Re: Hi from , a new member

[Guest guest]

, you will be fine.all you really can do and this is just my opinion. but god created your body to heal itself.if you provide the body right .and you will do just fine.I'm in Knoxville.the great news i got medicaid approved me after my insurance went up 118%.funny thing was i never applied for it.my sons on tn care and they said because i complied during the child support hearings i qualified.so again i was provided for with prayer.now everything is covered and b/c b/s {lol i like the b.s after the b/c}ends in Oct. but theres alot of great people here that's taught me alot.and thank god every day he wakes me up. marvindamartian05 <marvindamartian05@...> wrote: Hi Group Members:After joining the group a couple of weeks ago, and hanging around observing and getting to know some of you through your posts, I decided I should introduce myself.My name is , I am 42 year old female, mother of 2 teens, and I found out about a month ago that I have Hep C. It was through a life insurance physical, and it shocked me quite a bit. As soon as I got the results, I jumped on the net and researched the disease, and was pretty devastated (still am). One thing I did before I even got to the doctors to confirm the lab results was stop drinking alcohol for life, change my eating habits and start

taking NAC, SAMe, ALA and milk thistle. Also I am drinking several gallons of water each day.I know I am new to this so maybe this all covered ground for most of the group; I mention it because the point is that I had to be proactive or I would curl up in a ball from fear!The test results on my life insurance physical showed postive for hep c, with AST of 98 and ALT of 79. All other enzymes were normal, thank God, so my thought was, this is not going to be so bad. Then went to the doctor, and some encouraging news that my AST and ALT's were 86 and 68 (maybe due to silymarin, etc?) and my liver felt normal and not enlarged. Then the bomb dropped that my viral load is 4.3 million! That is very high, and as I read the group memeber posts, I have not seen a load this high. I also have learned that the higher the load, the less chance I have of being successful with the treatment.So, now I am somewhat

depressed and worried. I don't see the hepatoligist til Oct 5th, and I don't even know my genotype yet, but it's probably 1a just based upon probability. The doctor put me on Zoloft, but I read that it is not good for the liver so I figured I'd rather have panic attacks and try to control them than take something that can cause more damage.I have been trying to keep my chin up, and my only symptom is that I get very tired in the early evening, but every time I think about what the future holds I get very scared and stressed. I have 2 kids to put through college and a very stressful job. I have to stay healthy for them and me and I know that stress doesn't help and can hurt a great deal.My question for you all is this: has anyone in the group, or does anyone know of anyone, who has had as high a viral load as me and been successful with the treatment? I know the hepatolist will likely recommend that I do

it, but I also don't want to and can't be possibly debilitated for something that may not help me.Thanks in advance for any guidance on this! I thank God that this group is here, and by the way I am a Christian (saved when I lived in lin, TN and so I enjoy Hillbilly Tim's posts quite a bit!) and prayer is a big part of my life. I sure have been doing a lot more of it recently.Tim Parsons knoxville,tn 37931 865-588-2465 x107 work www.knoxville1.com

All-new - Fire up a more powerful email and get things done faster.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I am currently in treatment, week 25. I started with 2.5 million and am testing negative for the virus now so yes, it has worked for me. I was undetectable by week 12 (under 600) but still positive. I wasn't negative (under 25) till week 20 so I am doing a full 72 weeks of treatment. But I will do anything to beat this so have no problem with continuing treatment to the end.

4.3 million is not considered high but rather medium so in my opinion you have a good chance but everyone responds to treatment in a different way, there is no way to tell. 5 million and above is considered high (see: http://www.hepatitis-c.de/viraload.htm for any questions regarding VL).

below 200: very low

200,000-1Million: low

1Million - 5Million: medium

5Million-25Million: high

25Million and above: very high

Ally

On 9/22/06, marvindamartian05 <marvindamartian05@...> wrote:

Hi Group Members:After joining the group a couple of weeks ago, and hanging around observing and getting to know some of you through your posts, I decided I should introduce myself.My name is , I am 42 year old female, mother of 2 teens, and I found out about a month ago that I have Hep C. It was through a life insurance physical, and it shocked me quite a bit. As soon as I got the results, I jumped on the net and researched the disease, and was

pretty devastated (still am). One thing I did before I even got to the doctors to confirm the lab results was stop drinking alcohol for life, change my eating habits and start taking NAC, SAMe, ALA and milk thistle. Also I am drinking several gallons of water each day.

I know I am new to this so maybe this all covered ground for most of the group; I mention it because the point is that I had to be proactive or I would curl up in a ball from fear!The test results on my life insurance physical showed postive for hep c, with AST of 98 and ALT of 79. All other enzymes were normal, thank God, so my thought was, this is not going to be so bad. Then went to the doctor, and some encouraging news that my AST and ALT's were 86

and 68 (maybe due to silymarin, etc?) and my liver felt normal and not enlarged. Then the bomb dropped that my viral load is 4.3 million! That is very high, and as I read the group memeber posts, I have not seen a load this high. I also have learned that the higher the load, the less chance I have of being successful with the treatment.So, now I am somewhat depressed and worried. I don't see the hepatoligist til Oct 5th, and I don't even know my genotype yet, but it's probably 1a just based upon probability. The doctor put me on Zoloft, but I read that it is not good for the liver so I figured I'd rather have panic attacks and try to control them than take something

that can cause more damage.I have been trying to keep my chin up, and my only symptom is that I get very tired in the early evening, but every time I think about what the future holds I get very scared and stressed. I have 2 kids to put through college and a very stressful job. I have to stay healthy for them and me and I know that stress doesn't help and can hurt a great deal.My question for you all is this: has anyone in the group, or does anyone know of anyone, who has had as high a viral load as me and been successful with the treatment? I know the hepatolist will likely recommend that I do it, but I also don't want to and can't be possibly debilitated for something that may not help me.

