Guest guest Posted January 10, 2000 Report Share Posted January 10, 2000 Hi Debbie - Although it has probably been 30 years since I contracted Hepc (college was a lot of fun), I only was diagnosed this past October. A friend bugged me to be tested because I have been a little tired for about 4 years now, which I thought, and which still may be, due to menopause. Both my doctor & I definitely thought we were indulging her. Not! My biopsy is scheduled for Jan. 31 at Beth Israel, to be done by Dr. Chopra. However, unless I am in more advanced stages of chirrosis or fibrosis, I won't be doing interferon right away. Any information you can give me on herbs & vitamins would be very much appreciated. I am trying to find out about thymic therapy. The notion that to beat Hepc you must beef up your immune system until the immune system can overcome it makes sense to me. I hope your husband continues to be well. Thank you Pam >From: NCA2JMOM@... >Reply-Hepatitis Conelist >Hepatitis Conelist >Subject: combo treatment >Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2000 07:26:45 EST > >Hi all, > >My husband tested positive for Hep C in 1994, but we think he contracted it >in 1989 while undergoing surgery for a badly broken ankle. He tried the >Intron A treatments for about 8 months in '97-'98, but was a non-responder. >The sides almost killed him, including a horrible depression that neither >of >us really understood until he was off the Interferon and his head cleared. >After that, we investigated and researched the herbal route and came up >with >a plan of about 5 herbs and a good multi vitamin for him to try. He started >on those and then in August of '99 he began the combo treatment of >Interferon >and Ribavirin. Before he started those treatments, his liver enzyme levels >had gone done some and they have continued to go down. His viral load is >now >less than 1 million and his other levels are all within normal limits and >have been for several months. He feels BETTER than he has in years -- the >only real side effect he has had to live with is losing some hair. He is >convinced that the herbs have helped his body not only fight the Hep C but >also to deal with the Interferon and Ribavirin. Please E-mail me privately >if >you'd like more information as I don't want to bog down the mailboxes of >those who are not interested. I am so glad this list is going and I know it >will be a valuable resource for all of us who deal with this insidious >disease. > >Blessings, >Debbie ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 10, 2000 Report Share Posted January 10, 2000 Hi all, My husband tested positive for Hep C in 1994, but we think he contracted it in 1989 while undergoing surgery for a badly broken ankle. He tried the Intron A treatments for about 8 months in '97-'98, but was a non-responder. The sides almost killed him, including a horrible depression that neither of us really understood until he was off the Interferon and his head cleared. After that, we investigated and researched the herbal route and came up with a plan of about 5 herbs and a good multi vitamin for him to try. He started on those and then in August of '99 he began the combo treatment of Interferon and Ribavirin. Before he started those treatments, his liver enzyme levels had gone done some and they have continued to go down. His viral load is now less than 1 million and his other levels are all within normal limits and have been for several months. He feels BETTER than he has in years -- the only real side effect he has had to live with is losing some hair. He is convinced that the herbs have helped his body not only fight the Hep C but also to deal with the Interferon and Ribavirin. Please E-mail me privately if you'd like more information as I don't want to bog down the mailboxes of those who are not interested. I am so glad this list is going and I know it will be a valuable resource for all of us who deal with this insidious disease. Blessings, Debbie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 11, 2000 Report Share Posted January 11, 2000 I have been through Acupuncture and use Chinese Herbs, the first six months brought an encouraging response when comparing my blood work from the previous six months, so being such the dedicated individual I am I slowly stopped the herbs and my current blood work reflects its impact. So I am back to taking them regularly! I take " Long Dan (Xie Gan Wan) " for the dry skin and it worked great, notice the difference in the first week, the remaining five to six herbs I will have to lookup how to write them and I'll let you all know tomorrow their names. History for me - I was diagnosed Oct. of 98, after my husband had been screen through the VA and tested positive. First thought - finally they know why I am feeling so lousy, I can manage the symptoms and get my life back. The medical world offered very little as you all know to making my life better. My first doctor gave me a death sentence and his entire staff was " afraid " of me every time I walked into the building. Found a new doctor he is wonderful, his approach is one of management for health and overall well-being. He explained that " traditional " medicine lacked in being able to provide relief from the symptoms, and encouraged me to see my Acupuncturist, he has had very good results with defeating Hep C as well as making life bearable, Quality of life is worth a lot. So I underwent the five months of treatments and herb therapy, the results were there, I was feeling better getting my energy back and my life. Then I stopped the herbs, let the diet go - got lazy, in Nov.99 I got a cold - flu. I am still fighting it, my blood work shows my Viral Load is down 50% but the Liver functions tests have tripled. Back to the diet back to the herbs Lesson - Don't give up and don't quit what is working 