update

[Guest guest]

I have option of BCBS PPO or non-PPO. My experience with PPO doctors is

they tend to be overbooked and don't want to spend the time with you to

learn about something they're not experienced with. If I argue that

something needs to be tested, and manage to convince the doctor, what's gong

to happen when it comes back normal? I'll get an " I told you so " from the

doctor, and less likely to convince him the next time I feel something else

outside the realm of routine needs to be checked. It's just easier to test

what I think needs it on my own, then, knowing the results " confront " the

doctor, provide him with those labs, or push for him to test as well.

I'm in Los Angeles county, and believe it or not, finding competent doctors

in TRT doesn't seem easy. Same for thyroid. I found one who interests me,

but he charges $300 per hour consults, and is booked up until the end of

September.

I also just saw a name on the national testosterone awareness website that's

nearby...that doesn't mean he's an expert, just that he's volunteered to be

on that list. I may try him out.

> Re: Re: update

>

> If you have BCBS PPO it shouldn't be hard to find a Dr. to

> order the tests you need and to have insurance pay for them.

>

>

>

>

>

> In a message dated 8/7/2004 11:33:13 AM Eastern Daylight

> Time, daultman@... writes:

> Dr. Gambrel will order blood tests for people who aren't

> really his patients?

>

> That would be cool...I might actually get blue cross to pay

> for the lab work rather than footing out the hundreds of

> dollars I have been to get the tests my doc won't order (he

> doesn't no any better I fear).

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I have PPO and have had all my tests run by PPO Dr.s

First Dr. I went in and said that have androgen deficiency. She didn't trust

me, but ran the labs. Came back with 379ng/dl testosterone. For her that was

normal.

Second Dr. said I was depressed.

Went to third Dr. he ran more labs said he wasn't impressed by my condition.

Fourth Dr. I begged to run more labs and she did.

Fifth Dr. ran a bunch more and put me on TRT.

Total expense for copays less than $100, total value of labs more than

$2,000.

You just have to push your physicians and tell your story well and you should

get what you need. LA has lots of good Dr.s within 30 miles. Go to orange

county.

In a message dated 8/8/2004 11:38:54 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

daultman@... writes:

have option of BCBS PPO or non-PPO. My experience with PPO doctors is

they tend to be overbooked and don't want to spend the time with you to

learn about something they're not experienced with. If I argue that

something needs to be tested, and manage to convince the doctor, what's gong

to happen when it comes back normal? I'll get an " I told you so " from the

doctor, and less likely to convince him the next time I feel something else

outside the realm of routine needs to be checked. It's just easier to test

what I think needs it on my own, then, knowing the results " confront " the

doctor, provide him with those labs, or push for him to test as well.

I'm in Los Angeles county, and believe it or not, finding competent doctors

in TRT doesn't seem easy. Same for thyroid. I found one who interests me,

but he charges $300 per hour consults, and is booked up until the end of

September.

I also just saw a name on the national testosterone awareness website that's

nearby...that doesn't mean he's an expert, just that he's volunteered to be

on that list. I may try him out.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 09/08/2004 14:02:55 GMT Standard Time,

doublebluellc@... writes:

> daultman@...

Let me know if you want the name and number of a decent doctor and I'll get

one for you off the AACE (American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists)

alternatively have a go yourself website is AACE.com in the find an

endocrinologist option...reproductive.

Regards,

Chris

[Guest guest]

I understand your point, but my time is a factor too...I don't want to miss

work while having to run through five new docs, pushing, arguing, educating

in hopes of finding one who'll get it.

I'll go as I am until I find a recommendation for one who already knows what

he's doing, or by then I'll have this one educated.

> Re: Re: update

>

> I have PPO and have had all my tests run by PPO Dr.s

>

> First Dr. I went in and said that have androgen deficiency.

> She didn't trust me, but ran the labs. Came back with

> 379ng/dl testosterone. For her that was normal.

>

> Second Dr. said I was depressed.

>

> Went to third Dr. he ran more labs said he wasn't impressed

> by my condition.

