Questions

[Guest guest]

Hi there,

I have not had experience with a treatment centre but with our local

children's hospital. Our son was 3 weeks in an assessment program

which led to a day treatment program. While we are still working on

the diagnosis and medication part, the fact that our son was/is seen

daily is invaluable for both diag. and meds.

It is a process(a somewhat lousy one) and it does take time. I feel

and share your sense of urgency. Our son is 16 and now 2 years

behind in school and at times I feel his life slipping away. If your

son is on lithium I'm guessing there is a mood component happening as

well, which makes everything more complicated.

Not sure what the facility is but one would hope it has a team of

experts who can get a better fix on what is going on and what to do

about it. I know specific to OCD treatment centres I have read

really good success rates - check OC foundation last newsletter(I

think). Perhaps phone the centre directly and ask questions and

express your concerns. Also, maybe someone on this list has been

there?

I know how hard this all is, and how hard it is to think clearly when

so much emotion is involved. In retrospect I wish I could have been

calmer and asked more questions to get good answers when we were in

crisis. Hang in there!

Barb

>

> My 14 yr old son is scheduled to enter a day treatment program for

> adolescents with OCD the only program we could find is 16 hours

> away. Last night he came to me asking me to not make him go. I

> know we have exhausted resources in our area and I believe that if

> what we are doing doesn't work we need to try something different.

> His local Psy

> has him on PROZAC 40 MG, Wellbutrin 1x per day, and Lithium now 2x

a

> day. Everytime we take him to see the Dr it's about increasing

meds

>

[Guest guest]

Hi there,

I have not had experience with a treatment centre but with our local

children's hospital. Our son was 3 weeks in an assessment program

which led to a day treatment program. While we are still working on

the diagnosis and medication part, the fact that our son was/is seen

daily is invaluable for both diag. and meds.

It is a process(a somewhat lousy one) and it does take time. I feel

and share your sense of urgency. Our son is 16 and now 2 years

behind in school and at times I feel his life slipping away. If your

son is on lithium I'm guessing there is a mood component happening as

well, which makes everything more complicated.

Not sure what the facility is but one would hope it has a team of

experts who can get a better fix on what is going on and what to do

about it. I know specific to OCD treatment centres I have read

really good success rates - check OC foundation last newsletter(I

think). Perhaps phone the centre directly and ask questions and

express your concerns. Also, maybe someone on this list has been

there?

I know how hard this all is, and how hard it is to think clearly when

so much emotion is involved. In retrospect I wish I could have been

calmer and asked more questions to get good answers when we were in

crisis. Hang in there!

Barb

>

> My 14 yr old son is scheduled to enter a day treatment program for

> adolescents with OCD the only program we could find is 16 hours

> away. Last night he came to me asking me to not make him go. I

> know we have exhausted resources in our area and I believe that if

> what we are doing doesn't work we need to try something different.

> His local Psy

> has him on PROZAC 40 MG, Wellbutrin 1x per day, and Lithium now 2x

a

> day. Everytime we take him to see the Dr it's about increasing

meds

>

[Guest guest]

Katy,

Big Hug. You are very stressed, I can hear. My son

(11) is in a treatment center right now in Wisconsin.

Could you say which center you're talking about,

because many of us have experience with or knowledge

of the centers in the U.S.

I was surprised by the linking of your son's desire to

change clothing types or characters with OCD. Does his

doctor think that's the cause? I've never heard of

that one before.

There's no question that behavioral therapy is

effective. Studies have even shown that it can cause

physical changes in the brain and experts recommend

the therapy as the first course of action for OCD,

plus medication if it's necessary.

If you want to write me privately to talk about the

treatment center, you can e-mail me at

la2fish@.... I'll be more than happy to help you

through it as much as I can.

Praying for you and your son,

--- katygrey36 <katygrey36@...> wrote:

> My 14 yr old son is scheduled to enter a day

> treatment program for

> adolescents with OCD the only program we could find

> is 16 hours

> away. Last night he came to me asking me to not

> make him go. I

> know we have exhausted resources in our area and I

> believe that if

> what we are doing doesn't work we need to try

> something different.

> His local Psy

> has him on PROZAC 40 MG, Wellbutrin 1x per day, and

> Lithium now 2x a

> day. Everytime we take him to see the Dr it's about

> increasing meds

> instead of what can we do as parents what else is

> there to try? The

> recent symptons we have seen is that he wants to be

> a character who

> is interested in country music, blue jeans, etc.,

> the next week he

> decides he wants all different clothes and wants to

> be into rock &

> roll, then the black clothes the next week. I have

> never seen such

> the obession with clothes and the expense of these

> changes (which he

> funds with his allowance) is crazy. He has been out

> of school half

> of last year and I feel so helpless on what is next.

> I know he

> needs the interaction with other kids, he's very

> social, has a great

> sense of humor, but with everything we have been

> through we are so

> tired and of course I know you know heartbroken to

> watch this child

> that seemed to be fine until 6th grade go downhill.

> My question

> open to comments is this-the ritual is Obessive

> Thoughts, now I

> believe it's turning into OC actions (the clothes

> etc). I am so

> confused as to what will we do about school? He had

> a bad

> experience in 7th grade where that he had an anxiety

> attack during a

> cold red (drug dog search in the attached high

> school) he wanted to

> go to the office to call us (he had forgotten his

> meds, but his

> anxiety was in full swing) the principal grabbed him

> in the hall way

> knocked him down and dragged him to the Janitor's

> closet. The

> challenge with school now is 2 fold, safety? and of

> course, it

> didn't set well with us either. Sorry to be so

> long, but I guess I

> want to know-the success rate of Behavior

> Modification Therapy, can

> it help at school? How can I find out if it's a

> " good treatment

> center " ? Thanks for your time.

>

>

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha! Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for

today's economy) at Games.

http://get.games./proddesc?gamekey=monopolyherenow

[Guest guest]

Katy,

Big Hug. You are very stressed, I can hear. My son

(11) is in a treatment center right now in Wisconsin.

Could you say which center you're talking about,

because many of us have experience with or knowledge

of the centers in the U.S.

I was surprised by the linking of your son's desire to

change clothing types or characters with OCD. Does his

doctor think that's the cause? I've never heard of

that one before.

There's no question that behavioral therapy is

effective. Studies have even shown that it can cause

physical changes in the brain and experts recommend

the therapy as the first course of action for OCD,

plus medication if it's necessary.

If you want to write me privately to talk about the

treatment center, you can e-mail me at

la2fish@.... I'll be more than happy to help you

through it as much as I can.

