Where's my coffee!? - What's going on

Friday, January 18, 2008

What's going on

Morning! (barely-I'm drinking my coffee, trying to wake up)

Okay, well, went to doc Wed, and this is an email I sent out to friends and family. (in part)

I am scheduled for a liver biopsy Feb 25th, (9:00am) and 2 weeks after that I begin treatment. (March 11?) Treatment consists of daily anti-viral pills, and weekly shots, of pegylated interferon. Praying that our insurance for some reason does not deny coverage of it. Without it, it would cost us $3,300 a MONTH. Yep. Hubby does have pretty good insurance, but it would still be a big chunk of money. (I found out it WILL be covered, but will still be around $675!) We will also be going up to the Dr. every month while on treatment. Hubby says we will need a new, or new to us car. $$$$ Most persons on treatment with my genotype (Hep C, genotype 1a) are on treatment for 12 months. I have some things in my favor.....I am a woman, (we do better than men) I am under age 50, my viral load is "low", and there was one more, but I can't seem to remember it. The other factor will be if my biopsy shows if I have any liver damage or not.

I also got my first installment of Hep A and B vaccine, and go back in 1 month to get the 2nd, then 5 months to get the third and final one.

Anyway, I found a good link that tells about potential side effects from treatment. Every person is affected differently. I am praying for the best, preparing for the worst, and just trying to deal with it as I go. :) This website is based on a book that was written several years ago, so some of the info may be outdated, but it is still a good informational site.

I am trying to be positive, but I am definitely desiring your prayers, for my health (obviously), our finances (praise! we might be able to get some insurance money from when a deer hit us a year and a half ago....dh didn't know we still had collision on our Blazer! woohoo!), and the emotional well being of everyone in my family. (Told hubby he might need a script for meds to put up with me...lol) Also, pray as I continue to try to home school "Weed".

Anyway, here is the link:
http://www.hepcsurvivalguide.org/comboguide.htm

And for anyone interested in learning even more, 2 good books to try and get from your library are:

Dr. Melissa Palmer's Guide to Hepatitis and Liver Disease- (What You Need to Know)by (obviously) Dr. Melissa Palmer (revised edition)

and

Living With Hepatitis C: A Survivor's Guide- By Gregory T. Everson, M.D., F.A.C.P. (Director of Hepatology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center) and Hedy Weinberg (third revised edition)

Thanks and GOD Bless you!
~Lynn C.