Doc

[Guest guest]

Dear Claudine,

Thanks for your kind words and generous offer , we treat women with respect

and admiration, however young or old they maybe.

We are having a Hep B group meeting in PA this year and I wish I could organise

something like a Hep C meet sometime!

You are right in thinking that a lot of docs overdrug and over or under test.

The problem is they never talk to the patient or relatives. That is their

pitfall.

I sometimes only talk to patients and do not prescribe any medication, at these

times they only want some explanations or assurance, not meds or tests.

Elderly are special and I always compliment them for reaching the age they have.

Maybe because I never saw any grandparent ( they all died before I was born

except my materanl grandmother with whom I spent some delightful summer

vacations as a young kid).

Hope your grandmother gets well soon and maybe you can call us for her centenary

birthday celebrations.

Dr Sharat Misra MD,DM,FACG

--- Doc <gidoc@...> wrote:

> I agree, individual needs have to be considered and treat each case

> on its merit and not merely by the book.

Hi Doc,

I just HAVE to comment! I can't think of any one thing that is

more important than what you have said! I know sometimes it's not

always easy for a doctor to do this when they have a lot of patients

to see and treat, not to mention insurance companies to deal with,

but when you have a doctor who can do this it can make all the

difference in the world. I feel real lucky to have found a PCP who

really listens to me and doesn't treat me like I'm crazy if I say I

feel bad when according to some book or lab I should feel good! And

over this past 3 months, dealing with one doctor after another who

wants to lump my 93 year old grandmother into the exact same mold as

anyone else her age has made me REALLY appreciate it! It is very

annoying to try and discuss her needs with a doctor who is seeing her

for the first time, and he hasn't even bothered to read her chart or

review her health problems and what's been going on with her during

this period, and he just starts telling us it's this or that just

because of her age and wants to just drug her up. I've never seen a

group of doctors in my life so anxious to hand out pain medications,

anti-psychotics, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, etc., and yet you

have to argue to get a simple blood test done to check her sodium

levels when we (who know her better than anyone) KNOW that in the

past when these symptoms occurred her sodium level was very low. If

I'm sounding frustrated today it's because I am! I just got home from

12 long, physically and emotionally exhausting hours in the nursing

home where my grandmother is. No one seems to care. THANK YOU for

being you! You remind me that there really are doctors who care. I

know you aren't the only one, but sometimes I feel like it!

Claudine

[Guest guest]

Dear Claudine,

Thanks for your kind words and generous offer , we treat women with respect

and admiration, however young or old they maybe.

We are having a Hep B group meeting in PA this year and I wish I could organise

something like a Hep C meet sometime!

You are right in thinking that a lot of docs overdrug and over or under test.

The problem is they never talk to the patient or relatives. That is their

pitfall.

I sometimes only talk to patients and do not prescribe any medication, at these

times they only want some explanations or assurance, not meds or tests.

Elderly are special and I always compliment them for reaching the age they have.

Maybe because I never saw any grandparent ( they all died before I was born

except my materanl grandmother with whom I spent some delightful summer

vacations as a young kid).

Hope your grandmother gets well soon and maybe you can call us for her centenary

birthday celebrations.

Dr Sharat Misra MD,DM,FACG

--- Doc <gidoc@...> wrote:

> I agree, individual needs have to be considered and treat each case

> on its merit and not merely by the book.

Hi Doc,

I just HAVE to comment! I can't think of any one thing that is

more important than what you have said! I know sometimes it's not

always easy for a doctor to do this when they have a lot of patients

to see and treat, not to mention insurance companies to deal with,

but when you have a doctor who can do this it can make all the

difference in the world. I feel real lucky to have found a PCP who

really listens to me and doesn't treat me like I'm crazy if I say I

feel bad when according to some book or lab I should feel good! And

over this past 3 months, dealing with one doctor after another who

wants to lump my 93 year old grandmother into the exact same mold as

anyone else her age has made me REALLY appreciate it! It is very

annoying to try and discuss her needs with a doctor who is seeing her

for the first time, and he hasn't even bothered to read her chart or

review her health problems and what's been going on with her during

this period, and he just starts telling us it's this or that just

because of her age and wants to just drug her up. I've never seen a

group of doctors in my life so anxious to hand out pain medications,

anti-psychotics, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, etc., and yet you

have to argue to get a simple blood test done to check her sodium

levels when we (who know her better than anyone) KNOW that in the

past when these symptoms occurred her sodium level was very low. If

I'm sounding frustrated today it's because I am! I just got home from

12 long, physically and emotionally exhausting hours in the nursing

home where my grandmother is. No one seems to care. THANK YOU for

being you! You remind me that there really are doctors who care. I

know you aren't the only one, but sometimes I feel like it!

