Upper GI Hopes

Tomorrow I go in for an upper GI so the doc can check that ulcer. Hopefully it is gone. If it is gone, they can start the hepatitis C treatment on me.

It has been a long row to hoe, and this isn't even near over. Once the chemo starts, it will continue for 48 weeks. Well, it will as long as they see a drop in viral count by 12 weeks. If not, they will call me a non-responder and stop treatment. If I can make it through for 48 weeks, even then I will only have a 50% chance of clearing this virus.

All this scares the crap out of me. I'm not looking forward to the side effects at all. I recon I should be thankful I live in a state that allows MMJ. With that at least I can have hope of mitigating the effects.

To tell the truth, if I could make a deal such as getting rid of this virus in exchange for never smoking pot again, I would do it in a heart beat. I love smoking pot, but the prospect of cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer isn't an even trade for being able to smoke it legally.

My hope is that I will clear this nasty little creature and be able to go back to aircraft work. That is what I want the most, even though when I do go back to work, I'll have to give up weed again. Smoking pot is to risky with the random tests they give. The FAA will allow one failed drug test, but if one fails a second time, they are bared from aircraft work forever.

For them who don't know about hepatitis C, here are some videos to help you learn about this killer.

YouTube - Health Matters: Hepatitis C
YouTube - Hepatitis C: From A to Z
YouTube - Hepatitis C: Jazzy's story <---- This one always brings tears to my eyes.
YouTube - Hepatitis C the slow killer <---- I made this one.

Say a little prayer for me or wish me luck. :D

I wish you the best of luck pepurr, I to know what its like battling cancer and taking radiation treatments. Thanks to cannabis its reversing my cancer. But i agree with you i would trade my heath and not smoke being healthy outweighs smoking even though i love to do it.

Good luck Pepurr. I hope and pray for a complete recovery for ya. :)

Pepurr,

Stay strong buddy! I am keeping you in my thoughts. I don't know much about Hep C but am doing some research on it now for my own information.

As far as "giving up" things....I have said this for a long time "I would give up anything to have a healthy life now". With that being said, I do not use MMJ but am really hoping that it will help my situation as everything else thus far has not worked.

GOOD LUCK....and I hope you are doing better.

Sandia:)

Thanks for your moral support guys. It really means a lot to me. All of you are in my prayers daily. :hippy:

Be well.

Note: Isn't it funny. For a web site that promotes a schedule I drug that is supposed to rune people's lives. A drug that has no social redeeming properties. A plant that causes nothing but heart ach and misery. I find more kindness and love here than most other places..:rastasmoke:

So true on the kindness here Pepurr......

How did your visit go???? I did some reading on Hep C.....man that is one nasty disease. I TRULY HOPE that you can get some relief from the medications they may put you on.

HANG IN THERE BUDDY!!!!!!:)

Yeah I hear you on that pepurr.Speaking of cards,"tickets".FAA licenses aren't easy to come by that's for sure. I know the mechanics is a PITA to get.When is the last time you signed anything off? I truly hope you do find support here,I do overall.

No matter anything else we all came here for the same reason,Be well.

Hey guys, good news.

I just got back from the upper GI, and they found NO ULCER. YAHOO! Thanks guys for all your prayers and good thoughts. I know it helps. It always helps people to get well faster when they know people out there are rooting for them.

Now it will be a short time till I get on interferon and ribavirin to kill that damn hepatitis c virus. Yahoo (sort of). I say sort of cause the only thing I'm really looking forward to in this is getting it over with.

One more step closer to wellness. One more step to getting my MMJ card.

I am an artist. You might say a starving artist at this point. So sense I am so poor, money wise, I wonder if there are any MMJ friendly doctors who would do a recommendation in exchange for art. That would be so cool, it would blow my mind. If any of you know such a doctor, give me a holler. :rastasmoke:

Love you all. :thumbsup:

Edit: I almost forgot. It has been sense last July sense I worked on any aircraft. I miss it. The last thing I did was being on a crew converting a B737 into a flying RV for some rich Russian fokes. Man, that plane was looking good.

Dang that sounds like a fun project to be on. Bono and U2 fly around on one of those,that guy must be beyond rich! Bono owns the 737 I saw,painted to his liking and all. Man I saw some cool birds @ Jeffco but I have to say the unrestricted access to the lone F-18/A was the best:D. The exhaust from his turnout left me sick for a week but it was worth it. He broke the barrier because I begged,right above Broomfield,CO,never forget that.:)

It was sure a cool job. That was in Spokane, Wa. I was assigned there through a technical services company. When I quit, so I could go back home and start getting well, they told me when I'm done come on back and they would hire me permanent. I plan to take them up on that. Well, that is if I don't get on with Boeing first. They are building a manufacturing plant for the B787 in So. Carolina. I wouldn't mind going there and teaching the new fokes. It seems like most places I go they want me to do that. I recon that's what happens when one has been doing it for 30 years.

