Guest guest Posted October 1, 2001 Report Share Posted October 1, 2001 Hi Cristi! Welcome back, glad to have you anytime. I remember you from way back when and am glad to hear you did so well in your first challenge. No worries about staying on track this time, just check in on a daily basis and post anytime, even if it's just " hi I'm on track still " . Jeanne M. just finished her 1st challenge and I remember she posted alot during her 1st few weeks... it seemed to help her stay on track even when she was a little discouraged every now and then. Keep us posted and train hard. Jen B. > Hi, BFL-ers, > My name is Cristi and I just wanted to take a sec to introduce myself. I > was on the list from January to April 2001 and then popped off for a bit. I > completed my first challenge in April and was quite successful. However, I > made a bad decision (for me) and took a week off between challenges and > never got back on track for challenge #2. I have started challenge #2 three > or maybe even four times and got through week one or two before getting side > tracked. In my first challenge I lost 22 pounds and was feeling great. I > have gained a bit of it back but am now ready to get back on track. > > I really contribute a lot of my success in my last challenge to support I > recieved on-line both here and also on the websites where I was able to read > success stories. I think seeing other people's accomplishments really > helps! And talking about foods and working out and eating situations really > helps! So, I am back .... why I ever left is beyond me! I feel so > wonderful doing BFL that it is amazing that I can get side tracked. > > I feel getting in shape and staying healthy is so important! As a mom to > three young boys, I want to be around for a long time! And not just sitting > around watching their soccer and baseball games. I want to be there helping > them practice and running and playing with them as much as I can. I have > always been over weight and was never pushed to do anything athletic. Last > summer, my dh and I started running and I completed my first 5K. It was a > great feeling! I am hoping to run a 10K the end of November. > > So, I started my second challenge for the last time today. I am not doing > too much differently from my first challenge. My one big goal is to try to > keep some accurate logs of not only what I am eating and lifting but also > how I am feeling and what is making me eat or not eat correctly. Also, I > plan on writing daily goals to help me out. Does anyone keep their goals > and such in a blog? Was toying with the idea. Not sure if I want the whole > internet looking at my goals but it would be an easy way to keep track of > things. > > Personally, I live in IL with my dudes. I work on-line in a few different > capacities ... I own my own web design company (WebPagesbyMom.com) and also > am the Vice-President of Operations for a women's network on-line called > HerPlanet.com. Looking forward to meeting all those who joined the list > since April and remeeting all those that have been here for awhile! > > :-) > Cristi > c2d1w1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 1, 2001 Report Share Posted October 1, 2001 Thanks, Brett! I am looking forward to it! :-) Cristi c2w1d1 RE: Introduction > Welcome back! Best of luck with your " 2nd " challenge!! > > Brett Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 1, 2001 Report Share Posted October 1, 2001 LOL, Lana, You can get on my butt as much as you like! And it is nice to know there is someone else at the same point in their challenge as I am. And we finish on Christmas Eve!!! Too neat! I was just thinking I should figure out when this one ends so I can keep looking forward! That will be perfect. Take a small break between Christmas and New Year ... I like the idea of a modified week off ... and right back up the beginning of January! So, this being your third challenge, what are you goals? And how far have you come? Just being nosey! And curious! :-) Cristi c2d1w1 Re: Introduction > Cristi.... > > Welcome back!!! > > Hun.. you made one mistake.. you started your second challenge the same day > I started my 3rd... know what that means??? I know exactly when to get on > your butt!!! hehe. I will poke you and prod you and question your > whereabouts if you go quiet. *poke*... hurts donnit. > We finish christmas eve.. woooohooo! > > As for the week off... I think you need it.. but maybe if it's a problem for > you, you could do a modified week off... allow yourself as much bfl food as > you want to eat, and do light cardio each day. Anyway, you have 3 months to > worry about that! > > Lana > c3w1d1!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 1, 2001 Report Share Posted October 1, 2001 Hey, Jen B., Thanks for remembering me! I see a few familiar names around. I will be checking in! Don't worry. I think support like this is priceless! How are you doing on your challenge? Congrats, Jeanne M. on finishing your 1st challenge! :-) Cristi c2w1d1 Re: Introduction > Hi Cristi! Welcome back, glad to have you anytime. I remember > you from way back when and am glad to hear you did so well in your > first challenge. No worries about staying on track this time, just > check in on a daily basis and post anytime, even if it's just " hi I'm > on track still " . Jeanne M. just finished her 1st challenge and I > remember she posted alot during her 1st few weeks... it seemed to > help her stay on track even when she was a little discouraged every > now and then. Keep us posted and train hard. > > Jen B. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 1, 2001 Report Share Posted October 1, 2001 Cristi, Yep, yep, yep, support like this IS priceless!!! I'm with you and Lana, starting a new challenge today but for me it's C5!!!! Can't believe it's been that long, but here I am. We three ladies can keep each other in line... Lana's specialty is poking (and she won't let me in on that) so I picked kicking as my specialty, what's yours? LOL... maybe a Three Stooges-style head bop???? hehe Jen B. > Hey, Jen B., > Thanks for remembering me! I see a few familiar names around. I will be > checking in! Don't worry. I think support like this is priceless! How are > you doing on your challenge? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 1, 2001 Report Share Posted October 1, 2001 Welcome back Cristi. I think I barely remember you since I joined the list in March. If you stay on this list and have Lana poking you when needed, you can't fail! Andyman > > > Hi, BFL-ers, > > My name is Cristi and I just wanted to take a sec to introduce > myself. I > > was on the list from January to April 2001 and then popped off for > a bit. I > > completed my first challenge in April and was quite successful. > However, I > > made a bad decision (for me) and took a week off between challenges > and > > never got back on track for challenge #2. I have started challenge > #2 three > > or maybe even four times and got through week one or two before > getting side > > tracked. In my first challenge I lost 22 pounds and was feeling > great. I > > have gained a bit of it back but am now ready to get back on track. > > > > I really contribute a lot of my success in my last challenge to > support I > > recieved on-line both here and also on the websites where I was > able to read > > success stories. I think seeing other people's accomplishments > really > > helps! And talking about foods and working out and eating > situations really > > helps! So, I am back .... why I ever left is beyond me! I feel so > > wonderful doing BFL that it is amazing that I can get side tracked. > > > > I feel getting in shape and staying healthy is so important! As a > mom to > > three young boys, I want to be around for a long time! And not > just sitting > > around watching their soccer and baseball games. I want to be > there helping > > them practice and running and playing with them as much as I can. > I have > > always been over weight and was never pushed to do anything > athletic. Last > > summer, my dh and I started running and I completed my first 5K. > It was a > > great feeling! I am hoping to run a 10K the end of November. > > > > So, I started my second challenge for the last time today. I am > not doing > > too much differently from my first challenge. My one big goal is > to try to > > keep some accurate logs of not only what I am eating and lifting > but also > > how I am feeling and what is making me eat or not eat correctly. > Also, I > > plan on writing daily goals to help me out. Does anyone keep their > goals > > and such in a blog? Was toying with the idea. Not sure if I want > the whole > > internet looking at my goals but it would be an easy way to keep > track of > > things. > > > > Personally, I live in IL with my dudes. I work on-line in a few > different > > capacities ... I own my own web design company (WebPagesbyMom.com) > and also > > am the Vice-President of Operations for a women's network on-line > called > > HerPlanet.com. Looking forward to meeting all those who joined the > list > > since April and remeeting all those that have been here for awhile! > > > > :-) > > Cristi > > c2d1w1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 1, 2001 Report Share Posted October 1, 2001 Hi Cristi, I am/was in the same boat with you. Finished my first challenge and couldn't get going on the second challenge. I did start and re-start many, many too many times. Only to fail after 4 or 5 weeks. Continually getting off track and not being able to get it together. I am back with you too. Let's go girl... the force be with you, C2W2D1? but who is keeping track any way? > Hi, BFL-ers, > My name is Cristi and I just wanted to take a sec to introduce myself. I > was on the list from January to April 2001 and then popped off for a bit. I > completed my first challenge in April and was quite successful. However, I > made a bad decision (for me) and took a week off between challenges and > never got back on track for challenge #2. I have started challenge #2 three > or maybe even four times and got through week one or two before getting side > tracked. In my first challenge I lost 22 pounds and was feeling great. I > have gained a bit of it back but am now ready to get back on track. > > I really contribute a lot of my success in my last challenge to support I > recieved on-line both here and also on the websites where I was able to read > success stories. I think seeing other people's accomplishments really > helps! And talking about foods and working out and eating situations really > helps! So, I am back .... why I ever left is beyond me! I feel so > wonderful doing BFL that it is amazing that I can get side tracked. > > I feel getting in shape and staying healthy is so important! As a mom to > three young boys, I want to be around for a long time! And not Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 1, 2001 Report Share Posted October 1, 2001 LOL, Jen! How neat that we are all starting on the same day to keep each other in line! So, what are your goals this challenge? Have you completed five challenges in a row? If so, that is fabulous! And if not, doing and completing five just wows me! Congrats!! :-) Cristi Re: Introduction > Cristi, > > Yep, yep, yep, support like this IS priceless!!! I'm with you > and Lana, starting a new challenge today but for me it's C5!!!! Can't > believe it's been that long, but here I am. We three ladies can > keep each other in line... Lana's specialty is poking (and she won't > let me in on that) so I picked kicking as my specialty, what's > yours? LOL... maybe a Three Stooges-style head bop???? hehe > > Jen B. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 1, 2001 Report Share Posted October 1, 2001 Thanks, Andyman, And Lana everyone is mentioning your poking ;-) Can't wait to be poked! How are your challenges going Andyman? :-) Cristi Re: Introduction > Welcome back Cristi. I think I barely remember you since I joined > the list in March. If you stay on this list and have Lana poking you > when needed, you can't fail! > > Andyman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 1, 2001 Report Share Posted October 1, 2001 We will not fail this type, ! We are going to finish this second challenge for sure ;-) Thanks for the support! Cristi Re: Introduction > Hi Cristi, > I am/was in the same boat with you. Finished my first challenge and > couldn't get going on the second challenge. I did start and re-start > many, many too many times. Only to fail after 4 or 5 weeks. > Continually getting off track and not being able to get it together. > I am back with you too. Let's go girl... > the force be with you, > > C2W2D1? but who is keeping track any way? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 2, 2001 Report Share Posted October 2, 2001 Hi Christi! Welcome to the group! I'm starting C2 next Monday, this is my semi- off week, but I am going to eat BFL for the most part until then. I'm from Phoenix. It's great to meet people from all over the country, isn't it? Jeanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 2, 2001 Report Share Posted October 2, 2001 Hi, Jeanne, Phoenix! Neat!! So what is the temp in Phoenix today? It is 85 here in the Chicagoland but cooling down by the end of the week. I will miss summer :-( I love to run outside. Now, I have to start using my treadmill. Have a nice semi-off week! And good luck on C2. How did C1 go? Did you meet all your goals?? Do you have new goals for C2? I would love to hear them if you would like to share. :-) Cristi Re: Introduction > Hi Christi! > Welcome to the group! I'm starting C2 next Monday, this is my semi- > off week, but I am going to eat BFL for the most part until then. > I'm from Phoenix. It's great to meet people from all over the > country, isn't it? Jeanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 2, 2001 Report Share Posted October 2, 2001 Cristi, I've finished 4 challenges with 1-2 weeks off in between. It has been reallllly slow going, but looking back a year ago, I have really come a long way... started as a tight size 18 and went down to a size 8-10 (only up a size after the last 2 weeks of eating like it was going out of style - NOT recommended, LOL). Goals for this challenge - size 4-6, an 8-minute mile, and a few more that I won't bore you with the details. Feel free to email me anytime if you have questions you would rather not post to the group. I am coaching 3 people (strictly online) and it has been a lot of fun. Jen B. C5W1D2 > LOL, Jen! How neat that we are all starting on the same day to keep each > other in line! So, what are your goals this challenge? Have you completed > five challenges in a row? If so, that is fabulous! And if not, doing and > completing five just wows me! Congrats!! > > :-) > Cristi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 3, 2001 Report Share Posted October 3, 2001 Whoa!! Hey, just the other month your goal was to do a 10 minute mile...that's when I suggested we run together. Now you've sped up on me! Can't wait to get back into cardio but an 8 minute mile may be pushing it for me...you'll have to pretend I'm chasing you - who is going through slight WO withdrawals during my free week --- " Jen B. " wrote: > Goals for this challenge - size 4-6, an 8-minute > mile, and a few more > that I won't bore you with the details. __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 19, 2009 Report Share Posted January 19, 2009 Hi. My name is McGovern and I'm new to this group so I thought I would say a few words of introduction. I was first dx with Hepatitis C when the tests first came out either 89, 90, or 91 (I can't remember exactly). I had a biopsy then which indicated chronic Hepatitis C with no inflammation or fibrosis. My gastroenterologist at the time said that it was nothing to worry about, avoid alcohol, and I would probably live a long healthy life unaffected by the illness. So I basically ignored it (I did quit drinking completely). My enzymes were moderately elevated and no one seemed too concerned about it (AST and ALT in the 50s and 60s). Sometime in 2003 I got a report from my primary care physician that my viral count was way high as were my enzymes. My viral count at that time was about 18,000,000 and the enzymes were in the 700/800 range. I was also having a lot of trouble at work. I was falling asleep all the time and my boss was continually worried about my job performance (which was new for me). I worked at a community college running (and occasionally teaching) a small