Claudine

[Guest guest]

--- Doc <gidoc@...> wrote:

> Dear Claudine,

> Thanks for your kind words and generous offer ,

You're welcome, but does that mean you don't want her? Oh well, you

would have to be an animal lover (she has dogs, cats, a pet scorpion

named Veda, and a 5' pet albino python named Bones); and of course

you would have to move to Texas. If you change your mind, let me

know.

> We are having a Hep B group meeting in PA this year and I wish I

> could organise something like a Hep C meet sometime!

That would be so great if we could do that sometime! This group has

become like another family to me. Maybe someday we will manage to do

this!

I'm glad you think elderly are special. I think so too. There is not

enough respect for the elderly in this country. Many are just sent

off to nursing homes by their family, and most of these nursing homes

are pretty depressing places. It is very sad to watch what so many

are going through, not just health-wise, but many are so very lonely!

And bored too! My grandmother is 93 and has lived a good long and

happy life. She is the most kind hearted person I have ever known and

is loved by many. I would love it if she was still around to

celebrate her 100th birthday, but only if she is happy and

comfortable during those years. Hopefully she will get well, but if

not I just hope she does not suffer. She is my last surviving

grandparent. I knew them all, and the relationships I had with each

of them was unique and wonderful. I love my parents, but my

grandparents were special is a different way. I hope that someday I

will be as wonderful a grandmother to my grandchildren as she/they

were to me. (If I ever get any! Don't forget my offer!)

My daughter would KILL me if she knew about this, lol!

Claudine

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

--- Doc <gidoc@...> wrote:

> Dear Claudine,

> Thanks for your kind words and generous offer ,

You're welcome, but does that mean you don't want her? Oh well, you

would have to be an animal lover (she has dogs, cats, a pet scorpion

named Veda, and a 5' pet albino python named Bones); and of course

you would have to move to Texas. If you change your mind, let me

know.

> We are having a Hep B group meeting in PA this year and I wish I

> could organise something like a Hep C meet sometime!

That would be so great if we could do that sometime! This group has

become like another family to me. Maybe someday we will manage to do

this!

I'm glad you think elderly are special. I think so too. There is not

enough respect for the elderly in this country. Many are just sent

off to nursing homes by their family, and most of these nursing homes

are pretty depressing places. It is very sad to watch what so many

are going through, not just health-wise, but many are so very lonely!

And bored too! My grandmother is 93 and has lived a good long and

happy life. She is the most kind hearted person I have ever known and

is loved by many. I would love it if she was still around to

celebrate her 100th birthday, but only if she is happy and

comfortable during those years. Hopefully she will get well, but if

not I just hope she does not suffer. She is my last surviving

grandparent. I knew them all, and the relationships I had with each

of them was unique and wonderful. I love my parents, but my

grandparents were special is a different way. I hope that someday I

will be as wonderful a grandmother to my grandchildren as she/they

were to me. (If I ever get any! Don't forget my offer!)

My daughter would KILL me if she knew about this, lol!

Claudine

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

It would be nice to have a Hep C Meet , look for a place and sponsors...Hep C

has been in big news .

Dr Sharat Misra MD,DM,FACG

You're welcome, but does that mean you don't want her? Oh well, you

would have to be an animal lover (she has dogs, cats, a pet scorpion

named Veda, and a 5' pet albino python named Bones); and of course

you would have to move to Texas. If you change your mind, let me

know.

> We are having a Hep B group meeting in PA this year and I wish I

> could organise something like a Hep C meet sometime!

That would be so great if we could do that sometime! This group has

become like another family to me. Maybe someday we will manage to do

this!

I'm glad you think elderly are special. I think so too. There is not

enough respect for the elderly in this country. Many are just sent

off to nursing homes by their family, and most of these nursing homes

are pretty depressing places. It is very sad to watch what so many

are going through, not just health-wise, but many are so very lonely!