>

> Fourth Dr. I begged to run more labs and she did.

>

> Fifth Dr. ran a bunch more and put me on TRT.

>

> Total expense for copays less than $100, total value of labs

> more than $2,000.

>

> You just have to push your physicians and tell your story

> well and you should get what you need. LA has lots of good

> Dr.s within 30 miles. Go to orange county.

>

>

>

>

>

> In a message dated 8/8/2004 11:38:54 AM Eastern Daylight

> Time, daultman@... writes:

> have option of BCBS PPO or non-PPO. My experience with PPO

> doctors is they tend to be overbooked and don't want to spend

> the time with you to learn about something they're not

> experienced with. If I argue that something needs to be

> tested, and manage to convince the doctor, what's gong to

> happen when it comes back normal? I'll get an " I told you

> so " from the doctor, and less likely to convince him the next

> time I feel something else outside the realm of routine needs

> to be checked. It's just easier to test what I think needs

> it on my own, then, knowing the results " confront " the

> doctor, provide him with those labs, or push for him to test as well.

>

> I'm in Los Angeles county, and believe it or not, finding

> competent doctors in TRT doesn't seem easy. Same for

> thyroid. I found one who interests me, but he charges $300

> per hour consults, and is booked up until the end of September.

>

> I also just saw a name on the national testosterone awareness

> website that's nearby...that doesn't mean he's an expert,

> just that he's volunteered to be on that list. I may try him out.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Mark,

Hope the change in dose helps. What was your dosage before?

Glad you're back online. Being able to post messages again is an

improvement.

Wanting to get caught up is good, but don't feel you have to push it. Most

fatigue docs say don't try to make up for lost time.

Peace,

Bruce

> Guys,

>

> I am a week behind on posts because of a relapse of CFS/HG symptoms.

> Not sure when I will get caught up.

>

> As an update, my doc has switched me to 200mg t-cyp every 10 days.

>

> Mark

[Guest guest]

Bruce and Phil,

Thanks for your concern. I was on 250 every 14 days before. I just

switched to 200 every ten days yesterday. It was 11 days since my

last 250 shot, so i figured it was a good time to switch.

Mark

[Guest guest]

Dave,

Some docs believe that HCG alone doesn't increase levels enough on its

own, or quickly enough. Especially I would imagine if you a

dramatically hypogonadal - I was in the 100s at 30 years of age.

Mark

[Guest guest]

Flaco did the Dr. tell you what is causing your Low T. if you are Seconday

Hypogonadism then the best treatment is Hcg. And today it is not a lot of

money. Some of the men here have gone to Dr. and worked with there famliy

Dr. and Dr. you could try this or find a good Dr. Like I have said many

times I have no use for an Endro you would think that if they don't know how or

about Low T. that they would say so instead of coutradicting a dam good Dr. like

Shippen. I would have taken a copy of this with me and if that Dr. still stood

his of her ground I would not pay the bill. I have done this not pay the bill

they turn you over to a collection agency and try to scare you into paying the

bill. I have free legal service I am in the Union. I call them they set up a

court day and the Dr. never shows up. I got sick of calling a Dr. and being

told that they treat this and charge you an arm and a leg for nothing.

http://www.allthingsmale.com/

http://www.aace.com/clin/guidelines/hypogonadism.pdf

Phil

rndchemist <rndchemist@...> wrote:

Phil: your response is the same one I got from my Endo: expensive,

insurance will not cover and it is only for fertility and very limited

use. She also said she would not prescribe that treatment; that I

need to see a fertility Endo (she would write the referral if I wanted

to give it a shot).

She also said that you cannot " jump start " the pituitary gland like

Dr. Shippen states in his book.

Sometimes I wonder if doctors have their own club and follow the

directives of the big pharmas instead of science. It has good and bad

things like everything else in life.

Just look at the scandal with meds for depression and kids. They are

quick to prescribe these dangerous drugs to them and us without

looking for physiological causes, like low T (for men, not kids, well,

it may apply to some kids too). That is scarry!!! There are bulletin

boards and Websites dedicated to people suffering from incredible side

effects from some of these drugs.

