New to Forum - My Journey - On Harvoni - Week 4

[Bree]

Hello,

I have been a guest on this forum for about a month and just registered so I can get involved.  First, I want to say thank you to everyone for the information I have been viewing that has validated my symptoms, given me encouragement and educated me way beyond what I thought I knew!

I began Harvoni on July 6 after a six month struggle pushing to speed the medical process and subsequent insurance appeals, garnering advocates as best I could, which included an attorney specialized in medical appeals, who was successful with getting benefits for patients with insurance companies...until Harvoni.  Apparently they had rather be sued than offer treatment to those without cirrhosis.

Even though my doctor and local pharmacy indicated I would probably have little success with Support Path,  I got a packet together, complete with financials, and sent it in anyway.  I had to keep trying anything and everything possible. Then I called and followed up. 

I lucked out when I got the right person at the right time, who spent the time and energy to really work for me (she spent hours trying to deal with my insurance company) and also it was days before their new policies went into effect (unbeknownst to me).  I was shocked and elated when I was quickly approved by Support Path.  I am so very grateful!  It's not lost on me that I am one of the lucky ones. 

Sunday, August 2 will be day 28 on Harvoni.  The symptoms have been what I have heard described, more or less.  I learned about drinking lots of water in this forum which has helped I think.  I take it at 9 p.m. at night, thinking perhaps I will sleep through some of the symptoms plus it usually makes me tired after I take it.

Two week blood work indicate AST/ALT in normal range for the first time in decades.  It's a good start!  Viral load test this week.

Sorry for the long post, I wanted to give some context about my journey to get here.

I hope I can be a positive contributor to this forum.  Thank you!

[motor]

Welcome aboard, I applaud your decision to create your signature.  It is the most helpful, useful, proficient tool available to this forum.  Why members choose to not have one is perplexing.
   The most important advice I received in my battle with HepC was being made aware of hepmag.com.  Good luck to you, you're winning the battle, just a matter of time!

[Philadelphia]

Welcome aboard, Bree. You're in good company here.

[Bree]

Thank you for the welcome and acknowledgement!  It means a lot to me to be a part of a tribe who gets it and who understands what we deal with, both with the disease and the efforts for a cure.  I appreciate the inclusiveness.

As for the signature with our stats, the only way I knew to do it was that I saw it in someone's post and I wondered how people were doing it ... so here it is for others:  Once you register, go to Profile, then Forum Profile and you will have a chance to add your details in the signature box and save.  That's it!