Re: New to the group w/ questions

August 1, 2002

Terry ~~I sure love your fighter spirit. I'm sure that's what has carried you through all the other health issues that have faced you. Your courage is inspiring. Thanks for sharing with us this courage. Warm Regards,

Terry Long <pawpawto3@...> wrote:

For me I wanted to know what I was dealing with. I have been a fighter all my life & wanted to know how much damage was done & what I needed to do to beat this. I was born with an inharted disorder "neurofibromatosis". These are small growth's or tumers that ataches the nerves "skin & body parts" I was also born with a sunken chest. When I was 5 they went in & tried reinforse the chest "it didn't work". In 1983 I had some internal bleeding, it turned out to be a neurofibromatosis growth. Between the test to find the problem & the operation, I had around 10 units of blood. One of those transfustion's had to be tanted, that is how I had to get the HEP C. My plan is as long as I am breathing, I will fight what ever come my way. Terry M B <bestofmarys57@...> wrote:

~ I appreciated your story and kind encouragement. The popular concenses is to do the biopsy and not one person said, "Oh wait you have lots of time". Sends me a pretty clear message now doesn't it? Thank you once again, Sizer <ssizer@...> wrote:

,

I had a liver biopsy way back in '67 when I was hospitalized for "serum hepatitis."

It was rather unpleasant, so I wasn't looking forward to it when I had my biopsy last Fall. But it was like night and day, not nearly as unpleasant as the first time. A day to rest and recuperate and that was it.

By all means, get it done. It's the best diagnostic tool there is.

Best wishes,

Re: [ ] New to the group w/ questions

Dear , The fear and delay of having your liver biopsy done will determine your percentage of recovery, if any. Get it done ASAP. This is a fatal disease just like Cancer if you catch it early you have a higher change of recovery. I delayed my liver biopsy for 2 years. My delay allowed the HCV to reach a fibrosis stage 3 before my treatment was started. The infusion therapy was not able to kill the HCV in my liver/body. The infusion therapy is the first therapy treatment "protocol" your physician will do. The infusion therapy is a 26-48-52 weeks treatment which consist of the following: A monthly supply the medications will be mailed to you. You will receive a twisting measurable injection interferon pen that lasts 2-4 weeks. You will also receive a supply of Ribavirin pills which is an anti-viral agent that enhances the success to kill the HCV. You will be required to give monthly blood tests to monitor the treatment. By 6 months, if your HCV level is still high, they will discontinue the treatment because the treatment failed. If your HCV level is at the proper low ranch, the treatment will be continued up to 52 weeks. In reality, the treatment is trying to kill the HCV without killing the patient. This is the same treatment Naomi Judd had to go through. They caught the Active HCV in it's first stage which the infusion treatment was able to kill the HCV. If the HCV does not return in 6 months you are considered cured. In Jan 2001 the Peg-Intron infusion therapy was approved to use in the USA. The clinical studies showed it to be 75% more effective in killing the HCV in patients that failed to respond to the infusion therapy. This treatment is my only hope at this time. From what I have read about the Peg-Intron therapy which about the same protocol but now the interferon has an agent that keeps the interferon longer in the body. This allows the interferon more time to kill more HCV. The treatment plan is: One injection a week given under the skin only. Rebetron pills will replace the other pills. You will be required to take these pills daily. HCV is a fatal disease with no definite cure. Once your liver reaches the the Cirrhosis stage it progresses to Cancer of the Liver. The only treatment available at this time is a liver transplant. You can read details information at http://hepatitis-central/hcv/treatment.html I hope this letter brings the reality that the HCV is a Very Serious Fatal Disease that needs to be treated asap just like cancer. Darlene

August 1, 2002

But Terry, you're such a he-man! lol....at least it sounds like it's a 1/2 day to a full day thing with recovery time. Shouldn't be too bad. Soon I will know for my own self. maybe as early as September. Warm Regards,

Terry Long <pawpawto3@...> wrote:

I felt fine the next day, went back to work the next afternoon. If it wasn't for not driving. I could have worked the same night. Terry M B <bestofmarys57@...> wrote:

Terry you are so great to share so much of the journey that you have traveled with others. It's a great gift to be able to do so. Were you sore the next day? Were you able to go to work? Knowing these things can help me plan around me work schedule the best way possible. You Da Man, Terri Tks. Terry Long <pawpawto3@...> wrote:

you are awake. They numb you & you don't feel very much. The biopsy it self take's less then 30 minutes. But they have some things they have to do before hand & they want to watch you a few hours afterwards. I checked in at 6:00 that morning & didn't leave till 1:30 that afternoon. Terry M B <bestofmarys57@...> wrote:

Hey guys, Do they put you to sleep or are you awake? About how long does it take? How soon do you get to know the results? Thanks in advance, Darlene <dcw915@...> wrote:

You feel sore on your right upper side. They take it just below your right rib cage. You really don't feel like driving that day or any active projects. Take the day off. Darlene Terry Long wrote:

Darlene, a biopsy is fairly painless. You do have to take easy for the rest of the day. They don't want you driving the rest of the day. Terry M B <bestofmarys57@...> wrote:

Darlene: Thank you for the encouragement. I am waiting to stabilize on some medication before I proceed but with each encouragement it is helping me to get over the fear of having the biopsy. One fear is the biopsy itself but I think the greater fear is what do you do when you find out the results of the biopsy. I'm grateful I have this group. It will make whatever comes up next be more manageable. I love Oceanside where you used to live. It is one of my favorite communities in the San Diego area. I miss those ocean breezes, especially in 98 degree weather, lol. I hope your new treatment comes through for you soon and that it works better for you than the other type therapy. I have not heard of that type of therapy before. Keep in touch, Darlene White <dcw915@...> wrote:

Hello I urgently request you have a liver biopsy to actually see if any damage is going on to catch it early for better recovery..