Thanks in advance for any guidance on this! I thank God that this group is here, and by the way I am a Christian (saved when I lived in lin, TN and so I enjoy Hillbilly Tim's posts quite a bit!) and

prayer is a big part of my life. I sure have been doing a lot more of it recently.

[Guest guest]

Last December my viral load was 14 1/2 million and I was started on my 4th round of the treatment . Within 8 weeks my viral load was below 300 and I probably would have cleared if my heart hadnt decided to give me a hard time . My heart problem is something that I have had since 1990 . And I know of many others that have had much higher viral loads and treated sucessfully .There are allot of variables that determine whether a person clears or not . Age , overall health , preexisting conditions , genotype etc etc etc . I have one friend that had to treat for 3 yrs before she finally cleared and she has been clear now for 8yrs . You should be proud of yourself for stopping not drinking anymore , for allot of people it is the hardest thing about having hep c .Welcome to our group !

Hi from , a new member

Hi Group Members:After joining the group a couple of weeks ago, and hanging around observing and getting to know some of you through your posts, I decided I should introduce myself.My name is , I am 42 year old female, mother of 2 teens, and I found out about a month ago that I have Hep C. It was through a life insurance physical, and it shocked me quite a bit. As soon as I got the results, I jumped on the net and researched the disease, and was pretty devastated (still am). One thing I did before I even got to the doctors to confirm the lab results was stop drinking alcohol for life, change my eating habits and start taking NAC, SAMe, ALA and milk thistle. Also I am drinking several gallons of water each day.I know I am new to this so maybe this all covered ground for most of the group; I mention it because the point is that I had to be proactive or I would curl up in a ball from fear!The test results on my life insurance physical showed postive for hep c, with AST of 98 and ALT of 79. All other enzymes were normal, thank God, so my thought was, this is not going to be so bad. Then went to the doctor, and some encouraging news that my AST and ALT's were 86 and 68 (maybe due to silymarin, etc?) and my liver felt normal and not enlarged. Then the bomb dropped that my viral load is 4.3 million! That is very high, and as I read the group memeber posts, I have not seen a load this high. I also have learned that the higher the load, the less chance I have of being successful with the treatment.So, now I am somewhat depressed and worried. I don't see the hepatoligist til Oct 5th, and I don't even know my genotype yet, but it's probably 1a just based upon probability. The doctor put me on Zoloft, but I read that it is not good for the liver so I figured I'd rather have panic attacks and try to control them than take something that can cause more damage.I have been trying to keep my chin up, and my only symptom is that I get very tired in the early evening, but every time I think about what the future holds I get very scared and stressed. I have 2 kids to put through college and a very stressful job. I have to stay healthy for them and me and I know that stress doesn't help and can hurt a great deal.My question for you all is this: has anyone in the group, or does anyone know of anyone, who has had as high a viral load as me and been successful with the treatment? I know the hepatolist will likely recommend that I do it, but I also don't want to and can't be possibly debilitated for something that may not help me.Thanks in advance for any guidance on this! I thank God that this group is here, and by the way I am a Christian (saved when I lived in lin, TN and so I enjoy Hillbilly Tim's posts quite a bit!) and prayer is a big part of my life. I sure have been doing a lot more of it recently.

[Guest guest]

Thanks so much for the encouraging words! It helps when you are up and

down emotionally as I am right now...trying to think positively

though. I am very lucky to have been in good health (I thought) my

whole life. My immune system is great and I never get the flu. Maybe

this will pay off now, especially if I need to go through what you

have had to. As for stopping drinking - I always enjoyed wine, and not

always in moderation. Never imagined giving it up. But, the minute I

found out it was toxic to me, I dropped it like it never existed and

haven't missed it. I do wonder how I am going to reply when I am in

those social situations and people wonder why all of a sudden I am not

drinking, but I suppose I will just address it when the time comes. I

think this is the Lord's way of telling me to wake up and pay

attention to the gift of life He gave me. I have spent most of my life

taking care of sick parents, in-laws and raising kids, and working to

make other people rich. I suppose it is time to take care of myself,

but all of you moms (and dads) understand that it's hard to put

ourselves first when it's not somehting you are used to doing.

>

> Last December my viral load was 14 1/2 million and I was started on

my 4th round of the treatment . Within 8 weeks my viral load was below

300 and I probably would have cleared if my heart hadnt decided to

give me a hard time . My heart problem is something that I have had

since 1990 . And I know of many others that have had much higher viral

loads and treated sucessfully .There are allot of variables that

determine whether a person clears or not . Age , overall health ,

preexisting conditions , genotype etc etc etc . I have one friend

that had to treat for 3 yrs before she finally cleared and she has

been clear now for 8yrs . You should be proud of yourself for stopping

not drinking anymore , for allot of people it is the hardest thing

about having hep c .Welcome to our group !

