Re: Digging up the Past

[Guest guest]

I've heard Prozac is far from liver friendly. I am on it myself and I have to

have liver tests every two years..and I don't have hep c.

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From: TreeSkinnr@...[sMTP:TreeSkinnr@...]

Sent: Sunday, July 11, 1999 7:04 AM

Hepatitis Conelist

Subject: Re: Digging up the Past

From: TreeSkinnr@...

: Your post brought tears to my eyes. Personally I think one day they

willl find that all these " emotional " disorders are bio-chemical in origin.

There are some liver-friendly anti-depressants out there that can work

wonders. My husband also has Hep C and a history of alcoholism (sober for 4

years) and depression. Prozac has made a profound difference. His doctor

believes he was probably depressed before he began drinking. You don't have

to feel this way. They key is finding a knowledgable doctor.

---------------------------

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

Being on Prozac for close to five years now...my sex drive is fine. It

was a bit slow in the beginning but the doc said I had to concentrate just

a tad more. He was right. My husband who is infected hasn't had a sex

drive in well over a year. I don't know if he's afraid of infecting me,

depressed, getting a bit older or just...not interested anymore. But we

have a wonderful marriage so I can't see throwing it down the drain for

some physical stuff. The guy loves me and is having a rough time. I don't

need to know anymore than that.

Carolee

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From: Scooby759@...[sMTP:Scooby759@...]

Sent: Sunday, July 11, 1999 8:28 PM

Hepatitis Conelist

Subject: Re: Digging up the Past

From: Scooby759@...

In a message dated 7/11/99 3:53:16 PM Central Daylight Time,

TreeSkinnr@... writes:

<< once the Prozac kicked in, he felt like the clouds cleared and life was

good--not whisting Dixie or euphoric, just good. >>

Can I ask a personal quesstion? If you don't want to answer, I will

understand.....but how is your sex life with him being on prozac? When I

was

medicated, I had no drive at all and I really don't want to give that up.

Sounds nasty doesn't it? but sex is important to me. I'm not obsessed with

it but I do want to enjoy it when it does happen. Hope I don't sound like

a

pervertLOL

---------------------------

[Guest guest]

Hello, my name is george and I was dx with hep c too. I am also an

alcoholic and drug addict. I have been sober for the last ten

years....because of a couple of in-patient treatment programs (the VA

Hospital in Topeka in 1988 and at Cottonwood Treatment Program in NM in

1986). I used drugs and drank because I inherited a craving for chemicals

from my parents. So when I grew up I was sort of expected to be able to

" handle it " , " drink like a man " you know.....and go through life never

admitting I was addicted. My mom and dad and grandmother and granny's

sister were there to raise me when I was growing up and when I was getting

high all the time. They died before I got sober. I have two sons in

another state who new me as a practicing addict and knew how undependable I

was. They new that sometimes they wouldn't know how to reach me. After

they became adults....I happened to have gotten sober. They have known me

as someone else since 1988. One invited me to christmas a couple of years

ago. I spent about a week with this older son and his wife and kids. It

was great. The other son and I are " distant " . The one thing that has

kept me on the planet is that I have been in AA for 10 years. My friends

have changed to friends who are not using or drinking, although I know

people who do drink, but are not addicted. I wondered when I got sober if I

wou ld ever have another friend. The answer was yes, several. Also I went

back to school when I got clean and sober and ended up with a BA in

psychology and an MSW in May of 97. Then I found out I had Hep C almost my

accident.....when I was taking the prescription drug Zocor for high

cholesterol. Made my liver / blood tests go up (I guess the enzymes were

too high). So just a couple of months the VA did a test specific for Hep C

and it came back positive, again. I am not sick, but I am listening and

trying to figure out which course of action to take. Right now, I am trying

to learn what is good for the liver and what isn't. |What I can eat and

what I shouldn't. And, since things like hypnosis and positive thinking

helped me with recovery from addiction, and with succeeding in

college......I am trying to apply those treatments to cleanse my liver or

help me lower the amount of virus in my blood. I have faith that it will

help at least. I am not real attracted to the notion of interferon or

ribaviron......but, I guess if my health got bad enough I would do it.