August 1, 2002

Right Terry, I'd definitely have someone drive me home. No need to push the envelope when trying to enhance my life not endanger my life. Later,

Terry Long <pawpawto3@...> wrote:

Even if you stat awake. You can't drive yourself home. That is what they told me. Terry M B <bestofmarys57@...> wrote:

Thanks again Darlene...it's get to get the goods from those of your folks that have walked down these trails before me. I'm glad they put you to sleep. I have a close friend that would be able to drive me home from the procedure. So that base is already covered. Now just waiting for the meds to stabilize then I'll get it scheduled. Regards.... Darlene <dcw915@...> wrote:

Hi Regarding the liver Biopsy procedure, you are put to sleep. The results takes 2-3 days at the most. Darlene M B wrote:

Hey guys, Do they put you to sleep or are you awake? About how long does it take? How soon do you get to know the results? Thanks in advance, Darlene <dcw915@...> wrote:

You feel sore on your right upper side. They take it just below your right rib cage. You really don't feel like driving that day or any active projects. Take the day off. Darlene Terry Long wrote:

Darlene, a biopsy is fairly painless. You do have to take easy for the rest of the day. They don't want you driving the rest of the day. Terry M B <bestofmarys57@...> wrote:

Darlene: Thank you for the encouragement. I am waiting to stabilize on some medication before I proceed but with each encouragement it is helping me to get over the fear of having the biopsy. One fear is the biopsy itself but I think the greater fear is what do you do when you find out the results of the biopsy. I'm grateful I have this group. It will make whatever comes up next be more manageable. I love Oceanside where you used to live. It is one of my favorite communities in the San Diego area. I miss those ocean breezes, especially in 98 degree weather, lol. I hope your new treatment comes through for you soon and that it works better for you than the other type therapy. I have not heard of that type of therapy before. Keep in touch, Darlene White <dcw915@...> wrote:

Hello I urgently request you have a liver biopsy to actually see if any damage is going on to catch it early for better recovery..

August 1, 2002

This will definitely be the method I discuss with the doc when my turn comes. Sounds like the better way to go. Thanks everyone for the input.

Darlene <dcw915@...> wrote:

If I have another biopsy, I think I will elect a local and request the collagen plug for SURE. Thanks for the info Darlene Beth Kern wrote: My doctor gave me a choice and I DID want to watch so took a local -- it was cool! They did an ultrasound right on the table to be sure of where the liver was exactly and make sure a lung wasn't in the way. The biopsy itself just took seconds. Lying on your side afterward IS a drag -- I brought a cassette player and tapes. The amount of time depends on whether or not they use a collagen plug at the site. With the older method it's 6-8 hours, with the plug about 3. Some people get some bruising or a small bump, but when I took off the band-aid, I couldn't even find where they had done it. Piece of cake!BethDarlene wrote:> Hello Debbie>> It is really the Doctor's choice to choose a local or put you to > sleep. My doctor asked me what I wanted. I elected to be put to sleep > because I did not want to watch. The cost is less expensive with a > local procedure.>> My doctor told me the reason they keep you in the hsp for 6 hrs post > procedure, they want to be sure there is no internal bleeding from the > procedure.>> Darlene >> debbie henning wrote:>> mary they do NOT put you to sleep. Ive had 2 biopsys and I was> await.It does not hurt you just feel alittle pressure thats it> ...Deb(giglebut)>> Darlene wrote:>> Hi >> Regarding the liver Biopsy procedure, you are put to sleep.> The results takes 2-3 days at the most.>> Darlene>> M B wrote:>> Hey guys,>> Do they put you to sleep or are you awake? About how long> does it take? How soon do you get to know the results?>> Thanks in advance, >> Darlene wrote:>> You feel sore on your right upper side. They take it> just below your right rib cage. You really don't feel> like driving that day or any active projects. Take> the day off.>> Darlene>> Terry Long wrote:>> Darlene, a biopsy is fairly painless. You do> have to take easy for the rest of the day. They> don't want you driving the rest of the day.>> Terry>> M B wrote:>> Darlene:>> Thank you for the encouragement. I am waiting> to stabilize on some medication before I> proceed but with each encouragement it is> helping me to get over the fear of having the> biopsy. One fear is the biopsy itself but I> think the greater fear is what do you do when> you find out the results of the biopsy. I'm> grateful I have this group. It will make> whatever comes up next be more manageable.>> I love Oceanside where you used to live. It> is one of my favorite communities in the San> Diego area. I miss those ocean breezes,> especially in 98 degree weather, lol.>> I hope your new treatment comes through for> you soon and that it works better for you than> the other type therapy. I have not heard of> that type of therapy before.>> Keep in touch, >> Darlene White wrote:>> Hello >> I urgently request you have a liver biopsy> to actually see if any damage is going on> to catch it early for better recovery..>>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------>

August 1, 2002

~~ You are way too kind and insiteful. Thanks for the congrats. Fortunately the thought of alcohol is so repulsive to me that I don't have to worry about additional liver damage from that direction. If someone wants to know why I don't drink, I just tell them that I am already over quota for this lifetime", lol, lol. My two best friends know about the Hep C, and I'm still vascillating on the others. Once it's told then you can't take it back. You're right they'll probably be supportive I just don't know when I'll be ready to go there. Hope you have a great rest of the week and week-end... Warm Regards,

Sizer <ssizer@...> wrote:

,

Congratulations on your long-term sobriety. Way to go!

I know what you mean. I work in a State Police Barracks and no one knows about my hep C. The cops get a fair number of drug users with HCV and some of them have some misconceptions -- that it's catching, like the flu or something. I don't want to be ostracized and have co-workers avoid me -- and I don't want them finding the skeletons in my closet from 30+ years ago.

Other than that, I don't hide it from friends and family, and everybody has been supportive. Maybe you're underestimating your family and their ability to come through for you.

Regards,

Re: [ ] New to the group w/ questions

Oh the wise one -dz- comes to bring word of wisdom once again...I like it when your pc is cooperating with you. Your insight and wisdom is greatly appreciated. and largely is responsible for me only telling my two best friends so far. I almost told my one brother who is also Hep C reactive but I chickened out because I knew I'd have to tell the rest of my family and I'm not ready to do that yet. Much less deal with the stigma from ignorant (uneducated) folks...including employers. I've just known for a little over 3 months and still have so much to adjust too. I too am in recovery and since 1986 have only drank for about a 3 month period in 1992 and have been alchol free since. So this gives my liver a lot of a break with only 3 months of drinking in 17 years is definitely a God deal for me. Thanks for Trudging Together, imaganeer <imaganeer@...> wrote:

, it's kind of ironic that many of the people who ostracize hcv victims are the ones who were doing the same things, but just got lucky enough not to get bitten! I talked to my dr about the stigma of having it and about the confidentiality. He told me I would be surprised who is being treated. It is not the "dregs of society" (my words), but normal upstanding citizens with families and good jobs and just happened to do a little drug experimentation in college or whatever. Many didn't even use drugs, but got it from other means, either transfusions,or sometimes unknown. I had taken the alcohol cure to my drug addictions, but luckily was 5 years clean and sober by the time I found out I had hcv. I think that God was working there, because who knows how much worse off I would have been if I had been still drinking those last 5 years. Well I'm droning on pretty good here too... By the way, while I would still recommend the biopsy for peace of mind, the ultrasound is not without value, it would certainly have show an enlargement of your liver which, I believe, is one of the first signs of damage. Mine was mildly inflamed (enlarged). -dz- M B wrote:

Hello Darlene: My name is and I'm rather new to the group also. I have found everyone to be kind, fun, informational and supportive. I too am from California, Southern Cali -- Orange County to be exact. There were a lot of us that played hard and some of us got caught and some others didn't.