'til your are ALL better. Karie PS. I'll write about the diet and the other Chinese Herbs tomorrow. Stay well - stay happy combo treatment >Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2000 07:26:45 EST > >Hi all, > >My husband tested positive for Hep C in 1994, but we think he contracted it >in 1989 while undergoing surgery for a badly broken ankle. He tried the >Intron A treatments for about 8 months in '97-'98, but was a non-responder. >The sides almost killed him, including a horrible depression that neither >of >us really understood until he was off the Interferon and his head cleared. >After that, we investigated and researched the herbal route and came up >with >a plan of about 5 herbs and a good multi vitamin for him to try. He started >on those and then in August of '99 he began the combo treatment of >Interferon >and Ribavirin. Before he started those treatments, his liver enzyme levels >had gone done some and they have continued to go down. His viral load is >now >less than 1 million and his other levels are all within normal limits and >have been for several months. He feels BETTER than he has in years -- the >only real side effect he has had to live with is losing some hair. He is >convinced that the herbs have helped his body not only fight the Hep C but >also to deal with the Interferon and Ribavirin. Please E-mail me privately >if >you'd like more information as I don't want to bog down the mailboxes of >those who are not interested. I am so glad this list is going and I know it >will be a valuable resource for all of us who deal with this insidious >disease. > >Blessings, >Debbie ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com --------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 11, 2000 Report Share Posted January 11, 2000 I'd be very interested in your info on herbal stuff - I put Big Boy on Milk Thistle with dandelion but the last Dr poopooed that. I definitely understand the depression angle =. while I'm trying as hard as I can it's really difficult to make allowances sometimes for what I call the UGLIES. Regards, Michnevitz. NCA2JMOM@... wrote: > From: NCA2JMOM@... > > Hi all, > > My husband tested positive for Hep C in 1994, but we think he contracted it > in 1989 while undergoing surgery for a badly broken ankle. He tried the > Intron A treatments for about 8 months in '97-'98, but was a non-responder. > The sides almost killed him, including a horrible depression that neither of > us really understood until he was off the Interferon and his head cleared. > After that, we investigated and researched the herbal route and came up with > a plan of about 5 herbs and a good multi vitamin for him to try. He started > on those and then in August of '99 he began the combo treatment of Interferon > and Ribavirin. Before he started those treatments, his liver enzyme levels > had gone done some and they have continued to go down. His viral load is now > less than 1 million and his other levels are all within normal limits and > have been for several months. He feels BETTER than he has in years -- the > only real side effect he has had to live with is losing some hair. He is > convinced that the herbs have helped his body not only fight the Hep C but > also to deal with the Interferon and Ribavirin. Please E-mail me privately if > you'd like more information as I don't want to bog down the mailboxes of > those who are not interested. I am so glad this list is going and I know it > will be a valuable resource for all of us who deal with this insidious > disease. > > Blessings, > Debbie > > --------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 11, 2000 Report Share Posted January 11, 2000 I'd be very interested in your info on herbal stuff - I put Big Boy on Milk Thistle with dandelion but the last Dr poopooed that. I definitely understand the depression angle =. while I'm trying as hard as I can it's really difficult to make allowances sometimes for what I call the UGLIES. Regards, Michnevitz. NCA2JMOM@... wrote: > From: NCA2JMOM@... > > Hi all, > > My husband tested positive for Hep C in 1994, but we think he contracted it > in 1989 while undergoing surgery for a badly broken ankle. He tried the > Intron A treatments for about 8 months in '97-'98, but was a non-responder. > The sides almost killed him, including a horrible depression that neither of > us really understood until he was off the Interferon and his head cleared. > After that, we investigated and researched the herbal route and came up with > a plan of about 5 herbs and a good multi vitamin for him to try. He started > on those and then in August of '99 he began the combo treatment of Interferon > and Ribavirin. Before he started those treatments, his liver enzyme levels > had gone done some and they have continued to go down. His viral load is now > less than 1 million and his other levels are all within normal limits and > have been for several months. He feels BETTER than he has in years -- the > only real side effect he has had to live with is losing some hair. He is > convinced that the herbs have helped his body not only fight the Hep C but > also to deal with the Interferon and Ribavirin. Please E-mail me privately if > you'd like more information as I don't want to bog down the mailboxes of > those who are not interested. I am so glad this list is going and I know it > will be a valuable resource for all of us who deal with this insidious > disease. > > Blessings, > Debbie > > --------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 19, 2000 Report Share Posted January 19, 2000 Amy, I believe you are called a " relapser " , not a " non-responder " . As for what now, only you can decide that! Talk with your doctor and do lots of research. There are a lot of new treatments on the horizon to consider. Infergen is available now, but not with the