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Jennifer, I'm glad you responded to my hepmag blog entry. I recognize and empathise with the hardships you are enduring. You said that financial difficulties are part of your current reality. Did you notice the "Special Exemption" category on the Harvoni site? I think if your total income is less that 100K a year you can apply for free Harvoni, and your gastroenterologist can probably get ribovarin through your insurance or by other means. That might be worth looking into. There are many layers to your situation, and it must seems hard to know what to do. Support is important, and if family doesn't fill that need, maybe your local hospital offers a support group, similar to one I am starting up at my hospital. If not, maybe a health or life coach can help. It's hard, but try not to let the darkness take you down into depression and hopelessness. Get out and walk, since the bike is not your friend right now. Find other things that you love and do them, no matter how much it is different than what you used to do. My website is www.StarrWellnessCoaching.com, and my contact information is there if you'd like to talk for a bit without being a client or paying for it. I'd love to help you help yourself. Remember - Anything is Possible
Than you Matt for that inspiring send off to Mr. Hepatitis. I am sorry that the children lost a promising teacher and life coach. I was diagnosed with this virus in 2004 while my poor mother was suffering from esophageal complications. I suspect That I was infected by my husband who was a Vet and had it as well. The how to me is unimportant as it was not due to any stereo typical situations such as drug use, transfusion or careless lifestyle. I was 40 when I learned of this and was probably mid 30s when I came in contact. It has been hard. I have never had money but always a hard worker as my father has instilled in me. I used my 401k money to get Holistic help through detox chelation and electrolysis treatments. All of which were worth it. I rode my bike daily about 20 miles before work and paid for a trainer to get my strength back. Life was good. I refused treatment at that time because of the negative stories and gloomy outcome for 1A genotypes. I lost my mom in 2009 and struggled to keep my dad from depression but also lost him also couple weeks ago. After losing my mom the economy and this disease reared its ugly head. I could not find work after losing my freelance job while my mom was in her final days. With all this said my physical state has declined. I have put on extra weight and the pain and fatigue has grown to be intolerable at times. All of which I am sure you and others are all too aware of. I need treatment now. My load is good and I am ready to slay this thing. However I like you was denied the Harvoni through my insurance. My doctor is pushing for it and has filed several appeals. All denied. Currently I am waiting to hear from the manufacturer for financial assistance. Worse case scenario is I will be on the alternate treatment Vikera PAK which is also promising.. I am currently struggling with depression since now I have lost both parents and I have very little family support as you mentioned. I was wondering what kind of impact the treatment had on you mentally as far as side affects. I thank you so much for your information. The Hep C groups keep me informed and inspired. I pray that some day we have a better advocate system in place that works with Hep C victims. To help them obtain the counseling and therapies they need to maintain their strength and will to fight this thing. Prayers with you during your fight to the end. There is more hope now than ever for us and I just know yhis is going to be the brginning of your new life without Hep C. Please keep us informed. Your friend in health... Jennifer <3
Matt Starr
Jennifer, I'm glad you responded to my hepmag blog entry. I recognize and empathise with the hardships you are enduring. You said that financial difficulties are part of your current reality. Did you notice the "Special Exemption" category on the Harvoni site? I think if your total income is less that 100K a year you can apply for free Harvoni, and your gastroenterologist can probably get ribovarin through your insurance or by other means. That might be worth looking into. There are many layers to your situation, and it must seems hard to know what to do. Support is important, and if family doesn't fill that need, maybe your local hospital offers a support group, similar to one I am starting up at my hospital. If not, maybe a health or life coach can help. It's hard, but try not to let the darkness take you down into depression and hopelessness. Get out and walk, since the bike is not your friend right now. Find other things that you love and do them, no matter how much it is different than what you used to do. My website is www.StarrWellnessCoaching.com, and my contact information is there if you'd like to talk for a bit without being a client or paying for it. I'd love to help you help yourself. Remember - Anything is Possible
July 7, 2015