I'm starting treatment

Well, right on the heels of Alberta's Blue Cross adding Harvoni to the Alberta Drug Benefit List ... I got approved through a compassionate care program offered by the manufacturer.

I start 12 week treatment on Harvoni Ribavirin on May 1st. It's completely covered and I am completely overwhelmed and grateful and humbled. Because Blue Cross has made this change the compassionate care program is being cancelled so I must have been one of the last ones approved.

My hepatologist says some folks with HE are experiencing increased HE during this treatment ... but what the heck. I don't care. If I have to stay in bed with a babysitter around pouring lactulose down my throat I will.

Very excited. Not as excited to have the fecal transplant to try and cure the HE after this treatment (sometime in July) ... but one step at a time. ANY HOPE is better than none.

I may be missing having to go on the transplant list by a hair, but wouldn't that be great?

Thanks to all of you for all your help and support ... I would not have been able to dig deep enough to get to this point without the wisdom I received here.

Deb, What great news. Another week and you start...then in just weeks, you finish. So happy you get the newest treatment, and such a positive post to read today. I have followed your story for a couple of years, and this is about the best news, so far.

I think you mentioned your Xifaxan is also back in play...or soon will be? Things are really on the upswing for you!

Would love to have you check in as you go along. Big Hugs

Worried daughter. My hepatologist's clinic put my name forward in February.

Yes I am overwhelmed with gratitude these days. This is truly life changing. The timing of it was right down to the wire for getting coverage before the blue cross decision. Even with government coverage there's still a shortfall of $13000.00 for many people.

Worrydaughter ... I just read through your posts to have an idea where your mom is at health wise (I'm not on the forum as much these days). You did ask why they're doing Harvoni and Ribavirin ... sorry for the delay ... I don't have an answer but I believe it was a mutual decision between the clinic administering treatment and the drug company. They said my chances of clearing the virus would be higher. I do have decompensated cirrhosis and that may be a factor. After 15 years of being very ill and being on other treatments 4 times ... I kinda don't care why ... I'm just excited to FINALLY see hope. It is a hard thing to watch others being treated while you struggle on. I do understand ... I've been there.

My happy result I attribute to God answering the prayers of many many people
I will pray for you and your mom. Stay strong and dig deep. When that is done dig deeper. We are all thinking of you and will support you ... this forum was my lifeline through many dark days. It is full of folks with much to offer and great wisdom and dedication.