Praying for you and your son,

--- katygrey36 <katygrey36@...> wrote:

> My 14 yr old son is scheduled to enter a day

> treatment program for

> adolescents with OCD the only program we could find

> is 16 hours

> away. Last night he came to me asking me to not

> make him go. I

> know we have exhausted resources in our area and I

> believe that if

> what we are doing doesn't work we need to try

> something different.

> His local Psy

> has him on PROZAC 40 MG, Wellbutrin 1x per day, and

> Lithium now 2x a

> day. Everytime we take him to see the Dr it's about

> increasing meds

> instead of what can we do as parents what else is

> there to try? The

> recent symptons we have seen is that he wants to be

> a character who

> is interested in country music, blue jeans, etc.,

> the next week he

> decides he wants all different clothes and wants to

> be into rock &

> roll, then the black clothes the next week. I have

> never seen such

> the obession with clothes and the expense of these

> changes (which he

> funds with his allowance) is crazy. He has been out

> of school half

> of last year and I feel so helpless on what is next.

> I know he

> needs the interaction with other kids, he's very

> social, has a great

> sense of humor, but with everything we have been

> through we are so

> tired and of course I know you know heartbroken to

> watch this child

> that seemed to be fine until 6th grade go downhill.

> My question

> open to comments is this-the ritual is Obessive

> Thoughts, now I

> believe it's turning into OC actions (the clothes

> etc). I am so

> confused as to what will we do about school? He had

> a bad

> experience in 7th grade where that he had an anxiety

> attack during a

> cold red (drug dog search in the attached high

> school) he wanted to

> go to the office to call us (he had forgotten his

> meds, but his

> anxiety was in full swing) the principal grabbed him

> in the hall way

> knocked him down and dragged him to the Janitor's

> closet. The

> challenge with school now is 2 fold, safety? and of

> course, it

> didn't set well with us either. Sorry to be so

> long, but I guess I

> want to know-the success rate of Behavior

> Modification Therapy, can

> it help at school? How can I find out if it's a

> " good treatment

> center " ? Thanks for your time.

>

>

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha! Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for

today's economy) at Games.

http://get.games./proddesc?gamekey=monopolyherenow

[Guest guest]

katy,

Did you have a chance to look the file section on our home

page?

You may want to start by reading the Expert Consensus

Guidelines (Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.htm

Article by March, M.D., Frances, M.D.,

Carpenter, Ph.D., and A. Kahn, M.D.).

Especially with children, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is

the first line of treatment for OCD. Pharmaceuticals are

used when other issues (such as depression) interfere with

the treatment.

'hope this helps, wendy, in canada

presenter OCFoundation Annual Confernce Houston, TX

[Guest guest]

katy,

Did you have a chance to look the file section on our home

page?

You may want to start by reading the Expert Consensus

Guidelines (Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.htm

Article by March, M.D., Frances, M.D.,

Carpenter, Ph.D., and A. Kahn, M.D.).

Especially with children, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is

the first line of treatment for OCD. Pharmaceuticals are

used when other issues (such as depression) interfere with

the treatment.

'hope this helps, wendy, in canada

presenter OCFoundation Annual Confernce Houston, TX

[Guest guest]

Hi Hope, I just wanted to mention that one of my daughter's (now 15)

went through a stage with her ocd (I believe her to be in aspergers

spectrum with alot of previously very severe sensory issues as well,

but doing better with age in that respect) where she felt compelled

to assume the indentity of someone else and to copy (clothes hair,

even eating etc). For a time it was her older sister, but later she

developed a fear of involuntarily assuming other person's identities,

and it caused avoidance and alot of trouble finding providers whom

she was not afraid of b/c of the identity obsession (she would call

people who were a risk in this respect " contaminated " . If this

identity thing is ocd then it sounds like possibly your son has

something a bit similar. Ocd can manifest in so many unusual ways, it

is entirely individual, but harder to dx when it is not what people

consider standard, like hand washing, contamination etc.

If you find a provider with more extensive experience s/he might be

able to relate your son' symptoms to other cases, or case studies in

journals etc. Ocd is not always cut and dry to diagnose and when

comorbid with other conditions hard to sort out, sometimes even

without a clear cut diagnosis (my d has received various speculative

diagnoses) you can stll get help on how to work on specific

behaviors, no matter what dsm category they fall into. Yet if you

can determine it is somehow ocd, the first thing to try is usually

ERP-however, devising personalized exposures in unusual cases can

require some real creativity.

nancy grace

>

> My 14 yr old son is scheduled to enter a day treatment program for

> adolescents with OCD the only program we could find is 16 hours

> away. Last night he came to me asking me to not make him go. I

> know we have exhausted resources in our area and I believe that if

> what we are doing doesn't work we need to try something different.

> His local Psy

> has him on PROZAC 40 MG, Wellbutrin 1x per day, and Lithium now 2x

a

> day. Everytime we take him to see the Dr it's about increasing

meds

> instead of what can we do as parents what else is there to try?

The

> recent symptons we have seen is that he wants to be a character who

> is interested in country music, blue jeans, etc., the next week he

> decides he wants all different clothes and wants to be into rock &

> roll, then the black clothes the next week. I have never seen such

> the obession with clothes and the expense of these changes (which

he

> funds with his allowance) is crazy. He has been out of school half

> of last year and I feel so helpless on what is next. I know he

> needs the interaction with other kids, he's very social, has a

great

> sense of humor, but with everything we have been through we are so

> tired and of course I know you know heartbroken to watch this child

> that seemed to be fine until 6th grade go downhill. My question

> open to comments is this-the ritual is Obessive Thoughts, now I

> believe it's turning into OC actions (the clothes etc). I am so

> confused as to what will we do about school? He had a bad

> experience in 7th grade where that he had an anxiety attack during

a

> cold red (drug dog search in the attached high school) he wanted to

> go to the office to call us (he had forgotten his meds, but his

> anxiety was in full swing) the principal grabbed him in the hall

way

> knocked him down and dragged him to the Janitor's closet. The

> challenge with school now is 2 fold, safety? and of course, it

> didn't set well with us either. Sorry to be so long, but I guess I

> want to know-the success rate of Behavior Modification Therapy, can

> it help at school? How can I find out if it's a " good treatment

> center " ? Thanks for your time.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Katygrey:

I know how scared and worried you must feel and my heart goes out to

you! There may be many reasons why you have chosen the residential

program, and there are some excellent programs out there (Wisconsin,

Meninger in Tx, just to name a few). But I want you to know that

there are also some great intensive outpatient programs! My son and

I went to Gainesville Florida and attended one session per day for

three weeks at the Univeristy of Florida. Sesssions were about 90

minutes long, and were very focused CBT/erp. This was extremely

effective and did not exacerbate the problem by a forced separation

my son is a little bit younger than yours, and has been diagnosed

with separation anxiety, although I now believe that his separation

issues were because of his untreated ocd - not a separate diagnosis -

because he has not had this problem since we returned from

treatment!) Anyway, we stayed in a Mc house ($10 per

day), which afforded us cooking abilities, some comraderie, a tv

area, and was within the Hospital shuttle bus network, so that we did

not have to rent a car. I was able to keep him up with his

schoolwork during the ret of the time and keep up with my office work

(thanks to technologie). The Mc house even has a

computer available, although a laptop would be more manageable!