I came to Texas in 1990 to Arlington with my family and then moved to Austin in 1992. I love it here in Austin...it's more laid back than Dallas and the live music is wonderful. I was diagnosed recently with Hep C (April). So far my liver enzymes are normal and my abdominal ultrasound was normal too. There are no apparent signs of liver damage. Everyone here has encouraged me to do a liver biopsy, which the doc says is optional at this point, and I probably will in a few months. I'm sure you'll find the some good support here that I have. Welcome.

August 1, 2002

Me a state trooper? No way! I'm a civilian employee for the State of VT.

All the troopers have to get shots for hep B which, someone correct me if

I'm wrong, more contagious than hep C. Plus the practicing addicts with

hep C whom they deal are not exactly the upper crust of society. I think

this is where the misconceptions come from.

Regards,

August 1, 2002

Take your time , when in doubt I wouldn't say

anything. I had one " friend " who rushed out and got

tested even though her dr. told her she didn't need

to. A few months later she showed her true colors and

we haven't spoken since. (and she lives across the

street) I also know another hepper who went to a

friend's house and was served on paper plates everyone

else got real dishes. I will say this disease has

taught me who my REAL friends are and I am truly

thankful for them.

Sharon

--- M B <bestofmarys57@...> wrote:

>

> ~~ You are way too kind and insiteful.

> Thanks for the congrats. Fortunately the thought of

> alcohol is so repulsive to me that I don't have to

> worry about additional liver damage from that

> direction. If someone wants to know why I don't

> drink, I just tell them that I am already over quota

> for this lifetime " , lol, lol. My two best friends

> know about the Hep C, and I'm still vascillating on

> the others. Once it's told then you can't take it

> back. You're right they'll probably be supportive I

> just don't know when I'll be ready to go there.

> Hope you have a great rest of the week and

> week-end... Warm Regards,

> Sizer <ssizer@...> wrote: ,

> Congratulations on your long-term sobriety. Way to

> go! I know what you mean. I work in a State Police

> Barracks and no one knows about my hep C. The cops

> get a fair number of drug users with HCV and some of

> them have some misconceptions -- that it's catching,

> like the flu or something. I don't want to be

> ostracized and have co-workers avoid me -- and I

> don't want them finding the skeletons in my closet

> from 30+ years ago. Other than that, I don't hide it

> from friends and family, and everybody has been

> supportive. Maybe you're underestimating your

> family and their ability to come through for you.

> Regards, Re:

> [ ] New to the group w/ questions

>

> Oh the wise one -dz- comes to bring word of wisdom

> once again...I like it when your pc is cooperating

> with you. Your insight and wisdom is greatly

> appreciated. and largely is responsible for me only

> telling my two best friends so far. I almost told

> my one brother who is also Hep C reactive but I

> chickened out because I knew I'd have to tell the

> rest of my family and I'm not ready to do that yet.

> Much less deal with the stigma from ignorant

> (uneducated) folks...including employers. I've just

> known for a little over 3 months and still have so

> much to adjust too. I too am in recovery and since

> 1986 have only drank for about a 3 month period in

> 1992 and have been alchol free since. So this gives

> my liver a lot of a break with only 3 months of

> drinking in 17 years is definitely a God deal for

> me. Thanks for Trudging Together,

> imaganeer <imaganeer@...> wrote:

> , it's kind of ironic that many of the people

> who ostracize hcv victims are the ones who were

> doing the same things, but just got lucky enough not

> to get bitten! I talked to my dr about the stigma of

> having it and about the confidentiality. He told me

> I would be surprised who is being treated. It is not

> the " dregs of society " (my words), but normal

> upstanding citizens with families and good jobs and

> just happened to do a little drug experimentation in

> college or whatever. Many didn't even use drugs, but

> got it from other means, either transfusions,or

> sometimes unknown. I had taken the alcohol cure to

> my drug addictions, but luckily was 5 years clean

> and sober by the time I found out I had hcv. I think

> that God was working there, because who knows how

> much worse off I would have been if I had been still

> drinking those last 5 years. Well I'm droning on

> pretty good here too... By the way, while I would

> still recommend the biopsy for peace of mind, the

> ultrasound is not without value, it would certainly

> have show an enlargement of your liver which, I

> believe, is one of the first signs of damage. Mine

> was mildly inflamed (enlarged). -dz-

> M B wrote:

> Hello Darlene:

> My name is and I'm rather new to the group

> also. I have found everyone to be kind, fun,

> informational and supportive. I too am from

> California, Southern Cali -- Orange County to be

> exact. There were a lot of us that played hard and

> some of us got caught and some others didn't.

> I came to Texas in 1990 to Arlington with my family

> and then moved to Austin in 1992. I love it here in

> Austin...it's more laid back than Dallas and the

> live music is wonderful.

> I was diagnosed recently with Hep C (April). So far

> my liver enzymes are normal and my abdominal

> ultrasound was normal too. There are no apparent

> signs of liver damage. Everyone here has encouraged

> me to do a liver biopsy, which the doc says is

> optional at this point, and I probably will in a few

> months.

> I'm sure you'll find the some good support here that

> I have.

> Welcome.