I lived in Seattle, Auburn and Everett in years gone by, but I think I liked Spokane best.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by pepurr

Hey guys, good news.

I just got back from the upper GI, and they found NO ULCER. YAHOO! Thanks guys for all your prayers and good thoughts. I know it helps. It always helps people to get well faster when they know people out there are rooting for them.

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Yay! It's so nice to hear some good news. :D

Now let's work on getting you a card. Do you know how much a doctor's visit would cost? Maybe I can buy some art and you can use the money for the doctor? I'm sure there's something we can work out. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by pepurr

It was sure a cool job. That was in Spokane, Wa. I was assigned there through a technical services company. When I quit, so I could go back home and start getting well, they told me when I'm done come on back and they would hire me permanent. I plan to take them up on that. Well, that is if I don't get on with Boeing first. They are building a manufacturing plant for the B787 in So. Carolina. I wouldn't mind going there and teaching the new fokes. It seems like most places I go they want me to do that. I recon that's what happens when one has been doing it for 30 years.

I lived in Seattle, Auburn and Everett in years gone by, but I think I liked Spokane best.

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No doubt your experience is GOLD right now. I worked w/ a guy who was a B-52 crew chief and he was a blast,totally fair and stern when needed. We were working on a Mercedes Diesel that ran on Jet-A,4cyl on a 172. The I/A we had "working" w/ us would not listen to his common knowledge(experience) but I did and I learned from that ole boy.The I/A was only 2 yrs older than me but a real hotshot,ha he made $16/hr,what a D.A. I take it they finally got all the bugs worked out of the Dreamliner,bout time. I worked for Evergreen(what a joke),they said they did maint on the 747 that flew pieces of the 787 fuselage around,I never saw it in 3mos. I did see a few 747s and DC-10s.Anyway hang in there Bud.If you made it 30yrs in Aviation I suspect you'll beat this Hep C sh*t and be teaching us young bucks again,we need guys like you.

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Originally Posted by Totah Sam

Yay! It's so nice to hear some good news. :D

Now let's work on getting you a card. Do you know how much a doctor's visit would cost? Maybe I can buy some art and you can use the money for the doctor? I'm sure there's something we can work out. :)

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When I read that, I was floored. You really mean it? Wow!

I have to wait to find out what the doctor says. She may wait till after I see my psychologist tomorrow. I am hoping to know when I start by early next week. You know how that goes though. Hope in one hand, poop in the other and see which one gets full faster.

I recon I should start calling around and find out how much it costs for a recommendation. I can't get one from the VA doctor. Someone told me they think it is $200. When I heard that, I was floored too. In a bad way.

If you would like to see some of my art, here is a link:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/parksart/

I haven't been trying to push my art. I kind of set that site up to see what would happen. Then I got disgusted because some of the artists there were really acting like butt holes. Disregard any prices you see there.

Stuff like this really makes me believe there are more good people on Earth than bad.
:)

Well HOPE you get better Buddy!

It Cost About $150-$200 for a recommendation.
And your art is awsome!!!!
and Your a good artist!!!!

You really do have a talent pepurr. Of course I am partial to "Horse Play" but I really liked the others! I'm not very computer literate and I really don't have a lot of green backs about now and it pisses me off. I want to help you.

Sam,you rule Bud.

Anybody up north have any suggestions on how we can get these works seen and bought? I used to clean David Rothermel's yard but I am out of touch w/ him,he could give me an idea on what to do to get seen. Come on I know someone has an idea.

Hey pepurr go to this link Home or the number is 505-247-2535. they help with mm docs and they accept certain insurances.

Thanks for the encouragement guys. :)

Thought I should tell yah that the works on my site that say 'sold', weren't really sold. I wanted to post them there, but had given them to friends and family. So in reality, I have never made a dime from any of my art.

I will contact Peace and see what they say. I have a good idea about that. I won't say what that idea is because I am feeling sick and grouchy this morning.

This is why they need to add HCV people who aren't on antiviral treatment yet. This morning I feel as if I am about to barf. Will the barf come? Heck no. Just the feeling. If I had a little smoke, I know that feeling would go away. :(

Quote:

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Originally Posted by pepurr

When I read that, I was floored. You really mean it? Wow!

I have to wait to find out what the doctor says. She may wait till after I see my psychologist tomorrow. I am hoping to know when I start by early next week. You know how that goes though. Hope in one hand, poop in the other and see which one gets full faster.

