2nd thought's

[surgergirl]

Well I went to the Dr. today and got my scripts for Pegintron/rebeviron and I'm not to happy about how the visit went. After screwing up the blood work the first time at the lab, now the nurse wrote the wrong test and asked for the qualitative instead of quantative and her and the Dr. both tried to blame it on the lab again. I went directly to the lab, I know the tech. there and she is very competent, needless to say, her husband also has this nasty virus, so she is well aware of the tests that need to be run. I still don't have the count and the Dr. is trying to say, it doesn't matter, we know you have the virus and that's all that counts. The nurse tried to tell me they were going to run that additional test on the blood that was drawn on 5/30.  On 6/10 they realized they had put the wrong test down and called and asked to add that to it. The lab tech. informed me they throw the blood away after 5 days. Now the Dr. told the nurse he doesn't want me to do another blood test. I am very upset and pissed off about the whole situation. I don't trust them already. They basically lied to me. I am not starting these meds. until I know my count. This is insane! Everything is about money. I felt like a piece of meat sitting there in his office, while he tried to sell me on taking these meds. My husband was there and got the same impression. The nurse said she would call over to the lab and get back with me. No phone call yet! I think I'd rather take my chances with the virus considering its type 1a and I only have a 50% chance it will work anyway! As far as the liver, no changes in over 3 years. I think this is all a game and I am not playing it...........Surfergirl

[marina]

 I don't blame you for 2nd thoughts, but if I were you I wouldn't dismiss the possibility of treatment because of one incompetent doctor and his nurse.
What I would do, is throw his business card in the garbage and try to hook up with another GI.
And if you don't like him or her do the same thing until you find one you do like. But I wouldn't give up on treatment because of this one bad experience.
Call his office and tell him hasta la vista baby !
and pick up whatever records (if they haven't lost them)you do have so you could take them with you to the next doctor.  

Marina

[Surgergirl]

Marina,
I know what you mean, believe it or not he is my third Dr. I never got that far with any of the others. That is why I don't know what to do. This town is ony so big and I'm sure all the GI's know each other. Plus how many are on my insurance? This sucks!
Oh, by the way I forgot my password for this site and I accidently logged in spelling my name incorrectly so I can't get them to send me my password. LOL What do I do now?
Surfergirl

[dragnslar]

  First, take a walk on the beach and clear your head, then put together a plan of action.

 It seems that the dr. and his nurse have forgotten that we have every right to know exactly what's going on with tests and tx. at any given time. As far as the viral count is concerned, how else can we compare and see if the treatment is working if we don't know what the count is in the first place.

 Like Marina mentioned, you really need to go shopping again for a different GI. and get whatever records they may have. Yeah, it might be hard and inconvienent but it's something that needs to be done. I don't think giving up or justifying quitting because of your genotype will help your medical condition much. Do you? I think I would also keep records of what's going on with you and the dr. Things they say, dates etc. etc. You never know what the future will bring.

 Good luck and keep us informed.
                                                       dragnslar/sam

 

[Penney]

Hi Surfergirl,
I totally understand what you are going through.  My doctor is the 4th.  I finally found one who is 'on the ball'.  It is important that you find someone you are comfortable with.  I know my last doctor wrote some crap in my file that I didn't like too much....


I agree that you need to search for a new GI or Hepatologist.  Maybe you can get a referral from someone you know and trust.  

By the way, 1a is closer to a 70%- chance when each patient 'follows doctors orders' on how and when to take the meds......Pegasys and Copegus (ribavirin) are being spoken about as the 'best' treatment for now.  less sides and more success!!!  Look for a doctor who knows this stuff  it'll be worth the efforts.

Take care,
Penney
ps......gotta love Florida doctors!  But, I am sure there is a 'diamond in rough' out there somewhere....you just have to find 'em.  Keep us posted!