> Hi from , a new member

>

>

> Hi Group Members:

>

> After joining the group a couple of weeks ago, and hanging around

> observing and getting to know some of you through your posts, I

> decided I should introduce myself.

>

> My name is , I am 42 year old female, mother of 2 teens, and I

> found out about a month ago that I have Hep C. It was through a life

> insurance physical, and it shocked me quite a bit. As soon as I got

> the results, I jumped on the net and researched the disease, and was

> pretty devastated (still am). One thing I did before I even got to

> the doctors to confirm the lab results was stop drinking alcohol for

> life, change my eating habits and start taking NAC, SAMe, ALA and

> milk thistle. Also I am drinking several gallons of water each day.

>

> I know I am new to this so maybe this all covered ground for most of

> the group; I mention it because the point is that I had to be

> proactive or I would curl up in a ball from fear!

>

> The test results on my life insurance physical showed postive for hep

> c, with AST of 98 and ALT of 79. All other enzymes were normal, thank

> God, so my thought was, this is not going to be so bad. Then went to

> the doctor, and some encouraging news that my AST and ALT's were 86

> and 68 (maybe due to silymarin, etc?) and my liver felt normal and

> not enlarged. Then the bomb dropped that my viral load is 4.3

> million! That is very high, and as I read the group memeber posts, I

> have not seen a load this high. I also have learned that the higher

> the load, the less chance I have of being successful with the

> treatment.

>

> So, now I am somewhat depressed and worried. I don't see the

> hepatoligist til Oct 5th, and I don't even know my genotype yet, but

> it's probably 1a just based upon probability. The doctor put me on

> Zoloft, but I read that it is not good for the liver so I figured I'd

> rather have panic attacks and try to control them than take something

> that can cause more damage.

>

> I have been trying to keep my chin up, and my only symptom is that I

> get very tired in the early evening, but every time I think about

> what the future holds I get very scared and stressed. I have 2 kids

> to put through college and a very stressful job. I have to stay

> healthy for them and me and I know that stress doesn't help and can

> hurt a great deal.

>

> My question for you all is this: has anyone in the group, or does

> anyone know of anyone, who has had as high a viral load as me and

> been successful with the treatment? I know the hepatolist will likely

> recommend that I do it, but I also don't want to and can't be

> possibly debilitated for something that may not help me.

>

> Thanks in advance for any guidance on this! I thank God that this

> group is here, and by the way I am a Christian (saved when I lived in

> lin, TN and so I enjoy Hillbilly Tim's posts quite a bit!) and

> prayer is a big part of my life. I sure have been doing a lot more of

> it recently.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Yes it IS hard to put yourself first but this is NOT forever and you must take care of yourself... We are here for ya and will help you as much as we can! jaxmarvindamartian05 <marvindamartian05@...> wrote: Thanks so much for the encouraging words! It helps when you are up anddown emotionally as I am right now...trying to think positivelythough. I am very lucky to have been in good health (I thought) mywhole life. My immune system is great and I never get the flu. Maybethis will

pay off now, especially if I need to go through what youhave had to. As for stopping drinking - I always enjoyed wine, and notalways in moderation. Never imagined giving it up. But, the minute Ifound out it was toxic to me, I dropped it like it never existed andhaven't missed it. I do wonder how I am going to reply when I am inthose social situations and people wonder why all of a sudden I am notdrinking, but I suppose I will just address it when the time comes. Ithink this is the Lord's way of telling me to wake up and payattention to the gift of life He gave me. I have spent most of my lifetaking care of sick parents, in-laws and raising kids, and working tomake other people rich. I suppose it is time to take care of myself,but all of you moms (and dads) understand that it's hard to putourselves first when it's not somehting you are used to doing.>> Last December my viral load was 14 1/2 million and I was started onmy 4th round of the treatment . Within 8 weeks my viral load was below300 and I probably would have cleared if my heart hadnt decided togive me a hard time . My heart problem is something that I have hadsince 1990 . And I know of many others that have had much higher viralloads and treated sucessfully .There are allot of variables thatdetermine whether a person clears or not . Age , overall health ,preexisting conditions , genotype etc etc etc . I have one friendthat had to treat for 3 yrs before she finally cleared and she hasbeen clear now for 8yrs . You should be proud of yourself for stoppingnot drinking anymore , for allot of people it is the hardest thingabout having hep c .Welcome to

our group !> Hi from , a new member> > > Hi Group Members:> > After joining the group a couple of weeks ago, and hanging around > observing and getting to know some of you through your posts, I > decided I should introduce myself.> > My name is , I am 42 year old female, mother of 2 teens, and I > found out about a month ago that I have Hep C. It was through a life > insurance physical, and it shocked me quite a bit. As soon as I got > the results, I jumped on the net and researched the disease, and was > pretty devastated (still am). One thing I did before I even got to > the doctors

