Recently diagnosed with Hep C

Hello...I was recently diagnosed with hep C and  am probably like many, without insurance.  I read a blog here someone from NY posted stating there were trial drug treatments all over the country. I would like to know where is possible.  I am very upset with myself, and feel like I am partially in denial but know I can't remain this way.  After being diagnosed I was given a referral to another doctor, but I can't afford to go, so I don't even know how far into this disease I am.   I have small grandchildren that I would like to see grow up and I have become very depressed because I am on unemployment and barely making ends meet as it is.  I am beginning to feel some of the symptoms now, like the swelling and the joint pain and ocassional cramping...I've also experienced mixed up thoughts and find it hard to concentrate often.  If anyone out there knows of how I can become involved in any trial therapy? Thanks in advance and God bless all.

SBH,

I see you are recently diagnosed with Hep C. Do you think you newly acquired the HCV virus, or has it been doing its evil deeds in your system for a long time and recenlty become symptomatic?

If this is a recent acquisition and diagnosis, don't sit yourself on the sidelines quite yet. My Mike was infected in about 1970 experimenting with IV drugs. Bad choice for sure. But he was never diagnosed until years later, tried a treatment in 2003, and became VERY ill in 2010. 40 years after acquiring the virus!

Then he got really sick, End Stage, his labs qualified him for Social Security Disabilty BUT he had not worked recently to collect. So that could be helpful for you. If you have begun to have symptoms and your labs are truly bad, you could qualify to receive Social Security Disabilty.

Maybe even get Medicaid for your health benefits. Check it out.

He had made his situation worse by continued daily alcohol consumption. If you are drinking, QUIT. It will do the most good you can at this point!

One of the moderators will be here to welcome you soon. Best of luck. This is a good forum for information and support. Our members are from every walk of life, have every type of finaicial situation.

Mama Lama

Hi SBHep63,
If you are a veteran, you may qualify for medical care thru the VA. You do not have to be injured in war, they base your eligibility on your income, and I doubt unemployment will rule you out.

Debbie