Hey Everyone,
After putting it off I finally went to the doctor to confirm the resultts of my HCV antibody home test. My doctor confirmed that i have Hepatitis C today and I have my first appointment with a gastroenterologist at 11AM. I'm surprised that I don't feel hopelessly depressed about the diagnosis, but I guess I came to terms with when i first found out 5 years ago that i was probably exposed to the virus.
I've been quietly reading this tribe for over a year now and you have all given me a lot of insight into what lies ahead for me. I really want to be as informed as possible and I want to know from all of you exactly what questions i should be asking of my doctor.
I don't yet know what my viral load is or my genotype. I'm lucky to be living in NYC where there are so many great doctors and hospitals.
So what questions should I be asking my doctor in the morning?
Do any of you think it would be a good idea to get in on any of the clinical trials/experimental treatments at local hospitals?
It would be really helpfull if you could give me any advice or tell me something that you wish you had been told when you were in my position.
Thanks
Metro
After putting it off I finally went to the doctor to confirm the resultts of my HCV antibody home test. My doctor confirmed that i have Hepatitis C today and I have my first appointment with a gastroenterologist at 11AM. I'm surprised that I don't feel hopelessly depressed about the diagnosis, but I guess I came to terms with when i first found out 5 years ago that i was probably exposed to the virus.
I've been quietly reading this tribe for over a year now and you have all given me a lot of insight into what lies ahead for me. I really want to be as informed as possible and I want to know from all of you exactly what questions i should be asking of my doctor.
I don't yet know what my viral load is or my genotype. I'm lucky to be living in NYC where there are so many great doctors and hospitals.
So what questions should I be asking my doctor in the morning?
Do any of you think it would be a good idea to get in on any of the clinical trials/experimental treatments at local hospitals?
It would be really helpfull if you could give me any advice or tell me something that you wish you had been told when you were in my position.
Thanks
Metro
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New York City
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Re: Newly Diagnosed
Thu, December 21, 2006 - 8:26 PMHello Metro... and welcome to the tribe.
I understand your desire to be as educated as possible on this virus. It is the only real defense when it comes to dealing with everything that could be ahead. The questions to ask sometimes seam endless, that is why I made a list to take with me. The first thing that I wanted to know was when they would be doing the additional tests and biopsy to determine my current condition. Next I was concerned about transmitting the virus to my family. I also asked about the current treatment and the timeline for the release of new treatments. I asked if the doctor would be willing to work with my herbalist in finding alternative treatment paths. I also went over every odd pain or condition that I had noticed and asked what each one might indicate regarding my infection and possible damage.
After I had the results of my biopsy and other tests, I asked how much damage had already happened to my body. I was very lucky and caught it before any real damage, so my next question was how long before the virus would begin to do serious damage.
Regarding trials/experimental treatments... Personally, I would only use these if the tests were showing a marked increase in success rate and less side effects. However, this is also something that you should discuss with your doctor.
I hope this helps... Keep Smiling,
Tonjha -
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Re: Newly Diagnosed
Fri, December 22, 2006 - 12:06 AMHi Metro
I went through six months treatment a year ago and I'm still clear. I'll be hanging around to help or answer any questions.
Speak to you later...
Tracey
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Re: Newly Diagnosed
Sat, December 23, 2006 - 1:48 PM20 yrs ago diagnosed, 9 days off of 48 weeks of the second round of treatment. Yes, information will be your most important weapon against the dragon. It's been a long strange journey to get to this point but whether or not I clear it's just another part of my life not what defines it. Welcome to the tribe with mixed blessings. There is a vast and varied body of knowledge here, generously partake of it, thats what were here for. -
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Re: Newly Diagnosed
Sat, December 23, 2006 - 5:44 PMJust found out my step-brother's wife has hep c and is starting treatment next month. She has been started on anti-depressents and was asking questions about what she can expect from treatment. I knew that overwhelmed look of anxiety on her face. That makes two of my friends and one of my distant family who have this illness. Oh yeah, and my sister has it too.
Congrats Sherril on your nearly completed round of treatment.
I have something to tell you Metro. For me, having a higher spiritual power and the desire to comunicate with that higher spiritual power is what got me through treatment. I could see how treatment could possibly drive a person mad and my faith in God got me through it all with flying colors. I didnt clear the virus and I guess what Sherril said is true.... that dont define my life either. -
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Re: Newly Diagnosed
Sun, December 24, 2006 - 10:03 AMHi Metro
It may be different in the US (I'm in the UK) but I found that my GP (general Doctor) knew nothing, in fact he was asking me questions! One thing I discovered about the virus and treatment is that it effects everybody in different ways. Some have no symptoms with the virus, others have their lives badly affected. I went for treatment with the combonation treatment of Ribavirin and interferon because I was lucky in the fact I had genotype 3 which has a good success rate and only 24 weeks of treatment. I am waiting for my one year post treatment test result now, my six month one was negative.
I can well remember being in your position of not knowing. It's amazing how quickly you learn though when you have a disease. I have noticed that there is very little after care or follow up after treatment, which I think there should be as this can be a bad time for many.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do and if I can help with any questions, I will.
Hey brock, Sherril Tonjha..Seasons greetings! Sherill, glad your nearly through with treatment. Hi to Bev too if she's looking in.
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Re: Newly Diagnosed
Wed, December 27, 2006 - 2:05 PMThanks guys,
I'm glad my doctor referred me to a specialist because while she knew more about Hep C than I expected, I found that I knew more than she did she did not explain to me that the test she gave me was for antibodies only, which is the same test I had a year ago.
So I went to my GI liver specialist Friday and now I'm awaiting the results of my genotype and viral load test. I'm trying not to cling to any hope that I could be in the small percent of people who clear the virus on their own. I'm simply focusing on the reality that I have this desease and I have to fight it. I really like the specialist, he's really positive and explained to me all about the treatment options and likelyhood of success.
Metro -
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Re: Newly Diagnosed
Tue, February 6, 2007 - 12:51 AMMetro, I'm sorry I wasn't around when you posted originally. What is the latest? How are you doing around it? What can we do to hep, er, help? Bev
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Re: Newly Diagnosed
Sat, November 10, 2007 - 11:31 AMHi, metro
Don't worry to much, there are a lot off good products out there, however; I 'll share with you the best product I try, and the one the cure me from the dragon. (Polypodium XP) Is natural, without side effect and work from the first week of treatment.
In just 5 month my virus went from 1millium,700+ to <10 HCV.
Look for it in www.hepatitisabc.com -
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Re: Newly Diagnosed
Sat, November 10, 2007 - 12:35 PMIf only it were true that something natural, without side effects would kill the dragon.. It's a well known fact that nothing does at present apart from the combo therapy.
There are many snake oil salesmen trying to push their wares on vulnerable people, the only thing they'll get rid of is their cash.
Some of these products are also very harmful and some just interfere with the blood tests making it look like you have a log drop, when in fact that is not true.
People have been through hell with this treatment, please don't try and rip them off and promise something you cannot deliver.
People's lives are at stake here.
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