New to group

[Guest guest]

Lanell

Welcome to the LBD caregivers group. I would answer your question of

LBD diagnosis, but feel it would be more beneficial to you to read the

LBD website. It is very informative. Please go to

http://www.lewybodydisease.org

There you will find a wealth of information, and answers to some of your

questions. Also, if you type in Lewy Body Disease in a search engine,

many websites will be offered...read and learn.

Is your mom taking any medications? Does she have hallucinations, and

Parkinson's symptoms?

Will wait for your reply. Please know you are not alone in the journey.

There are many others going through what you are and will offer support,

hands on experience, and many prayers.

Be sure to take care of yourself as well.

Sandie

Des Moines, IA

(dad, Merle, passed away 9-20-02 of LBD)

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much for your advice!

>>> sksohio2000@... 07/01/03 13:22 PM >>>

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much for your reply. I will check out lewybodydisease.org.

I don't think my mom has hallucinations, but she her hands shake badly

espcially in the morning.

She takes Aricept for memory, Alprazolam a tranquilizer, Lithium for

bi-polar disease, Fluoxetine (I think it's Prozac) for mood, Risperdone

to help with mood. My mother is extremely anxious and irritable. Her

dr. has prescribed all these things to try to help her calm down and be

happier. She has seen a geriatric psychologist, but never a

nuerologist. A previous doctor did order a cat scan (mri?) and ruled

out stroke, turmors, etc.

When I saw somewhere on the internet that some drugs prescribed for

Alzheimers can actually cause problems for people with Lewy Body I

became quite alarmed. I think I should get her in to a nuerologist

asap. She's quite confused and seems to be getting visibly worse in the

last month.

Thanks so much.

- Lanell

>>> sanclown@... 07/01/03 13:22 PM >>>

[Guest guest]

Lanell,

Welcome to the group. My mom didn't start out with hallucinations

either. She has been treated for years for depression, and also for

being extremely anxious and irritable. She has been on Paxil,

Lorazepan, and Ambien for quite awhile. Then she began with the

tremors, and after that the halluciantions. The meds she is on now

seem to be helping quite a bit( for the moment). Things can change

so quickly for them.

I hope you find what is needed to help your mom. The

lewybodydisease.org website is extremely helpful, as are the people

in this group. Personally, it helps me to read the posts and know

that I am not alone in this.

Beth L.

> Thank you so much for your reply. I will check out

lewybodydisease.org.

> I don't think my mom has hallucinations, but she her hands shake

badly

> espcially in the morning.

>

> She takes Aricept for memory, Alprazolam a tranquilizer, Lithium

for

> bi-polar disease, Fluoxetine (I think it's Prozac) for mood,

Risperdone

> to help with mood. My mother is extremely anxious and irritable.

Her

> dr. has prescribed all these things to try to help her calm down

and be

> happier. She has seen a geriatric psychologist, but never a

> nuerologist. A previous doctor did order a cat scan (mri?) and

ruled

> out stroke, turmors, etc.

>

> When I saw somewhere on the internet that some drugs prescribed for

> Alzheimers can actually cause problems for people with Lewy Body I

> became quite alarmed. I think I should get her in to a nuerologist

> asap. She's quite confused and seems to be getting visibly worse

in the

> last month.

>

> Thanks so much.

>

> - Lanell

>

> >>> sanclown@w... 07/01/03 13:22 PM >>>

[Guest guest]

Lanell,

Welcome to the group. My mom didn't start out with hallucinations

either. She has been treated for years for depression, and also for

being extremely anxious and irritable. She has been on Paxil,

Lorazepan, and Ambien for quite awhile. Then she began with the

tremors, and after that the halluciantions. The meds she is on now

seem to be helping quite a bit( for the moment). Things can change

so quickly for them.

I hope you find what is needed to help your mom. The

lewybodydisease.org website is extremely helpful, as are the people

in this group. Personally, it helps me to read the posts and know

that I am not alone in this.

Beth L.

> Thank you so much for your reply. I will check out

lewybodydisease.org.

> I don't think my mom has hallucinations, but she her hands shake

badly

> espcially in the morning.

>

> She takes Aricept for memory, Alprazolam a tranquilizer, Lithium

for

> bi-polar disease, Fluoxetine (I think it's Prozac) for mood,

Risperdone

> to help with mood. My mother is extremely anxious and irritable.

Her

> dr. has prescribed all these things to try to help her calm down

and be

> happier. She has seen a geriatric psychologist, but never a

> nuerologist. A previous doctor did order a cat scan (mri?) and

ruled

> out stroke, turmors, etc.

>

> When I saw somewhere on the internet that some drugs prescribed for

> Alzheimers can actually cause problems for people with Lewy Body I

> became quite alarmed. I think I should get her in to a nuerologist

> asap. She's quite confused and seems to be getting visibly worse

in the

> last month.

>

> Thanks so much.

>

> - Lanell

>

> >>> sanclown@w... 07/01/03 13:22 PM >>>

[Guest guest]

Lanell,

Welcome to the group!

