Re: Good morning from AZ

[Guest guest]

Terry - is the amitriptyline to treat the liver? I saw the doctor today and she thinks the sores on my feet are either from Cryoglobulins or from Livido vasculitis. The first is a hep C side effect and will be treated with prednisone, the second is an independent infection which will be treated with something else. She also is putting me in touch with a liver specialist for a biopsy to find out how much fibrosis there is in the liver. Do you know what she is talking about here? She thinks I have had hepC for many years and it's only showing up now because she happen to order that test with a bunch of others and got lucky (glad someone did). So far my liver values are normal. I have been having LFT's for years because of some of the meds I take so I know that they have been normal for at least that period of time? Any info is welcome - thanks - Pat

[ ] Good morning from AZ

Hi all. The Doctor put me back on Amitriptyline this week & I have been a little out of it as I have been adjusting to it. He did give me some good news. He said there was no Hep C detected in my blood. Said it look's like the treatment is working. But added it was to early to check the liver. To keep on the treatment.

Terry

[Guest guest]

Pat, I am on a combo treatment for the Hep C. But one of the side affects of the treatment is depression. That is what the amitriptylene is for.

Terry

Donahoe <patsella@...> wrote:

Terry - is the amitriptyline to treat the liver? I saw the doctor today and she thinks the sores on my feet are either from Cryoglobulins or from Livido vasculitis. The first is a hep C side effect and will be treated with prednisone, the second is an independent infection which will be treated with something else. She also is putting me in touch with a liver specialist for a biopsy to find out how much fibrosis there is in the liver. Do you know what she is talking about here? She thinks I have had hepC for many years and it's only showing up now because she happen to order that test with a bunch of others and got lucky (glad someone did). So far my liver values are normal. I have been having LFT's for years because of some of the meds I take so I know that they have been normal for at least that period of time? Any info is welcome - thanks - Pat

[ ] Good morning from AZ

Hi all. The Doctor put me back on Amitriptyline this week & I have been a little out of it as I have been adjusting to it. He did give me some good news. He said there was no Hep C detected in my blood. Said it look's like the treatment is working. But added it was to early to check the liver. To keep on the treatment.

Terry

[Guest guest]

Terry

Sounds like good news to have responded so quickly to treatment. It took me months to reach undetectable levels the first time. I didn't get that low the second time.

[ ] Good morning from AZ

Hi all. The Doctor put me back on Amitriptyline this week & I have been a little out of it as I have been adjusting to it. He did give me some good news. He said there was no Hep C detected in my blood. Said it look's like the treatment is working. But added it was to early to check the liver. To keep on the treatment.

Terry

[Guest guest]

Hi Pat

Amitriptyline is an anti depressant used to relieve the depression that can be caused by the interferon.

I'm not a doctor but I would check with the liver specialist before taking prednisone. It is an immuno suppressant and might aggravate the hepc.

[ ] Good morning from AZ

Hi all. The Doctor put me back on Amitriptyline this week & I have been a little out of it as I have been adjusting to it. He did give me some good news. He said there was no Hep C detected in my blood. Said it look's like the treatment is working. But added it was to early to check the liver. To keep on the treatment.

Terry

[Guest guest]

Undetectable is fantastic. Congratulations.

Sharon

--- Terry Long <pawpawto3@...> wrote:

>

> Hi all. The Doctor put me back on Amitriptyline

> this week & I have been a little out of it as I have

> been adjusting to it. He did give me some good news.

> He said there was no Hep C detected in my blood.

> Said it look's like the treatment is working. But

> added it was to early to check the liver. To keep on

> the treatment.

>

> Terry

>

>

>

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

>

[Guest guest]

Great news Terry..I'll keep praying for ya..

[Guest guest]

Amitryptiline is a sleeping aid. The damage to your liver is measured by biopsy. At the low end is inflammation of the liver at varied stages, then fibrosis, again at varied stages and beyond that is cirrhosis. There are differing ods of rating these so it's hard to compare exactly from one patient to another.

"Chronic liver diseases lead to fibrosis which leads to derangement of the architecture, portal hypertension and may produce such an irreversible rearrangement of the circulation as to cause cirrhosis. There is a fine line between fibrosis and cirrhosis."