No wonder I am a difficult patient. Being a chemist with more than 10

years in the pharmaceutical industry, plus willing and eager to read

and learn about any drugs prescribed to me or any illness that may be

affecting me, makes me very demanding of my doctors.

Flaco

>

>

> As my endo recommended, I stopped the Androderm for two weeks then

> had blood drawn last Thursday. My next appointment is on 10/28/04,

> anxious to see what the results will be. I have 30 Androderm

> patches left so I decided to try two a day instead of one along with

> 50mg zinc. Within 3 days there was a big increase in libido but I

> haven't decided if I will keep up this routine until my next

> appointment.

>

> I am still confused on the HCG issue. Seems to me that would be the

> recommended procedure for anyone with secondary testicular failure.

> Getting your body to produce its own testosterone vs using a patch,

> gel, etc seems like a better choice…at least worth a try. My analogy

> would be if they could give a diabetic something to get the persons

> pancreas producing insulin would they refuse and insist they take

> insulin injections? From what I have read here a lot of doctors are

> not willing to go with HCG but am not sure what the reason is behind

> it.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Phil:

I have never been diagnosed with what type I am. No study ever

performed. My GP just put me on Androgel. I never brought the

subject of Hcg.

I would rather consult this with my GP than with the new Endo. I

have many years of relationship with my GP and she is open to my

suggestions.

Would I have to stop the Androgel for a while before starting on the

Hcg shots?

Thanks!

Flaco

> >

> >

> > As my endo recommended, I stopped the Androderm for two weeks

then

> > had blood drawn last Thursday. My next appointment is on

10/28/04,

> > anxious to see what the results will be. I have 30 Androderm

> > patches left so I decided to try two a day instead of one along

with

> > 50mg zinc. Within 3 days there was a big increase in libido but

I

> > haven't decided if I will keep up this routine until my next

> > appointment.

> >

> > I am still confused on the HCG issue. Seems to me that would be

the

> > recommended procedure for anyone with secondary testicular

failure.

> > Getting your body to produce its own testosterone vs using a

patch,

> > gel, etc seems like a better choice…at least worth a try. My

analogy

> > would be if they could give a diabetic something to get the

persons

> > pancreas producing insulin would they refuse and insist they take

> > insulin injections? From what I have read here a lot of doctors

are

> > not willing to go with HCG but am not sure what the reason is

behind

> > it.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

On Tue, 19 Oct 2004 16:04:41 -0000, you wrote:

>Phil:

>

>I have never been diagnosed with what type I am. No study ever

>performed. My GP just put me on Androgel. I never brought the

>subject of Hcg.

>

>I would rather consult this with my GP than with the new Endo. I

>have many years of relationship with my GP and she is open to my

>suggestions.

>

>Flaco

That's fine if you get along with her. But you should get her a copy

of the AACE guidelines and make sure you get all the right tests.

(Guidelines are in the file section.)

- - - -

Just another albino black sheep

[Guest guest]

Retro:

Agreed! Thanks!

Flaco

>

> >Phil:

> >

> >I have never been diagnosed with what type I am. No study ever

> >performed. My GP just put me on Androgel. I never brought the

> >subject of Hcg.

> >

> >I would rather consult this with my GP than with the new Endo. I

> >have many years of relationship with my GP and she is open to my

> >suggestions.

>

> >

> >Flaco

>

> That's fine if you get along with her. But you should get her a copy

> of the AACE guidelines and make sure you get all the right tests.

> (Guidelines are in the file section.)

>

>

> - - - -

> Just another albino black sheep

[Guest guest]

Here is a link to Dr. s.

MY CURRENT BEST THOUGHTS ON HOW TO ADMINISTER TRT FOR MEN

http://tinyurl.com/3ukaj

He uses TRT and Hcg together.

Phil

rndchemist <rndchemist@...> wrote:

Phil:

I have never been diagnosed with what type I am. No study ever

performed. My GP just put me on Androgel. I never brought the

subject of Hcg.