Hallucinations are not necessary for a diagnosis of LBD. They are

typical in many cases (from memory, 80%-85% of cases) and are usually

among the first symptoms seen. That said, a small minority of people

with LBD never develop hallucinations.

Tremor is common in LBD, as is increase rigidity and postural

problems. Does she have any trouble with her gait?

Good, she's on Aricept. Has is helped her? What dose is she on

now? 10mg is the max dose. The other cholinesterase inhibitors,

aside from Aricept, are Exelon and Reminyl (Galantamine) -- you'll

hear people discuss them on this board. Also, you'll hear people

talk about memantine, which is the newest dementia med (still

awaiting FDA approval).

Lithuim is a mood stabilizer. It is usually prescribe for manic-

depression (a.k.a. bi-polar disease). Did she really have a mood

disorder before developing dementia? Or, did her mood disorder

develop in the context of her dementia? People with anxiety and

depressive disorders (bi-polar being one of them) are at greater risk

for developing dementia later on in life. Interestingly, people with

dementia will often become depressed as they realize their

limitations... However, this " situational depression " is usually uni-

polar (depression only) not bi-polar (depression and mania), from

what I've seen.

Yes, Fluoxetine is Prozac.

Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic. The other ones in this med

class are Seroquel and Zyprexa. They can be given to either control

pscyhosis (hallucination, illusion, delusions) or to control

agitation. The typical (older) antipsychotics [such as Haldol] are

bad news for LBD patients, and they usually have severe reactions to

them.

You probably had her see a geriatric psychiatrist (not geriatric

psychologist). Psychiatrists can prescribe meds. Psychologists

can't, but usually have more extensive training in psychotherapy. A

geriatric psychiatrist is a good place to start. Does this doctor

have experience in treating different types of dementia? LBD is one

of those diseases that crosses the boundaries of Neurology and

Psychiatry. Someone from either discpline would be appropriate, as

long as they have experience. Usually, these doctors will refer to

themselves as " dementia specialists " ... and that's really the kind of

doctor you want to find.

An MRI is different from a CT scan, and usually has higher

resolution. Regardless, either would be sufficent to rule-out a

stroke (infarct) of any significant size.

You wrote: " She's quite confused and seems to be getting visibly

worse in the last month. "

This could just be the natural progression of the disease, which can

rapidly escalate. However, very acute (rapid onset) confusion can

also be caused by an UTI (urinary tract infection), and a urinalysis

can be done to check for this.

Phew, that got longer than I thought... Guess I started rambling!

-Russ

>

> > Thank you so much for your reply. I will check out

> lewybodydisease.org.

> > I don't think my mom has hallucinations, but she her hands shake

> badly

> > espcially in the morning.

> >

> > She takes Aricept for memory, Alprazolam a tranquilizer, Lithium

> for

> > bi-polar disease, Fluoxetine (I think it's Prozac) for mood,

> Risperdone

> > to help with mood. My mother is extremely anxious and

irritable.

> Her

> > dr. has prescribed all these things to try to help her calm down

> and be

> > happier. She has seen a geriatric psychologist, but never a

> > nuerologist. A previous doctor did order a cat scan (mri?) and

> ruled

> > out stroke, turmors, etc.

> >

> > When I saw somewhere on the internet that some drugs prescribed

for

> > Alzheimers can actually cause problems for people with Lewy Body I

> > became quite alarmed. I think I should get her in to a

nuerologist

> > asap. She's quite confused and seems to be getting visibly worse

> in the

> > last month.

> >

> > Thanks so much.

> >

> > - Lanell

> >

> > >>> sanclown@w... 07/01/03 13:22 PM >>>

[Guest guest]

Lanell

I agree, getting your mom to a neurologist would be beneficial. If

possible, try to find one specializing in dementia, and preferably one

that is aware of Lewy Body Dementia.

I had previously posted the website belonging to LBD. Well, let me

repost it, so all you have to do is click onto it.

http://www.lewybodydisease.org

Really does have a lot of helpful information.

Also, as you mentioned, LBD patients are very sensitive to meds. so keep

in mind your mom may be having reactions to some of the meds. she is on.

Please keep us posted.

I will keep you in my prayers.

Sandie

Des Moines, IA

[Guest guest]

Thank you, Russ! No rambling in your answer at all. I appreciate all the info.

My

mother has become quite stooped over, but she seems to walk just fine. She

began

the Aricept about three years ago and is now up to 10mg a day. When she first

started to take it, it seemed to really help. I'm afraid to think of how she'd

be without

it. She was diagnosed with " manic-depression " in the late 70's and began taking

lithium at that time. I remember being told that she actually never got the

depression, just the " mania " part. I just remember her acting " crazy " , not like

your

average middle class mother. She certainly seems depressed now.

A funny thing, last year she forgot that she smokes! Not sure if I can call

that a

benefit from dementia, but you have to look on the bright side.

I am trying to change my e-mail address for this group because I mistakenly put

my

work e-mail address. Not a good idea.

Thanks again, Also, thanks everyone who posts, already they have helped me and

will help my mom.

- Lanell

> > > Thank you so much for your reply. I will check out

> > lewybodydisease.org.

