Hepatitis Forums
Hepatitis C Main Forums => I Just Tested Positive for Hepatitis C => Topic started by: Spacetastic on October 26, 2016, 04:11:42 pm
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Hi, diagnosed a month ago. Acquired in 1981 now 56 years old and regretting decisions of my youth. Anyway, my consultant has put me on a waiting list for treatment as I'm not ill enough to warrant treatment. I have FLD but until I get worse, I'm not eligible. This is because the nhs has decided to ration treatment to the most sick. I have worked for the NHS all of my life, paid my national insurance and taxes but now at the point of need I am being rejected. Maybe I should take up heavy drinking , get cirrhosis and then I'll get treatment? So
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have you had your liver tested for damage? aka Fibrosure blood test? how are they determining you are not sick enough?
i look like your average healthy 25 year old but i have F2/3 liver damage from Hep C seams my approval though insurance went threw without question and should get my meds by next week
i would advise against drinking heavily you do not want Cirrhosis
you had Hep C for about 33 years and a cure just came within the past few years im sure new medications will come our and be much cheaper so you would easily get treatment.
but i would definitely see if your able to appeal like we do in the United States many people get approved after the first denial
DON'T GET DISCOURAGED THIS FORUM IS GREAT SUPPORT. IM SURE SOMEONE FROM THE UK CAN CHIME IN AN BE OF MORE HELP THEN ME.
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Thank you. Just spitting my dummy because I'm so cross. I'm really not going to drink xxx
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Hi, good to know you aren't resorting to drink. ;) Without knowing your liver status other than having FLD or how long you have been told you are likely to wait it is difficult to advise but some in a similar situation are taking the option of sourcing their own medications. The Hepatitis C Trust (UK) has the following to say regarding those unable to access treatment via the NHS who wish to follow that path. http://www.hepctrust.org.uk/information/treatment/buying-hepatitis-c-drugs-online
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Thanks Gaj, spoke to hepc trust yesterday. They were brilliant. Having reflected on this over night, I am looking on the bright side and thinking a 3 month trip to another country may be the way to go. Always a silver lining! :)
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Well, it is legal to import 3 month's medication into the UK for personal use and it is becoming easier to find doctors/hospitals prepared to monitor your treatment. On the other hand, if you can afford and would enjoy an extended overseas holiday then that's always an option too.
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A 3 month trip might not be necessary. I am less familiar with options in the UK than I am in the US, but if you've exhausted those resources, you might want to check out HEP blogger Greg Jefferys https://www.hepmag.com/blogger/greg-jefferys (https://www.hepmag.com/blogger/greg-jefferys) Probably best to click on his own website (on the right).
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I think you're right, Lucinda, when you point to 'exhausting all other options'.
Access to treatment is getting better all the time.
On one side, there are hepatologists pushing everything they can to get better access, and on the other - pharmaceutical co.s, who would much rather sell drugs than not sell them.
... With respect, Space, your consultant sounds a little ... disinterested?
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I am not sure I'd call him my consultant. Best way to describe him is that if I needed to go that route, I'd start with him. I am surprised...he has helped countless people.
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Ah - Space's consultant, Lucinda.
(I've modified).
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Thank you all so much for responding to me.I will contact my gp who is fabulous and ask him to try and speed the process up. I am on a waiting list for my fibro scan which is probably and 8 week wait. I'm not sure when I'm meeting my consultant again, so I will get my gp to find out.
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Wonderful!!