Professionally speaking....I work in a treatment program for Dual Diagnosis

clients. Right where I should be. These clients are adults with a mental

illness like bipolor disorder or depression or some other label and they are

addicted to chemicals. I can relate to what they are going through for

obvious reasons. .... I am sort of a student of Emmett E. , MD

who is in California...and one of the leading respectable doctors who use

positive imagery and deep relaxation to help his patients. He has a web

site and has a bunch of cassette tapes and video tapes...especially designed

for the likes of me, if you will. he also works with people with cancer

and I have heard him say in a lecture that most of his cancer patients

" begin to really live " once they find out that they are infected with cancer

or some other life threatening illness " . I believe what he says.

Anyway, this is not the end of the world; it may very well the

beginning of a new world. If you are interested in any of this, I will be

glad to share more information with you. This is a great list to belong to

and I believe we help each other and ourselves by sharing our fears and our

triumps. Welcome to you, I am glad you are here.

Wow, did I say all that??????

in New Mexico

Digging up the Past

> From: Scooby759@...

>

> HI guys,

> I haven't posted in a while. I have hep c and am a recovering

alcoholic/and

> drug abuser. I went to see a psych to have him verify if I am stable

enough

> to take the interferon drug for the hep c which has the side effect of

> depression. I saw him and I realized how much I am hiding from myself.

Iam

> not on any medication but I am not a happy person. I feel numb most of

the

> time and never " fulfilled " if you know what I mean. I pretend alot of

the

> time, I have a wonderful husband and great kids but something is missing

and

> the dr. told me it was me that was missing. I'm 40 years old and have

been

> drinking and drugging since I was 15. I've been sober a year and have no

> clue how to live, or if I want to. This is very hard for me, cuz now he

> wants to see me weekly and find out why I started drugging and drinking

and

> to tell the truth, I don't think I want to know. I know I can't continue

> with this pretense, but I'm scared to death. I often think I would be

better

> off dead but am to chicken. I also cut myself but mostly scratched and

dug

> my nails to punish myself, but for what I don't know. I tried to cut my

> wrists with my nails, how stupid is that? I just feel so confused right

now

> and no one to really talk to about all this. I just want to not go to the

dr

> anymore, but then I won't get treated for the hep c, I would just get

sicker,

> isn't that what I want? All these racing thoughts in my mind are making

me

> nuts. I just want to pretend everything is fine because I don't drink or

> drug anymore. I'm really losing it. I love my family and will do what I

have

> to for them. I just wish I wanted to do it for me.

> Thanks for listening.

>

>

> ---------------------------

[Guest guest]

: Your post brought tears to my eyes. Personally I think one day they

willl find that all these " emotional " disorders are bio-chemical in origin.

There are some liver-friendly anti-depressants out there that can work

wonders. My husband also has Hep C and a history of alcoholism (sober for 4

years) and depression. Prozac has made a profound difference. His doctor

believes he was probably depressed before he began drinking. You don't have

to feel this way. They key is finding a knowledgable doctor.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/10/99 11:19:21 PM Central Daylight Time,

gsbsg199@... writes:

<< I am sort of a student of Emmett E. , MD

who is in California...and one of the leading respectable doctors who use

positive imagery and deep relaxation to help his patients. He has a web

site and has a bunch of cassette tapes and video tapes. >>

, thanks for your input. Can you give me more information on Emmett

?

Because I mostly just feel tired, maybe I should just wait it out and see

what happens. If I do that though I then feel like I'm running away. You

have so much sober time. How did you feel about yourself the first couple

years. Did it take a while to feel like a person who actually belongs on

this planet?

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/11/99 6:05:22 AM Central Daylight Time,

TreeSkinnr@... writes:

<< His doctor

believes he was probably depressed before he began drinking. >>

Thats what this doctor says, and he says he wants to find out why. I don't

really want to know why. I just want to feel better, isnt that the way us

addicts think? I'm afraid of my past and afraid that diggin it up will cause

more harm than good. All I want to do is live as a truly content person on

this planet. I believe alot in Gods Will and maybe this hep C was given to

me because I need to be put in therapy to be truly happy and the only reason

I went to the therapist is because of the hep c.