> > > I don't think my mom has hallucinations, but she her hands shake

> > badly

> > > espcially in the morning.

> > >

> > > She takes Aricept for memory, Alprazolam a tranquilizer, Lithium

> > for

> > > bi-polar disease, Fluoxetine (I think it's Prozac) for mood,

> > Risperdone

> > > to help with mood. My mother is extremely anxious and

> irritable.

> > Her

> > > dr. has prescribed all these things to try to help her calm down

> > and be

> > > happier. She has seen a geriatric psychologist, but never a

> > > nuerologist. A previous doctor did order a cat scan (mri?) and

> > ruled

> > > out stroke, turmors, etc.

> > >

> > > When I saw somewhere on the internet that some drugs prescribed

> for

> > > Alzheimers can actually cause problems for people with Lewy Body I

> > > became quite alarmed. I think I should get her in to a

> nuerologist

> > > asap. She's quite confused and seems to be getting visibly worse

> > in the

> > > last month.

> > >

> > > Thanks so much.

> > >

> > > - Lanell

> > >

> > > >>> sanclown@w... 07/01/03 13:22 PM >>>

[Guest guest]

Hi and welcome Wonder, Worried, ln and whoever else new I am

forgetting,

I, too, lived far away from my Mom. She was having problems from

1989-1998 and they progressed much in the manner you are describing.

She was 75-84. She had friends and a sister who off and on complained

to me. Mom came and stayed with me 7 months in '94 and again in '96.

While she was at home she would call and " act " as if nothing was wrong.

I attributed it to old age. By 1998 she looked like a concentration

camp victim and yet refused to come and live with me. She was buying

groceries and had cancelled meals on wheels on more than one occasion on

me. The TV didn't work and neither did the phone.!!!!! When ever I

went to visit they worked fine and it finally became clear she couldn't

use them any more. I even bought her large numbers as she had had

cataract surgery and I thought she couldn't see the numbers.

So this went on with me confused for a long time. I finally took her to

her little home town MD and didn't know what I would say. She

immediately called me a liar to him when I explained she was having

problems with her thought process. He did a verbal questioner and it

was clear she couldn't answer simple questions. I set her up with home

help and meals on wheels AGAIN, and she threaten to fire and cancel

them. I told she would then have to come and live with me.

Within a month the MD called me from the hospital that she was either

being placed in a nh or I could take her. I rushed the 600 miles and

just put her in the car {with a good friends help} and brought her home.

I had her for the next three years with me and she did progressively

better. Other than BP pills and thyroid pills, she got little meds. I

would try some and they never made things better. So I would quit them.

I had a GP here who worked well with her. The MD from her home called

it AD. And no one called it anything else.

Mostly I would " go with the flow. " Other than my daughter who had a

family of her own, I had little help. I did put her in day care 3 days

a week. She would go on the senior bus by herself. The main problem I

had was she wouldn't sleep every other night and I was exhausted.

At the end of three years I was thinking I would find a neurologist, and

by now had long suspected she didn't have AD. I had come to this group

and it all sounded so familiar. The neurologist I found, put her in the

hospital to " adjust her sleep meds. " That was my biggest mistake.

After 20 days she came out of the hospital a zombie and in a wheel

chair. I had no choice but to put her in a nh. And it took 3 months to

get her off the drugs and back on minimal drugs. She had about 9 more

months in the nh before she died. I still believe if I had found a nh

who would work with us she would still be alive. She died Oct,17, 2002.

I only tell this because many of the new people recently who came aboard

had all the same questions I had. " What is going on and what can I do. "

And I don't think anyone knows the answer to that. Sometimes I could

just fool her and sometimes she just had her own way and I followed. I

always treated her like she understood and I think she did, even if she

had trouble communicating.

The last three months before she went into a nh, I had started her on

some Xanax. It is NOT one of the ones prescribed. The MD had given it

to me years before when she first came. It didn't work. So when I

finally used it, I cut her .50 pill into fourths and gave her a forth in

the am, a forth after lunch and a forth before bed time. It levelled

her agitation just fine. I believe now that a " normal " dose for our

people is about a forth of what most others take. I never got a MD to

agree with me and I never got her disease called LBD.

It is hard to live with the problem and being flexible is second

important to how much help can I find.

Good luck. And keep writing. Hope this helps.

Donna

[Guest guest]

Hello Sherri!

Welcome to affirmations to de-stress!! So glad to have you here with us, too!

Let us know if you need anything.

Some days it is really quiet around here, and other days, there are almost too

many posted messages.

So my suggestion for everyone is to " just go with the flow " . If one day there

are too many messages, just push the delete button on the messages. Other days,

there might not be enough messages, and then I suggest that everyone go to the

archives (or older messages on the affirmations group site) -- just click in the

left handed column where it says " Messages " .

There are tons of messages there -- almost 3 years worth. Enjoy! Hugs, PJ

Sherri wrote:

I just joined this group..

I am a mom who is 43..live with my mom and 2 sons 19 & 26..

live in Ct

love to read..love to cook..love music and love watching movies..