And bored too! My grandmother is 93 and has lived a good long and

happy life. She is the most kind hearted person I have ever known and

is loved by many. I would love it if she was still around to

celebrate her 100th birthday, but only if she is happy and

comfortable during those years. Hopefully she will get well, but if

not I just hope she does not suffer. She is my last surviving

grandparent. I knew them all, and the relationships I had with each

of them was unique and wonderful. I love my parents, but my

grandparents were special is a different way. I hope that someday I

will be as wonderful a grandmother to my grandchildren as she/they

were to me. (If I ever get any! Don't forget my offer!)

My daughter would KILL me if she knew about this, lol!

Claudine

[Guest guest]

It would be nice to have a Hep C Meet , look for a place and sponsors...Hep C

has been in big news .

Dr Sharat Misra MD,DM,FACG

You're welcome, but does that mean you don't want her? Oh well, you

would have to be an animal lover (she has dogs, cats, a pet scorpion

named Veda, and a 5' pet albino python named Bones); and of course

you would have to move to Texas. If you change your mind, let me

know.

> We are having a Hep B group meeting in PA this year and I wish I

> could organise something like a Hep C meet sometime!

That would be so great if we could do that sometime! This group has

become like another family to me. Maybe someday we will manage to do

this!

I'm glad you think elderly are special. I think so too. There is not

enough respect for the elderly in this country. Many are just sent

off to nursing homes by their family, and most of these nursing homes

are pretty depressing places. It is very sad to watch what so many

are going through, not just health-wise, but many are so very lonely!

And bored too! My grandmother is 93 and has lived a good long and

happy life. She is the most kind hearted person I have ever known and

is loved by many. I would love it if she was still around to

celebrate her 100th birthday, but only if she is happy and

comfortable during those years. Hopefully she will get well, but if

not I just hope she does not suffer. She is my last surviving

grandparent. I knew them all, and the relationships I had with each

of them was unique and wonderful. I love my parents, but my

grandparents were special is a different way. I hope that someday I

will be as wonderful a grandmother to my grandchildren as she/they

were to me. (If I ever get any! Don't forget my offer!)

My daughter would KILL me if she knew about this, lol!

Claudine

[Guest guest]

Hey Gene...just htought I'd share this with you.. Tho I am 2b, I didn't go

undectable until 9 months into treatment (standard combo). My doc often

referred to me as a 2b who acted like a 1 !!! My poiny: wo knows what will

happen in a few weeks more..or even another 3 months or even 6...as far as I

know I am still undectable, or at least was at the 9 month post treatment

mark. I am 16 months post treatment and over due for a PCR..but still feel

confident it will be undect.. If your doc will let you, why not hang in

there fro a while longer?? Like I said, just wanted to share my story with

you. luv, gee

[Guest guest]

Hey Gene...just htought I'd share this with you.. Tho I am 2b, I didn't go

undectable until 9 months into treatment (standard combo). My doc often

referred to me as a 2b who acted like a 1 !!! My poiny: wo knows what will

happen in a few weeks more..or even another 3 months or even 6...as far as I

know I am still undectable, or at least was at the 9 month post treatment

mark. I am 16 months post treatment and over due for a PCR..but still feel

confident it will be undect.. If your doc will let you, why not hang in

there fro a while longer?? Like I said, just wanted to share my story with

you. luv, gee

[Guest guest]

Hey Gene...just htought I'd share this with you.. Tho I am 2b, I didn't go

undectable until 9 months into treatment (standard combo). My doc often

referred to me as a 2b who acted like a 1 !!! My poiny: wo knows what will

happen in a few weeks more..or even another 3 months or even 6...as far as I

know I am still undectable, or at least was at the 9 month post treatment

mark. I am 16 months post treatment and over due for a PCR..but still feel

confident it will be undect.. If your doc will let you, why not hang in

there fro a while longer?? Like I said, just wanted to share my story with

you. luv, gee

[Guest guest]

Hey Gene...just htought I'd share this with you.. Tho I am 2b, I didn't go

undectable until 9 months into treatment (standard combo). My doc often

referred to me as a 2b who acted like a 1 !!! My poiny: wo knows what will

happen in a few weeks more..or even another 3 months or even 6...as far as I

know I am still undectable, or at least was at the 9 month post treatment

mark. I am 16 months post treatment and over due for a PCR..but still feel

confident it will be undect.. If your doc will let you, why not hang in

there fro a while longer?? Like I said, just wanted to share my story with

you. luv, gee

[Guest guest]

Gene sorry to hear that. Usually with genotype 1's, if you don't go undetected

by the 6th mo, the doc takes you off treatment. Now there are people out there

who chose to continue treatment anyway, and eventually did to undetected. But

you have to weigh your current health concerns with what the treatment might do

to you as well.

