Hi Tomas, there are few people here that have got NHS help in the form of GP and monitoring.

I was advised to go to my GP as ‘first port of call’ by a GP2U (thank – you Dr A ) and although I took my time about it, I eventually got the courage up and my GP couldn’t have been nicer or more supportive – Really heart-warming and restored my faith somewhat that there are still Drs that care about our health. I think if you tell them you have made a well-researched , adult choice and can back up with some evidence, this can be helpful.

I made notes before I went so I wouldn’t forget anything and armed myself with Dr F’s fabulous “GP Cheat Sheet” (tabs at the top of this page) – I think many GPs just feel they don’t know much about the complexities, so if you can give them good info from another Dr, they are definitely more likely to help. I typed out the tests needed as given by Dr F I also used a few phrases that seemed to help things along.

My GP was pleased that I waited for the official licensed meds and this is another reason I waited for those. “Supply chain integrity” is important to GPs too ! Give them the facts that your meds are licensed and from a reputable company.

My consultant was another story entirely, I was very upset after my last ‘consultation’ and I’m being re-referred to a new one (your right under ‘Patients Choice’ – Google) which does take time – Fingers crossed, I really can’t afford the private route.. There are many who will monitor privately, around £220 for first appointment and then usually less subsequently – but it’s the tests that are extortionate, some quoting as much as £675 a go plus £350 or more for a fibroscan. However, there are also some on the NHS who will monitor as a “duty of care” even if they can’t “condone it”. You just have to pluck up courage and ask. I found it such a relief to ask you know? At worst, they can only say no, who knows one or two may even say yes.

You can also consult with the MonkMed Drs online by secure Telemed if you are concerned while on treatment – They are extremely polite and caring and also – affordable – actually , I think free if you are on a Redemption Trial.

My advise is you gather some info for your GP and try that first. Good luck.

Hi Tomas, you could always try e mailing your consultant directly, worked for me and Jolie. Put all your points in including “secure supply line” and mention the Cipla brand ( if that’s what you’ve got) as the NHS knows and trusts it. Mention dr freeman and this site.

At the very least you can get your latest bloods sent from the hospital, though in my experience they prefer to post rather than e mail.
G.P can monitor, but as has been said, can’t do VL I believe.
All the best,
Deb

Hi L.G!
Sorry for wrong info., just shows how treatment varies place to place!
More options for Tomas, hopefully
Deb

My GP had no problem with ordering blood tests including VL pre-tx but wouldn’t prescribe and said further monitoring should be done by the prescribing doctor. He’s in a clinic that mainly sees families and old people so I may be one of his only HepC patients.
His main concern was the quality of the generics but was satisfied when I explained the testing/verification process.

Are you in Australia, Thurl? I think it would be helpful for everyone here to put their country in their signature so it’s easier to understand our individual situations. I’ll do mine now.

Yes, this seems to be true, I think maybe that VL tests are rather expensive may have something to do with it and GP budgets etc etc Any tests on NHS are a help though

General blood work is normally done at the GP’s local hospital lab, but the vl tests are normally done at/through the nearest hepatology clinic.

My GP’s request for vl tests was turned down, but Dan’s (who attends the same hepatology clinic as me) GP’s request was accepted.

Maybe Dan can confirm where his vl tests were done?

Alsdad-
My VL was done in Trafford, my local hospital. As they don’t have Hepatoligist there I go to MRI hospital.
Similar to LG, I didn’t have AST result, just ALT.
It is very strange how they work. I guess it depends on GP practice budget as well.