Sherri

test'; " >

test'; " >

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Welcome Sherri! I am in CT too!

Barbara

--- Sherri wrote:

> I just joined this group..

> I am a mom who is 43..live with my mom and 2 sons

> 19 & 26..

> live in Ct

> love to read..love to cook..love music and love

> watching movies..

> Sherri

>

>

>

>

> test'; " >

>

> test'; " >

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Yes, it's that time of year! I just had three does kidd- a single

buckling, a single doeling, and a set of twins- buckling and doeling.

Six more to kid out and I will be done for the year. The Jersey cow

calves in May. And, so far two of our twelve Angus have calved.

Already am milking 14 does that kidded in January and February WHEN IT

WAS WARMER!!! We have had the coldest temps all winter these last

several days in the teens and lower 20s.

The Iclandic are wonderful sheep and have really nice mammary systems

with lots and lots of milk. I had Katahdins back when I used to trial

the BCs, but knew several folks who had the Iclandics.

Glad your twins are safely here and doing well.

Donna

Safehaven Nubians

Dandridge, TN

>

> Good Afternoon I've just joined the group, I spent last night and

early am putting my ewe (Icelandic) into her lambing jug, she had

twins, ram and ewe the colors are glorious.

> Thank you for allowing me to be a part of just a knowledgeable group.

> Elayne in a cloudy day with rain in Idaho.

>

[Guest guest]

Our DAN suggested applying EFAs directly to the skin in addition to taking it orally. That did help along w/a round of Diflucan.

Dana

-----Original Message-----From: mb12 valtrex [mailto:mb12 valtrex ]On Behalf Of mygirls99094Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2008 4:42 PMTo: mb12 valtrex Subject: New to group

Am new here but not to autism ! My daughter is 13 and I've been there and done it all ( almost ). Her story is way too long so I'll just saythe reason I'm here. The last couple of months have started her on Omega 3's and her excema she had all her life has cleared up. Also have started CLO and Vitamin D. She recently became sick with a highfever, cough and cold sore. This is really unusual for her and have felt thrilled the supplements are helping with her immune system and that maybe she's a viral kid. She's a challenge, a tough nut, and non-responder, all of that, so any form of progress is amazing. After reading a lot of the files and due to her recent progress/illness am thinking I'd like to explore more into this viral thing, but I'm alsovery cautious with new treatments. We did LDN in the past and it didn't do a thing....I'm Kathy and have two daughters and also stay home to take care of my family. Am a amateur researcher and have endless patience and also will not stop until my daughter functions to the best of her abilities!

[Guest guest]

were you on the diet gfcfsf completely and yeast low???

Recovering from Autism is a marathon NOT a sprint, but FULLY possible! Read more about it on my Blogs athttp://www.myspace.com/christelking

New to group

Am new here but not to autism ! My daughter is 13 and I've been there and done it all ( almost ). Her story is way too long so I'll just saythe reason I'm here. The last couple of months have started her on Omega 3's and her excema she had all her life has cleared up. Also have started CLO and Vitamin D. She recently became sick with a highfever, cough and cold sore. This is really unusual for her and have felt thrilled the supplements are helping with her immune system and that maybe she's a viral kid. She's a challenge, a tough nut, and non-responder, all of that, so any form of progress is amazing. After reading a lot of the files and due to her recent progress/illness am thinking I'd like to explore more into this viral thing, but I'm alsovery cautious with new treatments. We did LDN in the past and it didn't do a thing....I'm Kathy and have two daughters and also stay home to take care of my family. Am a amateur researcher and have endless patience and also will not stop until my daughter functions to the best of her abilities!

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.19.16/1251 - Release Date: 1/30/2008 9:29 AM

[Guest guest]

OK for the "foreigner" on the list please........... What the heck does "hairlip for a governor" mean????

Luv

anne

"You can conquer almost any fear if you will only make up your mind to do so.Remember, fear doesn't exist anywhere except in the mind."

Re: new to group

Sounds like a plan now. Jane and I (that is my sister) have been planing to do some getting out and going places. She is wheel

chair bound, and doesn't get out like she should. Well she has a

baby sis who doesn't want her to miss out on a thing. LOL

I will get her out and around if it hair lips a govenor. Ha Ha

We will have to get together soon. And if you make it to San let me know. I will even buy you a meal. To heck with just coffee.

Love

Janet

"There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go"

Frederick Faber

> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > My brother was diagnosed with Hepatitis C and Cirrhosis of the Liver. He got > > > Hepatitis C from a blood transfusion he received in 1977 for his treatment of > > > Leukemia. He is considered "cured" of the Leukemia - no drugs, but now has > > > this. He is currently on COBRA until he becomes available for Medicare. > > > > > > I found "Dr. Palmer's Guide to Hepatitis & Liver Disease Revised Edition > > > What You Need to Know" very helpful. I have created a webpage with several > > > links about Hepatitis C and Cirrhosis. It is http://www.ke5asu. com/links. html. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

[Guest guest]

That is southerner for trying so hard you split a lip.

I rather do it to the current governor of this state.

I don't have anything against him, just he is a politician. And them guys are sneaky.

