another update

[Guest guest]

I know you guys have heard all this before, but I wanted to explain my situation.

I was diagnosed with Hep-c geno 1. and have been taking treatments for 5 months. I am taking Pegasus 180 mcg shots once a week; and taking copegas 200 mg tablets (3 tablets twice a day). After about 3 ½ months I had a doctor¢s appointment and was not feeling real well at the time. The doctor wanted to stop my medications at that time because my hemoglobin was low. They were 8.6 at the time, we talked to him and he said as long as they would stay around 8.7-8.9 I could continue treatment. He stated that when he saw me back in a month if the hemoglobin count stayed steady he wanted to send her to a hepatologist. During that appointment he stated that the meds were not responding and that she is the only patient he has had that

happen to. The doctor said the viral load dropped but I do not remember exactly what the amount was. I am thinking it dropped about 10,000. I made an appointment but the insurance will not cover a Hepatologist I have been in and out of the hospital for breathing problems and have been diagnosed with COPD. The last hospital stay which was Oct. 14th-16th and my hemoglobin had dropped and they gave me two units of blood. My doctor has contacted me and said he wants to discuss my medication with me. My question is has there been anyone else that has switched medications or increased the current medications with success? We are basically asking what you think about this situation. Are there any doctors in Ohio or the surrounding areas that you would suggest or know would know? Please e-mail me back as soon as possible. If you need any other information please feel free to send me an e-mail., links, or

recommendations/websites. We have another appointment with him Thursday.

Update: Talked to the Dr. by phone earlier today after he called and left me a message and he said stop taking me medicine; that I am not responding to treatment and there is not a Hepatologist that can be approved by a state plan. He said that my latest labs are really good giving my 2 units of blood that I got while in the hospital. But they upped my appt. to tomorrow with some more cbc's. But I guess I'm finished or at least it is sounding that way. I've cried and cried all day. I know that everyone goes through different situations, but It feels like this is such a raw deal for me and my family and friends. What now? I mean do I just sit back and do nothing or do I still have

options?

Another update: It's official, my GI Doc has dropped me from his practice. Because I was not responsive enough to the treatment. My viral load was still 2600 after 4 months, that is after a starting viral load of 65000. So now we are looking at options of what to do. Of course this was devastating and I had my cry about it, but I think I've sucked it up now and am weighing my options. Any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks so much

You can reach me at

Stacey

168 Center St

Wellston, Ohio 45692

rochelleyohio@...

Thanks,

B. Stacey