I would rather consult this with my GP than with the new Endo. I

have many years of relationship with my GP and she is open to my

suggestions.

Would I have to stop the Androgel for a while before starting on the

Hcg shots?

Thanks!

Flaco

> >

> >

> > As my endo recommended, I stopped the Androderm for two weeks

then

> > had blood drawn last Thursday. My next appointment is on

10/28/04,

> > anxious to see what the results will be. I have 30 Androderm

> > patches left so I decided to try two a day instead of one along

with

> > 50mg zinc. Within 3 days there was a big increase in libido but

I

> > haven't decided if I will keep up this routine until my next

> > appointment.

> >

> > I am still confused on the HCG issue. Seems to me that would be

the

> > recommended procedure for anyone with secondary testicular

failure.

> > Getting your body to produce its own testosterone vs using a

patch,

> > gel, etc seems like a better choice…at least worth a try. My

analogy

> > would be if they could give a diabetic something to get the

persons

> > pancreas producing insulin would they refuse and insist they take

> > insulin injections? From what I have read here a lot of doctors

are

> > not willing to go with HCG but am not sure what the reason is

behind

> > it.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Sharon good luck battling that Lyme's disease. I'm glad you caught it early. Keep us posted. -dz-Sharon Colburn <smc203@...> wrote:

[[[On a scale of 0 to 4, my biopsy results were a 1. So I guess I am still doing

fairly well at this point. I wonder if I would be better able to handle treatment

while I am still fairly healthy?

Or should I wait. I am basically a single mom, and I don't know if I would be

able to maintain everything...my boys' father is still very much a part of our

daily life, we work together, and I imagine he would help us out, but he really

has not wanted to face this at all! so, I'm not sure I could really trust him there.

I also have thyroid problems now as a result of all of this, and I have already

lost considerable hair...I understand that hair loss is a side effect of treatment,

and with my geno I suppose I would be on it for quite awhile.]]]

I had a sonogram that showed I did not have liver damage. I decided on treatment before the HCV had a chance to damage my liver. I understand from others also that it is better to treat it as soon as possible.

My husband did not want to think anything was wrong for a while either and tried to ignore that I needed help and support. He finally came around when some guys he works with discussed having HCV with him and how they felt. Then he started talking to me about it. I guess it takes some people longer to work through the issues. I got to a point where I had to rest and take care of myself and my family had to deal with it. The house wasn't perfectly clean, I didn't get to all my grandchildrens games this summer, in fact I didn't go anywhere. Better to get rid of it now then need a liver transplant later is how I looked at it. My hair thinned throughout treatment. The thing is that it grows back after treatment.

I had a very hard time on the treatment, but I also apparently have Lyme Disease and have had it for a while, maybe even as long as I have had Hepatitis C. The symptoms are very much the same. I even thought I was misdiagnosed, but found that they can't mix the two up. It would be nearly impossible. Many people from this group have had some side effects from treatment. Some have stated that they were able to function as if nothing in their lives had changed. Everyone is different. Also a point in my treatment to consider is that my doctor did not know as much as he needed to, and when I ran into problems with my blood counts, headaches, nausea, etc he didn't know there were other drugs out there that could have made me comfortable. I didn't find this group until a couple of weeks to the end of treatment and learned more from these wonderful people in that short time then I had learned the entire time going to my specialist. If you have any doubts about the doctor you are

seeing may I suggest keep looking. I felt stuck with mine once I started treatment, but I felt uncomfortable with him and really should have gone somewhere else.

As far as an update... How is everyone?