I recon I should start calling around and find out how much it costs for a recommendation. I can't get one from the VA doctor. Someone told me they think it is $200. When I heard that, I was floored too. In a bad way.

If you would like to see some of my art, here is a link:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/parksart/

I haven't been trying to push my art. I kind of set that site up to see what would happen. Then I got disgusted because some of the artists there were really acting like butt holes. Disregard any prices you see there.

Stuff like this really makes me believe there are more good people on Earth than bad.
:)

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Just let me know how to get the money to you and I will be more than happy to buy some art to help out. :D By the way, I really love your art.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Totah Sam

Just let me know how to get the money to you and I will be more than happy to buy some art to help out. :D By the way, I really love your art.

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I am reluctant to give out my address on this forum. Call it paranoia, but I fear maybe some cops lurking on a site like this, then finding an address, coming over for an unexpected, and welcome visit.

There is a place by UNM in Albuquerque called Yusif's Cafe 216 Yale Blvd SE. It is a MMJ friendly place. I stopped in there last week cause I read they help with advise about getting a card. They are very nice people. Perhaps we could meet there. On Friday nights, I think, they said they have a hookah get together, where people who have a card come hang out and they provide the hookah, but not the meds. I look forward to doing that some day.

I am some what limited in travel cause I don't have a car. So I take the Railrunner and city busses. I live in Bernalillo. I bet luck would have it that you live all the way across the state.

If you have any ideas, I'm open. :hippy:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by pepurr

I am reluctant to give out my address on this forum. Call it paranoia, but I fear maybe some cops lurking on a site like this, then finding an address, coming over for an unexpected, and welcome visit.

There is a place by UNM in Albuquerque called Yusif's Cafe 216 Yale Blvd SE. It is a MMJ friendly place. I stopped in there last week cause I read they help with advise about getting a card. They are very nice people. Perhaps we could meet there. On Friday nights, I think, they said they have a hookah get together, where people who have a card come hang out and they provide the hookah, but not the meds. I look forward to doing that some day.

I am some what limited in travel cause I don't have a car. So I take the Railrunner and city busses. I live in Bernalillo. I bet luck would have it that you live all the way across the state.

If you have any ideas, I'm open. :hippy:

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Actually I live between Farmington and Shiprock. I grew up on and around the Navajo nation. I have a really good friend in Cuba and I visit him all the time. It wouldn't be that big of a problem for me to get down there. :)

Pepurr my email addy is [email protected] - shoot me a line and we'll get this coordinated.

pepurr,

Just got back in town and saw your thread here.
Are you going to do Pegasus treatments or do they have the Telaprevir treatments yet?
Teleprevir was recently developed as a stand alone treatment or in combination with Pegasus.It has a shorter treatment time,but is somewhat difficult to tolerate.

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Originally Posted by coolslayer

pepurr,

Just got back in town and saw your thread here.
Are you going to do Pegasus treatments or do they have the Telaprevir treatments yet?
Teleprevir was recently developed as a stand alone treatment or in combination with Pegasus.It has a shorter treatment time,but is somewhat difficult to tolerate.

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I don't know. Yesterday after seeing my psycologist, I was told I will start the chemo May 6th. It would be nice to have a shorter treatment. 48 weeks is a long time. The older I get, the larger of a percentage it is of my remaining life. By the time this is over, I'll be going on 54 years old. Hopefully I will clear this the first time around. I read I got a 50% chance of that.

What ever type treatment it is, I'll be thankfull for it. The VA is paying for all of it. I don't have any health insurance, and I don't have the $90,000+ to pay for it my self.

Really glad to hear the VA is actually going to help you.50-50 could be worse.Stay with us Bud,as much as you can,you are right in feeling the love here. We do care. I really can't express it in words on the net but I wish you nothing but the very best Airman.

Teleprevir treaments are shorter and have an above 80% success rate.

I hope they do have Telaprevir to treat me with. 24 weeks sounds a heck of a lot better than 48.

The latest news I have on it is, "Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. is preparing for a possible early 2011 launch of Telaprevir, the hepatitis C drug". http://pharmaexecnews.com/pharmaceuticals/telaprevir-launch-approaches-vertex-profits/

By the time that happens I will be almost through with the current approved treatment regamen.

If it turns out I am a non-responder, "The Triple Therapy Combination of Telaprevir, Pegasys and Ribavirin Will Become the New Decision Resources Clinical Gold Standard for Hepatitis C Treatment Non-Responders in 2013". http://www.dresources.com/News-and-Events/Press-Releases/DB-Hepatitis-C-Virus-011910

In other news, I called around to find out if, sense I have a firm date for the start of treatment, I could go ahead and get a recommendation and approval for a MMJ card. Unfortunately the answer is no. I have to wait till I am already started on treatment. This aspect of the law needs to be fixed. By the time people with HCV get their MMJ card, they will be a month into treatment. That means people like me will have to suffer needlessly during this lag time. The law needs to be amended such that people who have proof of a start date for HCV treatment should be allowed to apply for their MMJ card. They could even date the card to be valid starting on the treatment start date.