ribavirin. Pegylated interferon is just down the road, and there are a lot of really promising sounding treatments being researched that I've barely had time to look at! No one can tell you the one best thing for you to do. How do you FEEL? What extent of liver damage do you have? What in your genotype? Your viral count is low, and you say LFT's are normal, so that is good. I say just consider all factors before you decide. Not much help, I know!! Good luck! Claudine ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 19, 2000 Report Share Posted January 19, 2000 Amy, I believe you are called a " relapser " , not a " non-responder " . As for what now, only you can decide that! Talk with your doctor and do lots of research. There are a lot of new treatments on the horizon to consider. Infergen is available now, but not with the ribavirin. Pegylated interferon is just down the road, and there are a lot of really promising sounding treatments being researched that I've barely had time to look at! No one can tell you the one best thing for you to do. How do you FEEL? What extent of liver damage do you have? What in your genotype? Your viral count is low, and you say LFT's are normal, so that is good. I say just consider all factors before you decide. Not much help, I know!! Good luck! Claudine ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 19, 2000 Report Share Posted January 19, 2000 Amy, I believe you are called a " relapser " , not a " non-responder " . As for what now, only you can decide that! Talk with your doctor and do lots of research. There are a lot of new treatments on the horizon to consider. Infergen is available now, but not with the ribavirin. Pegylated interferon is just down the road, and there are a lot of really promising sounding treatments being researched that I've barely had time to look at! No one can tell you the one best thing for you to do. How do you FEEL? What extent of liver damage do you have? What in your genotype? Your viral count is low, and you say LFT's are normal, so that is good. I say just consider all factors before you decide. Not much help, I know!! Good luck! Claudine ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 19, 2000 Report Share Posted January 19, 2000 Amy, I believe you are called a " relapser " , not a " non-responder " . As for what now, only you can decide that! Talk with your doctor and do lots of research. There are a lot of new treatments on the horizon to consider. Infergen is available now, but not with the ribavirin. Pegylated interferon is just down the road, and there are a lot of really promising sounding treatments being researched that I've barely had time to look at! No one can tell you the one best thing for you to do. How do you FEEL? What extent of liver damage do you have? What in your genotype? Your viral count is low, and you say LFT's are normal, so that is good. I say just consider all factors before you decide. Not much help, I know!! Good luck! Claudine ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 19, 2000 Report Share Posted January 19, 2000 I got my RNA levels back.....its 141,000. At the end of the cobo treatment they were undetectable. It has now been 6 months. So does this mean I am a " non-responder " ? And what now from here? I did the monotherapy a year and a half ago and did not have a sustained response. My LFT's are within normal limits. Any comments/ideas? Amy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 19, 2000 Report Share Posted January 19, 2000 I got my RNA levels back.....its 141,000. At the end of the cobo treatment they were undetectable. It has now been 6 months. So does this mean I am a " non-responder " ? And what now from here? I did the monotherapy a year and a half ago and did not have a sustained response. My LFT's are within normal limits. Any comments/ideas? Amy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 19, 2000 Report Share Posted January 19, 2000 I got my RNA levels back.....its 141,000. At the end of the cobo treatment they were undetectable. It has now been 6 months. So does this mean I am a " non-responder " ? And what now from here? I did the monotherapy a year and a half ago and did not have a sustained response. My LFT's are within normal limits. Any comments/ideas? Amy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 19, 2000 Report Share Posted January 19, 2000 I got my RNA levels back.....its 141,000. At the end of the cobo treatment they were undetectable. It has now been 6 months. So does this mean I am a " non-responder " ? And what now from here? I did the monotherapy a year and a half ago and did not have a sustained response. My LFT's are within normal limits. Any comments/ideas? Amy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 19, 2000 Report Share Posted January 19, 2000 Yes, you are in the relapse stage but not yet a candidate for therapy as your enzymes are normal. I suggest you have a liver biopsy to decide if you need combo treatment. Dr S C Misra Re: Combo Treatment From: McCoyAngel@... I got my RNA levels back.....its 141,000. At the end of the cobo treatment they were undetectable. It has now been 6 months. So does this mean I am a " non-responder " ? And what now from here? I did the monotherapy a year and a half ago and did not have a sustained response. My LFT's are within normal limits. Any comments/ideas? Amy ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------ Please click above to support our sponsor ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 19, 2000 Report Share Posted January 19, 2000 Yes, you are in the relapse stage but not yet a candidate for therapy as your enzymes are normal. I suggest you have a liver biopsy to decide if you need combo treatment. Dr S C Misra Re: Combo Treatment From: McCoyAngel@... I got my RNA levels back.....its 141,000. At the end of the cobo