to confirm the lab results was stop drinking alcohol for > life, change my eating habits and start taking NAC, SAMe, ALA and > milk thistle. Also I am drinking several gallons of water each day.> > I know I am new to this so maybe this all covered ground for most of > the group; I mention it because the point is that I had to be > proactive or I would curl up in a ball from fear!> > The test results on my life insurance physical showed postive for hep > c, with AST of 98 and ALT of 79. All other enzymes were normal, thank > God, so my thought was, this is not going to be so bad. Then went to > the doctor, and some encouraging news that my AST and ALT's were 86 > and 68 (maybe due to silymarin, etc?) and my liver felt normal and > not enlarged. Then the bomb dropped that my viral load is 4.3 > million! That is very high, and as I read the group memeber posts, I > have

not seen a load this high. I also have learned that the higher > the load, the less chance I have of being successful with the > treatment.> > So, now I am somewhat depressed and worried. I don't see the > hepatoligist til Oct 5th, and I don't even know my genotype yet, but > it's probably 1a just based upon probability. The doctor put me on > Zoloft, but I read that it is not good for the liver so I figured I'd > rather have panic attacks and try to control them than take something > that can cause more damage.> > I have been trying to keep my chin up, and my only symptom is that I > get very tired in the early evening, but every time I think about > what the future holds I get very scared and stressed. I have 2 kids > to put through college and a very stressful job. I have to stay > healthy for them and me and I know that stress doesn't help and can > hurt a

great deal.> > My question for you all is this: has anyone in the group, or does > anyone know of anyone, who has had as high a viral load as me and > been successful with the treatment? I know the hepatolist will likely > recommend that I do it, but I also don't want to and can't be > possibly debilitated for something that may not help me.> > Thanks in advance for any guidance on this! I thank God that this > group is here, and by the way I am a Christian (saved when I lived in > lin, TN and so I enjoy Hillbilly Tim's posts quite a bit!) and > prayer is a big part of my life. I sure have been doing a lot more of > it recently.> > >Jackie

[Guest guest]

Oh Ally, Im so happy for you, you are going to make it ,, just keep putting one foot in front of the other! Congrats on being undetectible and I agree that 72 weeks is the ticket for you! jaxAlly <4thMoon@...> wrote: Hi , I am currently in treatment, week 25. I started with 2.5 million and am testing negative for the virus now so yes, it has worked for me. I was undetectable by week 12 (under 600) but still positive. I wasn't negative (under 25) till

week 20 so I am doing a full 72 weeks of treatment. But I will do anything to beat this so have no problem with continuing treatment to the end. 4.3 million is not considered high but rather medium so in my opinion you have a good chance but everyone responds to treatment in a different way, there is no way to tell. 5 million and above is considered high (see: http://www.hepatitis-c.de/viraload.htm for any questions regarding VL). below 200: very low 200,000-1Million: low 1Million - 5Million: medium 5Million-25Million: high 25Million and above: very high Ally On 9/22/06, marvindamartian05 <marvindamartian05 >

wrote: Hi Group Members:After joining the group a couple of weeks ago, and hanging around observing and getting to know some of you through your posts, I decided I should introduce myself.My name is , I am 42 year old female, mother of 2 teens, and I found out about a month ago that I have Hep C. It was through a life insurance physical, and it shocked me quite a bit. As soon as I got the results, I jumped on the net and researched the disease, and was pretty devastated (still am). One thing I did before I even got to the doctors to confirm the lab results was stop drinking alcohol for life, change my eating habits and start taking NAC, SAMe, ALA and milk thistle. Also I am drinking several gallons of water each day. I know I am new to this so maybe this all covered

ground for most of the group; I mention it because the point is that I had to be proactive or I would curl up in a ball from fear!The test results on my life insurance physical showed postive for hep c, with AST of 98 and ALT of 79. All other enzymes were normal, thank God, so my thought was, this is not going to be so bad. Then went to the doctor, and some encouraging news that my AST and ALT's were 86 and 68 (maybe due to silymarin, etc?) and my liver felt normal and not enlarged. Then the bomb dropped that my viral load is 4.3 million! That is very high, and as I read the group memeber posts, I have not seen a load this high. I also have learned that the higher the load, the less chance I have of being successful with the treatment.So, now I am somewhat depressed and worried. I don't see the hepatoligist til Oct 5th, and I don't even know my genotype yet, but it's probably 1a just based upon

probability. The doctor put me on Zoloft, but I read that it is not good for the liver so I figured I'd rather have panic attacks and try to control them than take something that can cause more damage.I have been trying to keep my chin up, and my only symptom is that I get very tired in the early evening, but every time I think about what the future holds I get very scared and stressed. I have 2 kids to put through college and a very stressful job. I have to stay healthy for them and me and I know that stress doesn't help and can hurt a great deal.My question for you all is this: has anyone in the group, or does anyone know of anyone, who has had as high a viral load as me and been successful with the treatment? I know the hepatolist will likely recommend that I do it, but I also don't want to and can't be possibly debilitated for something that may not help me. Thanks in advance for any guidance on

this! I thank God that this group is here, and by the way I am a Christian (saved when I lived in lin, TN and so I enjoy Hillbilly Tim's posts quite a bit!) and prayer is a big part of my life. I sure have been doing a lot more of it recently. Jackie

[Guest guest]

When I am in those social settings where everyone is getting ready to toast one thing or another I have my wine glass (or champagne) filled with water . No one has ever asked me why I don't drink when everyone else is , so I think the same will happen with you . And putting yourself first is most important right now . I am a mother of 5 (6) so I know the sacrifices we make as parents to care for our children . But right now you need to be number one .

