Yesterday was a good day.
I met with my old doctor, Dr. M, (or should I say new!:) and it was such an amazing experience. He walked into the office, and he was so tickled to see me for the first time in about 8 years. I knew immediately that I had made the right decision, and that things were going to get better.
He sat down and just let me talk. I mean, he really listened. I went on for about 15 minutes, as he flipped through the 5 page document (my manifesto – heh) that I had prepared. I wanted to give him as much information as possible for his files, and he was impressed and respectful of the time that I took to write it all out for him. He wasn’t annoyed and didn’t treat me like a cheeky child.
After taking it all in, he immediately noted that my current doctor has not followed the proper protocol for my genotype. He neglected to do some basic diagnostics at the beginning, and the fact that he had started me on a reduced dose really concerned him. It was just so nice to have some of my feelings/concerns validated.
When I started treatment, I was so sick and it never occurred to me to even ask questions. One of the main procedures that I should have had prior to treatment was an endoscopy. As someone who has had hep c for 10 years, this is considered critical before initiating treatment. Ribavarin is harsh on the stomach lining, and they usually want to make sure that there aren’t any underlying GI problems. Meh.
So lo and behold, I have an endoscopy scheduled for December 22nd. I can’t say that I am too excited about this – enough with the scary medical procedures already! But he is confident that he will know how my liver is really doing after the endoscopy. If all looks well; he won’t need to do a liver biopsy. Which, oh by the way, I should have had done instead of the sonogram that I had instead. I will say that my last liver biopsy (which was done 10 years ago) was one of he most painful things that I’ve ever endured. I’ve had babies, dental work, and all sorts of miserable things; but nothing compares to having a huge needle stabbed into your liver. Ack!
He also noted that he has found that patients with my genotype seem to benefit far more with a treatment period of 72 weeks. That would mean 8 more months from this week. I had asked my old doc about this because I had seen some of the information papers the drug company had put out, and he had just brushed me off. It’s overwhelming , but yet, it’s somehow not a surprising turn of events. We will do the proper diagnostics, and then make an educated decision.
My poor husband nearly fainted when I told him of the possibility of treatment lasting 6 more months. We’ve all been holding onto this February 27 date for so long. He is so tired, and it’s a bit like snatching a cookie out of a child’s hand.
As stressful as this possibility is, it’s just so nice to have a doctor that genuinely cares about my health.
Years ago, before Dr. M became my doctor, he had been a client when I was a young woman of 25, and a concierge in his building. When I first fell ill, he was the one that I immediately turned to. He took good care of me, and was not only my doctor, but a friend. He remembers the girl that was very unhappy, and terrified with being diagnosed with a chronic disease at such a young age. I was in a very unhealthy relationship, and so woefully miserable. We looked at my old chart and the last time he saw me, I weighed 102 pounds.
I told him yesterday that I cannot even remember that person. He was so thrilled to see how far I have come. Since finding my mate, creating two amazing children with him, and enjoying many years of happiness; I am a different woman.
He even broke up with my old doctor for me, which I have to say was a relief. All I had to do was fill out a release of information form, and voila!, we were done. Dr. M told me that if my old doc gave me any guff, that he would take care of it.
I have to note that it’s interesting to me that leaving my current doctor kind of feels like getting out of a bad relationship. The relief that I felt as I spoke with Dr. M, was almost physical. I could feel myself taking true deep breaths - and that old familiar friend hope was present too.
Taking back my power always does amazing things for me.
Onward and forward.
