I have worked in construction all my life and never been 2 the doctor until I was tested in a free survey at a health RV. I eat well and I don't drink, but I do feel weak sometimes. The thing is I have a newborn and I want 2 b around to watch him grow up. I am on unemployment after getting laid-off and don't have much money. My savings are almost gone.
What kind of testing do you want? If you had an antibody test, the next thing you'll need is a PCR test, also called a viral load. About 20% of those who are exposed to HCV (positive or reactive to the antibody test) clear the virus through their own immune system. You need to see if you are one of those lucky ones. Without insurance, a PCR test is very expensive, and it's one you'll have to have periodically if you choose to do treatment. If you can get to a gastroenterologist, you can apply to the drug company to get free medication. I've only known two people out of over 60 that did not qualify for free meds because they are so expensive (25,000-30,000 for the one year treatment). I did the treatment 8 years ago and have been cleared of the virus since. There are also clinical trials that may help you by doing all these tests for free. I would recommend you get in touch with a local, in person support group in order to learn more about the disease and what your options are. Also, I've found that people who educate themselves tend to do better on treatment; they learn how to manage side effects, and they tend to adhere to the treatment better, thus giving the medication a better chance to do it's job. Where in FL are you? I run a support group in Pinellas county. Best wishes to you.
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October 30, 2008 at 01:00 pm
If you have hep C the local Health Department will help. If you are in pain, go to the emergency room and they should be able to direct you to the proper place .
References : -
October 30, 2008 at 01:08 pm
If you really mean it about your baby, bite the bullet and get the 11-month treatment. It's called the "Eleven-month flu" and you can never miss a single weekly shot and it's quite hard, but worth it.
Most county hospitals and public health clinics can offer you athe treatment at no cost, and they can get the meds for you for free from the pharmaceutical companies. But you really have to want it, because the clinics drop you forever if you don't comply 100% because they're used to the drug addict homeless and f*ck-off patients.
References :
RN -
October 30, 2008 at 01:45 pm
What kind of testing do you want? If you had an antibody test, the next thing you'll need is a PCR test, also called a viral load. About 20% of those who are exposed to HCV (positive or reactive to the antibody test) clear the virus through their own immune system. You need to see if you are one of those lucky ones. Without insurance, a PCR test is very expensive, and it's one you'll have to have periodically if you choose to do treatment. If you can get to a gastroenterologist, you can apply to the drug company to get free medication. I've only known two people out of over 60 that did not qualify for free meds because they are so expensive (25,000-30,000 for the one year treatment). I did the treatment 8 years ago and have been cleared of the virus since. There are also clinical trials that may help you by doing all these tests for free. I would recommend you get in touch with a local, in person support group in order to learn more about the disease and what your options are. Also, I've found that people who educate themselves tend to do better on treatment; they learn how to manage side effects, and they tend to adhere to the treatment better, thus giving the medication a better chance to do it's job. Where in FL are you? I run a support group in Pinellas county. Best wishes to you.
References :
HCV educator, advocate, & survivor
Support group facilitator for 7 years
Cleared HCV on treatment almost 8 years ago