Donahoe <patsella@...> wrote:

Terry - is the amitriptyline to treat the liver? I saw the doctor today and she thinks the sores on my feet are either from Cryoglobulins or from Livido vasculitis. The first is a hep C side effect and will be treated with prednisone, the second is an independent infection which will be treated with something else. She also is putting me in touch with a liver specialist for a biopsy to find out how much fibrosis there is in the liver. Do you know what she is talking about here? She thinks I have had hepC for many years and it's only showing up now because she happen to order that test with a bunch of others and got lucky (glad someone did). So far my liver values are normal. I have been having LFT's for years because of some of the meds I take so I know that they have been normal for at least that period of time? Any info is welcome - thanks - Pat

[ ] Good morning from AZ

Hi all. The Doctor put me back on Amitriptyline this week & I have been a little out of it as I have been adjusting to it. He did give me some good news. He said there was no Hep C detected in my . Said it look's like the treatment is working. But added it was to early to check the liver. To keep on the treatment.

Terry

[Guest guest]

That's great! I got the clean test after 6 mos, but continued the treatment as well. Being undetectable doesn't mean it's necessarily gone, just under their radar screen. I guess on the newer combo (peg) they can tell sooner if it's working, so they test at 3 mos. I completed mine and then I wait 6 mos before testing again to see if the dragon has come back. I remain optimistic. I will pray for you as well. -dz-

Terry Long <pawpawto3@...> wrote:

Hi all. The Doctor put me back on Amitriptyline this week & I have been a little out of it as I have been adjusting to it. He did give me some good news. He said there was no Hep C detected in my . Said it look's like the treatment is working. But added it was to early to check the liver. To keep on the treatment.

Terry

[Guest guest]

Thanks - that's exactly what I needed to know. The doctor is planning a biopsy to see if I have any fibrosis from the hepC. I didn't know what that meant and I was puzzled because my LFT's have always been good and I didn't realize there was an earlier stage of damage - I'm finding this all very frightening. Just think - 6 months ago I was working 50 to 70 hours a week, taking care of my bed-ridden life partner and in general in control of my life. Today I spend hours limping around the house screaming "Oh God" I can't stand the pain and praying for a final diagnosis so that these terrible ulcers can finally be healed. I can't believe that this is happening to me but then I read everyone else's stories and feel like mine isn't so bad after all. I'm so glad I found you all - Pat

[Guest guest]

My guess from what I have been reading is that they decide what treatment to start for the hepC once they have the genotype. They should have that soon as that was part of the blood draw Friday. Does anyone know how long it takes to process blood for the genotype and to diagnose the other thing (starts with a C has long, long name). Pat

[Guest guest]

Pat I don't have Hep C but have been through alot in my life. 8 surgeries and a few things that would seem kind of rough to the healthier observer. Its bad because its happening to you. Let me tell you for sure I'd rather it be me than my son.. that has got to be the worse for me. Re: [ ] Good morning from AZ Thanks - that's exactly what I needed to know. The doctor is planning a biopsy to see if I have any fibrosis from the hepC. I didn't know what that meant and I was puzzled because my LFT's have always been good and I didn't realize there was an earlier stage of damage - I'm finding this all very frightening. Just think - 6 months ago I was working 50 to 70 hours a week, taking care of my bed-ridden life partner and in general in control of my life. Today I spend hours limping around the house screaming "Oh God" I can't stand the pain and praying for a final diagnosis so that these terrible ulcers can finally be healed. I can't believe that this is happening to me but then I read everyone else's stories and feel like mine isn't so bad after all. I'm so glad I found you all - Pat

[Guest guest]

- you really hit the nail on the head. I fall apart when I see the medical shows with very young people suffering and dying from terrible diseases or from terrible abuse. Yes I would rather it be me than anyone I know - but then if I had my druthers I would rather it wasn't anyone. - Pat

[Guest guest]

So true Pat so true.. Re: [ ] Good morning from AZ - you really hit the nail on the head. I fall apart when I see the medical shows with very young people suffering and dying from terrible diseases or from terrible abuse. Yes I would rather it be me than anyone I know - but then if I had my druthers I would rather it wasn't anyone. - Pat

[Guest guest]

that sounds great Terry(doc & blood test) My Dr prescribed Amitryptilene

for me also but it has no effect on me... doesn't help my sleep or anything

else...I have a very high tolerance to most all sleep aids...... But for

pain I found that Dilaudid works very well for me..... only take it when

pain gets unbearable usually about 2-3 days per week & I only take

one!! now if they could just find something for the insomnia-- I'd

be a much more 'happy camper'!!!! I just hate staying up for 24-30+

hours straight before I can sleep .... usually I end up sleeping in the

daytime(I don't like this as Ken is home during daytime on Weekends &

when laid off! Gastro Dr told me this was just another sign(symptom)

of my liver being sooo bad! If it was totally up to him he wouldn't

give me anything for sleep or pain...... but I feel it's bad when

I can't rest properly--usually this is what brings on the major pains &

not just in my liver but all over...including very bad headaches--etc

arlene

Terry Long wrote:

Hi all. The Doctor put me back on Amitriptyline this week & I have

been a little out of it as I have been adjusting to it. He did give me

some good news. He said there was no Hep C detected in my blood. Said it

look's like the treatment is working. But added it was to early to check

the liver. To keep on the treatment.