The specialist for HCV had tested me for Lyme disease and told me over the phone last Friday that I tested positive. I made an appointment with my Primary Care Phys. to get a referral to Hershey Medical to a Lyme specialist and had picked up the results of the Lyme test from the HCV specialist to take in to the PCP. It didn't make sense to me and neither did it make sense to my PCP. The test results were negative for all parts of the test except one, which was not the part of the test the specifically states I have Lyme. Secondly, I understand from research that Doxycycline is what treats Lyme initially, and written on the test results was Doxy, but what they called in to the pharmacy was something different. My PCP has changed the script to Doxy just in case and ordered another Western Blot test for the Lyme. I'm not getting another specialist right now. I've dropped the HCV specialist. I will go to specialists at Hershey Medical for what ever I need if possible. They have

an awesome computer system that all doctors can look up what other doctors are doing with you. She also found an irregular heart beat and I am going for an EKG this afternoon. I'm hoping it's all just side effects from the Pegasus treatment, and will all be over with soon! That, or someone needs to make up their mind (and know what the he[double hockey sticks] are talking about)! We all need to get paid or at the lease major discounts for all the research we have to do to make sure the doctors we have are treating us they way they should! I suppose everyone can't know everything, but then why do they tell me they can handle it?

Then pneumonia is almost gone. I can breathe a bit better, but the PCP is concerned that it is not going away fast enough.

Has anyone else had similar after effects?

Take care all,

SharonC

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Thank you Dave!

I am a happy camper today as I am definately feeling better! More alive and alert! I've been using medi-clear a couple of times a week to clean up my liver and I think it is really making a difference. Also adding back my vitamins and minerals although I have to watch what I take with antibiotics. Excersizing but can't do much until the cardiologist gets finished with me.

The cardiologist is not over concerned on what he heard yesterday other than I have a heart murmur. His is testing next week for stress, muscle weakness, and blockage plus I get to wear a monitor for a week. He says it's likely a reaction to all the medecine and not to worry. Not everyone has these reactions, but I've always had a murmur. Weak hearts run in my family. Just waiting on the Lyme tests to come back again.

Have a great weekend everyone! Many good days are ahead!

Peace...SharonC

Dave <dhz920@...> wrote:

Sharon good luck battling that Lyme's disease. I'm glad you caught it early. Keep us posted. -dz-__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Sharon,

Geez! You poor thing. If it isn't one thing it is another. I've had a

couple of rough days and you made me feel better because I ONLY have

the sides from Hep C tx!!! Your doc may have called in the

generic for the meds. You can check what the generic name for the drug

is on the internet. I totally support dropping a doctor that isn't

good for you. My GI doc is great and so is his office staff. (I work

with his wife who is also a doctor...nice people.) So, if anyone is

ever in need of a GI doctor in Fort Wayne, Indiana, drop me a note and

I'll pass on their info. Until then, ask everyone you know if they

know of any good docs. People will tell you what they think about

their docs!!!

Take care,

Barbara

> I had a very hard time on the treatment, but I also apparently have

Lyme Disease and have had it for a while, maybe even as long as I have

had Hepatitis C. >

[Guest guest]

I was diagnosed with a murmer as a child, but it seems to have corrected itself. Glad you are doing better! Keep up the positive attitude, you gave me a boost today! -dz-Sharon Colburn <smc203@...> wrote:

Thank you Dave!

I am a happy camper today as I am definately feeling better! More alive and alert! I've been using medi-clear a couple of times a week to clean up my liver and I think it is really making a difference. Also adding back my vitamins and minerals although I have to watch what I take with antibiotics. Excersizing but can't do much until the cardiologist gets finished with me.

The cardiologist is not over concerned on what he heard yesterday other than I have a heart murmur. His is testing next week for stress, muscle weakness, and blockage plus I get to wear a monitor for a week. He says it's likely a reaction to all the medecine and not to worry. Not everyone has these reactions, but I've always had a murmur. Weak hearts run in my family. Just waiting on the Lyme tests to come back again.

Have a great weekend everyone! Many good days are ahead!

Peace...SharonC

Dave <dhz920@...> wrote:

Sharon good luck battling that Lyme's disease. I'm glad you caught it early. Keep us posted. -dz-

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

My daughter was born with a murmer which corrected itself at around age twelve. The cardiologist gave me the stress test today, took pictures of my heart, I had a sonogram done too and I am now wearing a monitor for twenty-four hours. So far it looks like effects from the drugs that will correct itself in time. Yea!! I like good news! My heart looks good and as far as the strange beat, it will do this the rest of my hearts life and at this point they don't know why it beats like that, it just does and not to worry. The final results will be in friday after next. Seems like alot of people I talk to have had murmers at some point.

