treatment. The support and friendship are first class and the people are the best! I agree with Marktrux, the current insurance situation in the USA makes determining anything difficult. Stay informed and be your own advocate. I've found that most insurance agents are unsure as well. Good luck at your appointment!
With the new state of healthcare in the U.S. it's kinda hard to know how long it may take to get started. Pre-Obamacare it would typically take anywhere from one to three months.
Hello Jenjen
Welcome to the forum you have found a great place with caring people.
Yes, you will need a various tests with blood draws, hopefully you are seeing a specialist like a Gastro doctor that's experienced with the latest developments with HCV treatments.
I would guess that with insurance in the mixed it's could take 3-6 weeks.
Best advice, understand all your options of treatment before deciding.
matt
Hi new friends,
I am new to this forum, but have gained a lot of information just looking through everything.
I have an appointment with a dr tomorrow in hopes to begin the new treatment.
Just a little background:
Geno 1a. I haven't checked the viral load in about a year, but when I checked it was over 5 million.
I received a Blood Transfusion when I was a baby (1988) and that's where they think I was affected. almost 26 years ago. I just found out about it a year and a half ago, when I was donating blood.
I received an ultrasound last year as well and they said there was mild damage. I've never had a biopsy done.
I'm not sure if it was the Fibroscan one or just an ultrasound.
Anyway, my question is this (i'm sure this will be answered tomorrow, but I want to know now! haha)
How long does it generally take after your appointment to actually begin treatment? are there blood tests that need to be done again before starting? I'm assuming there is, just wondering other people's experience.
How long does it take for insurance approvals to take place and to begin?
Thank you for the help and discussion!