>

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

>

August 1, 2002

It really can make a difference. I never really thought about it enough to do anything about it until after I had quit using for a couple of years and then started noticing these things, somebody I knew suggested I may have adhd and I started studying it a little bit. I went to see a psychotherapist and he said I was a classic case. So many of us, just learn to manage with it, he said my drug use was in part, me trying to self medicate. I had trouble in school, trouble with authority, trouble with relationships, trouble holding jobs, etc. I dropped out of high school. When I went back to school for my CIS degree I graduated with high honors. -dz-

Darlene wrote:

Hello I believe I have the same ADHD. I believe I have had ADHD since the 4th grade, but at that time the medical field was not aware of this disease. It has always been kind of difficult to keep my mind from wondering but it became severely worse on and after the treatment. I really need to discuss the ADHD and this was my doc. It might just change my life with the right medication. Darlene imaganeer wrote:

I am also still on my antidepressants. I never took them before treatment. I asked my dr about discontinuing them, but he thought it was a good idea to keep them up. I cut down from 2 100mg/day to 150mg/day. I often forgot the 2nd dose anyway. That's part of my ADHD. I'm also trying to snap out of the fatigue. I need to get back on a physical fitness program and I'm having a hard time of it. I picked up a second job because of money problems, but I just quit that, so hopefully I'll be able to motivate myself to get back in shape. -dz- Darlene wrote:

Good Afternoon I still have serve fatigue and depression from the treatment. I was going through menpause right before I started the treatment. I was a crazy women on menopause. I had panic attacks, fear, fatigue, the sweats. My doctor forgot about my menopause symptoms when they started the treatment. So my doctor believed my depression and fatigue was from the treatment. He did treat my depression and fatigue etc. while I continued with the treatment. After the treatment ended, the depression, fatigue, and mental confusion remains to this day and is being treated. I read; A patient who has depression and the HCV treatment is needed, they recommend that the patient's depression be stable and not suicidal. The HCV will increase the depression symptoms but as long as a doctor has your depression under control throughout the treatment, they can start the HCV treatment. They can always suspend the treatment if other problems arise. I had to have a blood transfusion 3 months into the treatment because my CBC dropped from 12 to 9. I was off the treatment for 2 weeks and then treatment was resumed. This is so funny what happend to me. When I was going through the third month of treatment. I started getting weak and dizzy when I stood up, my joints pain was worse and the fatigue was severe. I had to buy a cane just to walk at work and home. I slept the whole day on the weekends. I went for my monthly blood test. My doctor called me a few days later. He asked if I had been feeling weak ect. I stated yes and that I had to use a cane. He said it was because my red blood count dropped from 12 to 9 and that I did not have enough red blood cells to support my body functions. This never crossed my mind when it should have Duh!!! I heard is HCV negative post 3 months. This is absolutely wonderful news to hear. Darlene

August 1, 2002

It would be a little tough not to become a bit jaded in a line of work like that. Though I'm sure there are many cops who experimented with drugs at some time in their life. Just like Bill Clinton, although most of us DID inhale.. -dz-

Sizer wrote:

Me a state trooper? No way! I'm a civilian employee for the State of VT.All the troopers have to get shots for hep B which, someone correct me ifI'm wrong, more contagious than hep C. Plus the practicing addicts withhep C whom they deal are not exactly the upper crust of society. I thinkthis is where the misconceptions come from.Regards,

August 1, 2002

You Go!! Get yours too, Jan. -dz-

Jannewilms43@... wrote:

I did something ood for myself..I ran them both out the house for a while..Told them to go do something in town and let me have some damn space...LOL

August 1, 2002

Our daughter "" has ADHD. We found out when she was in second grade. She has been drawing SSD seance she was 13. She was in & out of treatment centers from age 13 till she was 18. She still needed & still needs to be in a treatment center or at least a half-way house. But when she turned 18 by law she's an adult & is in charge of what happens to her.

Terry

imaganeer wrote:

It really can make a difference. I never really thought about it enough to do anything about it until after I had quit using for a couple of years and then started noticing these things, somebody I knew suggested I may have adhd and I started studying it a little bit. I went to see a psychotherapist and he said I was a classic case. So many of us, just learn to manage with it, he said my drug use was in part, me trying to self medicate. I had trouble in school, trouble with authority, trouble with relationships, trouble holding jobs, etc. I dropped out of high school. When I went back to school for my CIS degree I graduated with high honors. -dz- Darlene wrote:

Hello I believe I have the same ADHD. I believe I have had ADHD since the 4th grade, but at that time the medical field was not aware of this disease. It has always been kind of difficult to keep my mind from wondering but it became severely worse on and after the treatment. I really need to discuss the ADHD and this was my doc. It might just change my life with the right medication. Darlene imaganeer wrote:

I am also still on my antidepressants. I never took them before treatment. I asked my dr about discontinuing them, but he thought it was a good idea to keep them up. I cut down from 2 100mg/day to 150mg/day. I often forgot the 2nd dose anyway. That's part of my ADHD. I'm also trying to snap out of the fatigue. I need to get back on a physical fitness program and I'm having a hard time of it. I picked up a second job because of money problems, but I just quit that, so hopefully I'll be able to motivate myself to get back in shape. -dz- Darlene wrote:

Good Afternoon I still have serve fatigue and depression from the treatment. I was going through menpause right before I started the treatment. I was a crazy women on menopause. I had panic attacks, fear, fatigue, the sweats. My doctor forgot about my menopause symptoms when they started the treatment. So my doctor believed my depression and fatigue was from the treatment. He did treat my depression and fatigue etc. while I continued with the treatment. After the treatment ended, the depression, fatigue, and mental confusion remains to this day and is being treated. I read; A patient who has depression and the HCV treatment is needed, they recommend that the patient's depression be stable and not suicidal. The HCV will increase the depression symptoms but as long as a doctor has your depression under control throughout the treatment, they can start the HCV treatment. They can always suspend the treatment if other problems arise. I had to have a blood transfusion 3 months into the treatment because my CBC dropped from 12 to 9. I was off the treatment for 2 weeks and then treatment was resumed. This is so funny what happend to me. When I was going through the third month of treatment. I started getting weak and dizzy when I stood up, my joints pain was worse and the fatigue was severe. I had to buy a cane just to walk at work and home. I slept the whole day on the weekends. I went for my monthly blood test. My doctor called me a few days later. He asked if I had been feeling weak ect. I stated yes and that I had to use a cane. He said it was because my red blood count dropped from 12 to 9 and that I did not have enough red blood cells to support my body functions. This never crossed my mind when it should have Duh!!! I heard is HCV negative post 3 months. This is absolutely wonderful news to hear. Darlene

August 1, 2002

If you buy Slick-Willy didn't inhaled, I still have the London Bridge for sale. It is just a 4 hour drive northwest of Phoenix.