Anyway, you DO HAVE OPTIONS, should you wish to explore further.

Several other programs around the country are also available, but UF

took our insurance and it is their usual practice to bill for indiv.

sessions, which meant our insurance was not declined b/c ins. does

not cover intensive outpatient therapy. The true advantage, however,

was that I was included in each of the sessions, and I therefore

learned a LOT about how to manage at home. This was HUGE for us, and

I beleive it has helped us to manage thru threatened relapses.

Best wishes to you.

mm

>

> My 14 yr old son is scheduled to enter a day treatment program for

> adolescents with OCD the only program we could find is 16 hours

> away. Last night he came to me asking me to not make him go. I

> know we have exhausted resources in our area and I believe that if

> what we are doing doesn't work we need to try something different.

> His local Psy

> has him on PROZAC 40 MG, Wellbutrin 1x per day, and Lithium now 2x

a

> day. Everytime we take him to see the Dr it's about increasing

meds

> instead of what can we do as parents what else is there to try?

The

> recent symptons we have seen is that he wants to be a character who

> is interested in country music, blue jeans, etc., the next week he

> decides he wants all different clothes and wants to be into rock &

> roll, then the black clothes the next week. I have never seen such

> the obession with clothes and the expense of these changes (which

he

> funds with his allowance) is crazy. He has been out of school half

> of last year and I feel so helpless on what is next. I know he

> needs the interaction with other kids, he's very social, has a

great

> sense of humor, but with everything we have been through we are so

> tired and of course I know you know heartbroken to watch this child

> that seemed to be fine until 6th grade go downhill. My question

> open to comments is this-the ritual is Obessive Thoughts, now I

> believe it's turning into OC actions (the clothes etc). I am so

> confused as to what will we do about school? He had a bad

> experience in 7th grade where that he had an anxiety attack during

a

> cold red (drug dog search in the attached high school) he wanted to

> go to the office to call us (he had forgotten his meds, but his

> anxiety was in full swing) the principal grabbed him in the hall

way

> knocked him down and dragged him to the Janitor's closet. The

> challenge with school now is 2 fold, safety? and of course, it

> didn't set well with us either. Sorry to be so long, but I guess I

> want to know-the success rate of Behavior Modification Therapy, can

> it help at school? How can I find out if it's a " good treatment

> center " ? Thanks for your time.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Katygrey:

I know how scared and worried you must feel and my heart goes out to

you! There may be many reasons why you have chosen the residential

program, and there are some excellent programs out there (Wisconsin,

Meninger in Tx, just to name a few). But I want you to know that

there are also some great intensive outpatient programs! My son and

I went to Gainesville Florida and attended one session per day for

three weeks at the Univeristy of Florida. Sesssions were about 90

minutes long, and were very focused CBT/erp. This was extremely

effective and did not exacerbate the problem by a forced separation

my son is a little bit younger than yours, and has been diagnosed

with separation anxiety, although I now believe that his separation

issues were because of his untreated ocd - not a separate diagnosis -

because he has not had this problem since we returned from

treatment!) Anyway, we stayed in a Mc house ($10 per

day), which afforded us cooking abilities, some comraderie, a tv

area, and was within the Hospital shuttle bus network, so that we did

not have to rent a car. I was able to keep him up with his

schoolwork during the ret of the time and keep up with my office work

(thanks to technologie). The Mc house even has a

computer available, although a laptop would be more manageable!

Anyway, you DO HAVE OPTIONS, should you wish to explore further.

Several other programs around the country are also available, but UF

took our insurance and it is their usual practice to bill for indiv.

sessions, which meant our insurance was not declined b/c ins. does

not cover intensive outpatient therapy. The true advantage, however,

was that I was included in each of the sessions, and I therefore

learned a LOT about how to manage at home. This was HUGE for us, and

I beleive it has helped us to manage thru threatened relapses.

Best wishes to you.

mm

>

> My 14 yr old son is scheduled to enter a day treatment program for

> adolescents with OCD the only program we could find is 16 hours

> away. Last night he came to me asking me to not make him go. I

> know we have exhausted resources in our area and I believe that if

> what we are doing doesn't work we need to try something different.

> His local Psy

> has him on PROZAC 40 MG, Wellbutrin 1x per day, and Lithium now 2x

a

> day. Everytime we take him to see the Dr it's about increasing

meds

> instead of what can we do as parents what else is there to try?

The

> recent symptons we have seen is that he wants to be a character who

> is interested in country music, blue jeans, etc., the next week he

> decides he wants all different clothes and wants to be into rock &

> roll, then the black clothes the next week. I have never seen such

> the obession with clothes and the expense of these changes (which

he

> funds with his allowance) is crazy. He has been out of school half

> of last year and I feel so helpless on what is next. I know he

> needs the interaction with other kids, he's very social, has a

great

> sense of humor, but with everything we have been through we are so

> tired and of course I know you know heartbroken to watch this child

> that seemed to be fine until 6th grade go downhill. My question

> open to comments is this-the ritual is Obessive Thoughts, now I

> believe it's turning into OC actions (the clothes etc). I am so

> confused as to what will we do about school? He had a bad

> experience in 7th grade where that he had an anxiety attack during

a

> cold red (drug dog search in the attached high school) he wanted to

> go to the office to call us (he had forgotten his meds, but his

> anxiety was in full swing) the principal grabbed him in the hall

way

> knocked him down and dragged him to the Janitor's closet. The

> challenge with school now is 2 fold, safety? and of course, it

> didn't set well with us either. Sorry to be so long, but I guess I

> want to know-the success rate of Behavior Modification Therapy, can

> it help at school? How can I find out if it's a " good treatment

> center " ? Thanks for your time.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I wonder if you or anyone knows how to find out more about these

programs, like where they have them and how much it costs.

Thanks!