Good luck

Alley

" You are only given a little spark of madness.You mustn't lose it. " Robin

SFF_Texas

Texas_Writers

WritingAndPublishing

critique_group

SFF_Writers/

happyheppers

ICQ 12631861

Alleypat

AIM DallasAlleyPat

MSN Alleypat

[Guest guest]

Alley and Gee.....thanks for your responses. I hope to hear from Doc soon and

see what he says. The blood was drawn two weeks ago for the PCR, so that was

only 19 weeks into treatment.

Going from 850,000 copies to 133,000 sounded positive to me. I asked my

doctor if I should increase from .4 peg to .5, and he said, no, because it's

working. Then he left the room to go talk to the main HCV doctor and came

back and said I wasn't responding, that they were going to stop treatment and

wait to see what becomes available in the next few years. I just about begged

him to leave me on treatment, especially since the weekly Procrit injections

have brought my hemoglobin up from 9.1 to 12.5 and the Neupogen has increased

my absolute neutrophil count, but he said it was certain I wouldn't respond

and so there was no sense in continuing treatment. Bummer....

I mentioned I had been hoping the interferon would at least stave off HCC and

maybe even reverse some fibrosis, even if I didn't clear the virus, but he

didn't think that would be the case. It was a long ride home from the Omaha

VA back to Des Moines.

I have enough meds for another four weeks, and I feel like continuing until

it's gone.

Gene

[Guest guest]

Alley and Gee.....thanks for your responses. I hope to hear from Doc soon and

see what he says. The blood was drawn two weeks ago for the PCR, so that was

only 19 weeks into treatment.

Going from 850,000 copies to 133,000 sounded positive to me. I asked my

doctor if I should increase from .4 peg to .5, and he said, no, because it's

working. Then he left the room to go talk to the main HCV doctor and came

back and said I wasn't responding, that they were going to stop treatment and

wait to see what becomes available in the next few years. I just about begged

him to leave me on treatment, especially since the weekly Procrit injections

have brought my hemoglobin up from 9.1 to 12.5 and the Neupogen has increased

my absolute neutrophil count, but he said it was certain I wouldn't respond

and so there was no sense in continuing treatment. Bummer....

I mentioned I had been hoping the interferon would at least stave off HCC and

maybe even reverse some fibrosis, even if I didn't clear the virus, but he

didn't think that would be the case. It was a long ride home from the Omaha

VA back to Des Moines.

I have enough meds for another four weeks, and I feel like continuing until

it's gone.

Gene

[Guest guest]

Alley and Gee.....thanks for your responses. I hope to hear from Doc soon and

see what he says. The blood was drawn two weeks ago for the PCR, so that was

only 19 weeks into treatment.

Going from 850,000 copies to 133,000 sounded positive to me. I asked my

doctor if I should increase from .4 peg to .5, and he said, no, because it's

working. Then he left the room to go talk to the main HCV doctor and came

back and said I wasn't responding, that they were going to stop treatment and

wait to see what becomes available in the next few years. I just about begged

him to leave me on treatment, especially since the weekly Procrit injections

have brought my hemoglobin up from 9.1 to 12.5 and the Neupogen has increased

my absolute neutrophil count, but he said it was certain I wouldn't respond

and so there was no sense in continuing treatment. Bummer....

I mentioned I had been hoping the interferon would at least stave off HCC and

maybe even reverse some fibrosis, even if I didn't clear the virus, but he

didn't think that would be the case. It was a long ride home from the Omaha

VA back to Des Moines.

I have enough meds for another four weeks, and I feel like continuing until

it's gone.

Gene

[Guest guest]

Alley and Gee.....thanks for your responses. I hope to hear from Doc soon and

see what he says. The blood was drawn two weeks ago for the PCR, so that was

only 19 weeks into treatment.

Going from 850,000 copies to 133,000 sounded positive to me. I asked my

doctor if I should increase from .4 peg to .5, and he said, no, because it's

working. Then he left the room to go talk to the main HCV doctor and came

back and said I wasn't responding, that they were going to stop treatment and

wait to see what becomes available in the next few years. I just about begged

him to leave me on treatment, especially since the weekly Procrit injections

have brought my hemoglobin up from 9.1 to 12.5 and the Neupogen has increased

my absolute neutrophil count, but he said it was certain I wouldn't respond

and so there was no sense in continuing treatment. Bummer....