Love

Janet

"There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go"

Frederick Faber

> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > My brother was diagnosed with Hepatitis C and Cirrhosis of the Liver. He got > > > Hepatitis C from a blood transfusion he received in 1977 for his treatment of >

> > Leukemia. He is considered "cured" of the Leukemia - no drugs, but now has > > > this. He is currently on COBRA until he becomes available for Medicare. > > > > > > I found "Dr. Palmer's Guide to Hepatitis & Liver Disease Revised Edition > > > What You Need to Know" very helpful. I have created a webpage with several > > > links about Hepatitis C and Cirrhosis. It is http://www.ke5asu. com/links. html. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

[Guest guest]

Ah ha! Thanks Janet. I guess our Aussie equivalent would be "busting a gut". I couldn't for the life of me work that one out!

Then again, I"m sure we Aussies have some odd sayings too!

Luv

anne

"You can conquer almost any fear if you will only make up your mind to do so.Remember, fear doesn't exist anywhere except in the mind."

Re: new to group

That is southerner for trying so hard you split a lip.

I rather do it to the current governor of this state.

I don't have anything against him, just he is a politician. And them guys are sneaky.

Love

Janet

"There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go"

Frederick Faber

> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > My brother was diagnosed with Hepatitis C and Cirrhosis of the Liver. He got > > > Hepatitis C from a blood transfusion he received in 1977 for his treatment of > > > Leukemia. He is considered "cured" of the Leukemia - no drugs, but now has > > > this. He is currently on COBRA until he becomes available for Medicare. > > > > > > I found "Dr. Palmer's Guide to Hepatitis & Liver Disease Revised Edition > > > What You Need to Know" very helpful. I have created a webpage with several > > > links about Hepatitis C and Cirrhosis. It is http://www.ke5asu. com/links. html. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the Group, , you are a good sister to seek answers.

I am sure they will be forthcoming.

There are many things that cause the viral load to esculate. Among them,

alcohol is one of the biggest, along with many different medications,

including pain relievers, as well as otc Tylenol.

Here's a bit of an article on Hep C and pregnancy.

Pregnant patients with hepatitis C should be advised to

Obtain vaccination against hepatitis viruses A and B as indicated. Abstain form alcohol use. Avoid hepatotoxic drugs such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) that may worsen liver damage. Inform the infant’s pediatrician of the mother’s hepatitis C status. Not donate blood, body organs, other tissue, or semen. Not share any personal items that may have blood on them (e.g., toothbrushes and razors). Discuss the low but present risk for transmission with their partner and discuss the need for counseling and testing. However, HCV-positive persons with one long-term, steady sex partner do not need to change their sexual practices. [1]Liver enzymes and PCR should be obtained at the beginning of pregnancy, and as needed thereafter [16]The following recommendations from The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada may be helpful in counseling women considering amniocentesis.SOGC Recommendations [17]

“Amniocentesis in women infected with hepatitis C does not appear to significantly increase the risk of vertical transmission, but women should be counseled that very few studies have properly addressed this possibility. In HIV-positive women all noninvasive screening tools should be used prior to considering amniocentesis. For women infected with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV, the addition of noninvasive methods of prenatal risk screening, such as nuchal translucency, triple screening, and anatomic ultrasound, may help in reducing the age-related risk to a level below the threshold for genetic amniocentesis. For those women infected with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV who insist on amniocentesis, every effort should be made to avoid inserting the needle through the placenta. “ Delivery and PostpartumThe risk of vertical transmission of HCV appears to be related to the level of viremia in the pregnant mother and not to the route of delivery. The virus does not appear to be transmitted when a woman's titer is < 10^6/mL or is negative [18-20]. Although Tejari et al [21] and Conte et al [22] did not find cesarean section to be protective against transmission of HCV to the neonate Gibb et al have found the HCV maternal to child (MTC) transmission rate to be reduced in patient delivered by elective cesarean[23]. The latter study has yet to be confirmed. Elective cesarean to reduce MCT transmission of HCV is not presently recommended by the Centers for Disease Control, American Academy of Pediatrics or the American College of Obstetricians

and Gynecologists (ACOG)[1,7,24]. At delivery staff and the baby’s pediatrician should be notified of the mother’s hepatitis C carrier state. Breastfeeding does not appreciably increase the risk of transmitting HCV to a neonate

There are many articles on pregnancy and Hep C (Google)

Best,

Sheena

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en & q=pregnancy+hep+c+ & btnG=Search

Hi, I joined this group to help out my sister. She was diagnosed with hep c 2 years ago. She was able to maintain her levels around 7000 or lower with diet. She is 45 and 8 months pregnant. Her level counts have jumped to over 2 million. She is seeing a midwife for her pregnancy, and a high risk ob, plus a liver special list. No one can give her any answers to what is going on.Here are a few of her questions:How is this pregnancy affecting her liver?Why is her liver counts drastically changing?What are the chances of passing this on to her unborn child?Which carries a lower risk cesarean or vaginally?Thanks for your help!! "Imagine the possibilities - A world respectful of all people"

