gatorbuzz's Journal

In January of this year I had a physical which showed my liver level high.  I went back for additional tests and find out I have HCV (March).  April I found out the genotype which was  1a and a Virus count of 7.5 million which is high but the VA did not advise me of this.

Since I use the Veterans Health System this ordeal has been dragging on forever  (at least it feels that way). I found out about a reseach study done by the Shands hospital where they are testing a new drug and will up my changes from 40 to 85% to beat the dragon. I have a four out of five change to get this new drug.

 Middle of May I had an ultrasound done by the VA and my doctor only told me the results by letter and not what it mean.

May  28, I went in for a Biopsy at Shands (which the study will pay) still waiting for the results. The nurse told me that the doctor who did the biopsy said he thought I may have advance liver conditions, but the results would not be in till Monday the 2nd of June and I may not qualify for that particular program (or study), but she has another study that I may qualify to do. So here I wait for another weekend to pass to find out what is up. She is sending me the consent form soon.

One thing  Shands hospital is a great place with caring people, more then I can say about the Veretan Health System which makes you feel like livestock not a veteran who went to war and served his country.

May 30 Wow !!! My nurse called me friday evening at 5:30 P.M. and went over my results from the biopsy . Results puts my liver at a stage 4 ( which is advanced ). May still Qualify me for the first Study, but she had to talk to the doctor on Monday.

Monday June 2, Everthing is ok for me to join the first study, I'm so happy about that! The company which is putting on the research is Pharmasset and Roche has an interest in it too. Pharmasset is a small company, but the study nurse said they have alot of funds.

June 6,2008    I talked to the nurse  from the VA yesterday  I told her I was very unsatisfied with their performance  by putting me throught an unnecessary  test, no one answering the phone or calling me back,  and delays in my treatment What kind of service is that?!?!?

June 9 -1 day of study just blood test, temperature, Blood pressure and they took my weight.

short day just two hours .

June 10  Took my first shot of Pegasys and pills of  Ribavirin and Study Drug RO5024048. Blood's test every hour for four then three at four hours. also a EKG was perform.

June 11  About two hours visit to check my virals,  and of coast take so more blood's test.

JUne 13  Day 5 same test as Day three,  are day in can not eat anything so they buy me breakfast. Seens like alot, but they are concerned will my health and take no changes. 

Day 28  Last one for the research drug and a 12 hour Day, they have taken some much blood I must have all new since starting this. My nurse told me I may find out next Monday what my VL is and if I got the new study drug . I'm counting on a big goose egg. She is sending a 14 hundred dollar check for my services. Not bad since they are paying for all my drugs too. 

Day 44 JULY 23rd The nurse called with my results on my VL for day 28 and they are ZERO. she said it improves my percent up 90%, but I still have to do my full year of treatment. Time for the Dixie undie  dance.