Hi from , a new member> > > Hi Group Members:> > After joining the group a couple of weeks ago, and hanging around > observing and getting to know some of you through your posts, I > decided I should introduce myself.> > My name is , I am 42 year old female, mother of 2 teens, and I > found out about a month ago that I have Hep C. It was through a life > insurance physical, and it shocked me quite a bit. As soon as I got > the results, I jumped on the net and researched the disease, and was > pretty devastated (still am). One thing I did before I even got to > the doctors to confirm the lab results was stop drinking alcohol for > life, change my eating habits and start taking NAC, SAMe, ALA and > milk thistle. Also I am drinking several gallons of water each day.> > I know I am new to this so maybe this all covered ground for most of > the group; I mention it because the point is that I had to be > proactive or I would curl up in a ball from fear!> > The test results on my life insurance physical showed postive for hep > c, with AST of 98 and ALT of 79. All other enzymes were normal, thank > God, so my thought was, this is not going to be so bad. Then went to > the doctor, and some encouraging news that my AST and ALT's were 86 > and 68 (maybe due to silymarin, etc?) and my liver felt normal and > not enlarged. Then the bomb dropped that my viral load is 4.3 > million! That is very high, and as I read the group memeber posts, I > have not seen a load this high. I also have learned that the higher > the load, the less chance I have of being successful with the > treatment.> > So, now I am somewhat depressed and worried. I don't see the > hepatoligist til Oct 5th, and I don't even know my genotype yet, but > it's probably 1a just based upon probability. The doctor put me on > Zoloft, but I read that it is not good for the liver so I figured I'd > rather have panic attacks and try to control them than take something > that can cause more damage.> > I have been trying to keep my chin up, and my only symptom is that I > get very tired in the early evening, but every time I think about > what the future holds I get very scared and stressed. I have 2 kids > to put through college and a very stressful job. I have to stay > healthy for them and me and I know that stress doesn't help and can > hurt a great deal.> > My question for you all is this: has anyone in the group, or does > anyone know of anyone, who has had as high a viral load as me and > been successful with the treatment? I know the hepatolist will likely > recommend that I do it, but I also don't want to and can't be > possibly debilitated for something that may not help me.> > Thanks in advance for any guidance on this! I thank God that this > group is here, and by the way I am a Christian (saved when I lived in > lin, TN and so I enjoy Hillbilly Tim's posts quite a bit!) and > prayer is a big part of my life. I sure have been doing a lot more of > it recently.> > >

[Guest guest]

In cases where we are at a party or social function where others are drinking, I often just say I don't drink, could I have a glass of soda instead. Most folks are very understanding about that. And if push comes to shove, I say I am the designated driver. That pretty much stop conversation right there. With the campaigns to drive sober and have a DD, I fit right in. So I will toast with some soda and I am fine. Love Janetelizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1@...> wrote: When I am in those social settings where everyone is getting ready to toast one thing or another I have my wine glass (or champagne) filled with water . No one has ever asked me why I don't drink when everyone else is , so I think the same will happen with you . And putting yourself first is most important right now . I am a mother of 5 (6) so I know the sacrifices we make as parents to care for our children . But right now you need to be number one . Hi from , a new member> > > Hi Group Members:> > After joining the

group a couple of weeks ago, and hanging around > observing and getting to know some of you through your posts, I > decided I should introduce myself.> > My name is , I am 42 year old female, mother of 2 teens, and I > found out about a month ago that I have Hep C. It was through a life > insurance physical, and it shocked me quite a bit. As soon as I got > the results, I jumped on the net and researched the disease, and was > pretty devastated (still am). One thing I did before I even got to > the doctors to confirm the lab results was stop drinking alcohol for > life, change my eating habits and start taking NAC, SAMe, ALA and > milk thistle. Also I am drinking several gallons of water each day.> > I know I am new to this so maybe this all covered ground for most of > the group; I mention it because the point is that I had to be > proactive or I would curl up in

a ball from fear!> > The test results on my life insurance physical showed postive for hep > c, with AST of 98 and ALT of 79. All other enzymes were normal, thank > God, so my thought was, this is not going to be so bad. Then went to > the doctor, and some encouraging news that my AST and ALT's were 86 > and 68 (maybe due to silymarin, etc?) and my liver felt normal and > not enlarged. Then the bomb dropped that my viral load is 4.3 > million! That is very high, and as I read the group memeber posts, I > have not seen a load this high. I also have learned that the higher > the load, the less chance I have of being successful with the > treatment.> > So, now I am somewhat depressed and worried. I don't see the > hepatoligist til Oct 5th, and I don't even know my genotype yet, but > it's probably 1a just based upon probability. The doctor put me on > Zoloft, but I