[Guest guest]

: Regarding why you felt depressed in the first place, it may have

nothing to do with your childhood or events. It may just be a chemical

imbalance.

They could have talked to my husband until he was blue in the face about

whether or not he was breastfed, etc., but the bottom line is, he couldn't

make himself feel better. He was skeptical of it at first, but honestly

once the Prozac kicked in, he felt like the clouds cleared and life was

good--not whisting Dixie or euphoric, just good. He said he has carried

around a certain amount of depression since he was a kid and just accepted it

as normal because he didn't know any better. We are fortunate to have an

excellent doctor who knows a lot about Hep C and depression.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/11/99 3:53:16 PM Central Daylight Time,

TreeSkinnr@... writes:

<< once the Prozac kicked in, he felt like the clouds cleared and life was

good--not whisting Dixie or euphoric, just good. >>

Can I ask a personal quesstion? If you don't want to answer, I will

understand.....but how is your sex life with him being on prozac? When I was

medicated, I had no drive at all and I really don't want to give that up.

Sounds nasty doesn't it? but sex is important to me. I'm not obsessed with

it but I do want to enjoy it when it does happen. Hope I don't sound like a

pervertLOL

[Guest guest]

, As for your self mutilation, it is not that uncommon in people

who are " numb " , the pain makes them feel alive. You can find more

positive ways to feel alive, believe me. There are all sorts of

psychotherapy. If you don't want to get into the causes of your

substance abuse at this time, you can instead get help in learning how

to live with satisfaction and hope, and to love yourself. If you can

only do it for your family and not for yourself at this time, no

matter. Just do it. Arlene

[Guest guest]

: I'm not offended at all by your question regarding Prozac's effect on

libido. The truth of the matter is, he was not interested when he was

depressed. It improved with Prozac. The important thing is his doctor knew

it had to be a drug that was not harmful to his liver.

[Guest guest]

, if you can afford it, try SAMe instead of Prozac; it is a

natural amino acid that is also good for the liver, and does not have

potentially harmful side effects like other antidepressants. It is

said to work as well or better than other antidepressants, and faster.

I have been on it for a year and swear that it saved my life. Arlene

[Guest guest]

Arlene,

I just read about SAMe for the first time this afternoon. Which brand do

you take. About an hour after I read the article on SAMe I got an email

from someone in another group talking about it. They said it was quite

expensive. I know Prozac, Zoloft, Wellbutrin etc aren't cheap but some

insurance plans help defray the cost of those drugs. I do not have

pharmaceutical insurance but was quite interested in SAMe. I am new to this

group and hope to find more things of interest. I am still coming to grips

with the diagnosis of HVC and the more I know-the better off I am sure I

will be.

Thanks,

Cyn

[Guest guest]

More-Does anyone in this group take Milk Thistle? I have heard some good

things about this product also.

Cyn

[Guest guest]

I take Milk Thistle everyday. I also drink a de-tox tea with Milk Thistle and

Dandelion in it. It is made by Celestial Seasonings and has a nice vanilla

flavor. In fact, I take a variety of supplements including Schizandra and

N-Acetyl Cysteine, all obtainable at a health food store. Not sure what to

attribute it to, but my bloodwork showed that my liver enzymes and liver

funtion tests were all in normal range. Hope this helps. Sandy

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/11/99 9:20:44 PM Central Daylight Time,

arbrus@... writes:

<< , if you can afford it, try SAMe instead of Prozac; >>

I'll see what they say, luckily I have the prescription program with my ins

so I never have to pay more than 10 bucks. I hope they dont give me a hard

time about the injections when I start those. My dr says they might try to

say no because of the cost but legally they can't. Hope he's right.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/11/99 9:34:54 PM Central Daylight Time,

cynden@... writes:

<< More-Does anyone in this group take Milk Thistle? >>

I used to take it but the doctor I say in Chicago who specializes in hcv and

transplants says it doesn't do anything. I do think that is a matter of

opinion though.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/11/99 11:39:47 PM Central Daylight Time,

cherry2000@... writes:

<< Being on Prozac for close to five years now...my sex drive is fine >>

Thanks Carolee, I don't even know if I will be put on medication (I',m kind

of hoping I do cuz I can't believe this is the way people are supposed to

feel) I just want to know what I am getting into. From every angle. The drs

are really, I mean really, afraid that I am going to be suicidal if/when I go

on the inteferon injections. Is it really that bad? Did anybody who has

gone through the treatment have bad depression or suicidal thoughts. I've

read what the side affects are but can someone tell me what it was like, who

has actually gone through it?

[Guest guest]

Sandy, thanks for the info.... I was wondering and maybe you've said, but

are you taking any medications (unless you would rather not mention them),

and what chemicals and medicines are a definite " No, No " ?

Re: Digging up the Past

> From: SandyHorne@...

>

> I take Milk Thistle everyday. I also drink a de-tox tea with Milk Thistle

and

> Dandelion in it. It is made by Celestial Seasonings and has a nice vanilla

> flavor. In fact, I take a variety of supplements including Schizandra and

> N-Acetyl Cysteine, all obtainable at a health food store. Not sure what to

> attribute it to, but my bloodwork showed that my liver enzymes and liver

> funtion tests were all in normal range. Hope this helps. Sandy

>

> ---------------------------

[Guest guest]

, I heard that people have committed suicide from interferon. A

man in a support group I went to said he discontinued it when he had

the impulse to drive into a telephone pole. I personally would not

risk it. Arlene

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/13/99 10:26:17 PM Central Daylight Time,

arbrus@... writes:

<< , I heard that people have committed suicide from interferon. A

man in a support group I went to said he discontinued it when he had

the impulse to drive into a telephone pole. I personally would not

risk it. Arlene

>>

God, thats a scary thought. I feel like I have no choices anymore. My dr

doesn't believe in " natural " herbs and such and I know I should just go to

another doctor. Sometimes I just want to say to hell with it and just quit

everything and when I need a transplant then I'll get one or I'll die. Right

now, I get so frustrated, I just don't care.

[Guest guest]

, who cares what your doctor " believes in " ! It's your body, do

what you think is best. Arlene

[Guest guest]

> God, thats a scary thought. I feel like I have no choices anymore. My dr

> doesn't believe in " natural " herbs and such and I know I should just go to

> another doctor. Sometimes I just want to say to hell with it and just

quit

> everything and when I need a transplant then I'll get one or I'll die.

Right

> now, I get so frustrated, I just don't care.

>

=======================

Hi ,

boy I feel for you, I bet you feel as though you are between a rock and a

hard place,...that is a saying .... ))

now, I think you should do what you think is right for you....Doctors? yes

they know there medical now how, but they are not God, he may not believe in

the " natural " herbs or healing..

but is that to say it doesn't work??? I dont think so. there has been proof

many times over that it does. hell in this very group I see it. Milk Thistle

etc. watching your diet, eating less protein...etc etc...

You have to do it for you, your doctor isn't the one with HepC... YOU ARE...

it is your body,

if you are prone to depression and Inferon causes it to get worse, that

isn't to say it will get worse if you use it, if you are monitored closely,

you could try it, if it doesn't work ... go off it.... and the depression

will get less again...

Take the antidepressants now that will help you get better, feel better and

less confused...

I know this disease SUCKS. I myself dont have it, but my hubby does.

He hasn't done a bloody thing to help it, but then again it has got no

worse, and he has had it for between 14-19 years ...and Yes a tx would be

what you get in the end, if your lucky, my hubby doesn't have that option,,

a TX it isn't the answer for now, the answer for now.

Is for you to decide what you are going to do.. Whether that be nothing, or

taking the interferon, or Natural products. or a combination of them....

read all the advice you get, and take what you think is right. or

what you think might help...and if it doesn't make any difference in a

couple of months, then quit it if you want....

it is your life, your body, not the doctors.

have you tried going to a naturopath, or chinese medicine?

ine