Melinda

Florida

> >

> > My 14 yr old son is scheduled to enter a day treatment program

for

> > adolescents with OCD the only program we could find is 16 hours

> > away. Last night he came to me asking me to not make him go. I

> > know we have exhausted resources in our area and I believe that

if

> > what we are doing doesn't work we need to try something

different.

> > His local Psy

> > has him on PROZAC 40 MG, Wellbutrin 1x per day, and Lithium now

2x

> a

> > day. Everytime we take him to see the Dr it's about increasing

> meds

> > instead of what can we do as parents what else is there to try?

> The

> > recent symptons we have seen is that he wants to be a character

who

> > is interested in country music, blue jeans, etc., the next week

he

> > decides he wants all different clothes and wants to be into rock

&

> > roll, then the black clothes the next week. I have never seen

such

> > the obession with clothes and the expense of these changes (which

> he

> > funds with his allowance) is crazy. He has been out of school

half

> > of last year and I feel so helpless on what is next. I know he

> > needs the interaction with other kids, he's very social, has a

> great

> > sense of humor, but with everything we have been through we are

so

> > tired and of course I know you know heartbroken to watch this

child

> > that seemed to be fine until 6th grade go downhill. My question

> > open to comments is this-the ritual is Obessive Thoughts, now I

> > believe it's turning into OC actions (the clothes etc). I am so

> > confused as to what will we do about school? He had a bad

> > experience in 7th grade where that he had an anxiety attack

during

> a

> > cold red (drug dog search in the attached high school) he wanted

to

> > go to the office to call us (he had forgotten his meds, but his

> > anxiety was in full swing) the principal grabbed him in the hall

> way

> > knocked him down and dragged him to the Janitor's closet. The

> > challenge with school now is 2 fold, safety? and of course, it

> > didn't set well with us either. Sorry to be so long, but I guess

I

> > want to know-the success rate of Behavior Modification Therapy,

can

> > it help at school? How can I find out if it's a " good treatment

> > center " ? Thanks for your time.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks, just a thought, or wishful thinking at this point, hubby is no better, in fact this week the shaky and dizzy has increased greatly. He's been out of work going on 5 months now, all I can do is wait.. I've already learned the hard way that I can't take care of us both.. My day will come, if it's meant to.... Jackie on <redjaxjm@...> wrote: sheena honey,, I think THAT is an excellent idea!!! UCLA is one of the best and even if you have further to drive, its still a better shot for you to get clear!!! please let me know how it goes!!!Sheena <mom4possums2002 > wrote: As soon as my husband gets over, or adjusts to his dilemma, I am seriously considering changing medical groups and trying again.. It is my understanding that UCLA has some of the best Hep C Docs. It's a bit far, but I have made and can

not make any progress here with what I have.. If anyone has some first hand knowledge of UCLA, I'd love to hear from you.. Sheena Rick Kipp <rickkippearthlink (DOT) net> wrote: Liz, I think that is a great idea. I too have had 3 tx's and now you've given one more option! Thanks. Interested in what Doc Gish says. Please share what you can with all of us. Thanks.>> Which reminds me ........ I see Dr Gish next Thursday and I am going to talk him into letting me try to treat

again or at least putting me on a maintenance dose > > > Recent Activity> a.. 4New Members> Visit Your Group > Cancer Resources> on > > Find answers,> > help and support.> > Healthy Eating> on > > A place for parents> > to share their ideas.> > Need traffic?> Drive customers> > With search ads> > on > .> Be a better Heartthrob. Get better relationship answers from someone who knows. Answers - Check it out. Jackie

Ready for the edge of your seat? Check out tonight's top picks on TV.

[Guest guest]

Sheena, I was just approved for SS Disability. I had a local lawyer

who specializes in Social Security claims, but I really haven't used

him. You are allowed back disability payments only for the one prior

year of your application date. I was 100% disabled in 1/05, but

because I was too slow to apply, I only received the prior years back

pay from 5/06. (Still amounted to a nice hunk of change, $17,000+).

Also, now I;ll receive $1083.00 per month. It is well worth the

effort, and it sounds like your husband is in the same situation as

I. In my application, I stressed the mental sides (depression, memory

lapses, the fact that I can't drive a car in fear of getting lost,

etc.). I also stressed my inability to walk, loss of balance,

inability to bend, lift, etc. plus my severe sleep problems. Sheena,

please give this some serious thought, as you are in a perfect

place/time to apply. It could take 3 to 6 months (mine was 2.5

months!) and longer if they deny you on the first attempt.

>

> Thanks, just a thought, or wishful thinking at this point,

> hubby is no better, in fact this week the shaky and dizzy

> has increased greatly. He's been out of work going on 5

> months now, all I can do is wait.. I've already learned the

> hard way that I can't take care of us both.. My day will

> come, if it's meant to....

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

WHAT is causing his symptoms??? Well, of course you cannot even 'think' of retreating until you have him stabilized,,, unfortunately, you need to be able to take care of both of you..Can you find a family member to come and stay with you for a year to allow you to treat?Sheena <mom4possums2002@...> wrote: Thanks, just a thought, or wishful thinking at this point, hubby is no better, in fact this week the shaky and dizzy has increased greatly. He's been out of work going on 5 months now, all I can do is wait.. I've already learned the hard way that I can't take care of us both.. My day will come, if it's meant to.... Jackie on <redjaxjm > wrote: sheena honey,, I think THAT is an excellent idea!!! UCLA is one of the best and even if you have further to drive, its still a better shot for you to get clear!!! please let me know how it goes!!!Sheena <mom4possums2002 > wrote: As soon as my husband gets over, or adjusts to his dilemma, I am seriously considering changing medical groups and trying again.. It is my understanding that UCLA has some of the best Hep C Docs. It's a bit far, but I have made and can not make any progress here with what I have.. If anyone has some first hand knowledge of UCLA, I'd love to hear from you.. Sheena Rick Kipp <rickkippearthlink (DOT) net> wrote: Liz, I think that is a great idea. I too have

had 3 tx's and now you've given one more option! Thanks. Interested in what Doc Gish says. Please share what you can with all of us. Thanks.>> Which reminds me ........ I see Dr Gish next Thursday and I am going to talk him into letting me try to treat again or at least putting me on a maintenance dose > > > Recent Activity> a.. 4New Members> Visit Your Group > Cancer Resources> on > > Find answers,> > help and support.> > Healthy Eating> on > > A place for parents> > to share their ideas.> > Need traffic?> Drive customers> > With search ads> > on >