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Welcome to the group. I had 2 kids one before I knew I had hep c and one after. Mind you this was back before they really knew much about hep c. When I was pregnant with my last child my daughter Alejandra in 1992 my doctors wanted me to have an abortion they said she would be infected by the virus I told them if God didn't want me to have her I would not be pregnant. I went through a lot that pregnancy the test they normally do came back saying something was wrong (can remember exactly now) they had me scared. The delivery went well it was after that all hell broke loose my placenta had grown into the wall (there is a name for it but again its been 13 yrs and I have an old brain so I don't remember what they call it) and I ended up in surgery. But I was fine and Alejandra is now 13 and has been tested through the years and is virus free as is my son. I breast fed my son but again

with Alejandra they told me she would catch the virus if I breast fed her, I have since read info. which says this is not true. So I would say have you sister talk to her doctors they know so much more now than they did back then. I will keep you and her in my thoughts and prayers.

Chiara

Fantasy not only gets you out of reality, it brings you back. Rod McKuen

To: Hepatitis_C_Central Sent: Sunday, April 26, 2009 6:56:24 AMSubject: new to group

Hi, I joined this group to help out my sister. She was diagnosed with hep c 2 years ago. She was able to maintain her levels around 7000 or lower with diet. She is 45 and 8 months pregnant. Her level counts have jumped to over 2 million. She is seeing a midwife for her pregnancy, and a high risk ob, plus a liver special list. No one can give her any answers to what is going on.Here are a few of her questions:How is this pregnancy affecting her liver?Why is her liver counts drastically changing?What are the chances of passing this on to her unborn child?Which carries a lower risk cesarean or vaginally?Thanks for your help!! "Imagine the possibilities - A world respectful of all people"

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group. My brother is the same age as your sister, and he has

both Hep C and cirrosis of the liver stage 4. It's been close to two years

since he got diagnosed. We looked back at his medical records and back in the

early 80s Hep was mentioned, but they didn't tell my parents (at least that's

what they say now). Anyhow, they concerated on the treatment of Leukemia, which

he is long cleared of and is considered " cured " . He got the Hep C from a blood

transfusion.

I'd suggest reading " hepatitis & Liver Disorders " by Dr. Melisa Palmer. You can

look at www.ke5asu.com/links.html to see the info I have found on the net. As I

find new info, I add links, and have the site in my Dad's favorites. is

single and lives with our parents.

---- cindy law wrote:

> Hi, I joined this group to help out my sister.  She was diagnosed with hep c

2 years ago.  She was able to maintain her levels around 7000 or lower with

diet.  She is 45 and 8 months pregnant.  Her level counts have jumped to over

2 million.  She is seeing a midwife for her pregnancy, and a high risk ob, plus

a liver special list.  No one can give her any answers to what is going on.

>

> Here are a few of her questions:

> How is this pregnancy affecting her liver?

> Why is her liver counts drastically changing?

> What are the chances of passing this on to her unborn child?

> Which carries a lower risk cesarean or vaginally?

>

> Thanks for your help!!

>

>

>

> " Imagine the possibilities - A world respectful of all people "

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Vertical transmission from mother to baby are less than <3% some studies say <1% . The increase in hormones and other toxins (waste from the baby) can put additional stress on the liver , but once the baby is born her levels should drop some . A vaginal birth has less blood loss than the potential blood loss from a c-section . I myself have had 5 children 4 were born after I was diagnosed and each tested positive for the first year but now they all test negative for the virus . All my children but one are adults now and are extremely healthy so as long as she isn't doing at risk activities then her baby should be fine . Anyway welcome to the group , I am one of the co-owners here and responsible for medical research . Ask questions anytime ..

new to group

Hi, I joined this group to help out my sister. She was diagnosed with hep c 2 years ago. She was able to maintain her levels around 7000 or lower with diet. She is 45 and 8 months pregnant. Her level counts have jumped to over 2 million. She is seeing a midwife for her pregnancy, and a high risk ob, plus a liver special list. No one can give her any answers to what is going on.Here are a few of her questions:How is this pregnancy affecting her liver?Why is her liver counts drastically changing?What are the chances of passing this on to her unborn child?Which carries a lower risk cesarean or vaginally?Thanks for your help!! "Imagine the possibilities - A world respectful of all people"

[Guest guest]

Hi and welcome to the group! I'd like to say that IM very impressed with you for researching for your sister and being such a good helper to her! Many of us dont have that kind of family and it can really be the difference between one being able to start and finish tx.. Family support is sooooo very important!

IM not a doc but I will try to answer some of your questions.. First of all, ANY condition one has will be exacerbated by the pregnancy.. Remember that the liver is a filter and now it is filtering both her blood and her babies blood as well. I would make sure her doc watches her closely for pre-eclampsia as that can damage not only the kidneys but the liver too and can cause seizures, strokes etc.. Pre-eclampsia or toxemia is more prevalent in first pregnancies.