Has anyone seen snow yet? We're dropping in the twenties just this week. We were saved a couple of weeks this year.

I don't get along with cold weather but I love the area's that get the cold and snow since it seems to make everything clean again every year, that or I'm so glad for the nicer weather again that it feels like new!

Take care all,

Peace...SharonCDave <dhz920@...> wrote:

I was diagnosed with a murmer as a child, but it seems to have corrected itself. Glad you are doing better! Keep up the positive attitude, you gave me a boost today! -dz-Sharon Colburn <smc203@...> wrote:

Thank you Dave!

I am a happy camper today as I am definately feeling better! More alive and alert! I've been using medi-clear a couple of times a week to clean up my liver and I think it is really making a difference. Also adding back my vitamins and minerals although I have to watch what I take with antibiotics. Excersizing but can't do much until the cardiologist gets finished with me.

The cardiologist is not over concerned on what he heard yesterday other than I have a heart murmur. His is testing next week for stress, muscle weakness, and blockage plus I get to wear a monitor for a week. He says it's likely a reaction to all the medecine and not to worry. Not everyone has these reactions, but I've always had a murmur. Weak hearts run in my family. Just waiting on the Lyme tests to come back again.

Have a great weekend everyone! Many good days are ahead!

Peace...SharonC

Dave <dhz920@...> wrote:

Sharon good luck battling that Lyme's disease. I'm glad you caught it early. Keep us posted. -dz-

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

My mom told me that the doctor's told her to keep me from being too active on finding my murmer, but she said it wasn't possible, so they let me go my way just as all the other kids. When I tried out for football, in 8th or 9th grade, I had to have a physical and they found no evidence of the murmer. My understanding of the murmer is that when the heart beats and the valves then close, they don't close tightly enough and give a little echo on the machine. I think it often corrects itself, just something to watch. -dz-Sharon Colburn <smc203@...> wrote:

My daughter was born with a murmer which corrected itself at around age twelve. The cardiologist gave me the stress test today, took pictures of my heart, I had a sonogram done too and I am now wearing a monitor for twenty-four hours. So far it looks like effects from the drugs that will correct itself in time. Yea!! I like good news! My heart looks good and as far as the strange beat, it will do this the rest of my hearts life and at this point they don't know why it beats like that, it just does and not to worry. The final results will be in friday after next. Seems like alot of people I talk to have had murmers at some point.

Has anyone seen snow yet? We're dropping in the twenties just this week. We were saved a couple of weeks this year.

I don't get along with cold weather but I love the area's that get the cold and snow since it seems to make everything clean again every year, that or I'm so glad for the nicer weather again that it feels like new!

Take care all,

Peace...SharonC

[Guest guest]

Hello, Barbara

Sorry to hear you are having side effects from the treatment. I am going to have a biopsy in 3 months as I have been drinking (not much at all, but they say totally dry for 3 months). I'm not looking forward too much, but will wait for the results of the biopsy.

I have never done needles (drugs) and have had a monogamous relationship for over 31 years. The best I can determine is I got it during service in Vietnam. In any case, the wife does *not* have it so I know I've had the virus for a long time. The doctor told me that if my liver is in fairly good shape (early stages), I may simply want to not treat it at all.

I'm just grateful for the group so we can get information - or even rant now and then. Heaven knows what we go through with this disease.

Best regards from Rochester, NY

Jim

[ ] Update

Hello All,I'm having some interesting side effects that I thought I would sharewith all of you.#1-blurred vision in my right eye. I went to the ER because it was asudden onset. At first the doc thought I had Central SerousRetinopathy but after a test on my retina they have ruled that out.The hep doc said I may have to stop treatment because of this side effect.#2-On the same night my blood pressure went through the roof!185/124!! Yikes! For the past three months I have been to one doctoror another because of my hysterectomy and the Hep. My pressure hasbeen normal without medicine. Then, two Tuesdays ago it shot up. Andit was higher the next day! So, I'm back on blood pressure medicine.It may be my thyroid, and again, I may have to stop therapy. UGH!!I'm almost half way through tx and I don't want to stop now!! Notafter all the crap!! I feel like screaming. I take my 12th shot nextMonday and go for my 12 week PCR three days later. I want to see thosetest results. I want to know I"m killing the stinkin' virus'. As for dizziness...I have it all the time. In fact, I feel like I"mgoing to fall over sometimes. I just stop for a moment, take a drinkof water if I have some available, and it usually clears up. I hopeyou feel better Rhonda. Hang in there.Thanks for being here for me to rant.Barbara