computer certification program for training computer technicians I went for a second biopsy from an A-hole, arrogant doctor who practically guaranteed me that the biopsy was a waste of time because he could tell by looking at me that it would come up negative for fibrosis. He was way wrong and the biopsy showed inflammation at grade 2, and severe fibrosis stage three. I was so tired all the time I couldn't work anymore and quit working. My jobs disability insurance kicked in a monthly payment and a year after that I applied, for, and received SS disability on the first go round. I also immediately started work with a naturopath in the Portland are (Keivan Jinnah ND) who's specialty was working with people with liver disease. For four years I went to his office for acupuncture, herbs, supplements, and homeopathics. I started to feel better, although the fatigue has persisted to this day in an incapacitating way. I am still unable to work and find performing the daily tasks of living day to day to be a challenge. Before September I noticed the fatigue seemed to be getting a little worse. Despite that, my health improved under Dr Jinnah's care. Gastro issues were resolved - extreme dry skin and splitting nails resolved - stomach bloating resolved - and liver enzymes dropped to between the 50s and 200s. Viral load has dropped to about 8,000,000. My family doctor has also been a good source of information and support. Aside from the crippling fatigue, I would say I feel healthy. I sleep well, eat really well (more on diet later), exercise as I can, socialize, read and study, and for the most part have my depression just under control. Plus we just got a new puppy. (you can see pictures of the puppy (and me and my wife) at. http://www.peterandjeanne.com . For more pictures of the puppy you can go to http://www.peterandjeanne.com/tiki.htm. In september I went in to OHSU under the care of Atif Zaman MD and underwent a biopsy (see the recent biopsy thread in this group for more info) that showed my liver had deteriorated from stage 3 (fibrosis) to stage 4 (cirrhosis). So I went to NYC to consult with Dr. Zhang who practices Modern Chinese Medicine and Dr Ira son who is the chief hepatologist at New York Hospital. Dr. Zhang changed my herbal protocol and I'm feeling a little better 2 months later. I haven't had blood work since then. Here's what the doctors are saying about treatment: Atif Zaman MD OHSU -- recommend I start combo right away or " in five years you'll be in big trouble' Ira son NY Hospital -- Start combo treatment right away or get into a study if you can. His big fear is the increased risk of liver cancer with cirrhosis. " We see two new cases of liver a cancer a week in here " . Dr. Zhang (Chinese MD). - more ambivalent about combo(interferon) treatment. Says I might do it because I have progressed to stage 4..but his writings indicate that he believes it is not likely to eradicate the virus. Is not worried about liver cancer because I am not in the same 'sampling' that son uses. Dr. Jinnah ND. Basically the same as Dr Zhang - but feels that the interferon would be hard for me because of my mental health issues and also feels that the treatment would be hard on my healthy organs. Also is not worried about cancer. (Both of the above 'alternative' practitioners have treated MANY patients of Hepatitis C over the years and have seen relatively few cases of liver cancer). Both Dr Jinnah and Dr Zhang believe that i would continue to do well on the alternative treatments...especially if they can bring my liver enzymes back in the normal range. Dr. Bonnie Reagan my PCP is also ambivalent about the Interferon combo treatment. She has several patients who took it..some had few problems..but a few have had permanent issues that have reduced the quuality of their life significantly. She would not like to see me take it but she will not push me either way. My own bias is against the interferon treatment for me...I'm older (58), have had the disease a long time (I think I got it sometime between 1965-1974), have a family history of depression (with successful suicides on both sides of my family (including my biological father), am already completely fatgiued to the point that I am depressed about it, and have worked extremely hard to get my health and mood to where it is. TX would, I believe, throw all that to the winds. I also have some autoimmune problems from the Hepatitis C. I have oral lichen planus and have lost four or five teeth to an immune glitch where my teeth start to eat themselves. My baisc fear is that I would take the TX, would clear the virus (or not)..would suffer horribly from the sides..would end up with other issues (thyroid, depression, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, arthritis, pancreas, kidney, adrenal, etc.) and then would end up with the virus reestablishing itself leaving me with a host of health problems, worse fatigue and depression, and possibly decompensated cirrhosis instead of compensated cirrhosis. The other problem I have for myself..is that I already have cirrhosis. Dr Zaman wants to treat the sides of TX aggressively. My guess is, that to successfully navigate through TX, I would have to take a lot of drugs...low doses of acetaminophen, possibly procrit, certainly anti-depressants, etc. A year of that would certainly NOT be helpful to my liver. A friend of mine is taking interferon for cancer and the basic worry his doctor has for him is that interferon is harmful to his liver! If I didn't clear the