I mentioned I had been hoping the interferon would at least stave off HCC and

maybe even reverse some fibrosis, even if I didn't clear the virus, but he

didn't think that would be the case. It was a long ride home from the Omaha

VA back to Des Moines.

I have enough meds for another four weeks, and I feel like continuing until

it's gone.

Gene

[Guest guest]

Hi Gene,

Recent work has shown that a 4 wk HCV-RNA load reduction following therapy is

highly predictive of response to treatment.

A minimin of 2 log reduction at 1 month follows a good chance of ETR( HCV-RNA

undetectable).

Do you have any previous readings of HCV-RNA after beginning treatment?

Also what is your current ALT?

Your viral load is definitely down and that alone has been associated with

histological improvement in the long run.

I would continue to monitor HCV-RNA load and continue treatment for 48 wks,

barring any side effects. There is no better treatment and none forthcoming

either so there is a slim chance of a ETR at the end of one year. However, if

there is no change in viral load after another 3 months or it begins to rise ,

then I would discontinue treatment.

All the best and hope this helps.

Dr Sharat Misra MD,DM,FACG

----- Original Message -----

From: GWhel@...

Hi Doc,

I've completed 21 weeks of combo, 16 of neupogen, and 13 of procrit.

Had 850,000 copies before treatment.

PCR now shows 133,000 copies. Doctor said today I'm not responding and that I

should withdraw from treatment and wait a few years for new treatment.

Does this seem correct? I'm 1a and, though I had my fingers crossed, I was

prepared to be a nonresponder since I didn't respond twice to mono therapy

before, but I was hoping to stave off HCC and possible get some reversal of

fibrosis by staying on treatment for full term.

I'm really bummed having to quit treatment.

Thanks for your response.

Your friend,

Gene

[Guest guest]

Hi Gene,

Recent work has shown that a 4 wk HCV-RNA load reduction following therapy is

highly predictive of response to treatment.

A minimin of 2 log reduction at 1 month follows a good chance of ETR( HCV-RNA

undetectable).

Do you have any previous readings of HCV-RNA after beginning treatment?

Also what is your current ALT?

Your viral load is definitely down and that alone has been associated with

histological improvement in the long run.

I would continue to monitor HCV-RNA load and continue treatment for 48 wks,

barring any side effects. There is no better treatment and none forthcoming

either so there is a slim chance of a ETR at the end of one year. However, if

there is no change in viral load after another 3 months or it begins to rise ,

then I would discontinue treatment.

All the best and hope this helps.

Dr Sharat Misra MD,DM,FACG

----- Original Message -----

From: GWhel@...

Hi Doc,

I've completed 21 weeks of combo, 16 of neupogen, and 13 of procrit.

Had 850,000 copies before treatment.

PCR now shows 133,000 copies. Doctor said today I'm not responding and that I

should withdraw from treatment and wait a few years for new treatment.

Does this seem correct? I'm 1a and, though I had my fingers crossed, I was

prepared to be a nonresponder since I didn't respond twice to mono therapy

before, but I was hoping to stave off HCC and possible get some reversal of

fibrosis by staying on treatment for full term.

I'm really bummed having to quit treatment.

Thanks for your response.

Your friend,

Gene

[Guest guest]

Hi Gene,

Recent work has shown that a 4 wk HCV-RNA load reduction following therapy is

highly predictive of response to treatment.

A minimin of 2 log reduction at 1 month follows a good chance of ETR( HCV-RNA

undetectable).

Do you have any previous readings of HCV-RNA after beginning treatment?

Also what is your current ALT?

Your viral load is definitely down and that alone has been associated with

histological improvement in the long run.

I would continue to monitor HCV-RNA load and continue treatment for 48 wks,

barring any side effects. There is no better treatment and none forthcoming

either so there is a slim chance of a ETR at the end of one year. However, if

there is no change in viral load after another 3 months or it begins to rise ,

then I would discontinue treatment.

All the best and hope this helps.

Dr Sharat Misra MD,DM,FACG

----- Original Message -----

From: GWhel@...

Hi Doc,

I've completed 21 weeks of combo, 16 of neupogen, and 13 of procrit.

Had 850,000 copies before treatment.

PCR now shows 133,000 copies. Doctor said today I'm not responding and that I

should withdraw from treatment and wait a few years for new treatment.