..> Be a better Heartthrob. Get better relationship answers from someone who knows. Answers - Check it out. Jackie Ready for the edge of your seat? Check out tonight's top picks on TV. Jackie

[Guest guest]

Tylenol 45 mins before shot is a must. It will help with the sides a lot. Let me tell you. Milk thistles is good to take, heck even if you don't have hep C I would recommend it. Diet, eat a good nutritionally based diet. Avoid iron (because it builds up in the liver, and we with hep C have no way of getting rid of it. Liz can tell you more about that when she gets to feeling better. If you get to the point you can't eat, some people do. They just can't stand the thought or smell of food. Try some liquid supplements. And mix it with yogurt or ice cream cause that is just tasty!!!! Last but not least become a waterholic. Drink water all the time. It really helps with the sides. Even after treatment, I still drink at least a gallon a day. Because it just makes me feel better. Green Tea is good also, hot or cold. A little protein with your ribaviron pills, that helps you process it better. Cream cheese on a bagel, peanut butter on crackers or bread. Remember to love yourself while on treatment. Do little things like you wouldn't have done before. On shot night, I used to put my celtic music on before shot. It is calming and relaxing music to me. I would either change the sheets to nice cotton sheets (I love good cotton sheets-650 thread count or more). So my bed would be crisp and clean. Soft pj's. I just treated myself on that night. A bottle of ice cold water on the bedside table in case I woke up and was thristy. Most nights I slept through the night just fine. And the next day take it easy. Don't let

yourself get too much in a hurry. Hey, I went on several vacation trips while on treatment. Yup I did. California, Alabama, Mississippi, Texas. Hee Hee And I did great. Took my meds with me, injections in a container that I could put ice packs in. And off I went. If you need any more advice feel free to ask. We are here to help. Love JanetDorothy <dorv@...> wrote:

I have my appointment this afternoon with the nurse practicioner to "train" me on how to do the injections. I start tx this Sunday. I am guessing that she will go over all the specifics & provide tips. Are there any questions that I should be asking today specifically? I feel that I am well informed about tx, but I'm sure that after that first shot, I may know nothing! LOL Just want to cover everything.....diet, sides to be concerned about, etc. etc. For those of you on tx now or who have completed, is there a question that you wish you had asked at the very beginning that would have helped you? Thanks so much! It is a beautiful day, go out and enjoy it.

[Guest guest]

Tylenol 45 mins before shot is a must. It will help with the sides a lot. Let me tell you. Milk thistles is good to take, heck even if you don't have hep C I would recommend it. Diet, eat a good nutritionally based diet. Avoid iron (because it builds up in the liver, and we with hep C have no way of getting rid of it. Liz can tell you more about that when she gets to feeling better. If you get to the point you can't eat, some people do. They just can't stand the thought or smell of food. Try some liquid supplements. And mix it with yogurt or ice cream cause that is just tasty!!!! Last but not least become a waterholic. Drink water all the time. It really helps with the sides. Even after treatment, I still drink at least a gallon a day. Because it just makes me feel better. Green Tea is good also, hot or cold. A little protein with your ribaviron pills, that helps you process it better. Cream cheese on a bagel, peanut butter on crackers or bread. Remember to love yourself while on treatment. Do little things like you wouldn't have done before. On shot night, I used to put my celtic music on before shot. It is calming and relaxing music to me. I would either change the sheets to nice cotton sheets (I love good cotton sheets-650 thread count or more). So my bed would be crisp and clean. Soft pj's. I just treated myself on that night. A bottle of ice cold water on the bedside table in case I woke up and was thristy. Most nights I slept through the night just fine. And the next day take it easy. Don't let

yourself get too much in a hurry. Hey, I went on several vacation trips while on treatment. Yup I did. California, Alabama, Mississippi, Texas. Hee Hee And I did great. Took my meds with me, injections in a container that I could put ice packs in. And off I went. If you need any more advice feel free to ask. We are here to help. Love JanetDorothy <dorv@...> wrote:

I have my appointment this afternoon with the nurse practicioner to "train" me on how to do the injections. I start tx this Sunday. I am guessing that she will go over all the specifics & provide tips. Are there any questions that I should be asking today specifically? I feel that I am well informed about tx, but I'm sure that after that first shot, I may know nothing! LOL Just want to cover everything.....diet, sides to be concerned about, etc. etc. For those of you on tx now or who have completed, is there a question that you wish you had asked at the very beginning that would have helped you? Thanks so much! It is a beautiful day, go out and enjoy it.

[Guest guest]

Both of my SDS kids have quite a bit of bone and joint pain. ph has

had some other pain issues..

I wish I had answers for you. Just wanted to let you know that you are not

alone.

Peace of Christ be with you,

Pattie

Absence of proof is not proof of absence.

[Guest guest]

I suspect you will do well, Dorothy, I found the first injection the hardest and did not have the same problems after that. Be sure to take something for the aches before you take your injection. Eat something before your pills and drink, drink, drink! Hugs to you, Sheena Dorothy <dorv@...> wrote: Thanks for the info on the pills, Sheena. The nurse didn’t call me back so I’ll have to wing it on Sunday. Since I’m going to

do the shot around 10 pm on Sunday night, I’ll skip the pills till the morning and do as you do……..around 6 or 6:30 am and then again around dinner time. Interestingly, I just bought two large bottles of Curel today at BJ’s Warehouse! I just finished marking my calendar………March 9, 2008 will be my last shot! How’s that for positive thinking?!

Take the Internet to Go: Go puts the Internet in your pocket: mail, news, photos more.

[Guest guest]

I ate peanut butter or cream cheese spread on a half of a toasted mini bagel Jackie on <redjaxjm@...> wrote: remember, not only protein with the Riba but a small amount of fat is really important!Sheena <mom4possums2002 > wrote: Hi Dorothy, I can tell you that the Riba can sure cause sleep problems if taken too late at night. I set an alarm and took mine 12 hours apart, 6 am and 6 pm. I found that simple Curel (fragrance free) worked well for dry skin.. Eating a bit of protein helps keep the nausea from the pills at bay, you never want to take the pills on an empty stomach.. They had me take my first pills with the first injection then go to twice a day the next

morning.. Best to you! Sheena Dorothy <dorvoptonline (DOT) net> wrote: met with the nurse yesterday and liked her very much. It’s a shame since she told me she’s moving and will only be at the hospital till sometime next month. She also confirmed that drinking a lot of water is essential. She said she didn’t care if I ate protein or not, but I should EAT. I’m thin to begin with and have few “fatty” areas for injections

so the eating part is especially important!! She also told me to expect rashes and skin issues. Since I tend to get dry patches on my face, she said that whatever I do when it gets really bad, I should start doing now. I did have a question which I forgot and I will call her today……my plan is to do the first shot on Sunday night at bedtime (10 pm or so). Should I start the ribavirin pills Sunday morning or wait till Monday morning? She told me to take 2 in the morning and 2 at dinner. She said they can tend to cause sleeplessness so the second dose shouldn’t be much later than dinner time. I’m just not sure if I consider Sunday the first day or

Monday. Thanks so much for the info! Shape in your own image. Join our Network Research Panel today! Jackie

Be a better Heartthrob. Get better relationship answers from someone who knows. Answers - Check it out.