virus (and even if I did)...I am fearful the TX, and the drugs I would have to take in support of it, would be harmful to the quality of my life. I'd like to hang on at least five more years and see what they've come up with. So many people are turning up with this virus that it will be increasingly profitable for someone to come up with something that works better than what they have now. So I'm interested in Dr Berkson's treatment with IV alpha lipoic acid, selenium, and milt thistle. I haven't read or heard of any negative experiences with him. Bottom line: I'm hoping to hang on for as long as I can till they come up with a better treatment that has better odds. So that's my introduction. I look forward to reading your stories, learning from your experiences, and helping where I can. I'm hoping to connect here with people who are in my shoes...and to learn from them what they have done: what success stories there are..what mistakes people have made..and what has worked and what hasn't worked as they live life with this disease. Because of my fatigue and trying to keep up with my daily life...I may or may not be able to keep up with this group as much as I would like. But I'll do my best. Best Regards (and thanks in advance)to All, Cheers, McGovern Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 19, 2009 Report Share Posted January 19, 2009 Hi , I appreciate your e-mail and we have quite a bit in common. I am 52. I was diagnosed in 1996 but I know I got it in 1978. When I was diagnosed I had no sign of it. No elevation and no scaring and no fibrosis. They told me then that because I was 1a and a woman that I should do nothing. Don't drink and eat right and I should live a long life. I went back in in 2007 for an update. I was given a biopsy that came back stage 3 fibrosis with no inflammation so they told me to give it a few months and try to lose some weight I had gained and see where we are. A month later I ended up in the hospital with a cat scan for something else. They found that my spleen was swollen and I had portal hypertension and cirrhosis. I said "what the hell"................!! They said sorry but sometimes the biopsy gets a good piece so we didn't know. Not sure how I should feel about that statement. I was then told I needed to see a liver doctor and blood doctor as my blood ranges were already affected. I started treatment Nov 1 2008 and have had 11 shots. I have 37 to go. I am tired quite a bit. I am on procrit and neuprin. They are starting to work. I went from 1.5 million in white blood cells to 7 million last Thursday and had energy for the first time in 3 months. I do get sick of the whole thing. I am working about 6 hours a day. I own a staffing company and its important that I at least show up for a few hours every day. My legs are swollen and my gums bleed. I can only eat bits at a time. I am not losing weight which is shocking to me. If I had to do it all over again I would of done the TX when I was diagnosed in 96.........good luck . Subject: IntroductionTo: Hepatitis_C_Central Date: Monday, January 19, 2009, 1:01 PM Hi.My name is McGovern and I'm new to this group so I thought Iwould say a few words of introduction.I was first dx with Hepatitis C when the tests first came out either89, 90, or 91 (I can't remember exactly). I had a biopsy then whichindicated chronic Hepatitis C with no inflammation or fibrosis. Mygastroenterologist at the time said that it was nothing to worryabout, avoid alcohol, and I would probably live a long healthy lifeunaffected by the illness. So I basically ignored it (I did quitdrinking completely). My enzymes were moderately elevated and no oneseemed too concerned about it (AST and ALT in the 50s and 60s).Sometime in 2003 I got a report from my primary care physician that myviral count was way high as were my enzymes. My viral count at thattime was about 18,000,000 and the enzymes were in the 700/800 range. Iwas also having a lot of trouble at work.I was falling asleep all the time and my boss was continually worriedabout my job performance (which was new for me). I worked at acommunity college running (and occasionally teaching) a smallcomputer certification program for training computer techniciansI went for a second biopsy from an A-hole, arrogant doctor whopractically guaranteed me that the biopsy was a waste of time becausehe could tell by looking at me that it would come up negative forfibrosis.He was way wrong and the biopsy showed inflammation at grade 2, andsevere fibrosis stage three. I was so tired all the time I couldn'twork anymore and quit working. My jobs disability insurance kicked ina monthly payment and a year after that I applied, for, and receivedSS disability on the first go round.I also immediately started work with a naturopath in the Portland are(Keivan Jinnah ND) who's specialty was working with people with liverdisease.For four years I went to his office for acupuncture, herbs,supplements, and homeopathics.I started to feel better, although the fatigue has persisted to thisday in an incapacitating way. I am still unable to work and findperforming the daily tasks of living day to day to be a challenge.Before September I noticed the fatigue seemed to be getting a littleworse.Despite that, my health improved under Dr Jinnah's care. Gastro issueswere resolved - extreme dry skin and splitting nails resolved -stomach bloating resolved - and liver enzymes dropped to between the50s and 200s. Viral load has dropped to about 8,000,000. My familydoctor has also been a good