Hepatitis C Treatments For A Patient With Bipolar Disorder

[Marrak]

Comments: please read the following to get an idea of my
complaint:

Dear Dr. x,

It was with great interest and concern that I stumbled upon your
HCV/Bipolar cases study dated 2006. I am a 50 year old bipolar male. I
am also HCV (hepatitis C) positive, genotype 1a (5' 11" tall and approx
160 lbs, with a beginning VL of 169,000) and I achieved clearance as
best one can say "at six weeks". (pegalated Intrafuron alpha b plus
ribavirin 600 mgs am and 400 mgs pm) I try to be precise here as the
treating Dr doesn't normally order this Viral Load measure until 3 months. I was able to convince him to write me the script for the VL test due to my
own intervention/concern. Unfortunately, I also almost achieved a
full-fledged manic episode soon after,and am forced, reluctantly, to
conclude that the ONLY responsible thing for me at this juncture is to
stop treatment. Tomorrow would be my 12th shot (of 48).

I read your Cases study for the 1st time this past Tuesday. I find to be
an extremely worthwhile and beneficial contribution and I would like to
see it as required reading for Dr.s who treat HCV. I also felt extremely
"let-down" that the medical establishment did not follow any of the
cautionary procedures you carefully outlined in each of your 5
"co-morbid" cases. My question for you is are there any procedures in
place to insure that others currently or down the road don't suffer the
same neglect and brutally ignorant treatment that I have suffered? If
there is anything I can do to insure that this "train-wreck" is not
repeated, I would like to do my part. I thank-you for your patience and
attention in this endeavor and would like to wish you continued success
in all your efforts.

Sincerely,

David
P.S. For example, I would think that the drug manufacturer would be interestedin "tightening-up" it's protocals on Drs, if for no other reason than
limiting it's legal exposure.


*Dr Rafai below could be the "expert" witness for the defence? Both my
HCV Heptologist Dr and my Psych Dr. could be litigated against. They
never spoke once, together, about my condition. My Heptologist must
think I take "lithum" for a cold? Also, potentially, the Drug maker
could be found negligent as they don't require the Dr. prescribing their
treatment to be literate. (BTW, it costs $26,000 dollars for 48 weeks of
treatment, not including Dr. ofc. visits)


(Please use the link below to read the good Dr's case study: Please note
that none of the cautionary protocals he outlines were followed in my
case. Now that I quit treating, am I condemed to a sentence of liver
cancer/cirrosis because of their gross negligence? If so, let's try to
protect other unsuspecting HCV sufferers so they don't suffer the same
fate)

http://www.psychiatrist.com/pcc/pccp...6/v08n0607.pdf

Your assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated!
P.S. HCV treatment is brutal anyway you cut it. Kinda like treating
HIV.

Any advice greatly appreciated. Bipolar people can get "low" (depressed) or "high" (full blown mania)

[seniorjudge]

What is your legal question for us?

[Marrak]

Yes,

Can a doctor be held legally accountable if he incompetantly initiates a "high-risk" 48 week drug therapy without properly and ethically evaluating the patient's pre=existing co-morbid condition?

[Marrak]

Also forgot to mention I lost 8 days of work that 1st month of treatment. And I am currently home on self-imposed time-out. The HCV is very hard to treat, ask anyone who does it...Your chance of success going in is 45%...yes, that's less than 50%. And it is Physically and Mentally brutal...our own private Gitmo. I am doing "sensory-deprivation" today as a bonus due to co-morbid condition....in a minute I'll "google the internets" and grab the HCV list of adverse drug side-effects you won't want on any resturant menu!

[deadlock]

Yes,

Can a doctor be held legally accountable if he incompetantly initiates a "high-risk" 48 week drug therapy without properly and ethically evaluating the patient's pre=existing co-morbid condition?

Marrak, you are asking a very difficult question on a legal forum about a specific treatment of a life-threatening disorder for one who also has a co-morbid bipolar disorder.

No one is capable of answering that question other than another doctor who specializes in the treatment of hepatitis. For a malpractice against the doctor you have to have damages that are compensable. Unfortunately, a relapse of the mania is a risk. You must consult an attorney to find out if this is "incompetence" or a known "risk" for the treatment of HepC.

[Marrak]

Thank-you very much.

I will endeavor to pursue a legal expert in this regard.