start TX in 3weeks??? - Hepatitis Message Board

WeeWillow One · 10-05-2003, 10:09 AM

Hello, I'm new here.
I start TX in 3 wks. I am Stage 1, genotype 2 and will be on TX for 24 wks. I am wondering how people are doing with the sides effects. The only symptoms I have from Hep c is the odd jount pain in my fingers and vivid dreams where i wake up throughout the night, but all else is well. Lots of energy and I work out with no problems. The anticipation is the hardest part. I have started Celexa 20mg to get a head start on the depression which has helped with the Melancholy I have on occasion. The Dr says I have a good chance of ridding this disease/virus because I'm 2a.
I would like to know who else is in Canada and is on Pegetron and how there doing and if they have had any problems with there employee medicare plan paying for the meds.

lovonne · 10-07-2003, 05:56 PM

Hello,

I too am from Canada (BC) and I will be seeing my specialist on Oct 14 and I will find out then when I will begin my treatments. How long did it take you from the time you were aware the drugs were available to you until you knew when you would be getting treatment. I guess I am one step behind you, so instead of being able to answer your questions I will be looking to you for answers. I am on BC medicare and have been told the cost of the drug will depend on my current household income. Under a certain income level(I am unsure of the amount)the total cost of the drug will be covered. I received the information from Health Services Canada so maybe you could call them and pose your questions about drug costs. I found them very helpful. Good luck and I hope to hear that everything is going well with you and your treatments. Also welcome to the board.

justwannabeme · 10-08-2003, 11:02 AM

Hello there, I am from BC as well.
My husbands peg-intron is covered through our medical and with Pharmacare we pay nothing, thank god! After his 12 week pcr test showed that he is responding we now have what they call "special authority" through pharmacare to continue for the 48 weeks. Good luck to both of you on tx. Hubby is a geno-1b, undetected at 12weeks, his main symptoms right now are fatigue, loss of hair, trouble sleeping. The first couple of weeks were rough for him, he is drinking lots of water, takes his meds at regular times every day with food, no drinking , no smoking, takes a multi/mineral vitamin, folic acid. This is what is working for him and advised by his Dr. He is doing pretty darn good.
Bye for now, Faith

WeeWillow One · 10-08-2003, 07:56 PM

Hi I've had hep c for approx 9 years. i have been waiting for the Pegetron to available in Canada which did in Dec 2003. i wanted to enjoy my summer b4 I started TX so this is why I have chosen Oct- Spring. The cost in canada is $1800 per month but Blue Cross, OHIP, etc will pay as long as your Dr helps fill out the forms. As for private companys it depends. Thats why I was asking about coorporate plans. I know mine will but I wanted to see if anyone has had a hard time with it. Its a very expensive treatment. If we can afford it we are very fortunate as there are people who are less fortunate because of there incomeor no proper benefit plan. I will post as soon as I take my first shott and I am scared half to death but I know i have to do it. i will check this board everyday as well and i wish you the best of luck and keep in touch.
Cindy

Quote:

Originally posted by lovonne:
Hello,

I too am from Canada (BC) and I will be seeing my specialist on Oct 14 and I will find out then when I will begin my treatments. How long did it take you from the time you were aware the drugs were available to you until you knew when you would be getting treatment. I guess I am one step behind you, so instead of being able to answer your questions I will be looking to you for answers. I am on BC medicare and have been told the cost of the drug will depend on my current household income. Under a certain income level(I am unsure of the amount)the total cost of the drug will be covered. I received the information from Health Services Canada so maybe you could call them and pose your questions about drug costs. I found them very helpful. Good luck and I hope to hear that everything is going well with you and your treatments. Also welcome to the board.

WeeWillow One · 10-08-2003, 08:08 PM

Hello,its good to hear from you. I am glad your husband is doing very well. I'm pretty sure I am covered as its with sunlife Assurance .I have to also coordinate with my husbands so I have to pay up front the difference until I reimbursed. I am more worried as to what to do if they reject it for some reason, since this drug is fairly new in Canada and not all companys will cover it because of the high cost.Will our so called Government pick up the tab. I doubt and where can we go for help if needed.
How was your husband the first few weeks? And how are you doing with it? I mean caring for him and your family, etc. I worry about my husband and son. I hope I don't turn into a Monster who makes everybodys life miserable. They told me it can wreck havoc on your brain. i started Celexa a month ago to get on top of it just in case. Is your husband on anti D's?
My name is cindy and glad to meet you.

Quote:

Originally posted by justwannabeme:
Hello there, I am from BC as well.
My husbands peg-intron is covered through our medical and with Pharmacare we pay nothing, thank god! After his 12 week pcr test showed that he is responding we now have what they call "special authority" through pharmacare to continue for the 48 weeks. Good luck to both of you on tx. Hubby is a geno-1b, undetected at 12weeks, his main symptoms right now are fatigue, loss of hair, trouble sleeping. The first couple of weeks were rough for him, he is drinking lots of water, takes his meds at regular times every day with food, no drinking , no smoking, takes a multi/mineral vitamin, folic acid. This is what is working for him and advised by his Dr. He is doing pretty darn good.
Bye for now, Faith