source of information and support. Asidefrom the crippling fatigue, I would say I feel healthy. I sleep well,eat really well (more on diet later), exercise as I can, socialize,read and study, and for the most part have my depression just undercontrol. Plus we just got a new puppy. (you can see pictures of thepuppy (and me and my wife) at. http://www.peterand jeanne.com . Formore pictures of the puppy you can go tohttp://www.peterand jeanne.com/ tiki.htm.In september I went in to OHSU under the care of Atif Zaman MD andunderwent a biopsy (see the recent biopsy thread in this group formore info) that showed my liver had deteriorated from stage 3(fibrosis) to stage 4 (cirrhosis).So I went to NYC to consult with Dr. Zhang who practices ModernChinese Medicine and Dr Ira son who is the chief hepatologist atNew York Hospital. Dr. Zhang changed my herbal protocol and I'mfeeling a little better 2 months later. I haven't had blood work sincethen.Here's what the doctors are saying about treatment:Atif Zaman MD OHSU -- recommend I start combo right away or "in fiveyears you'll be in big trouble'Ira son NY Hospital -- Start combo treatment right away or getinto a study if you can. His big fear is the increased risk of livercancer with cirrhosis. "We see two new cases of liver a cancer a weekin here". Dr. Zhang (Chinese MD). - more ambivalent about combo(interferon)treatment. Says I might do it because I have progressed to stage4..but his writings indicate that he believes it is not likely toeradicate the virus. Is not worried about liver cancer because I amnot in the same 'sampling' that son uses.Dr. Jinnah ND. Basically the same as Dr Zhang - but feels that theinterferon would be hard for me because of my mental health issues andalso feels that the treatment would be hard on my healthy organs. Alsois not worried about cancer.(Both of the above 'alternative' practitioners have treated MANYpatients of Hepatitis C over the years and have seen relatively fewcases of liver cancer).Both Dr Jinnah and Dr Zhang believe that i would continue to do wellon the alternative treatments.. .especially if they can bring my liverenzymes back in the normal range.Dr. Bonnie Reagan my PCP is also ambivalent about the Interferon combotreatment. She has several patients who took it..some had fewproblems..but a few have had permanent issues that have reduced thequuality of their life significantly. She would not like to see metake it but she will not push me either way.My own bias is against the interferon treatment for me...I'm older(58), have had the disease a long time (I think I got it sometimebetween 1965-1974), have a family history of depression (withsuccessful suicides on both sides of my family (including mybiological father), am already completely fatgiued to the point that Iam depressed about it, and have worked extremely hard to get my healthand mood to where it is. TX would, I believe, throw all that to thewinds. I also have some autoimmune problems from the Hepatitis C. Ihave oral lichen planus and have lost four or five teeth to an immuneglitch where my teeth start to eat themselves. My baisc fear is that Iwould take the TX, would clear the virus (or not)..would sufferhorribly from the sides..would end up with other issues (thyroid,depression, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, arthritis, pancreas,kidney, adrenal, etc.) and then would end up with the virusreestablishing itself leaving me with a host of health problems, worsefatigue and depression, and possibly decompensated cirrhosis insteadof compensated cirrhosis.The other problem I have for myself..is that I already have cirrhosis.Dr Zaman wants to treat the sides of TX aggressively. My guess is,that to successfully navigate through TX, I would have to take a lotof drugs...low doses of acetaminophen, possibly procrit, certainlyanti-depressants, etc. A year of that would certainly NOT be helpfulto my liver. A friend of mine is taking interferon for cancer and thebasic worry his doctor has for him is that interferon is harmful tohis liver! If I didn't clear the virus (and even if I did)...I amfearful the TX, and the drugs I would have to take in support of it,would be harmful to the quality of my life.I'd like to hang on at least five more years and see what they've comeup with. So many people are turning up with this virus that it will beincreasingly profitable for someone to come up with something thatworks better than what they have now. So I'm interested in Dr Berkson's treatment with IV alpha lipoic acid,selenium, and milt thistle. I haven't read or heard of any negativeexperiences with him.Bottom line: I'm hoping to hang on for as long as I can till they comeup with a better treatment that has better odds.So that's my introduction. I look forward to reading your stories,learning from your experiences, and helping where I can.I'm hoping to connect here with people who are in my shoes...and tolearn from them what they have done: what success stories thereare..what mistakes people have made..and what has worked and whathasn't worked as they live life with this disease.Because of my fatigue and trying to keep up with my daily life...I mayor may not be able to keep up with this group as much as I would like.But I'll do my best.Best Regards (and thanks in advance)to All,Cheers, McGovern Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 20, 2009 Report Share Posted January 20, 2009 Oh Val, I can so relate to what you are saying. I'm at 20 wks too (of 48, I'm 1a) and told my hubby last night if