Terry

[Guest guest]

& my doc gave it to me- Amitriptyline- to help with sleeping....Guess

I'm gonna have to ask him about that next week when I see him....... when

he gave me that RX- I wasn't depressed @ all!!!!

arlene

wrote:

Hi

Pat Amitriptyline is

an anti depressant used to relieve the depression that can be caused by

the interferon.I'm not a

doctor but I would check with the liver specialist before taking prednisone.

It is an immuno suppressant and might aggravate the hepc.

[ ] Good

morning from AZ

Hi all. The Doctor put me back on Amitriptyline this week & I have

been a little out of it as I have been adjusting to it. He did give me

some good news. He said there was no Hep C detected in my blood. Said it

look's like the treatment is working. But added it was to early to check

the liver. To keep on the treatment.

Terry

[Guest guest]

Pat we are glad you are here too..I too understand like most of us do in here how you feel..I use to work alot also and now am glad to clean my whole house without having to complain or take a break...This group is great for support that's for sure..They have all helped me so much...

[Guest guest]

Giglebutt we all experience pain on the right side but when you tell your dr. he'll say the liver feels no pain it's the area around it that does..I know when my liver isn't hurting(yea right) that it can affect the whole right side at times..It may be your liver afterall..

[Guest guest]

Well thanks for replying ,I was just told that I'm on

the list for treatment but have not recieved a code

access #(thats how I feel just a #!!!!!!!!) anyway it

may take awhile to start. Is it wise to do this alone

as far as living alone I mean. I know I have the group

for support but I wonder if going thru this treatment

alone is smart,I do not have anyone to help me. Any

thoughts about it? giglebut

--- Jannewilms42@... wrote:

> Giglebutt we all experience pain on the right side

> but when you tell your dr.

> he'll say the liver feels no pain it's the area

> around it that does..I know

> when my liver isn't hurting(yea right) that it can

> affect the whole right

> side at times..It may be your liver afterall..

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Well thanks for replying ,I was just told that I'm on

the list for treatment but have not recieved a code

access #(thats how I feel just a #!!!!!!!!) anyway it

may take awhile to start. Is it wise to do this alone

as far as living alone I mean. I know I have the group

for support but I wonder if going thru this treatment

alone is smart,I do not have anyone to help me. Any

thoughts about it? giglebut

--- Jannewilms42@... wrote:

> Giglebutt we all experience pain on the right side

> but when you tell your dr.

> he'll say the liver feels no pain it's the area

> around it that does..I know

> when my liver isn't hurting(yea right) that it can

> affect the whole right

> side at times..It may be your liver afterall..

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

It would be great if there was someone there after

the first shot, but I think you'll be OK. Plan not to

have to do anything for 24 hours after the first shot.

You will need to drink tons of water while your on

treatment. My shot usually hits me 3-4 hours after I

do it. There are side effects but they usually improve

over the week. I have been very lucky though, because

I can keep going pretty well. It's really not as bad

as I expected.

Sharon

--- debbie henning <giglebutt2002@...> wrote:

> Well thanks for replying ,I was just told that I'm

> on

> the list for treatment but have not recieved a code

> access #(thats how I feel just a #!!!!!!!!) anyway

> it

> may take awhile to start. Is it wise to do this

> alone

> as far as living alone I mean. I know I have the

> group

> for support but I wonder if going thru this

> treatment

> alone is smart,I do not have anyone to help me. Any

> thoughts about it? giglebut

>

>

> --- Jannewilms42@... wrote:

> > Giglebutt we all experience pain on the right side

> > but when you tell your dr.

> > he'll say the liver feels no pain it's the area

> > around it that does..I know

> > when my liver isn't hurting(yea right) that it can

> > affect the whole right

> > side at times..It may be your liver afterall..

