Thanks for the link Tig. I was anticipating it to be more complicated than just a blood draw. I will call tomorrow to ask if I can get a Fibroscan instead. Either way I'll be anxious to see the result because I've been told by my hepatologist that my liver status is "decompensated cirrhosis" but the final report "impression" from my last HCC MRI on 4/15/2015 stated "Mildy cirrhotic liver without evidence of heptocelluar carcinoma". Although the Fibrosure result will likely be F4 in either case, it seems odd that it's been diagnosed as "decompensated" and "mildly cirrhotic" both.
mallani said
May 15, 2015
Hi Mike,
Good looking leg!
Man, I've got two broken toes at the moment and I've been feeling sorry for myself!
As Tig said, Fibrosure is just a blood test. It's not the best test available, but if it helps you get Harvoni, go for it.
Go luck with the rehab. Cheers.
Tig said
May 15, 2015
Hi Mike,
Here's some info I have on the Fibrosure (Fibrotest) blood test. It measures blood markers that help to determine fibrosis levels. It's not the best test available. It seems more accurate at the low and high end of the scale, but the middle is in question. If you can request a Fibroscan (a specialized ultrasound measurement of liver elasticity) I would do that. Either of these are essentially non invasive (other than the blood draw in the Fibrosure test).
It's a good idea to get a measurement of your current fibrosis anyway. All insurance companies are requiring that now because of the prices of current treatment.
I see you're online, so I'm going to send this info before viewing your other information. Good luck buddy!
Thanks for the kind words everybody. My hepatologist office called me today. She asked if I ever had a liver biopsy or fibrosure test done because my insurance wants that result before approving me for Harvoni Tx. I have never had either of these so she told me to come in next Tuesday for a fibrosure test. What all is involved in this test? I don't know why the insurance did not require this before my Sov/Riba treatment last year. The only thing I can figure is because I have Medicare / Medicaid and I am in a different state this time. I'm living at the skilled nursing / rehab facility in Arkansas where I was transferred to after my trauma care last year. That makes me an Arkansas resident now instead of Mississippi like I was before. I'm hoping this is the case and is only going to be a temporary setback!
Anyway, on a good note, I finally got my new leg Wednesday and have done some limited walking on it so far. We shot a short video yesterday that can be viewed here . All the parts for my new myo-electric hybrid arm and myo-electric hand are at my prosthetist office. We get started on that next week. I get a partial for my broken front bottom teeth on June 17th. Then after I get SVR from this upcoming Harvoni Tx I'll be just as good as new = Awesome!!!
-- Edited by wmlj1960 on Saturday 16th of May 2015 12:06:26 AM
You've shown everyone on this forum that determination and perseverance can conquer many of life's obstacles. You've dealt with each setback by dusting yourself off and moving forward with equanimity and good spirits.
Harvoni will be a piece of cake for you and your generously shared comments and observations while on treatment will help others.
You have a fan club on this forum that only wishes the best in all things for you!
Good luck and keep us posted.
john
Cinnamon Girl said
Apr 29, 2015
Oh Mike, so sorry to hear this!
I was really hoping for a good result, we all were, and I`m sure this must be a big disappointment for you, but I`m sure your strength of mind and determined attitude will get you through this setback. I have a huge amount of admiration for the way you`ve coped with so much trauma over the last year and you haven`t show one bit of self pity, you really are an inspiration to us all.
Keep moving forward and do keep us updated. Sending all very best wishes to you!
Tess said
Apr 29, 2015
Hi Mike,
Man! You have been through some unbelievably tough stuff! Harvoni is easy re sides and the chance of success is high. You deserve to beat HCV, big time! You have great fortitude.
Best wishes
- Tess
mallani said
Apr 28, 2015
Hi Mike,
Bad luck mate. You've been through enough.
24 weeks of Harvoni will do the trick so it's just a temporary setback. Look after yourself and we'll be here to cheer you on next time.
Tig said
Apr 28, 2015
Mike,
I'm sorry buddy. You have been through too much this last year, yet here you are, providing an explanation and the planned solution. You have shown us all remarkable strength and a strong desire to conquer whatever life throws at you. This is another detour and I have no doubt you will navigate it with the same determination you have always shown.
As Matt mentioned, there are some excellent treatments now and coming in the near future. You experienced some unreal setbacks during your last treatment and it was those problems that are responsible for this relapse. When you get started on your next course of treatment, you'll be back in charge. We're here for you and appreciate the help and strength you have given us as well. Keep us updated and good luck Mike.
Matt Chris said
Apr 28, 2015
Hey Mike
I am sad to read of your lab report, relapse is a very painful thing to deal with. I have been there, my thoughts & prayers are with you. I know how it stings but time will reduce the hurt. With opportunity to go on Harvoni for 24 weeks that should do the trick by adding the 2nd DAA (Ledipsavir) and possible Riba to control the RAV's. Because you have not tried a NS5A before your SVR percentage will automatically be higher and far higher than your last combo.
Remember what ever happens in your future, it has not been wrote yet. There is a whole lot more HCV meds coming down the pike and one of them will be giving you permanent SVR
matt
wmlj1960 said
Apr 28, 2015
My Hep C is back. I took my Sovaldi / Ribavirin like clock work for the first 15 weeks then I was hospitalized 11-3-14 due to an accident and went through 5 major surgerys in which time I missed several doses. Also, during this time my already compromised immune system due to HIV was weakened to a CD4 count of only 169. My HCV viral load was UND after all of this at EOT 1-7-15. But I again had surgery 1-15-15 for leg amputation due to infection which trashed my CD4 count once again. So the Hep C certainly had the opportunity to regain it's foothold, which it obviously did.