it weren't for him and the kid's, I'd quit. I was really feeling blessed that I've only had a couple of ant hills to climb since I started tx and now it feels like I'm crawling a damn mountain. I agree the itching is awful. My daughter Jewel (6) asked me if I had fleas, she'd give me a bath like we do the dogs. I send you big hugs and know we can both (all of us) beat this. Amber Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T Re: Introduction Hi I have almost my entire life used alternatives and diet to heal. Think this is a blessing???? Its not. Because I took such good care of myself my Hepatitis C hid from yearly Dr. visits AND a bout of kidney stones. No one had a clue I had HepC until I was diagnosed in 12/07. I am now End Stage Liver Disease with complications and a decompensated liver. I am a 3a which is the only reason they allowed me to try Tx as well as being established for the transplant list. Its really been a piece of cake for me The only thing its done to my liver is lower my liver enzymes. I get a CT Scan in March so we will know more. I am on week 20 of 28 weeks and only now is it getting to me. I had no symptoms other than not being able to sleep for the first 3 1/2 months. Its only the past month that the downhill slide has progressed to hell Hey it beats death or a liver transplant. My sides from Tx are psoriasis that is increasing getting worse. My face feels so hot at night along with the itching from the rashes, psoriasis I cover myself in ice packs which helps with the itching immediately. My bloodwork is bad and getting worse. I have no immune system but have not been sick or had a fever. I am sitting here in Florida with the house temp at 76 degrees in a big furry coat. I am always cold and always tired but becoming inceasingly more so. It is no longer safe for me to drive due to brain fog but my area is filled with people more brain dead than me LMAO so I continue to drive short distances. I tried alternatives and will go back to them. Not sure which one yet. I have been virus negative since my 5th week and the nodules on my liver were disappearing with just a diet change. You sound like you have given up and in to the Dragon? I plan to kick his butt until either he or I is dead. With a great diet specifically tailored to your specific nutritional needs, a never give up attitude and a support system YOU CAN DO ANYTHING. I know I am living proof > > Hi. > > My name is McGovern and I'm new to this group so I thought I > would say a few words of introduction. > > I was first dx with Hepatitis C when the tests first came out either > 89, 90, or 91 (I can't remember exactly). I had a biopsy then which > indicated chronic Hepatitis C with no inflammation or fibrosis. My > gastroenterologist at the time said that it was nothing to worry > about, avoid alcohol, and I would probably live a long healthy life > unaffected by the illness. So I basically ignored it (I did quit > drinking completely). My enzymes were moderately elevated and no one > seemed too concerned about it (AST and ALT in the 50s and 60s). > > Sometime in 2003 I got a report from my primary care physician that my > viral count was way high as were my enzymes. My viral count at that > time was about 18,000,000 and the enzymes were in the 700/800 range. I > was also having a lot of trouble at work. > > I was falling asleep all the time and my boss was continually worried > about my job performance (which was new for me). I worked at a > community college running (and occasionally teaching) a small > computer certification program for training computer technicians > > I went for a second biopsy from an A-hole, arrogant doctor who > practically guaranteed me that the biopsy was a waste of time because > he could tell by looking at me that it would come up negative for > fibrosis. > > He was way wrong and the biopsy showed inflammation at grade 2, and > severe fibrosis stage three. I was so tired all the time I couldn't > work anymore and quit working. My jobs disability insurance kicked in > a monthly payment and a year after that I applied, for, and received > SS disability on the first go round. > > I also immediately started work with a naturopath in the Portland are > (Keivan Jinnah ND) who's specialty was working with people with liver > disease. > > For four years I went to his office for acupuncture, herbs, > supplements, and homeopathics. > > I started to feel better, although the fatigue has persisted to this > day in an incapacitating way. I am still unable to work and find > performing the daily tasks of living day to day to be a challenge. > Before September I noticed the fatigue seemed to be getting a little > worse. > > Despite that, my health improved under Dr Jinnah's care. Gastro issues > were resolved - extreme dry skin and splitting nails resolved - > stomach bloating resolved - and liver enzymes dropped to between the > 50s and 200s. Viral load has dropped to about 8,000,000. My family > doctor has also been a good source of information and support. Aside > from the crippling fatigue, I would say I feel healthy. I sleep well, > eat really well (more on diet later), exercise as I can, socialize, > read and study, and for the most part have my depression just under > control. Plus we just got a new puppy. (you can see pictures of the > puppy (and me and my wife) at. http://www.peterandjeanne.com . For > more pictures of the puppy you can go to > http://www.peterandjeanne.com/tiki.htm. > > > In september I went in to OHSU under the care of Atif