[Guest guest]

Sharon,

I asked about decreasing the dosage and they said No! So, we'll see

what happenes. I know that no matter what, things will be ok.

Take care everyone, and Happy Thanksgiving. Please say a prayer for

out soldiers.

Barbara

> Maybe they can decrease the dosage. I wish you all the best in this.

> Sharon

>

>

[Guest guest]

Oh Barbara I hope you don't have to stop treatment. Sending positive

thoughts your way

Guess what the Dr. told me about my dizziness? Drink more fluids!!

That is the bane of my life I swear.

Take care,

Rhonda

[ ] Update

>

>

> Hello All,

> I'm having some interesting side effects that I thought I would share

> with all of you.

>

> #1-blurred vision in my right eye. I went to the ER because it was a

> sudden onset. At first the doc thought I had Central Serous

> Retinopathy but after a test on my retina they have ruled that out.

> The hep doc said I may have to stop treatment because of this side effect.

>

> #2-On the same night my blood pressure went through the roof!

> 185/124!! Yikes! For the past three months I have been to one doctor

> or another because of my hysterectomy and the Hep. My pressure has

> been normal without medicine. Then, two Tuesdays ago it shot up. And

> it was higher the next day! So, I'm back on blood pressure medicine.

> It may be my thyroid, and again, I may have to stop therapy. UGH!!

>

> I'm almost half way through tx and I don't want to stop now!! Not

> after all the crap!! I feel like screaming. I take my 12th shot next

> Monday and go for my 12 week PCR three days later. I want to see those

> test results. I want to know I " m killing the stinkin' virus'.

>

> As for dizziness...I have it all the time. In fact, I feel like I " m

> going to fall over sometimes. I just stop for a moment, take a drink

> of water if I have some available, and it usually clears up. I hope

> you feel better Rhonda. Hang in there.

>

> Thanks for being here for me to rant.

> Barbara

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hello, Marguerite

My primary care physician with my paid health insurance is Dr. Gagnier; my primary care physician with the VA is Dr. Mottern. The liver specialist I saw will be retiring as he is in his mid 70s and I have to have no alcohol for 3 months before they will biopsy. So, for now, I am in a holding pattern. The biopsy will be performed locally using my health insurance; I've no great desire to travel to Buffalo to the VA hospital.

How is the treatment going? Modest side effects, or what? I'm not exactly looking forward to this whole mess, but would like to get rid of the disease, if possible.

Best regards from Rochester, NY

Jim

Re: [ ] Update

Hello Jim,

My name is Marguerite, both my son and I have Hep C, I am currently on the treatment, my son was but went off. We live in Penn Yan NY and go to Strong Hospital. will be having a biopsy on the 30th of this month. I am nervous, but will let you know how it goes. Who do you see for a doctor. We both see Dr. Maliakkal, I am very happy with him.

Take Care

Marguerite

[Guest guest]

Hello, Marguerite

No, I don't have to go to Buffalo. I would if I had no insurance, but I do have insurance; therefor I am having it done in Rochester.

Thanks for the information. I was figuring I would feel lousy, but apparently, I may not be in bad shape.

Best regards from Rochester, NY

Jim

Re: [ ] Update

Jim,

Why do you have to go to Buffalo? Insurance?

