Gems
Its between life and death but still no response

I was diagnosed with ITP on the 21/09/13. My haematologist has given me the first line of treatment however my body did not respond to the treatment (prednisone and solu-medrol), my platelet count was 60. On the 8/10/13, i went for a platelet count and discovered that my platelets were 20. My haematologist readmitted me and started IVIG infusion. However my body still did not respond. My doctor then recommended that we try the second line of treatment which was either a splenectomy or Rituximab. She recommended Rituximab because she has used it with many patients and had a high success rate and she feels that i am too young to remove my spleen since there will be long term side effects. On the 17/10/13, an oncology application form was sent to GEMS. On the 5/11/13, i received an email stating that Mabthera off the oncology benefit has been declined. Payment may be considered from the chronic medicine benefit. On the 6/11/13, i called the chronic dept. and was told they require a motivation letter from the doctor which was sent on the 7/11/13. Had another platelet count on the 25/11/13, it was 28. Called GEMS today, they response, "someone will call you back", just feel so helpless!

Company: Gems
Country: South Africa
City: Call centre

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