read that it is not good for the liver so I figured I'd > rather have panic attacks and try to control them than take something > that can cause more damage.> > I have been trying to keep my chin up, and my only symptom is that I > get very tired in the early evening, but every time I think about > what the future holds I get very scared and stressed. I have 2 kids > to put through college and a very stressful job. I have to stay > healthy for them and me and I know that stress doesn't help and can > hurt a great deal.> > My question for you all is this: has anyone in the group, or does > anyone know of anyone, who has had as high a viral load as me and > been successful with the treatment? I know the hepatolist will likely > recommend that I do it, but I also don't want to and can't be > possibly debilitated for something that may not help me.> > Thanks

in advance for any guidance on this! I thank God that this > group is here, and by the way I am a Christian (saved when I lived in > lin, TN and so I enjoy Hillbilly Tim's posts quite a bit!) and > prayer is a big part of my life. I sure have been doing a lot more of > it recently.> > > Take the ordinary things of life, and make them your own. Do the impossible with a smile

[Guest guest]

That's an excellent way also Janet ! I have never tried askin for sode though ,lol

Hi from , a new member> > > Hi Group Members:> > After joining the group a couple of weeks ago, and hanging around > observing and getting to know some of you through your posts, I > decided I should introduce myself.> > My name is , I am 42 year old female, mother of 2 teens, and I > found out about a month ago that I have Hep C. It was through a life > insurance physical, and it shocked me quite a bit. As soon as I got > the results, I jumped on the net and researched the disease, and was > pretty devastated (still am). One thing I did before I even got to > the doctors to confirm the lab results was stop drinking alcohol for > life, change my eating habits and start taking NAC, SAMe, ALA and > milk thistle. Also I am drinking several gallons of water each day.> > I know I am new to this so maybe this all covered ground for most of > the group; I mention it because the point is that I had to be > proactive or I would curl up in a ball from fear!> > The test results on my life insurance physical showed postive for hep > c, with AST of 98 and ALT of 79. All other enzymes were normal, thank > God, so my thought was, this is not going to be so bad. Then went to > the doctor, and some encouraging news that my AST and ALT's were 86 > and 68 (maybe due to silymarin, etc?) and my liver felt normal and > not enlarged. Then the bomb dropped that my viral load is 4.3 > million! That is very high, and as I read the group memeber posts, I > have not seen a load this high. I also have learned that the higher > the load, the less chance I have of being successful with the > treatment.> > So, now I am somewhat depressed and worried. I don't see the > hepatoligist til Oct 5th, and I don't even know my genotype yet, but > it's probably 1a just based upon probability. The doctor put me on > Zoloft, but I read that it is not good for the liver so I figured I'd > rather have panic attacks and try to control them than take something > that can cause more damage.> > I have been trying to keep my chin up, and my only symptom is that I > get very tired in the early evening, but every time I think about > what the future holds I get very scared and stressed. I have 2 kids > to put through college and a very stressful job. I have to stay > healthy for them and me and I know that stress doesn't help and can > hurt a great deal.> > My question for you all is this: has anyone in the group, or does > anyone know of anyone, who has had as high a viral load as me and > been successful with the treatment? I know the hepatolist will likely > recommend that I do it, but I also don't want to and can't be > possibly debilitated for something that may not help me.> > Thanks in advance for any guidance on this! I thank God that this > group is here, and by the way I am a Christian (saved when I lived in > lin, TN and so I enjoy Hillbilly Tim's posts quite a bit!) and > prayer is a big part of my life. I sure have been doing a lot more of > it recently.> > >

Take the ordinary things of life, and make them your own. Do the impossible with a smile

[Guest guest]

Thank you both for that great advice! How wise you folks are. Now I

can give the gift of sober driving to family and friends this holiday

season! I was also thinking of saying that I have had my share of

alcohol for the past 20 years, now it's someone else's turn.

> >

> > Last December my viral load was 14 1/2 million and I was started on

> my 4th round of the treatment . Within 8 weeks my viral load was below

> 300 and I probably would have cleared if my heart hadnt decided to

> give me a hard time . My heart problem is something that I have had

> since 1990 . And I know of many others that have had much higher viral

> loads and treated sucessfully .There are allot of variables that

> determine whether a person clears or not . Age , overall health ,

> preexisting conditions , genotype etc etc etc . I have one friend

> that had to treat for 3 yrs before she finally cleared and she has

> been clear now for 8yrs . You should be proud of yourself for stopping

> not drinking anymore , for allot of people it is the hardest thing

> about having hep c .Welcome to our group !

> > Hi from , a new member

> >

> >

> > Hi Group Members:

> >

> > After joining the group a couple of weeks ago, and hanging around

> > observing and getting to know some of you through your posts, I

> > decided I should introduce myself.

> >

> > My name is , I am 42 year old female, mother of 2 teens, and I

> > found out about a month ago that I have Hep C. It was through a life

> > insurance physical, and it shocked me quite a bit. As soon as I got

> > the results, I jumped on the net and researched the disease, and was

> > pretty devastated (still am). One thing I did before I even got to

> > the doctors to confirm the lab results was stop drinking alcohol for

> > life, change my eating habits and start taking NAC, SAMe, ALA and

> > milk thistle. Also I am drinking several gallons of water each day.

> >

> > I know I am new to this so maybe this all covered ground for most of

> > the group; I mention it because the point is that I had to be

> > proactive or I would curl up in a ball from fear!