Does this seem correct? I'm 1a and, though I had my fingers crossed, I was

prepared to be a nonresponder since I didn't respond twice to mono therapy

before, but I was hoping to stave off HCC and possible get some reversal of

fibrosis by staying on treatment for full term.

I'm really bummed having to quit treatment.

Thanks for your response.

Your friend,

Gene

[Guest guest]

Hi Gene,

Recent work has shown that a 4 wk HCV-RNA load reduction following therapy is

highly predictive of response to treatment.

A minimin of 2 log reduction at 1 month follows a good chance of ETR( HCV-RNA

undetectable).

Do you have any previous readings of HCV-RNA after beginning treatment?

Also what is your current ALT?

Your viral load is definitely down and that alone has been associated with

histological improvement in the long run.

I would continue to monitor HCV-RNA load and continue treatment for 48 wks,

barring any side effects. There is no better treatment and none forthcoming

either so there is a slim chance of a ETR at the end of one year. However, if

there is no change in viral load after another 3 months or it begins to rise ,

then I would discontinue treatment.

All the best and hope this helps.

Dr Sharat Misra MD,DM,FACG

----- Original Message -----

From: GWhel@...

Hi Doc,

I've completed 21 weeks of combo, 16 of neupogen, and 13 of procrit.

Had 850,000 copies before treatment.

PCR now shows 133,000 copies. Doctor said today I'm not responding and that I

should withdraw from treatment and wait a few years for new treatment.

Does this seem correct? I'm 1a and, though I had my fingers crossed, I was

prepared to be a nonresponder since I didn't respond twice to mono therapy

before, but I was hoping to stave off HCC and possible get some reversal of

fibrosis by staying on treatment for full term.

I'm really bummed having to quit treatment.

Thanks for your response.

Your friend,

Gene

[Guest guest]

Hi Doc,

I had told you I'd completed 21 weeks of combo when my doctor took me off

12/09.

Is HCV-RNA the result of PCR?

I had 850,000 copies a year ago. Wasn't done again till two weeks

ago...133,000 at that time.

I thought that indicated I was responding.

You asked about my ALT:

01/26/98 160

02/27/98 118

03/02/98 114

04/02/98 113

05/29/98 126

06/22/98 152

09/15/98 120

04/05/99 129

05/17/99 152

10/14/99 150

11/29/99 116

04/10/00 127

05/30/00 117

11/13/00 134

12/05/00 139

03/26/01 135

04/01/02 153

04/09/02 114

12/09/02 57

AST is 43, which is half of the lowest value in four years. It's been around

100 for the past four years.

I'm thinking of writing the doctor (I'd call but probably wouldn't reach him.

He comes to the Omaha VA from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and

I'm in Des Moines, IA) to ask if I can be put back on treatment. I never did

actually get to talk to him. The doctor assigned to me left the exam room

with the lab results and had a conference with the head doctor, then came

back to me with instructions to cease treatment because I should have been

lower than 133,000 at 19 weeks.

I don't want to put you on the spot, but I have 21 weeks invested. Do you

have any suggestions concerning how I can plead my case?

I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable, but I trust your opinion and

don't want to wait another few years. Right now my next appointment is on

06/08/03 for CBC. The doctor then plans to talk to me about a biopsy. The

last one was done 01/96 and showed mild fibrosis.

I've been taking Procrit and Neupogen. Hemoglobin is 12.5. ANC is around

1500.

Thanks,

Gene

[Guest guest]

Hi Doc,

I had told you I'd completed 21 weeks of combo when my doctor took me off

12/09.

Is HCV-RNA the result of PCR?

I had 850,000 copies a year ago. Wasn't done again till two weeks

ago...133,000 at that time.

I thought that indicated I was responding.

You asked about my ALT:

01/26/98 160

02/27/98 118

03/02/98 114

04/02/98 113

05/29/98 126

06/22/98 152

09/15/98 120

04/05/99 129

05/17/99 152

10/14/99 150

11/29/99 116

04/10/00 127

05/30/00 117

11/13/00 134

12/05/00 139

03/26/01 135

04/01/02 153

04/09/02 114

12/09/02 57

AST is 43, which is half of the lowest value in four years. It's been around

100 for the past four years.

I'm thinking of writing the doctor (I'd call but probably wouldn't reach him.