Terry

imaganeer wrote:

It would be a little tough not to become a bit jaded in a line of work like that. Though I'm sure there are many cops who experimented with drugs at some time in their life. Just like Bill Clinton, although most of us DID inhale.. -dz- Sizer wrote: Me a state trooper? No way! I'm a civilian employee for the State of VT.All the troopers have to get shots for hep B which, someone correct me ifI'm wrong, more contagious than hep C. Plus the practicing addicts withhep C whom they deal are not exactly the upper crust of society. I thinkthis is where the misconceptions come from.Regards,

August 1, 2002

And oral sex isn't really sex, so he wasn't cheating

on his wife.

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

>

> If you buy Slick-Willy didn't inhaled, I still

> have the London Bridge for sale. It is just a 4 hour

> drive northwest of Phoenix.

> Terry

__________________________________________________

August 1, 2002

The Pope met with President Clinton and after their meeting Clinton was asked how it went. He said "I thought it went very well, we are 80% in agreement". Later on the same reporter saw the pope and asked him how it went and he said, "Just terrible, we are not making progress". The reporter told him that President Clinton said they were 80% in agreement. The pope said, "Yes, but that was just the 10 commandments!" :-) -dz-

Sharon Zeis wrote:

And oral sex isn't really sex, so he wasn't cheatingon his wife.--- Terry Long <pawpawto3@...> wrote:> > If you buy Slick-Willy didn't inhaled, I still> have the London Bridge for sale. It is just a 4 hour> drive northwest of Phoenix.> Terry__________________________________________________

August 3, 2002

Darlene:

Sorry to be taking so much time in responding but I have had a busy work schedule this week. I have two part time jobs that have me working 5 days this week. Usually I only work 4 so I haven't had much time.

It's really awful that you had such a bad side effect to your treatment and are having ongoing complications. Hopefully the treatment for the complications that you are receiving now are going to improve the quality of your life and restore you to a better health.

I guess that for right now I shouldn't be borrowing trouble from tomorrow that isn't happening today. I'm just going to focus on getting things back into balance now and then cross tomorrows bridges then (sounds good, right...hopefully I can do that!). My meds are getting more stable as the days go by and this is encouraging. The trouble with depression is it always tells you that it's always going to be like this and fortunately that is rarely the case. I do respond well to the medication so I am fortunate. So in the mean time I'll just keep trudging.

Hope you improve daily and thanks.

I appreciate you.

Darlene <dcw915@...> wrote:

Good Afternoon I still have serve fatigue and depression from the treatment. I was going through menpause right before I started the treatment. I was a crazy women on menopause. I had panic attacks, fear, fatigue, the sweats. My doctor forgot about my menopause symptoms when they started the treatment. So my doctor believed my depression and fatigue was from the treatment. He did treat my depression and fatigue etc. while I continued with the treatment. After the treatment ended, the depression, fatigue, and mental confusion remains to this day and is being treated. I read; A patient who has depression and the HCV treatment is needed, they recommend that the patient's depression be stable and not suicidal. The HCV will increase the depression symptoms but as long as a doctor has your depression under control throughout the treatment, they can start the HCV treatment. They can always suspend the treatment if other problems arise. I had to have a blood transfusion 3 months into the treatment because my CBC dropped from 12 to 9. I was off the treatment for 2 weeks and then treatment was resumed. This is so funny what happend to me. When I was going through the third month of treatment. I started getting weak and dizzy when I stood up, my joints pain was worse and the fatigue was severe. I had to buy a cane just to walk at work and home. I slept the whole day on the weekends. I went for my monthly blood test. My doctor called me a few days later. He asked if I had been feeling weak ect. I stated yes and that I had to use a cane. He said it was because my red blood count dropped from 12 to 9 and that I did not have enough red blood cells to support my body functions. This never crossed my mind when it should have Duh!!! I heard is HCV negative post 3 months. This is absolutely wonderful news to hear. Darlene M B wrote:

Darlene: Your concern is touching and you're right, I have been feeling like I can put this off because there is no apparent immediate danger. So, all of ya'll (a word I learned here in TX, lol) have convinced me that the liver biopsy is the thing to do. I do need to wait for a couple of months until my mental health medication on my new dose has had a chance to stabilize. I have been going through a bout of depression in the last couple of months. I know that part of this is because of finding out about the Hep C, but it is something I just have to deal with from time to time. If I am in active depression, the doctor says that they cannot treat me anyway. My mental health has to be stable for them to do any treatment. So, I'll just have to wait for a little while to get the biopsy and then we can go from there. Thank you for sharing your story and the information. It really has been helpful to know that putting this off for a long length of time could be really harmful to my chances of treatment success. Hanging In There, Darlene <dcw915@...> wrote:

Dear , The fear and delay of having your liver biopsy done will determine your percentage of recovery, if any. Get it done ASAP. This is a fatal disease just like Cancer if you catch it early you have a higher change of recovery. I delayed my liver biopsy for 2 years. My delay allowed the HCV to reach a fibrosis stage 3 before my treatment was started. The infusion therapy was not able to kill the HCV in my liver/body. The infusion therapy is the first therapy treatment "protocol" your physician will do. The infusion therapy is a 26-48-52 weeks treatment which consist of the following: A monthly supply the medications will be mailed to you. You will receive a twisting measurable injection interferon pen that lasts 2-4 weeks. You will also receive a supply of Ribavirin pills which is an anti-viral agent that enhances the success to kill the HCV. You will be required to give monthly blood tests to monitor the treatment. By 6 months, if your HCV level is still high, they will discontinue the treatment because the treatment failed. If your HCV level is at the proper low ranch, the treatment will be continued up to 52 weeks. In reality, the treatment is trying to kill the HCV without killing the patient. This is the same treatment Naomi Judd had to go through. They caught the Active HCV in it's first stage which the infusion treatment was able to kill the HCV. If the HCV does not return in 6 months you are considered cured. In Jan 2001 the Peg-Intron infusion therapy was approved to use in the USA. The clinical studies showed it to be 75% more effective in killing the HCV in patients that failed to respond to the infusion therapy. This treatment is my only hope at this time. From what I have read about the Peg-Intron therapy which about the same protocol but now the interferon has an agent that keeps the interferon longer in the body. This allows the interferon more time to kill more HCV. The treatment plan is: One injection a week given under the skin only. Rebetron pills will replace the other pills. You will be required to take these pills daily. HCV is a fatal disease with no definite cure. Once your liver reaches the the Cirrhosis stage it progresses to Cancer of the Liver. The only treatment available at this time is a liver transplant. You can read details information at http://hepatitis-central/hcv/treatment.html I hope this letter brings the reality that the HCV is a Very Serious Fatal Disease that needs to be treated asap just like cancer. Darlene

August 3, 2002

Hi

I feel for you having to work two jobs. I finally applied for SS disability today over the phone. So now I am on a rush mission to get the requested documents to them with their forms completed. I pray I receive acceptence for the SSI and HCV treatment. That way I can physically and emotionally concentrate on the treatment. I hope it works so I can have a chance to get healthy again w/o depression etc.