> >

> > The test results on my life insurance physical showed postive for hep

> > c, with AST of 98 and ALT of 79. All other enzymes were normal, thank

> > God, so my thought was, this is not going to be so bad. Then went to

> > the doctor, and some encouraging news that my AST and ALT's were 86

> > and 68 (maybe due to silymarin, etc?) and my liver felt normal and

> > not enlarged. Then the bomb dropped that my viral load is 4.3

> > million! That is very high, and as I read the group memeber posts, I

> > have not seen a load this high. I also have learned that the higher

> > the load, the less chance I have of being successful with the

> > treatment.

> >

> > So, now I am somewhat depressed and worried. I don't see the

> > hepatoligist til Oct 5th, and I don't even know my genotype yet, but

> > it's probably 1a just based upon probability. The doctor put me on

> > Zoloft, but I read that it is not good for the liver so I figured I'd

> > rather have panic attacks and try to control them than take something

> > that can cause more damage.

> >

> > I have been trying to keep my chin up, and my only symptom is that I

> > get very tired in the early evening, but every time I think about

> > what the future holds I get very scared and stressed. I have 2 kids

> > to put through college and a very stressful job. I have to stay

> > healthy for them and me and I know that stress doesn't help and can

> > hurt a great deal.

> >

> > My question for you all is this: has anyone in the group, or does

> > anyone know of anyone, who has had as high a viral load as me and

> > been successful with the treatment? I know the hepatolist will likely

> > recommend that I do it, but I also don't want to and can't be

> > possibly debilitated for something that may not help me.

> >

> > Thanks in advance for any guidance on this! I thank God that this

> > group is here, and by the way I am a Christian (saved when I lived in

> > lin, TN and so I enjoy Hillbilly Tim's posts quite a bit!) and

> > prayer is a big part of my life. I sure have been doing a lot more of

> > it recently.

> >

> >

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Take the ordinary things of life, and make them your own. Do the

impossible with a smile

>

[Guest guest]

I just tell them that I have liver disease(cirrhosis) and that I dont drink,, PERIOD... so far, NO ONE has bothered to say a word more... jaxJanet <doc_jade@...> wrote: In cases where we are at a party or social function where others are drinking, I often just say I don't drink, could I have a glass of soda instead. Most folks are very understanding about that. And if push comes to shove, I say I am the designated driver. That pretty much stop conversation right there. With the

campaigns to drive sober and have a DD, I fit right in. So I will toast with some soda and I am fine. Love Janetelizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1earthlink (DOT) net> wrote: When I am in those social settings where everyone is getting ready to toast one thing or another I have my wine glass (or champagne) filled with water . No one has ever asked me why I don't drink when everyone else is , so I think the same will happen with you . And putting yourself first is most important right now . I am a mother of 5 (6) so I know the sacrifices we make as parents to care for our children . But right now you need to be number one . -----

Original Message ----- From: marvindamartian05 Hepatitis C Sent: Friday, September 22, 2006 8:53 PM Subject: Re: Hi from , a new member Thanks so much for the encouraging words! It helps when you are up anddown emotionally as I am right now...trying to think positivelythough. I am very lucky to have been in good health (I thought) mywhole life. My immune system is great and I never get the flu. Maybethis will pay off now, especially if I need to go through what

youhave had to. As for stopping drinking - I always enjoyed wine, and notalways in moderation. Never imagined giving it up. But, the minute Ifound out it was toxic to me, I dropped it like it never existed andhaven't missed it. I do wonder how I am going to reply when I am inthose social situations and people wonder why all of a sudden I am notdrinking, but I suppose I will just address it when the time comes. Ithink this is the Lord's way of telling me to wake up and payattention to the gift of life He gave me. I have spent most of my lifetaking care of sick parents, in-laws and raising kids, and working tomake other people rich. I suppose it is time to take care of myself,but all of you moms (and dads) understand that it's hard to putourselves first when it's not somehting you are used to doing.>> Last December my viral load was 14 1/2 million and I was started onmy 4th round of the treatment . Within 8 weeks my viral load was below300 and I probably would have cleared if my heart hadnt decided togive me a hard time . My heart problem is something that I have hadsince 1990 . And I know of many others that have had much higher viralloads and treated sucessfully .There are allot of variables thatdetermine whether a person clears or not . Age , overall health ,preexisting conditions , genotype etc etc etc . I have one friendthat had to treat for 3 yrs before she finally cleared and she hasbeen clear now for 8yrs . You should be proud of yourself for stoppingnot drinking anymore , for allot of people it is the hardest thingabout having hep c .Welcome to our group !> Hi from , a new member> > > Hi Group Members:> > After joining the group a couple of weeks ago, and hanging around > observing and getting to know some of you through your posts, I > decided I should introduce myself.> > My name is , I am 42 year old female, mother of 2 teens, and I > found out about a month ago that I have Hep C. It was through a life > insurance physical, and it shocked me quite a bit. As soon as I got > the results, I jumped on the net and researched the disease, and was > pretty devastated (still am). One thing I did before I even got to > the doctors to confirm the lab results was stop drinking alcohol for > life, change my eating habits and

