Hep C Discussion Forum

Hello Mike.  Thanks for your interest in my situation. I'm currently waiting for my applications to be approved by my private health insurance provider and the provincial health plan.  Due to the high cost of Harvoni, it takes awhile for the funding to come together.  Ideally, my private insurance will cover 85% and Trillium will cover the difference.  I just have to pay a deductible.  There is a team of people working with my Gastroenterologist, guiding me through the process and communicating with the various entities involved.  I guess I'm fortunate to have private insurance, but it sure seems to take a long time to get anywhere.  I could not afford the whole cost, which here in Canada is about $90,000 for a 12 week program. I've been told that, due to being F4 and scoring 27 on the fibroscan I definitely qualify for coverage. Apparently, some people get turned down as they aren't considered sick enough. I applied two weeks ago but could be waiting up to 3 months to actually start the treatment. So that's where I'm at. I keep imagining the dragon, eating away at my liver and breathing fire into my blood.  Can't wait to be rid of it.

Thanks for your support and encouragement.  I know I'll be ok with Harvoni.  I'll be so happy to finally be slaying "the dragon" as you all call it, I'll put up with anything.  Good analogy, for sure. The whole hep C experience is such a life-changer and it came "out of the blue" for me.  I know I'm lucky that there's a cure now and I won't be going years, waiting and suffering as a lot of people have done. I do find it incredible that I've had the virus for up to 35 years and it never appeared in any other tests or illnesses I've had.  All this time, the damage has been occurring and I was oblivious.  Thought I was aging and should just accept it and live with it.  At least now, I can look forward to feeling better than I've felt in years.  I sure hope so, anyway.

For now, I'll be patient and try to see the best side of this situation.

Cheers! Jan.

Hello Jan

Welcome to the forum from me as well, you have found a good place that can help you on your journey to healing and recovery.

Your concern for your long term general health should overcome any short term side effects that "Harvoni" may present to you. Yes their can be issues but most all members have come through it with no long term issues. But the big improvements will come within the first year after treatment with your Liver having some recovery and healing. which will benefit you for many years to come.

matt   

Hi Jan,

I treated with Harvoni for 12 weeks starting last January.  I had a few headaches for a week, some intestinal discomfort, and a bit of real fatigue, which I now attribute to the weekly blizzards and bone-chilling cold weather that we experienced here in New England last winter.  But with Spring, came the awesome news that I was UND; and the UND winning streak has continued EOT + 12.

It is well worth it - try not to over think, and if something feels wrong, call the doctor.  

You are not alone, you're with us now.  

Best of luck,

J

Hi Jan,

Welcome to the forum, I'm glad you're with us! You're among a friendly, knowledgeable group that will be more than willing to provide some information and insight into your upcoming treatment. Harvoni is one of the best and we have some experience mild to moderate side effects, but each individual is different. We can offer some tips that will likely reduce the incidence of them or altogether. I'm going to provide you with some links to info here on the forum. Take a look and if you have any questions, be sure to let us know. There will be others along soon to say hello and welcome you aboard.

Harvoni Train

Reflections on Harvoni

Harvoni Side Effects

Here's some info on how to set up your signature line and help with some of the abbreviations we use:

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