If I could apply now, I would have my card in hand about the time my treatment starts. :hippy:

They must have moved it back,the article I previously read said 2010.

Pepurr I'm F-ing tired of being a guinea pig too!!

Pepurr,how are you doing?

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Originally Posted by chance942

Pepurr,how are you doing?

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Hanging in there, thanks for asking.

Glad to hear it Bud.

Had to go back to the doctor because my left elbow has been hurting like a S.O.B.

It is my ulnar nerve. They x-rayed it, and they are going to do conduction tests the nerve. I think it has been damaged by working with mechines that vibrate for 30 years. It's that or the HCV has helped damage it.

The doctor gave me some pills for pain. They don't help much. One of my friends smoked some herb with me, and when he did, the pain went away. Marijuana really does help with stuff like this.

I think I can get a MMJ card because of this. I think it is called Peripheral neuropathy. Maybe I should wait till after the nerve conduction test to try. I don't know, I still can't afford a doctor outside the VA. :(

Pepurr.....

I don't want to pry but did you happen to retire from the military? Because if you did, then you DO have access to doctors via Tricare. You will still have a copay but that would help out a bunch.

Thoughts?

Nope, much to my father's displeasure, I didn't retire from the military. It's kind of funny.

My dad was a lifer. He retired as a Master Chief after 21 years in the US Navy. I was total opposite.

When I went to the recruiter they handed me a paper that asked:

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Have you ever used:


Marijuana..............yes
LSD......................yes
Cocaine.................yes
Heroin...................yes
ect.......................yes
ect.......................yes
ect.......................yes
ect.......................yes

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When I handed the recruiter that paper he tore it up and handed me another, saying I would have a better chance to get in if I answer 'no'.

Then after 13 months I was finally discharged because of drug use. Oh well, it's not like I was unwilling to fight or do my job. I got what I wanted out of it any way. I got a skill, the VA and a general under honorable conditions discharge.

It did kind of piss off dear old dad though. :rastasmoke:

Hmmmm....so I guess that tricare is not an option for you then? That stinks Pepurr.....My brother made a bet with me...he said that MMJ would be legal in ALL STATES by 1 April 2015.....I took him up on that because I am a skeptical person.

Best of luck buddy, I wish that the VA could recommend vets!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I wish the VA doctors could give a rec. too, Sandia. It sure would help a lot of vets. :hippy:

Thanks for your concern. I appreciate that. :)

Any time buddy! I am anxiously awaiting the reasons for "Sam's" disapproval on his personal production denial....his responses will DEFINITELY affect how I approach that on my end.

BTW...have you started the treatments for Hep C yet. I can only give my support Pepurr as I don't have HepC.....but from what I have read I would be scared if it were something I had to deal with. You are in our thoughts and prayers in my household!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:)

Me too on Sam's" disapproval.

Haven't started yet. I am to start on May 6th. In a way I am glad. In another way I am not looking forward to it. All the stories I've read makes it a scary thing for me. On the other hand liver cancer seems much more scary. So I'll take the shots and pills, and hope and pray I am one of the 50% of type 1's who do clear the virus.

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. It does mean a lot to me knowing I have friends and family who care about me. Depression is one of the nasty gifts HCV hands out. Knowing people are pulling for me makes all the difference.

For now I try to keep an open mind, and plan for the future like I will be cured in 48 weeks. If the cure don't happen for me, I'll deal with that then. :hippy:

I really hope you can get it to work for you Pepurr!

When my friends/family ask how I am even dealing with my issues, I simply tell them that there really isn't anything I can do about it. I just have to "roll with the punches" and deal with it. Worrying about it really does not do me any good.

HANG IN THERE!

I really hope that Sam posts up soon. I changed my "mood" to worried because I am thinking of him and hope that he is going alright!!!!

Well it is time to force some food down my gullet......LOL.....will check back later on!

:)

Hope you feel better Sandia. :rastasmoke:

It really blows that when people around you ask how you are doing and you just have to say stuff like that.They know you aren't but what else can you say? You don't want them to be sick with worry so suck it up and lie,sucks. I can't explain it in any way that someone who hasn't felt it would understand.

I was honest on my Military app also but I didn't get another copy.Oh well I guess everything happens for a reason. Once I get this under control I believe I want to join the mental health field so I can give some real experience based care and stop at least one person from having to be a guinea pig.