[Guest guest]

thats what I ate too,, its the fat that is necessary for Riba but one needs the protein to help with the nausea,, so either one of those are excellent choices! Sheena <mom4possums2002@...> wrote: I ate peanut butter or cream cheese spread on a half of a toasted mini bagel Jackie on <redjaxjm > wrote: remember, not only protein with the Riba but a small amount of fat is really important!Sheena <mom4possums2002 > wrote: Hi Dorothy, I can tell you that the Riba can sure cause sleep problems if taken too late at night. I set an alarm and took mine 12 hours apart, 6 am and 6 pm. I found that simple Curel (fragrance free) worked well for dry skin.. Eating a bit of protein helps keep the nausea from the pills at

bay, you never want to take the pills on an empty stomach.. They had me take my first pills with the first injection then go to twice a day the next morning.. Best to you! Sheena Dorothy <dorvoptonline (DOT) net> wrote: met with the nurse yesterday and liked her very much. It’s a shame since she told me she’s moving and will only be at the hospital till sometime next month. She also confirmed that drinking a lot of water is essential. She said she didn’t care if I ate protein or not, but I should EAT. I’m thin to begin with and have few “fatty” areas for injections so the eating part is especially important!! She also told me to expect rashes and skin issues. Since I tend to get dry patches on my face, she said that whatever I do when it gets really bad, I should start doing now. I did have a question which I forgot and I will call her today……my plan is to do the first shot on Sunday night at

bedtime (10 pm or so). Should I start the ribavirin pills Sunday morning or wait till Monday morning? She told me to take 2 in the morning and 2 at dinner. She said they can tend to cause sleeplessness so the second dose shouldn’t be much later than dinner time. I’m just not sure if I consider Sunday the first day or Monday. Thanks so much for the info! Shape in your own image. Join our Network Research Panel today! Jackie Be a better Heartthrob. Get better relationship answers from someone who knows. Answers - Check it out. Jackie

[Guest guest]

because they both contain protein and fatJackie on <redjaxjm@...> wrote: thats what I ate too,, its the fat that is necessary for Riba but one needs the protein to help with the nausea,, so either one of those are excellent choices! Sheena <mom4possums2002 > wrote: I ate peanut butter or cream cheese spread on a half of a toasted mini

bagel Jackie on <redjaxjm > wrote: remember, not only protein with the Riba but a small amount of fat is really important!Sheena <mom4possums2002 > wrote: Hi Dorothy, I can tell you that the Riba can sure cause sleep problems if taken too late at night. I set an alarm and took mine 12 hours apart, 6 am and 6 pm. I found that simple

Curel (fragrance free) worked well for dry skin.. Eating a bit of protein helps keep the nausea from the pills at bay, you never want to take the pills on an empty stomach.. They had me take my first pills with the first injection then go to twice a day the next morning.. Best to you! Sheena Dorothy <dorvoptonline (DOT) net> wrote: met with the nurse yesterday and liked her very much. It’s a shame since she told me she’s

moving and will only be at the hospital till sometime next month. She also confirmed that drinking a lot of water is essential. She said she didn’t care if I ate protein or not, but I should EAT. I’m thin to begin with and have few “fatty” areas for injections so the eating part is especially important!! She also told me to expect rashes and skin issues. Since I tend to get dry patches on my face, she said that whatever I do when it gets really bad, I should start doing now. I did have a question which I forgot and I will call her today……my plan is to do the first shot on Sunday night at bedtime (10 pm or so). Should I start the ribavirin pills Sunday morning or wait till Monday morning? She told me to take 2 in the morning and 2 at dinner. She said they can tend to cause sleeplessness so the second dose shouldn’t be much later than dinner time. I’m just not sure if I consider Sunday the first day or Monday. Thanks so much for the info! Shape in your own image. Join our Network Research Panel today! Jackie Be a better Heartthrob. Get better relationship answers from someone who knows. Answers - Check it out. Jackie Jackie

[Guest guest]

Autism 101 is Saturday,Sept 29th!!!!!!!!!!!hcf67@... wrote: Dear Families and Friends: I just want to clarify that if you have any questions about therapist times availability, insurance and Medicaid please contact Excellence in Therapy directly. Thank you so much, Heidi Fernandez Parent and Advocate "Knowledge is Power" "To the world, you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world."

Catch up on fall's hot new shows on TV. Watch previews, get listings, and more!

[Guest guest]

questions

> I've been thinking about making kombucha for a long time, but so far

> have been afraid...with lots of time to think I would like comments

> on some of my thoughts/questions. Thank you.

>

> First, kombucha making can't be all that scientific or recipe

> specific...just by the fact that people did it in their

> kitchens...and I've seen old recipes with measurements like " add some

> butter about the size of an egg " ...eggs come in a variety of sizes...

***Correct. Gayle

>

> Then I read that some have created a scoby from Synergy

> kombucha...and I have done this several times both on purpose and

> accidentally.

***Yes, I have done so with GT's Original. However, eventually disposed of

that strain as it did not brew nicely for me. Gayle

>

> I thnk the tea can be any strength as long as it is not weak. My

> first try should be with black tea?

***I use 6 to ten bags for a one gallon container of brew. Any mix of

white, green and/or black will work. Gayle

> Sugar is needed for the reaction....what happens when there is too

> much sugar? What happens when there is too little sugar...yes, at

> one time I tried to find the answers to this on the web, but got to

> the point everywhere they wanted money for the answers....so I gave

> up for a long time. I know about 1/3 -1/2 cup per quart should be

> about right.

***I would say that is about right...once you get going your personal taste

will tell you what is right for you. Gayle

>

> Has anyone tried other forms of sugar like fruit juice?