M B wrote:

Darlene: Sorry to be taking so much time in responding but I have had a busy work schedule this week. I have two part time jobs that have me working 5 days this week. Usually I only work 4 so I haven't had much time. It's really awful that you had such a bad side effect to your treatment and are having ongoing complications. Hopefully the treatment for the complications that you are receiving now are going to improve the quality of your life and restore you to a better health. I guess that for right now I shouldn't be borrowing trouble from tomorrow that isn't happening today. I'm just going to focus on getting things back into balance now and then cross tomorrows bridges then (sounds good, right...hopefully I can do that!). My meds are getting more stable as the days go by and this is encouraging. The trouble with depression is it always tells you that it's always going to be like this and fortunately that is rarely the case. I do respond well to the medication so I am fortunate. So in the mean time I'll just keep trudging. Hope you improve daily and thanks. I appreciate you. Darlene <dcw915@...> wrote:

Good Afternoon I still have serve fatigue and depression from the treatment. I was going through menpause right before I started the treatment. I was a crazy women on menopause. I had panic attacks, fear, fatigue, the sweats. My doctor forgot about my menopause symptoms when they started the treatment. So my doctor believed my depression and fatigue was from the treatment. He did treat my depression and fatigue etc. while I continued with the treatment. After the treatment ended, the depression, fatigue, and mental confusion remains to this day and is being treated. I read; A patient who has depression and the HCV treatment is needed, they recommend that the patient's depression be stable and not suicidal. The HCV will increase the depression symptoms but as long as a doctor has your depression under control throughout the treatment, they can start the HCV treatment. They can always suspend the treatment if other problems arise. I had to have a blood transfusion 3 months into the treatment because my CBC dropped from 12 to 9. I was off the treatment for 2 weeks and then treatment was resumed. This is so funny what happend to me. When I was going through the third month of treatment. I started getting weak and dizzy when I stood up, my joints pain was worse and the fatigue was severe. I had to buy a cane just to walk at work and home. I slept the whole day on the weekends. I went for my monthly blood test. My doctor called me a few days later. He asked if I had been feeling weak ect. I stated yes and that I had to use a cane. He said it was because my red blood count dropped from 12 to 9 and that I did not have enough red blood cells to support my body functions. This never crossed my mind when it should have Duh!!! I heard is HCV negative post 3 months. This is absolutely wonderful news to hear. Darlene

M B wrote:

Darlene: Your concern is touching and you're right, I have been feeling like I can put this off because there is no apparent immediate danger. So, all of ya'll (a word I learned here in TX, lol) have convinced me that the liver biopsy is the thing to do. I do need to wait for a couple of months until my mental health medication on my new dose has had a chance to stabilize. I have been going through a bout of depression in the last couple of months. I know that part of this is because of finding out about the Hep C, but it is something I just have to deal with from time to time. If I am in active depression, the doctor says that they cannot treat me anyway. My mental health has to be stable for them to do any treatment. So, I'll just have to wait for a little while to get the biopsy and then we can go from there. Thank you for sharing your story and the information. It really has been helpful to know that putting this off for a long length of time could be really harmful to my chances of treatment success. Hanging In There, Darlene <dcw915@...> wrote:

Dear , The fear and delay of having your liver biopsy done will determine your percentage of recovery, if any. Get it done ASAP. This is a fatal disease just like Cancer if you catch it early you have a higher change of recovery. I delayed my liver biopsy for 2 years. My delay allowed the HCV to reach a fibrosis stage 3 before my treatment was started. The infusion therapy was not able to kill the HCV in my liver/body. The infusion therapy is the first therapy treatment "protocol" your physician will do. The infusion therapy is a 26-48-52 weeks treatment which consist of the following: A monthly supply the medications will be mailed to you. You will receive a twisting measurable injection interferon pen that lasts 2-4 weeks. You will also receive a supply of Ribavirin pills which is an anti-viral agent that enhances the success to kill the HCV. You will be required to give monthly blood tests to monitor the treatment. By 6 months, if your HCV level is still high, they will discontinue the treatment because the treatment failed. If your HCV level is at the proper low ranch, the treatment will be continued up to 52 weeks. In reality, the treatment is trying to kill the HCV without killing the patient. This is the same treatment Naomi Judd had to go through. They caught the Active HCV in it's first stage which the infusion treatment was able to kill the HCV. If the HCV does not return in 6 months you are considered cured. In Jan 2001 the Peg-Intron infusion therapy was approved to use in the USA. The clinical studies showed it to be 75% more effective in killing the HCV in patients that failed to respond to the infusion therapy. This treatment is my only hope at this time. From what I have read about the Peg-Intron therapy which about the same protocol but now the interferon has an agent that keeps the interferon longer in the body. This allows the interferon more time to kill more HCV. The treatment plan is: One injection a week given under the skin only. Rebetron pills will replace the other pills. You will be required to take these pills daily. HCV is a fatal disease with no definite cure. Once your liver reaches the the Cirrhosis stage it progresses to Cancer of the Liver. The only treatment available at this time is a liver transplant. You can read details information at http://hepatitis-central/hcv/treatment.html I hope this letter brings the reality that the HCV is a Very Serious Fatal Disease that needs to be treated asap just like cancer. Darlene

August 3, 2002

, Susy is for ever getting on me about worrying about tomorrow.