Zaman MD and > underwent a biopsy (see the recent biopsy thread in this group for > more info) that showed my liver had deteriorated from stage 3 > (fibrosis) to stage 4 (cirrhosis). > > So I went to NYC to consult with Dr. Zhang who practices Modern > Chinese Medicine and Dr Ira son who is the chief hepatologist at > New York Hospital. Dr. Zhang changed my herbal protocol and I'm > feeling a little better 2 months later. I haven't had blood work since > then. > > Here's what the doctors are saying about treatment: > > Atif Zaman MD OHSU -- recommend I start combo right away or " in five > years you'll be in big trouble' > > Ira son NY Hospital -- Start combo treatment right away or get > into a study if you can. His big fear is the increased risk of liver > cancer with cirrhosis. " We see two new cases of liver a cancer a week > in here " . > > Dr. Zhang (Chinese MD). - more ambivalent about combo(interferon) > treatment. Says I might do it because I have progressed to stage > 4..but his writings indicate that he believes it is not likely to > eradicate the virus. Is not worried about liver cancer because I am > not in the same 'sampling' that son uses. > > Dr. Jinnah ND. Basically the same as Dr Zhang - but feels that the > interferon would be hard for me because of my mental health issues and > also feels that the treatment would be hard on my healthy organs. Also > is not worried about cancer. > > (Both of the above 'alternative' practitioners have treated MANY > patients of Hepatitis C over the years and have seen relatively few > cases of liver cancer). > > Both Dr Jinnah and Dr Zhang believe that i would continue to do well > on the alternative treatments...especially if they can bring my liver > enzymes back in the normal range. > > Dr. Bonnie Reagan my PCP is also ambivalent about the Interferon combo > treatment. She has several patients who took it..some had few > problems..but a few have had permanent issues that have reduced the > quuality of their life significantly. She would not like to see me > take it but she will not push me either way. > > My own bias is against the interferon treatment for me...I'm older > (58), have had the disease a long time (I think I got it sometime > between 1965-1974), have a family history of depression (with > successful suicides on both sides of my family (including my > biological father), am already completely fatgiued to the point that I > am depressed about it, and have worked extremely hard to get my health > and mood to where it is. TX would, I believe, throw all that to the > winds. I also have some autoimmune problems from the Hepatitis C. I > have oral lichen planus and have lost four or five teeth to an immune > glitch where my teeth start to eat themselves. My baisc fear is that I > would take the TX, would clear the virus (or not)..would suffer > horribly from the sides..would end up with other issues (thyroid, > depression, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, arthritis, pancreas, > kidney, adrenal, etc.) and then would end up with the virus > reestablishing itself leaving me with a host of health problems, worse > fatigue and depression, and possibly decompensated cirrhosis instead > of compensated cirrhosis. > > The other problem I have for myself..is that I already have cirrhosis. > Dr Zaman wants to treat the sides of TX aggressively. My guess is, > that to successfully navigate through TX, I would have to take a lot > of drugs...low doses of acetaminophen, possibly procrit, certainly > anti-depressants, etc. A year of that would certainly NOT be helpful > to my liver. A friend of mine is taking interferon for cancer and the > basic worry his doctor has for him is that interferon is harmful to > his liver! If I didn't clear the virus (and even if I did)...I am > fearful the TX, and the drugs I would have to take in support of it, > would be harmful to the quality of my life. > > I'd like to hang on at least five more years and see what they've come > up with. So many people are turning up with this virus that it will be > increasingly profitable for someone to come up with something that > works better than what they have now. > > So I'm interested in Dr Berkson's treatment with IV alpha lipoic acid, > selenium, and milt thistle. I haven't read or heard of any negative > experiences with him. > > Bottom line: I'm hoping to hang on for as long as I can till they come > up with a better treatment that has better odds. > > So that's my introduction. I look forward to reading your stories, > learning from your experiences, and helping where I can. > > I'm hoping to connect here with people who are in my shoes...and to > learn from them what they have done: what success stories there > are..what mistakes people have made..and what has worked and what > hasn't worked as they live life with this disease. > > Because of my fatigue and trying to keep up with my daily life...I may > or may not be able to keep up with this group as much as I would like. > But I'll do my best. > > Best Regards (and thanks in advance)to All, > > Cheers, > > > McGovern > ------------------------------------ It's a pleasure having you join in our conversations. We hope you have found the support you need with us. If you are using email for your posts, for easy access to our group, just click the link-- http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Hepatitis_C_Central/ Happy Posting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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