***I have tried cherry juice and apple juice instead of sugar with the tea.

The cherry was nice...the apple tasted yeasty. I disposed of teh SCOBY's

used after each brew. Gayle

>

> What would happen if I made a quart of tea, added a half cup of sugar

> and a bottle of synergy, covered it with sterile muslin (as in iron

> it with a hot iron), secure this with a rubber band and put the whole

> thing in a place where it will not be disturbed....for about a week?

> longer because I'm using synergy?...more sugar because I " m using

> synergy?

***I would say, go ahead and experiment. Let us know how it goes! Gayle

>

> What would happen if I made tea out of apple juice instead of water

> and used that instead of tea and sugar and added a bottle of synergy?

***Sorry, this one I don't quite understand??? Gayle

>

> Thanks

>

>

[Guest guest]

kd

I approached Kombucha with some kind of trepidation as well but after almost a

year of brewing I will try to answer some of your questions based on what i have

read and my own experiences. The replies are long so bear with me:

Kombucha making can be anything you make of it... Simply Pragmatic or very

scientific. KT brings its benefits any way you choose to make it. The scientific

way becomes quite a strain after a while... It is difficult to control all the

parameters: An example; The Kombucha tea itself is a culture of Bacteria and

yeast in a solution of various acids and several other components, vitamins,

tannin and a list too long for me to know let alone remember. Many of the yeast

and/or bacteria which makes up Kombucha are airborne... Their presence and

proportion vary from one environment to another.. What I have in my house is

different from what you would even if we were to live in the same neighborhood.

The Tea you will use, the one taken from the Camelia Sinensis is usually

fermented even White Tea is slightly fermented. The bacteria and yeast brought

in by the fermentation process cannot be controlled all that well. They are

living things with , yes, their own minds… So already

there you can see how difficult it could be to entirely control the process but

do not despair you can brew KT and get consistently good results… Just try to

not be too scientific. It will not yield the consistency of results you would

expect because the parameters and variables are too many…

Pragmatism yields much better results.. You drop 5 to ten teaspoons of Tea in

a gallon of hot water, add a cup or more of sugar in it then when it is cooled

and strained add at least 5 cups or more of previously brewed KT or 2 tablespoon

of distilled vinegar.. Put in a gallon Jar with a SCOBY you would have obtained

by any means you wish, the easiest and least expensive would be through one of

the members here. Cover this solution with a paper towel, not Muslin, you want

it to breathe, to exchange bacteria and yeast with its environment but you do

not want fruit flies and other nasties eggs to get in there either. Let nature

do her things… 5 often much more for your first brew, you get KT and usually a

new SCOBY … That is extremely unscientific but it is the way it ‘s been done for

several centuries and with excellent results.. then from time to time you get

into trouble while doing the same things … The consequences of such a pragmatic

approach… You address the group

and through their vast and rich shared experiences and knowledge you correct

the situation. A pragmatic approach to a real scientific problem.

The Health benefits of KT are scientifically demonstrated . Several people

amongst them Gunther , Roussin, Cornell Universities have studied

and found that its makeup is quite variable but there remains consistencies that

makes such a thing as Kombucha tea. Just like people all so varied and different

but there is such a thing as an Homo Sapiens…

In due time you will find the protocol that works the best for you and your

environment and while your teaspoons measurements will be different form mine or

others rest assured that we al are drinking KT.

You can create a SCOBY from Synergy but do not expect to produce KT with the

same taste as theirs. Again the brewing environments are different and their

process is very different form yours and quite difficult to replicate in the

home…

Go ahead with Black Tea if you want to but I and many others have found that a

mixture of Black and green tea is quite interesting on the palate… One of my

favorite mixture is the WOG a mixture made of White tea , Green Tea and Oolong

tea in equal proportion.. it produces a very fizzy and light KT… So if it is Tea

ANY Tea by that we mean the real Camelia Sinensis tea by all means try it.. I

also love Pu-Errh a very earthy-flavored Black tea…

When there is too much sugar the reaction is slowed down and the fermentation

which takes between 5 and 10 days takes longer to attain the same results.. Not

a dramatic problem really but you will have to wait longer..

I have personally created a Hybrid without knowing it. In my first brew I used

powered sugar and had to throw it away. The SCOBY was not damaged so the next

time I used Synergy Raw Kombucha as a starter. It produced a SCOBy which has had

many offsprings.. I have brewed countless gallons with these SCOBYs and it has

the taste and behavior and maybe the health benefits of Real KT and for all

practical purposes it could be Real KT.. Since I am an engineer thus anal about

certain things.. I obtained a new SCOBY from a member of this group and started

brewing with it.. taste is different and maybe better than my Hybrid and it seem

to take longer to brew to my taste. So I would discourage you from trying

Synergy and tea s the basis for your KT because you really cannot know in what

direction the resulting brew will go. Synergy is said to be Lactic Acid-based,

whereas traditional, Classic KT is Acetic-based… So keep your Synergy

experiments separate from the other KT…

I have not tried to ferment Fruit juices… If you were to ferment Fruit Juice

even with a KT SCOBY the resulting brew shall not be KT. KT requires Camelia

Sinensis. Some people on this -group have added Fruit Juice to their bottle

of KT and the results are from what they say very good , I have not, yet but

this is often done in what is called the secondary ferment. Essentially you brew

KT and while it is being bottled you add the fruit Juice or whatever you wish to

add…

Hope I have answered some of your questions. More knowledgeable people will

certainly chime in. Just start brewing.. The more you brew the more you develop

your techniques and are able to have quite consistent results… Then once in a

while Nature will throw you a curve.. Not to worry ..

Hope you will let us know the results of your brewings…

Frantz

kdbusy <kdbusy@...> wrote: I've been thinking

about making kombucha for a long time, but so far

have been afraid...with lots of time to think I would like comments

on some of my thoughts/questions. Thank you.

First, Kombucha-making can't be all that scientific or recipe

specific...just by the fact that people did it in their

kitchens...and I've seen old recipes with measurements like " add some

butter about the size of an egg " ...eggs come in a variety of sizes...

Then I read that some have created a scoby from Synergy

kombucha...and I have done this several times both on purpose and

accidentally.

I thnk the tea can be any strength as long as it is not weak. My

first try should be with black tea?

Sugar is needed for the reaction....what happens when there is too

much sugar? What happens when there is too little sugar...yes, at

one time I tried to find the answers to this on the web, but got to

the point everywhere they wanted money for the answers....so I gave

up for a long time. I know about 1/3 -1/2 cup per quart should be

about right.

Has anyone tried other forms of sugar like fruit juice?

What would happen if I made a quart of tea, added a half cup of sugar

and a bottle of synergy, covered it with sterile muslin (as in iron

it with a hot iron), secure this with a rubber band and put the whole

thing in a place where it will not be disturbed....for about a week?

longer because I'm using synergy?...more sugar because I " m using

synergy?