Terry

M B wrote:

Darlene: Sorry to be taking so much time in responding but I have had a busy work schedule this week. I have two part time jobs that have me working 5 days this week. Usually I only work 4 so I haven't had much time. It's really awful that you had such a bad side effect to your treatment and are having ongoing complications. Hopefully the treatment for the complications that you are receiving now are going to improve the quality of your life and restore you to a better health. I guess that for right now I shouldn't be borrowing trouble from tomorrow that isn't happening today. I'm just going to focus on getting things back into balance now and then cross tomorrows bridges then (sounds good, right...hopefully I can do that!). My meds are getting more stable as the days go by and this is encouraging. The trouble with depression is it always tells you that it's always going to be like this and fortunately that is rarely the case. I do respond well to the medication so I am fortunate. So in the mean time I'll just keep trudging. Hope you improve daily and thanks. I appreciate you. Darlene <dcw915@...> wrote:

Good Afternoon I still have serve fatigue and depression from the treatment. I was going through menpause right before I started the treatment. I was a crazy women on menopause. I had panic attacks, fear, fatigue, the sweats. My doctor forgot about my menopause symptoms when they started the treatment. So my doctor believed my depression and fatigue was from the treatment. He did treat my depression and fatigue etc. while I continued with the treatment. After the treatment ended, the depression, fatigue, and mental confusion remains to this day and is being treated. I read; A patient who has depression and the HCV treatment is needed, they recommend that the patient's depression be stable and not suicidal. The HCV will increase the depression symptoms but as long as a doctor has your depression under control throughout the treatment, they can start the HCV treatment. They can always suspend the treatment if other problems arise. I had to have a blood transfusion 3 months into the treatment because my CBC dropped from 12 to 9. I was off the treatment for 2 weeks and then treatment was resumed. This is so funny what happend to me. When I was going through the third month of treatment. I started getting weak and dizzy when I stood up, my joints pain was worse and the fatigue was severe. I had to buy a cane just to walk at work and home. I slept the whole day on the weekends. I went for my monthly blood test. My doctor called me a few days later. He asked if I had been feeling weak ect. I stated yes and that I had to use a cane. He said it was because my red blood count dropped from 12 to 9 and that I did not have enough red blood cells to support my body functions. This never crossed my mind when it should have Duh!!! I heard is HCV negative post 3 months. This is absolutely wonderful news to hear. Darlene

M B wrote:

Darlene: Your concern is touching and you're right, I have been feeling like I can put this off because there is no apparent immediate danger. So, all of ya'll (a word I learned here in TX, lol) have convinced me that the liver biopsy is the thing to do. I do need to wait for a couple of months until my mental health medication on my new dose has had a chance to stabilize. I have been going through a bout of depression in the last couple of months. I know that part of this is because of finding out about the Hep C, but it is something I just have to deal with from time to time. If I am in active depression, the doctor says that they cannot treat me anyway. My mental health has to be stable for them to do any treatment. So, I'll just have to wait for a little while to get the biopsy and then we can go from there. Thank you for sharing your story and the information. It really has been helpful to know that putting this off for a long length of time could be really harmful to my chances of treatment success. Hanging In There, Darlene <dcw915@...> wrote:

Dear , The fear and delay of having your liver biopsy done will determine your percentage of recovery, if any. Get it done ASAP. This is a fatal disease just like Cancer if you catch it early you have a higher change of recovery. I delayed my liver biopsy for 2 years. My delay allowed the HCV to reach a fibrosis stage 3 before my treatment was started. The infusion therapy was not able to kill the HCV in my liver/body. The infusion therapy is the first therapy treatment "protocol" your physician will do. The infusion therapy is a 26-48-52 weeks treatment which consist of the following: A monthly supply the medications will be mailed to you. You will receive a twisting measurable injection interferon pen that lasts 2-4 weeks. You will also receive a supply of Ribavirin pills which is an anti-viral agent that enhances the success to kill the HCV. You will be required to give monthly blood tests to monitor the treatment. By 6 months, if your HCV level is still high, they will discontinue the treatment because the treatment failed. If your HCV level is at the proper low ranch, the treatment will be continued up to 52 weeks. In reality, the treatment is trying to kill the HCV without killing the patient. This is the same treatment Naomi Judd had to go through. They caught the Active HCV in it's first stage which the infusion treatment was able to kill the HCV. If the HCV does not return in 6 months you are considered cured. In Jan 2001 the Peg-Intron infusion therapy was approved to use in the USA. The clinical studies showed it to be 75% more effective in killing the HCV in patients that failed to respond to the infusion therapy. This treatment is my only hope at this time. From what I have read about the Peg-Intron therapy which about the same protocol but now the interferon has an agent that keeps the interferon longer in the body. This allows the interferon more time to kill more HCV. The treatment plan is: One injection a week given under the skin only. Rebetron pills will replace the other pills. You will be required to take these pills daily. HCV is a fatal disease with no definite cure. Once your liver reaches the the Cirrhosis stage it progresses to Cancer of the Liver. The only treatment available at this time is a liver transplant. You can read details information at http://hepatitis-central/hcv/treatment.html I hope this letter brings the reality that the HCV is a Very Serious Fatal Disease that needs to be treated asap just like cancer. Darlene

August 3, 2002

Why am I not in the least bit surprised! Anyone that can get the definitions, supposed fact and half-witted view points that he dose is bound to come out with a totaly different perspectives than other folks. I'm glad he's no longer our president. He was just too good at putting the political spin on everything.

Off the soap box.....

imaganeer <imaganeer@...> wrote:

The Pope met with President Clinton and after their meeting Clinton was asked how it went. He said "I thought it went very well, we are 80% in agreement". Later on the same reporter saw the pope and asked him how it went and he said, "Just terrible, we are not making progress". The reporter told him that President Clinton said they were 80% in agreement. The pope said, "Yes, but that was just the 10 commandments!" :-) -dz- Sharon Zeis wrote: And oral sex isn't really sex, so he wasn't cheatingon his wife.--- Terry Long <pawpawto3@...> wrote:> > If you buy Slick-Willy didn't inhaled, I still> have the London Bridge for sale. It is just a 4 hour> drive northwest of Phoenix.> Terry__________________________________________________

August 3, 2002

Sharon ~~

It's sad that you lost a friend through misunderstanding of how this disease is transmitted. I have told two friends, one who had hep C and has cleared the virus who was very understanding. The other's brother has the disease and because of that doesn't have any real fears. For this I am grateful. That at least gives me a couple people, along with ya'll, to talk to things about. I'm still taking my time on anyone else. I have considered that after the biopsy, if there is any type of liver damage, that then I would tell my family. I guess most of my reluctance has been to admit that I used IV drugs on two occassions. I presume this is how I contracted the disease.