He comes to the Omaha VA from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and

I'm in Des Moines, IA) to ask if I can be put back on treatment. I never did

actually get to talk to him. The doctor assigned to me left the exam room

with the lab results and had a conference with the head doctor, then came

back to me with instructions to cease treatment because I should have been

lower than 133,000 at 19 weeks.

I don't want to put you on the spot, but I have 21 weeks invested. Do you

have any suggestions concerning how I can plead my case?

I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable, but I trust your opinion and

don't want to wait another few years. Right now my next appointment is on

06/08/03 for CBC. The doctor then plans to talk to me about a biopsy. The

last one was done 01/96 and showed mild fibrosis.

I've been taking Procrit and Neupogen. Hemoglobin is 12.5. ANC is around

1500.

Thanks,

Gene

[Guest guest]

Hi Doc,

I had told you I'd completed 21 weeks of combo when my doctor took me off

12/09.

Is HCV-RNA the result of PCR?

I had 850,000 copies a year ago. Wasn't done again till two weeks

ago...133,000 at that time.

I thought that indicated I was responding.

You asked about my ALT:

01/26/98 160

02/27/98 118

03/02/98 114

04/02/98 113

05/29/98 126

06/22/98 152

09/15/98 120

04/05/99 129

05/17/99 152

10/14/99 150

11/29/99 116

04/10/00 127

05/30/00 117

11/13/00 134

12/05/00 139

03/26/01 135

04/01/02 153

04/09/02 114

12/09/02 57

AST is 43, which is half of the lowest value in four years. It's been around

100 for the past four years.

I'm thinking of writing the doctor (I'd call but probably wouldn't reach him.

He comes to the Omaha VA from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and

I'm in Des Moines, IA) to ask if I can be put back on treatment. I never did

actually get to talk to him. The doctor assigned to me left the exam room

with the lab results and had a conference with the head doctor, then came

back to me with instructions to cease treatment because I should have been

lower than 133,000 at 19 weeks.

I don't want to put you on the spot, but I have 21 weeks invested. Do you

have any suggestions concerning how I can plead my case?

I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable, but I trust your opinion and

don't want to wait another few years. Right now my next appointment is on

06/08/03 for CBC. The doctor then plans to talk to me about a biopsy. The

last one was done 01/96 and showed mild fibrosis.

I've been taking Procrit and Neupogen. Hemoglobin is 12.5. ANC is around

1500.

Thanks,

Gene

[Guest guest]

Hi Doc,

I had told you I'd completed 21 weeks of combo when my doctor took me off

12/09.

Is HCV-RNA the result of PCR?

I had 850,000 copies a year ago. Wasn't done again till two weeks

ago...133,000 at that time.

I thought that indicated I was responding.

You asked about my ALT:

01/26/98 160

02/27/98 118

03/02/98 114

04/02/98 113

05/29/98 126

06/22/98 152

09/15/98 120

04/05/99 129

05/17/99 152

10/14/99 150

11/29/99 116

04/10/00 127

05/30/00 117

11/13/00 134

12/05/00 139

03/26/01 135

04/01/02 153

04/09/02 114

12/09/02 57

AST is 43, which is half of the lowest value in four years. It's been around

100 for the past four years.

I'm thinking of writing the doctor (I'd call but probably wouldn't reach him.

He comes to the Omaha VA from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and

I'm in Des Moines, IA) to ask if I can be put back on treatment. I never did

actually get to talk to him. The doctor assigned to me left the exam room

with the lab results and had a conference with the head doctor, then came

back to me with instructions to cease treatment because I should have been

lower than 133,000 at 19 weeks.

I don't want to put you on the spot, but I have 21 weeks invested. Do you

have any suggestions concerning how I can plead my case?

I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable, but I trust your opinion and

don't want to wait another few years. Right now my next appointment is on

06/08/03 for CBC. The doctor then plans to talk to me about a biopsy. The

last one was done 01/96 and showed mild fibrosis.

I've been taking Procrit and Neupogen. Hemoglobin is 12.5. ANC is around

1500.

Thanks,

Gene

[Guest guest]

HI Gene, I couldn't believe they are going to take you off the medicine. You

have been such a great trooper. I hope you can find another Dr. to take a

look at your medical records.

All my thoughts and prayers have been with you.

You have always been so kind to me.

Donna

[Guest guest]

HI Gene, I couldn't believe they are going to take you off the medicine. You

have been such a great trooper. I hope you can find another Dr. to take a

look at your medical records.

All my thoughts and prayers have been with you.

You have always been so kind to me.

Donna