What would happen if I made tea out of apple juice instead of water

and used that instead of tea and sugar and added a bottle of synergy?

Thanks

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

Never miss a thing. Make your homepage.

[Guest guest]

kd

I approached Kombucha with some kind of trepidation as well but after almost a

year of brewing I will try to answer some of your questions based on what i have

read and my own experiences. The replies are long so bear with me:

Kombucha making can be anything you make of it... Simply Pragmatic or very

scientific. KT brings its benefits any way you choose to make it. The scientific

way becomes quite a strain after a while... It is difficult to control all the

parameters: An example; The Kombucha tea itself is a culture of Bacteria and

yeast in a solution of various acids and several other components, vitamins,

tannin and a list too long for me to know let alone remember. Many of the yeast

and/or bacteria which makes up Kombucha are airborne... Their presence and

proportion vary from one environment to another.. What I have in my house is

different from what you would even if we were to live in the same neighborhood.

The Tea you will use, the one taken from the Camelia Sinensis is usually

fermented even White Tea is slightly fermented. The bacteria and yeast brought

in by the fermentation process cannot be controlled all that well. They are

living things with , yes, their own minds… So already

there you can see how difficult it could be to entirely control the process but

do not despair you can brew KT and get consistently good results… Just try to

not be too scientific. It will not yield the consistency of results you would

expect because the parameters and variables are too many…

Pragmatism yields much better results.. You drop 5 to ten teaspoons of Tea in

a gallon of hot water, add a cup or more of sugar in it then when it is cooled

and strained add at least 5 cups or more of previously brewed KT or 2 tablespoon

of distilled vinegar.. Put in a gallon Jar with a SCOBY you would have obtained

by any means you wish, the easiest and least expensive would be through one of

the members here. Cover this solution with a paper towel, not Muslin, you want

it to breathe, to exchange bacteria and yeast with its environment but you do

not want fruit flies and other nasties eggs to get in there either. Let nature

do her things… 5 often much more for your first brew, you get KT and usually a

new SCOBY … That is extremely unscientific but it is the way it ‘s been done for

several centuries and with excellent results.. then from time to time you get

into trouble while doing the same things … The consequences of such a pragmatic

approach… You address the group

and through their vast and rich shared experiences and knowledge you correct

the situation. A pragmatic approach to a real scientific problem.

The Health benefits of KT are scientifically demonstrated . Several people

amongst them Gunther , Roussin, Cornell Universities have studied

and found that its makeup is quite variable but there remains consistencies that

makes such a thing as Kombucha tea. Just like people all so varied and different

but there is such a thing as an Homo Sapiens…

In due time you will find the protocol that works the best for you and your

environment and while your teaspoons measurements will be different form mine or

others rest assured that we al are drinking KT.

You can create a SCOBY from Synergy but do not expect to produce KT with the

same taste as theirs. Again the brewing environments are different and their

process is very different form yours and quite difficult to replicate in the

home…

Go ahead with Black Tea if you want to but I and many others have found that a

mixture of Black and green tea is quite interesting on the palate… One of my

favorite mixture is the WOG a mixture made of White tea , Green Tea and Oolong

tea in equal proportion.. it produces a very fizzy and light KT… So if it is Tea

ANY Tea by that we mean the real Camelia Sinensis tea by all means try it.. I

also love Pu-Errh a very earthy-flavored Black tea…

When there is too much sugar the reaction is slowed down and the fermentation

which takes between 5 and 10 days takes longer to attain the same results.. Not

a dramatic problem really but you will have to wait longer..

I have personally created a Hybrid without knowing it. In my first brew I used

powered sugar and had to throw it away. The SCOBY was not damaged so the next

time I used Synergy Raw Kombucha as a starter. It produced a SCOBy which has had

many offsprings.. I have brewed countless gallons with these SCOBYs and it has

the taste and behavior and maybe the health benefits of Real KT and for all

practical purposes it could be Real KT.. Since I am an engineer thus anal about

certain things.. I obtained a new SCOBY from a member of this group and started

brewing with it.. taste is different and maybe better than my Hybrid and it seem

to take longer to brew to my taste. So I would discourage you from trying

Synergy and tea s the basis for your KT because you really cannot know in what

direction the resulting brew will go. Synergy is said to be Lactic Acid-based,

whereas traditional, Classic KT is Acetic-based… So keep your Synergy

experiments separate from the other KT…

I have not tried to ferment Fruit juices… If you were to ferment Fruit Juice

even with a KT SCOBY the resulting brew shall not be KT. KT requires Camelia

Sinensis. Some people on this -group have added Fruit Juice to their bottle

of KT and the results are from what they say very good , I have not, yet but

this is often done in what is called the secondary ferment. Essentially you brew

KT and while it is being bottled you add the fruit Juice or whatever you wish to

add…

Hope I have answered some of your questions. More knowledgeable people will

certainly chime in. Just start brewing.. The more you brew the more you develop

your techniques and are able to have quite consistent results… Then once in a

while Nature will throw you a curve.. Not to worry ..

Hope you will let us know the results of your brewings…

Frantz

kdbusy <kdbusy@...> wrote: I've been thinking

about making kombucha for a long time, but so far

have been afraid...with lots of time to think I would like comments

on some of my thoughts/questions. Thank you.

First, Kombucha-making can't be all that scientific or recipe

specific...just by the fact that people did it in their

kitchens...and I've seen old recipes with measurements like " add some

butter about the size of an egg " ...eggs come in a variety of sizes...

Then I read that some have created a scoby from Synergy

kombucha...and I have done this several times both on purpose and

accidentally.

I thnk the tea can be any strength as long as it is not weak. My

first try should be with black tea?

Sugar is needed for the reaction....what happens when there is too

much sugar? What happens when there is too little sugar...yes, at

one time I tried to find the answers to this on the web, but got to

the point everywhere they wanted money for the answers....so I gave

up for a long time. I know about 1/3 -1/2 cup per quart should be

about right.

Has anyone tried other forms of sugar like fruit juice?

What would happen if I made a quart of tea, added a half cup of sugar

and a bottle of synergy, covered it with sterile muslin (as in iron

it with a hot iron), secure this with a rubber band and put the whole

thing in a place where it will not be disturbed....for about a week?

longer because I'm using synergy?...more sugar because I " m using

synergy?

What would happen if I made tea out of apple juice instead of water

and used that instead of tea and sugar and added a bottle of synergy?

Thanks

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