treatment they were undetectable. It has now been 6 months. So does this mean I am a " non-responder " ? And what now from here? I did the monotherapy a year and a half ago and did not have a sustained response. My LFT's are within normal limits. Any comments/ideas? Amy ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------ Please click above to support our sponsor ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 19, 2000 Report Share Posted January 19, 2000 Yes, you are in the relapse stage but not yet a candidate for therapy as your enzymes are normal. I suggest you have a liver biopsy to decide if you need combo treatment. Dr S C Misra Re: Combo Treatment From: McCoyAngel@... I got my RNA levels back.....its 141,000. At the end of the cobo treatment they were undetectable. It has now been 6 months. So does this mean I am a " non-responder " ? And what now from here? I did the monotherapy a year and a half ago and did not have a sustained response. My LFT's are within normal limits. Any comments/ideas? Amy ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------ Please click above to support our sponsor ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 19, 2000 Report Share Posted January 19, 2000 Yes, you are in the relapse stage but not yet a candidate for therapy as your enzymes are normal. I suggest you have a liver biopsy to decide if you need combo treatment. Dr S C Misra Re: Combo Treatment From: McCoyAngel@... I got my RNA levels back.....its 141,000. At the end of the cobo treatment they were undetectable. It has now been 6 months. So does this mean I am a " non-responder " ? And what now from here? I did the monotherapy a year and a half ago and did not have a sustained response. My LFT's are within normal limits. Any comments/ideas? Amy ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------ Please click above to support our sponsor ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 20, 2000 Report Share Posted January 20, 2000 Hope you don't mind me writing to you. I'm new to the hepc thing. I've had it since 86, i think. my doc tells me my liver tests are fine. i asked for a virual load and she acted as if i was wasting the hospital $. she gave in cause i insisted but she said they showed nothing harmful. what does it take to find out if someone needs treatment and what kind of tests should i ask for. also should i get a GI Dr. like all of you refer too?? thanks thomas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 20, 2000 Report Share Posted January 20, 2000 Hope you don't mind me writing to you. I'm new to the hepc thing. I've had it since 86, i think. my doc tells me my liver tests are fine. i asked for a virual load and she acted as if i was wasting the hospital $. she gave in cause i insisted but she said they showed nothing harmful. what does it take to find out if someone needs treatment and what kind of tests should i ask for. also should i get a GI Dr. like all of you refer too?? thanks thomas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 20, 2000 Report Share Posted January 20, 2000 Hope you don't mind me writing to you. I'm new to the hepc thing. I've had it since 86, i think. my doc tells me my liver tests are fine. i asked for a virual load and she acted as if i was wasting the hospital $. she gave in cause i insisted but she said they showed nothing harmful. what does it take to find out if someone needs treatment and what kind of tests should i ask for. also should i get a GI Dr. like all of you refer too?? thanks thomas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 20, 2000 Report Share Posted January 20, 2000 Hope you don't mind me writing to you. I'm new to the hepc thing. I've had it since 86, i think. my doc tells me my liver tests are fine. i asked for a virual load and she acted as if i was wasting the hospital $. she gave in cause i insisted but she said they showed nothing harmful. what does it take to find out if someone needs treatment and what kind of tests should i ask for. also should i get a GI Dr. like all of you refer too?? thanks thomas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 20, 2000 Report Share Posted January 20, 2000 Claudine, My name is and I believe I've had Hep C since 86 when I got very sick and the Dr's.had no idea what I had. Later about 8 yrs, my doc told me I have Hep c. she always tell me my liver tests are fine. I asked for a viral count or load and she acted as if it cost too much. I insisted and the results came back OK (from her). Could you let me know what I need to ask for so I can track the progress of this disease and should I get a different Dr. maybe a GI? if you have time I'd appreciate a reply thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 20, 2000 Report Share Posted January 20, 2000 Claudine, My name is and I believe I've had Hep C since 86 when I got very sick and the Dr's.had no idea what I had. Later about 8 yrs, my doc told me I have Hep c. she always tell me my liver tests are fine. I asked for a viral count or load and she acted as if it cost too much. I insisted and the results came back OK (from her). Could you let me know what I need to ask for so I can track the progress of this disease and should I get a different Dr. maybe a GI? if you have time I'd appreciate a reply thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 20, 2000 Report Share Posted January 20, 2000 Hello : This is just my opinion, but if it was me i would thank about another Doctor, and having a liver biopsy. Take care, Les Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 20, 2000 Report Share Posted January 20, 2000 Hello : This is just my opinion, but if it was me i would thank about another Doctor, and having a liver biopsy. Take care, Les Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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