The transmission rates from mother to baby are low, less than 5% but if you end up being in that 5%, it can seem astronimical. The baby will test pos for hep c when he/she is first born but by a year, most babies clear on their own and no longer test positive. A c-section typically is bloodier and therefor increases the risks for transmission. Is there a reason that she would need a c-section? I had both my children via vaginal birth and neither one of them are infected however, had I had my son by c-section (my first birth), I'd probably not be infected with this virus. I hemorrhaged with my first child and had to receive 4 units of infected blood., I didnt find out that I was infected for nearly 23 years tho. Liz, one of our co-owners has 5 children and none of them are infected.. So as I said, the transmission rates are low but its still possible.

I would tend to believe that her viral load has jumped due to the physical stress of being pregnant and they might go lower after the baby is born. But one thing to remember is that

viral load really does not have much to do with amount of damage. Its the inflammation that causes the damage and I've know ppl who have huge 25 million or higher in viral load for 30+ years and they have no damage and others like myself who never got over 1 million and had a LOT of damage.. The only way to know how much is there is via biopsy. Has she had one? Does she know what genotype she is? How long does she think she has been infected? The longer she has been infected, the more liklihood of more damage. Is she thinking of doing the treatment?

Anyway, I dont know if I've answered your questions very well but I wanted to try.. and once again, welcome to the group, we're glad you found us!

hugs,

jax

Subject: new to groupTo: Hepatitis_C_Central Date: Sunday, April 26, 2009, 5:56 AM

Hi, I joined this group to help out my sister. She was diagnosed with hep c 2 years ago. She was able to maintain her levels around 7000 or lower with diet. She is 45 and 8 months pregnant. Her level counts have jumped to over 2 million. She is seeing a midwife for her pregnancy, and a high risk ob, plus a liver special list. No one can give her any answers to what is going on.Here are a few of her questions:How is this pregnancy affecting her liver?Why is her liver counts drastically changing?What are the chances of passing this on to her unborn child?Which carries a lower risk cesarean or vaginally?Thanks for your help!! "Imagine the possibilities - A world respectful of all people"

[Guest guest]

Chiara, that was excellent advice.. I too breast fed my kids( didnt even know I was infected), both of them and neither one of them has this virus. I can't believe that your doc wanted you to abort simply because you tested pos for this virus... grrrrr... there are many ppl in this world that would have done that just because 'the doc said so'... and look at your beautiful daughter, she is fine....

thanks for putting in your story so that everyone can see that you did fine

hugs,

jax

Subject: Re: new to groupTo: Hepatitis_C_Central Date: Sunday, April 26, 2009, 8:34 AM

Hi ,

Welcome to the group. I had 2 kids one before I knew I had hep c and one after. Mind you this was back before they really knew much about hep c. When I was pregnant with my last child my daughter Alejandra in 1992 my doctors wanted me to have an abortion they said she would be infected by the virus I told them if God didn't want me to have her I would not be pregnant. I went through a lot that pregnancy the test they normally do came back saying something was wrong (can remember exactly now) they had me scared. The delivery went well it was after that all hell broke loose my placenta had grown into the wall (there is a name for it but again its been 13 yrs and I have an old brain so I don't remember what they call it) and I ended up in surgery. But I was fine and Alejandra is now 13 and has been tested through the years and is virus free as is my son. I breast fed my son but again

with Alejandra they told me she would catch the virus if I breast fed her, I have since read info. which says this is not true. So I would say have you sister talk to her doctors they know so much more now than they did back then. I will keep you and her in my thoughts and prayers.

Chiara

Fantasy not only gets you out of reality, it brings you back. Rod McKuen

From: cindy law <northendcindy@ yahoo.com>To: Hepatitis_C_ Central@yahoogro ups.comSent: Sunday, April 26, 2009 6:56:24 AMSubject: [Hepatitis_C_ Central] new to group

Hi, I joined this group to help out my sister. She was diagnosed with hep c 2 years ago. She was able to maintain her levels around 7000 or lower with diet. She is 45 and 8 months pregnant. Her level counts have jumped to over 2 million. She is seeing a midwife for her pregnancy, and a high risk ob, plus a liver special list. No one can give her any answers to what is going on.Here are a few of her questions:How is this pregnancy affecting her liver?Why is her liver counts drastically changing?What are the chances of passing this on to her unborn child?Which carries a lower risk cesarean or vaginally?Thanks for your help!! "Imagine the possibilities - A world respectful of all people"

[Guest guest]

Thank you for sharing your story.

Love

Janet

"There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go"

Frederick Faber

Subject: Re: new to groupTo: Hepatitis_C_Central Date: Sunday, April 26, 2009, 10:34 AM

Hi ,

Welcome to the group. I had 2 kids one before I knew I had hep c and one after. Mind you this was back before they really knew much about hep c. When I was pregnant with my last child my daughter Alejandra in 1992 my doctors wanted me to have an abortion they said she would be infected by the virus I told them if God didn't want me to have her I would not be pregnant. I went through a lot that pregnancy the test they normally do came back saying something was wrong (can remember exactly now) they had me scared. The delivery went well it was after that all hell broke loose my placenta had grown into the wall (there is a name for it but again its been 13 yrs and I have an old brain so I don't remember what they call it) and I ended up in surgery. But I was fine and Alejandra is now 13 and has been tested through the years and is virus free as is my son. I breast fed my son but again

with Alejandra they told me she would catch the virus if I breast fed her, I have since read info. which says this is not true. So I would say have you sister talk to her doctors they know so much more now than they did back then. I will keep you and her in my thoughts and prayers.