My hepatologist is going to start me on 24 weeks of Harvoni as soon as the paperwork is approved. So maybe next time will be a smoother ride with better results...
Thanks for the link Tig. I was anticipating it to be more complicated than just a blood draw. I will call tomorrow to ask if I can get a Fibroscan instead. Either way I'll be anxious to see the result because I've been told by my hepatologist that my liver status is "decompensated cirrhosis" but the final report "impression" from my last HCC MRI on 4/15/2015 stated "Mildy cirrhotic liver without evidence of heptocelluar carcinoma". Although the Fibrosure result will likely be F4 in either case, it seems odd that it's been diagnosed as "decompensated" and "mildly cirrhotic" both.
Hi Mike,
Good looking leg!
Man, I've got two broken toes at the moment and I've been feeling sorry for myself!
As Tig said, Fibrosure is just a blood test. It's not the best test available, but if it helps you get Harvoni, go for it.
Go luck with the rehab. Cheers.
Hi Mike,
Here's some info I have on the Fibrosure (Fibrotest) blood test. It measures blood markers that help to determine fibrosis levels. It's not the best test available. It seems more accurate at the low and high end of the scale, but the middle is in question. If you can request a Fibroscan (a specialized ultrasound measurement of liver elasticity) I would do that. Either of these are essentially non invasive (other than the blood draw in the Fibrosure test).
It's a good idea to get a measurement of your current fibrosis anyway. All insurance companies are requiring that now because of the prices of current treatment.
I see you're online, so I'm going to send this info before viewing your other information. Good luck buddy!
Fibrosure
Thanks for the kind words everybody. My hepatologist office called me today. She asked if I ever had a liver biopsy or fibrosure test done because my insurance wants that result before approving me for Harvoni Tx. I have never had either of these so she told me to come in next Tuesday for a fibrosure test. What all is involved in this test? I don't know why the insurance did not require this before my Sov/Riba treatment last year. The only thing I can figure is because I have Medicare / Medicaid and I am in a different state this time. I'm living at the skilled nursing / rehab facility in Arkansas where I was transferred to after my trauma care last year. That makes me an Arkansas resident now instead of Mississippi like I was before. I'm hoping this is the case and is only going to be a temporary setback!
Anyway, on a good note, I finally got my new leg Wednesday and have done some limited walking on it so far. We shot a short video yesterday that can be viewed here . All the parts for my new myo-electric hybrid arm and myo-electric hand are at my prosthetist office. We get started on that next week. I get a partial for my broken front bottom teeth on June 17th. Then after I get SVR from this upcoming Harvoni Tx I'll be just as good as new = Awesome!!!
-- Edited by wmlj1960 on Saturday 16th of May 2015 12:06:26 AM
Mike,
You've shown everyone on this forum that determination and perseverance can conquer many of life's obstacles. You've dealt with each setback by dusting yourself off and moving forward with equanimity and good spirits.
Harvoni will be a piece of cake for you and your generously shared comments and observations while on treatment will help others.
You have a fan club on this forum that only wishes the best in all things for you!
Good luck and keep us posted.
john
Oh Mike, so sorry to hear this!
I was really hoping for a good result, we all were, and I`m sure this must be a big disappointment for you, but I`m sure your strength of mind and determined attitude will get you through this setback. I have a huge amount of admiration for the way you`ve coped with so much trauma over the last year and you haven`t show one bit of self pity, you really are an inspiration to us all.
Keep moving forward and do keep us updated. Sending all very best wishes to you!
Hi Mike,
Man! You have been through some unbelievably tough stuff! Harvoni is easy re sides and the chance of success is high. You deserve to beat HCV, big time! You have great fortitude.
Best wishes
- Tess
Hi Mike,
Bad luck mate. You've been through enough.
24 weeks of Harvoni will do the trick so it's just a temporary setback. Look after yourself and we'll be here to cheer you on next time.
Mike,
I'm sorry buddy. You have been through too much this last year, yet here you are, providing an explanation and the planned solution. You have shown us all remarkable strength and a strong desire to conquer whatever life throws at you. This is another detour and I have no doubt you will navigate it with the same determination you have always shown.
As Matt mentioned, there are some excellent treatments now and coming in the near future. You experienced some unreal setbacks during your last treatment and it was those problems that are responsible for this relapse. When you get started on your next course of treatment, you'll be back in charge. We're here for you and appreciate the help and strength you have given us as well. Keep us updated and good luck Mike.
Hey Mike
I am sad to read of your lab report, relapse is a very painful thing to deal with. I have been there, my thoughts & prayers are with you. I know how it stings but time will reduce the hurt. With opportunity to go on Harvoni for 24 weeks that should do the trick by adding the 2nd DAA (Ledipsavir) and possible Riba to control the RAV's. Because you have not tried a NS5A before your SVR percentage will automatically be higher and far higher than your last combo.
Remember what ever happens in your future, it has not been wrote yet. There is a whole lot more HCV meds coming down the pike and one of them will be giving you permanent SVR
matt
My Hep C is back. I took my Sovaldi / Ribavirin like clock work for the first 15 weeks then I was hospitalized 11-3-14 due to an accident and went through 5 major surgerys in which time I missed several doses. Also, during this time my already compromised immune system due to HIV was weakened to a CD4 count of only 169. My HCV viral load was UND after all of this at EOT 1-7-15. But I again had surgery 1-15-15 for leg amputation due to infection which trashed my CD4 count once again. So the Hep C certainly had the opportunity to regain it's foothold, which it obviously did.
My hepatologist is going to start me on 24 weeks of Harvoni as soon as the paperwork is approved. So maybe next time will be a smoother ride with better results...