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Hepatitis C Main Forums => On Hepatitis C Treatment => Topic started by: chino1969 on March 01, 2015, 07:00:56 am

Title: Second course of treatment for Hep C
Post by: chino1969 on March 01, 2015, 07:00:56 am

Greetings all; new member here.  I've had Hep C since 1973, formerly non A B Hepatitis.  Approx. 15 years ago went through an unsuccessful 2 months of Interferon/Ribavirin which was horrible.  Last April 2014, I went through a 12 week tx. of Solvadi & Olysio.  Was SVR at 4 & 12 weeks with minimal side effects.  Drank plenty of water.  In Nov. 2014, the virus was back.  Dr. prescribed a 24 week of Harvoni, insurance co. denied, we appealed and won.  Somehow the Medical Review Institute of America reviewed my case and overturned the ins. co's. initial denial. At any rate I'm going into my 2nd week of Harvoni with minimal side effects.  I drink at least a gallon of water a day.

Here is a very important concept I want everyone to understand.  You have to be your own advocate with this disease.  If denied, appeal it.  Do not assume things will work seamlessly because they will not.  Manage this disease as you would an important project.  Question, challenge, maintain your own records and fight like a Spartan.  Decide that you will defeat this disease and do not give up.  Good luck to all!

Title: Re: Second course of treatment for Hep C
Post by: chino1969 on March 01, 2015, 07:12:29 am

Here's another tip for anyone fighting a chronic disease.  Get another team or Dr. involved with your case.  My gastro. is great.  He's been treating me for 20 years and is a grad of Temple Medical School in Phila., PA.  I recently made my own appt. with a highly respected Hepatologist at The Perelman Center of The U. of P. in Phila., PA.  I now have a second set of eyes in the form of a team who work with and communicate with my Gastro.  Like I said, put yourself in control of managing your disease.  Drive the bus and solicit the best help you possibly can.  Most gastro's deal with a host of problems and have many patients.  In my world there is only one patient that counts and that is me.  Never settle for 2nd best and fight like you are fighting for your life because you are.  Having faith in God or a spiritual belief system is another important cornerstone of a solid battle plan.

Title: Re: Second course of treatment for Hep C
Post by: BubbaT on March 01, 2015, 04:48:13 pm

Hi chino, good advice, glad to hear your winning the fight, I get started next week on harvoni, I've waited 20 yrs for some effective meds to treat this devil virus and now we have some ammo to kill this thing, I'm happy to fight it now that I have a good gun!

I'm 57 and was told I was f4 so praise the lord I'll be kicking some arse and taking names here real quick! Lol

Thanks for the helpful tips my fellow warrior!