start taking NAC, SAMe, ALA and > milk thistle. Also I am drinking several gallons of water each day.> > I know I am new to this so maybe this all covered ground for most of > the group; I mention it because the point is that I had to be > proactive or I would curl up in a ball from fear!> > The test results on my life insurance physical showed postive for hep > c, with AST of 98 and ALT of 79. All other enzymes were normal, thank > God, so my thought was, this is not going to be so bad. Then went to > the doctor, and some encouraging news that my AST and ALT's were 86 > and 68 (maybe due to silymarin, etc?) and my liver felt normal and > not enlarged. Then the bomb dropped that my viral load is 4.3 > million! That is very high, and as I read the group memeber posts, I > have not seen a load this high. I also have learned that the higher > the load, the less chance I

have of being successful with the > treatment.> > So, now I am somewhat depressed and worried. I don't see the > hepatoligist til Oct 5th, and I don't even know my genotype yet, but > it's probably 1a just based upon probability. The doctor put me on > Zoloft, but I read that it is not good for the liver so I figured I'd > rather have panic attacks and try to control them than take something > that can cause more damage.> > I have been trying to keep my chin up, and my only symptom is that I > get very tired in the early evening, but every time I think about > what the future holds I get very scared and stressed. I have 2 kids > to put through college and a very stressful job. I have to stay > healthy for them and me and I know that stress doesn't help and can > hurt a great deal.> > My question for you all is this: has anyone in the group, or does

> anyone know of anyone, who has had as high a viral load as me and > been successful with the treatment? I know the hepatolist will likely > recommend that I do it, but I also don't want to and can't be > possibly debilitated for something that may not help me.> > Thanks in advance for any guidance on this! I thank God that this > group is here, and by the way I am a Christian (saved when I lived in > lin, TN and so I enjoy Hillbilly Tim's posts quite a bit!) and > prayer is a big part of my life. I sure have been doing a lot more of > it recently.> > > Take the ordinary things of life, and make them your own. Do the impossible with a smile Jackie

[Guest guest]

redjaxjm@... writes:

I just tell them that I have liver disease(cirrhosis) and that I dont drink,, PERIOD... so far, NO ONE has bothered to say a word more...

jax

I don't tell them anything. I just carry a glass of 7-up, put a cherry in it, and watch everyone ELSE get loaded. Then I can be as silly as they are, have a good time, and still feel good when I get home. LOL

Dar

[Guest guest]

Your attitude is so excellent , and yes your being a sober driver can be the best gift given ever to others ! Plus you might just be saving their lives or others , lol

Hi from , a new member> > > > > > Hi Group Members:> > > > After joining the group a couple of weeks ago, and hanging around > > observing and getting to know some of you through your posts, I > > decided I should introduce myself.> > > > My name is , I am 42 year old female, mother of 2 teens, and I > > found out about a month ago that I have Hep C. It was through a life > > insurance physical, and it shocked me quite a bit. As soon as I got > > the results, I jumped on the net and researched the disease, and was > > pretty devastated (still am). One thing I did before I even got to > > the doctors to confirm the lab results was stop drinking alcohol for > > life, change my eating habits and start taking NAC, SAMe, ALA and > > milk thistle. Also I am drinking several gallons of water each day.> > > > I know I am new to this so maybe this all covered ground for most of > > the group; I mention it because the point is that I had to be > > proactive or I would curl up in a ball from fear!> > > > The test results on my life insurance physical showed postive for hep > > c, with AST of 98 and ALT of 79. All other enzymes were normal, thank > > God, so my thought was, this is not going to be so bad. Then went to > > the doctor, and some encouraging news that my AST and ALT's were 86 > > and 68 (maybe due to silymarin, etc?) and my liver felt normal and > > not enlarged. Then the bomb dropped that my viral load is 4.3 > > million! That is very high, and as I read the group memeber posts, I > > have not seen a load this high. I also have learned that the higher > > the load, the less chance I have of being successful with the > > treatment.> > > > So, now I am somewhat depressed and worried. I don't see the > > hepatoligist til Oct 5th, and I don't even know my genotype yet, but > > it's probably 1a just based upon probability. The doctor put me on > > Zoloft, but I read that it is not good for the liver so I figured I'd > > rather have panic attacks and try to control them than take something > > that can cause more damage.> > > > I have been trying to keep my chin up, and my only symptom is that I > > get very tired in the early evening, but every time I think about > > what the future holds I get very scared and stressed. I have 2 kids > > to put through college and a very stressful job. I have to stay > > healthy for them and me and I know that stress doesn't help and can > > hurt a great deal.> > > > My question for you all is this: has anyone in the group, or does > > anyone know of anyone, who has had as high a viral load as me and > > been successful with the treatment? I know the hepatolist will likely > > recommend that I do it, but I also don't want to and can't be > > possibly debilitated for something that may not help me.> > > > Thanks in advance for any guidance on this! I thank God that this > > group is here, and by the way I am a Christian (saved when I lived in > > lin, TN and so I enjoy Hillbilly Tim's posts quite a bit!) and > > prayer is a big part of my life. I sure have been doing a lot more of > > it recently.> > > > > >> > > > > > > > > Take the ordinary things of life, and make them your own. Do theimpossible with a smile>