> >

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

It helps to have some support, but I don't suppose it's necessary. Find support where you can, if you have someone you can call, etc. Physically I was never so ill that I couldn't make it on my own, you may find it trying to keep up with all the day to day housework, but I think you could manage. The one thing to be on the alert for is deep depression, we are warned on the treatment of the danger of suicidal thoughts, etc. If you are not on an antidepressant, I would talk to your dr about it, even before you start treatment, as it takes a few weeks for them to take effect. -dz-

debbie henning <giglebutt2002@...> wrote: Well thanks for replying ,I was just told that I'm onthe list for treatment but have not recieved a codeaccess #(thats how I feel just a #!!!!!!!!) anyway itmay take awhile to start. Is it wise to do this aloneas far as living alone I mean. I know I have the groupfor support but I wonder if going thru this treatmentalone is smart,I do not have anyone to help me. Anythoughts about it? giglebut--- Jannewilms42@... wrote:> Giglebutt we all experience pain on the right side> but when you tell your dr. > he'll say the liver feels no pain it's the area> around it that does..I know > when my liver isn't hurting(yea right) that it can> affect the whole right > side at times..It may be your liver afterall..> __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

At least you've got a smart Dr!!!! He listens........

BTW - yesterday I saw my gastro/liver Dr. & he was pleased

to tell me my blood counts were 'normal'...although my platelets remain

low (35) He says they must be tough ones as I've had no problems

were bleeding & or bruising(used to have these problems quite a bit

He also told me my LFT's have remained at the same levels as when I

was first diagnosed in '88.....also said he didn't quite understand how

they've stay at same levels for so long!! I remain a puzzle to the

Drs<g> me too, but like I said "I'm just too stubborn"!!!!??

So I don't have to see him til late July....also told him of our plans

for the m/c trip to NV.. was a little displeased but not really surprised,,,

just reminded me that even if we get into the slightest mishap(like accident-

no matter how inconsequential) I should go & get an exam..just

in case I fall on my head or take a jarring blow to abdomin!! as it could

be fatal in my case<g> But also mentioned same thing could happen

in an auto accident or if I should take a tumble up on our property!!

I told him yeah I know..but you only LIVE once!!! & then I grinned

@ him!! He likes my sense of humor -I guess..as he started grinning

with me & then we both had a good laugh!!

arlene

He also suggested I send another letter to OHSU- this time to the head

of the Transplant team...he also suggested sending it 'certified mail with

a return request'

I typed it out this evening & will send it off first thing Monday

AM!!!!!

Jannewilms42@... wrote:

Arlene

the last time my Dr told me I wasn't experiencing what I told him I was

I looke dat him and asked if he had it and when he responded no then I

told him then he didn't know S--- except what he read..I knew from how

I felt..He seemed to agree after that...LOL

[Guest guest]

Good for you, you're putting the wheels in motion. I pray that things move along swiftly for you. Enjoy your trip and be careful. -dz-

ACE <arken@...> wrote: At least you've got a smart Dr!!!! He listens........BTW - yesterday I saw my gastro/liver Dr. & he was pleased to tell memy blood counts were 'normal'...although my platelets remain low (35)He says they must be tough ones as I've had no problems were bleeding & or bruising(used to have these problems quite a bitHe also told me my LFT's have remained at the same levels as when I wasfirst diagnosed in '88.....also said he didn't quite understand howthey've stay at same levels for so long!! I remain a puzzle to theDrs me too, but like I said "I'm just too stubborn"!!!!??So I don't have to see him til late July....also told him of our plansfor the m/c trip to NV.. was a little displeased but not reallysurprised,,, just reminded me that even if we get into the slightestmishap(like accident- no matter how inconsequential) I should go & getan exam..just in case I fall on my head or take a jarring blow toabdomin!! as it could be fatal in my case But also mentioned samething could happen in an auto accident or if I should take a tumble upon our property!! I told him yeah I know..but you only LIVE once!!! & then I grinned @ him!! He likes my sense of humor -I guess..as hestarted grinning with me & then we both had a good laugh!!arleneHe also suggested I send another letter to OHSU- this time to the headof the Transplant team...he also suggested sending it 'certified mailwith a return request'I typed it out this evening & will send it off first thing MondayAM!!!!!Jannewilms42@... wrote:> Arlene the last time my Dr told me I wasn't experiencing what I told> him I was I looke dat him and asked if he had it and when he responded> no then I told him then he didn't know S--- except what he read..I> knew from how I felt..He seemed to agree after that...LOL>

[Guest guest]

Well they do talk you know and so do their mommys. LOL Re: [ ] Good morning from AZ Terry hope you are feeling better today..Not too many have been on today..I wonder how our dear Diane is and how is Dennis's knee and ..Arlene..Jackie..Skyler...Gigglebutt..Mike..Raf.. and to all the others I amy have forgotten forgive me but get your butts in here and say hi to us!!