As far as teh treatment goes, it has not been that bad for me. I work full time and also have a part time job in the evenings. I have not had to stop either. I am on the 48 week treatment the pegintron/ribaviran. I give mnyself one injection a week, on Fridays and take pills everyday. My Dr. has confirmed that the treatment is working. I am alittle over half way through. It seems to me if you get alot of rest and drink TONS of water it helps with the sides. Every so often I get flu like symptons, usually when I have overdone it, which I tend to do. I have just started exercising again, which really helps with the Blahs!. My RBC had dropped and I was out of breath alot. They put me on Procrit, which is another injection weekly, it seems to work great though. I am 38 and in pretty good shape so that might help with the side effects of the treatment. I was not really sick to begin with, I think i fyoucanstartthetreatmentbeforeyoufeelbadithelps.DIV If you have any questions feel free to ask anytime.

Good Luck to You

Marguerite

[Guest guest]

Good luck hanging in there Barbara, I had some vision problems, too. I've had a little flu lately and been off... I had to cancel my deer hunting trip this year to stay home and help take care of Mom. I seem to be the only one around that can lift her in and out of her chair. I had reserved the week of vacation, so I'm trying to get a few things done around the house with my week off, and try not to feel too sorry for myself. I just heard from my brother, they had a pretty good opening weekend. (my bro) dropped two himself. We had a terrible tragedy north of us, a hunter was on private property and after being discovered an altercation ensued that left 6 people dead.

DaveBarbara <vynca_minor@...> wrote:

Hello All,I'm having some interesting side effects that I thought I would sharewith all of you.#1-blurred vision in my right eye. I went to the ER because it was asudden onset. At first the doc thought I had Central SerousRetinopathy but after a test on my retina they have ruled that out.The hep doc said I may have to stop treatment because of this side effect.#2-On the same night my blood pressure went through the roof!185/124!! Yikes! For the past three months I have been to one doctoror another because of my hysterectomy and the Hep. My pressure hasbeen normal without medicine. Then, two Tuesdays ago it shot up. Andit was higher the next day! So, I'm back on blood pressure medicine.It may be my thyroid, and again, I may have to stop therapy. UGH!!I'm almost half way through tx and I don't want to stop now!!

Notafter all the crap!! I feel like screaming. I take my 12th shot nextMonday and go for my 12 week PCR three days later. I want to see thosetest results. I want to know I"m killing the stinkin' virus'. As for dizziness...I have it all the time. In fact, I feel like I"mgoing to fall over sometimes. I just stop for a moment, take a drinkof water if I have some available, and it usually clears up. I hopeyou feel better Rhonda. Hang in there.Thanks for being here for me to rant.Barbara

[Guest guest]

Hello, Sharon

Fact is that if you couldn't work due to the hep c, you couldn't collect unemployment. You'd have to apply for disability.

Of course, the fact that they could have had the *snot* sued out of them does not enter into the equation )

Best regards from Rochester, NY

Jim

Re: [ ] Update

Hi Everyone! Hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving! Everyone feel stuffed and happily naping?

Update: I've had a busy week.

My final results are in for all tests. My heart beats irregularly but not to the point of treating. It's always been there. The tx may have intensified it, or the fact that I have lyme could intensify it. It is strong, no damage, no problem arteries. I go back in a year unless it gets worse. I'm still undetectable. Another lyme test taken and waiting results still.

I have tons more energy and feel so good since the end of tx! I almost didn't believe I would be feeling this good so soon after feeling so bad! No nausea, no headaches. I still need lots of water or I feel dehydrated and run down. I get joint aches and muscle aches when I over do it but don't mind. The rash I was plagued with for the last year is completely gone. Again, I don't know if that was caused by the HCV, the tx, or Lyme (which I'm being medicated for), no matter what caused it, it is gone!! My skin is not as dry. My hair is still shedding but not like a few weeks ago and I see new growth at the roots :-)

And...I was released to go back to work this past monday. I was a bit sad because I thought my job had been filled since I had been advised to sign up for unemployment once released (I had run out of FMLA). I attended a meeting with my manager tuesday where I was advised my position was still open and would I be interested in keeping it, and would I start right after the meeting! So, in effect, I was terminated monday, and rehired tuesday. Policies... So, life is slowly getting back to normal around here!

Peace...Sharon