Chiara

Fantasy not only gets you out of reality, it brings you back. Rod McKuen

From: cindy law <northendcindy@ yahoo.com>To: Hepatitis_C_ Central@yahoogro ups.comSent: Sunday, April 26, 2009 6:56:24 AMSubject: [Hepatitis_C_ Central] new to group

Hi, I joined this group to help out my sister. She was diagnosed with hep c 2 years ago. She was able to maintain her levels around 7000 or lower with diet. She is 45 and 8 months pregnant. Her level counts have jumped to over 2 million. She is seeing a midwife for her pregnancy, and a high risk ob, plus a liver special list. No one can give her any answers to what is going on.Here are a few of her questions:How is this pregnancy affecting her liver?Why is her liver counts drastically changing?What are the chances of passing this on to her unborn child?Which carries a lower risk cesarean or vaginally?Thanks for your help!! "Imagine the possibilities - A world respectful of all people"

[Guest guest]

Jax thanks for the nice reply. I am having my 5th hernia surgery (3rd in 2 yrs) this Friday I quit smoking and lost about 15 lbs hoping this would help me not to have to go through this again so we will see what happens. Speaking of my devil oops I meant my daughter lol she is very grown for 12 yrs she sat with me the other day and asked if had something written down so that if God forbid I died during surgery or while I am down in Mexico after the surgery (visiting my husband) that there was someone to take care of her, I think she is worried because I have no family (well I do but haven't seen them in over 20 yrs. ) so I told her I have a guardian agreement and power of attorney with her best friends mom so I am hoping she isn't so worried about this. My son says he will just live on his own LMAO he would starve to death and be wearing dirty clothes, he is a great kid just very very lazy!

Anyway I wanted to ask if anyone knows if there is any correlation between my memory loss and hep c? I am not treating and I am wondering if maybe all the toxins are effecting my brain. I am talking about forgetting names and words, or just calling things by the wrong name. My son seems to think its funny and it is at times but very frustrating when I am trying hard to remember what the word is. So if anyone can shed some light on this I would appreciate it.

Thanks,

Chiara

Fantasy not only gets you out of reality, it brings you back. Rod McKuen

To: Hepatitis_C_Central Sent: Sunday, April 26, 2009 8:39:36 PMSubject: Re: new to group

Chiara, that was excellent advice.. I too breast fed my kids( didnt even know I was infected), both of them and neither one of them has this virus. I can't believe that your doc wanted you to abort simply because you tested pos for this virus... grrrrr... there are many ppl in this world that would have done that just because 'the doc said so'... and look at your beautiful daughter, she is fine....

thanks for putting in your story so that everyone can see that you did fine

hugs,

jax

From: Chiara Rosillo <chiara3363yahoo (DOT) com>Subject: Re: [Hepatitis_C_ Central] new to groupTo: Hepatitis_C_ Central@yahoogro ups.comDate: Sunday, April 26, 2009, 8:34 AM

Hi ,

Welcome to the group. I had 2 kids one before I knew I had hep c and one after. Mind you this was back before they really knew much about hep c. When I was pregnant with my last child my daughter Alejandra in 1992 my doctors wanted me to have an abortion they said she would be infected by the virus I told them if God didn't want me to have her I would not be pregnant. I went through a lot that pregnancy the test they normally do came back saying something was wrong (can remember exactly now) they had me scared.. The delivery went well it was after that all hell broke loose my placenta had grown into the wall (there is a name for it but again its been 13 yrs and I have an old brain so I don't remember what they call it) and I ended up in surgery. But I was fine and Alejandra is now 13 and has been tested through the years and is virus free as is my son. I breast fed my son but again

with Alejandra they told me she would catch the virus if I breast fed her, I have since read info. which says this is not true. So I would say have you sister talk to her doctors they know so much more now than they did back then. I will keep you and her in my thoughts and prayers.

Chiara

Fantasy not only gets you out of reality, it brings you back. Rod McKuen

From: cindy law <northendcindy@ yahoo.com>To: Hepatitis_C_ Central@yahoogro ups..comSent: Sunday, April 26, 2009 6:56:24 AMSubject: [Hepatitis_C_ Central] new to group

Hi, I joined this group to help out my sister. She was diagnosed with hep c 2 years ago. She was able to maintain her levels around 7000 or lower with diet. She is 45 and 8 months pregnant. Her level counts have jumped to over 2 million. She is seeing a midwife for her pregnancy, and a high risk ob, plus a liver special list. No one can give her any answers to what is going on.Here are a few of her questions:How is this pregnancy affecting her liver?Why is her liver counts drastically changing?What are the chances of passing this on to her unborn child?Which carries a lower risk cesarean or vaginally?Thanks for your help!! "Imagine the possibilities - A world respectful of all people"