Hepatitis Forums
Hepatitis C Main Forums => Living with Hepatitis C => Topic started by: Hogan1956 on July 28, 2018, 02:01:46 pm
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I figured i hijacked the "unwilling to get tested" thread long enough and its time to start one detailing my hunt for affordable treatment.
I received the Harvoni co-pay coupon from Harvoni support path website yesterday, and since it still requires a 70 thousand plus cash outlay on my part, i can cross that off the list as i crossed Medicare off.
I did however get approved for VA medical after breaking the promise to myself decades ago that i would ever use them for any type medical care. They said i would get scheduled for an appointment in the next 15 business days, so maybe by Halloween i will see a doc and start the fight to get them to cover costs.
So....its hurry up and get in line and wait for now ;)
Updates to follow.
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I don't live in the U.S., Hogan - but from what I've read - mainly here - the VA offers really good coverage for people with Hep C.
Hoping that that's the case for you!
Best wishes,
A.
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Many here have been treated by the VA just takes time and waiting from what I understand.
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VA got back to me in only 3 days time, i was impressed. 1st appointment comes september 20th, specialty appointments not likely before 2019....the wait goes on.
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A quick update,
Saw the VA doc on the 20th, got referrals for the hep c and my cardiovascular problems, heard from the infectious disease department the same day and they set up a video teleconference call with a nurse practitioner for Oct4th.
After the consult they took a slew of blood and set up another for November 8th. She stated they will be able to tell me at that time whether or not treatment will be imminent or deferred.
The wait continues...
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Really this is fairly similar to what occurs on the civilian side.
Forward progress good deal
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The hunt is over... Harvoni treatment begins today!
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Woo whoooo!
Congrats!
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Thanks Lynn.
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Well i reached the 1/3 mark in my treatment today. I haven't noticed any side effects from the medication except for the fact that i feel cold in the evenings.I've always been the one walking around in a tee shirt in 50 degree weather. But... that could also be from the caloric deficit state i've been keeping myself in while losing some weight ( down 36 lbs since feb).
I hope skipping a couple days between bottles don't hurt the treatment since the VA in their infinite wisdom didn't fill the 2nd bottle until this afternoon so i most likely won't see it until thursday.
Will update again at the 2/3 mark next month.
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Congrats on reaching the 1/3 mark. Way to go!
kim
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Thanks Kim. On a side note the VA shipped the Harvoni next day air so no interruption occured.
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Thanks Kim. On a side note the VA shipped the Harvoni next day air so no interruption occured.
That's good news - no interruption. :)
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The VA contacted me today...the viral load on the 4 week blood work came back @ 15, they were hoping it would have been not detected. So they are extending my treatment by 4 weeks, results on the ultrasound of the liver done on october 25th said scarring was light to moderate which i reckon agree's with the f1 blood test result.
RBC was 4.92 M/cmm which is the 1st time in over 2 years that it registered in the normal range instead of being low.....yea. Will post new news after i get the results back from their testing on the 3rd of Jan.
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1/4/19
Test Name: HCV Viral Load (lr)
Result: No_HCV_RNA_Detected
7 more weeks of treatment to go 8)
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1/4/19
Test Name: HCV Viral Load (lr)
Result: No_HCV_RNA_Detected
7 more weeks of treatment to go 8)
Wonderful! :)
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Howdy everyone,
I am here to give a update :)
First off... i have to say i love Harvoni, i took it for 16 weeks and never noticed that i took it. My body did tho 8)
I am so very happy to say that my 12 week post treatment blood results are identical to those i posted 1/4/19 ;D
As a result the VA has transferred my hepatitis treatment from infectious diseases to a regular gastroenterologist.
Many thanks to this site, VA, and especially the lovely ladies who moderate it, and dole constant encouragement and advice.
In closing...let me talk to those who like me came to this site and started reading and figuring out what to do. Its curable, eat healthy, and most importantly... get treatment and keep the faith!
Take care and God Bless.
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Hey mucho congrats! Thanks for the update about your great news! :)
Now go enjoy your hep c free life
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Congrats on your SVR12 Hogan! Best of luck to you for your future without Hep C! :)
kim