Thanks for listening,

Sharon Zeis <szeis_1@...> wrote: Take your time , when in doubt I wouldn't sayanything. I had one "friend" who rushed out and gottested even though her dr. told her she didn't needto. A few months later she showed her true colors andwe haven't spoken since. (and she lives across thestreet) I also know another hepper who went to afriend's house and was served on paper plates everyoneelse got real dishes. I will say this disease hastaught me who my REAL friends are and I am trulythankful for them. Sharon--- M B <bestofmarys57@...> wrote:> > ~~ You are way too kind and insiteful. > Thanks for the congrats. Fortunately the thought of> alcohol is so repulsive to me that I don't have to> worry about additional liver damage from that> direction. If someone wants to know why I don't> drink, I just tell them that I am already over quota> for this lifetime", lol, lol. My two best friends> know about the Hep C, and I'm still vascillating on> the others. Once it's told then you can't take it> back. You're right they'll probably be supportive I> just don't know when I'll be ready to go there. > Hope you have a great rest of the week and> week-end... Warm Regards, > Sizer <ssizer@...> wrote: ,> Congratulations on your long-term sobriety. Way to> go! I know what you mean. I work in a State Police> Barracks and no one knows about my hep C. The cops> get a fair number of drug users with HCV and some of> them have some misconceptions -- that it's catching,> like the flu or something. I don't want to be> ostracized and have co-workers avoid me -- and I> don't want them finding the skeletons in my closet> from 30+ years ago. Other than that, I don't hide it> from friends and family, and everybody has been> supportive. Maybe you're underestimating your> family and their ability to come through for you.> Regards, Re:> [ ] New to the group w/ questions> > Oh the wise one -dz- comes to bring word of wisdom> once again...I like it when your pc is cooperating> with you. Your insight and wisdom is greatly> appreciated. and largely is responsible for me only> telling my two best friends so far. I almost told> my one brother who is also Hep C reactive but I> chickened out because I knew I'd have to tell the> rest of my family and I'm not ready to do that yet. > Much less deal with the stigma from ignorant> (uneducated) folks...including employers. I've just> known for a little over 3 months and still have so> much to adjust too. I too am in recovery and since> 1986 have only drank for about a 3 month period in> 1992 and have been alchol free since. So this gives> my liver a lot of a break with only 3 months of> drinking in 17 years is definitely a God deal for> me. Thanks for Trudging Together, > imaganeer <imaganeer@...> wrote: > , it's kind of ironic that many of the people> who ostracize hcv victims are the ones who were> doing the same things, but just got lucky enough not> to get bitten! I talked to my dr about the stigma of> having it and about the confidentiality. He told me> I would be surprised who is being treated. It is not> the "dregs of society" (my words), but normal> upstanding citizens with families and good jobs and> just happened to do a little drug experimentation in> college or whatever. Many didn't even use drugs, but> got it from other means, either transfusions,or> sometimes unknown. I had taken the alcohol cure to> my drug addictions, but luckily was 5 years clean> and sober by the time I found out I had hcv. I think> that God was working there, because who knows how> much worse off I would have been if I had been still> drinking those last 5 years. Well I'm droning on> pretty good here too... By the way, while I would> still recommend the biopsy for peace of mind, the> ultrasound is not without value, it would certainly> have show an enlargement of your liver which, I> believe, is one of the first signs of damage. Mine> was mildly inflamed (enlarged). -dz- > M B wrote: > Hello Darlene: > My name is and I'm rather new to the group> also. I have found everyone to be kind, fun,> informational and supportive. I too am from> California, Southern Cali -- Orange County to be> exact. There were a lot of us that played hard and> some of us got caught and some others didn't. > I came to Texas in 1990 to Arlington with my family> and then moved to Austin in 1992. I love it here in> Austin...it's more laid back than Dallas and the> live music is wonderful. > I was diagnosed recently with Hep C (April). So far> my liver enzymes are normal and my abdominal> ultrasound was normal too. There are no apparent> signs of liver damage. Everyone here has encouraged> me to do a liver biopsy, which the doc says is> optional at this point, and I probably will in a few> months. > I'm sure you'll find the some good support here that> I have. > Welcome. > > > > --------------------------------->

August 3, 2002

Terry ~~

It's good that you have someone to remind you. That always helps!

Today I am trying to be worry free. 5

Terry Long <pawpawto3@...> wrote:

, Susy is for ever getting on me about worrying about tomorrow. Terry M B wrote:

Darlene: Sorry to be taking so much time in responding but I have had a busy work schedule this week. I have two part time jobs that have me working 5 days this week. Usually I only work 4 so I haven't had much time. It's really awful that you had such a bad side effect to your treatment and are having ongoing complications. Hopefully the treatment for the complications that you are receiving now are going to improve the quality of your life and restore you to a better health. I guess that for right now I shouldn't be borrowing trouble from tomorrow that isn't happening today. I'm just going to focus on getting things back into balance now and then cross tomorrows bridges then (sounds good, right...hopefully I can do that!). My meds are getting more stable as the days go by and this is encouraging. The trouble with depression is it always tells you that it's always going to be like this and fortunately that is rarely the case. I do respond well to the medication so I am fortunate. So in the mean time I'll just keep trudging. Hope you improve daily and thanks. I appreciate you. Darlene <dcw915@...> wrote:

Good Afternoon I still have serve fatigue and depression from the treatment. I was going through menpause right before I started the treatment. I was a crazy women on menopause. I had panic attacks, fear, fatigue, the sweats. My doctor forgot about my menopause symptoms when they started the treatment. So my doctor believed my depression and fatigue was from the treatment. He did treat my depression and fatigue etc. while I continued with the treatment. After the treatment ended, the depression, fatigue, and mental confusion remains to this day and is being treated. I read; A patient who has depression and the HCV treatment is needed, they recommend that the patient's depression be stable and not suicidal. The HCV will increase the depression symptoms but as long as a doctor has your depression under control throughout the treatment, they can start the HCV treatment. They can always suspend the treatment if other problems arise. I had to have a blood transfusion 3 months into the treatment because my CBC dropped from 12 to 9. I was off the treatment for 2 weeks and then treatment was resumed. This is so funny what happend to me. When I was going through the third month of treatment. I started getting weak and dizzy when I stood up, my joints pain was worse and the fatigue was severe. I had to buy a cane just to walk at work and home. I slept the whole day on the weekends. I went for my monthly blood test. My doctor called me a few days later. He asked if I had been feeling weak ect. I stated yes and that I had to use a cane. He said it was because my red blood count dropped from 12 to 9 and that I did not have enough red blood cells to support my body functions. This never crossed my mind when it should have Duh!!! I heard is HCV negative post 3 months. This is absolutely wonderful news to hear. Darlene

M B wrote:

Darlene: Your concern is touching and you're right, I have been feeling like I can put this off because there is no apparent immediate danger. So, all of ya'll (a word I learned here in TX, lol) have convinced me that the liver biopsy is the thing to do. I do need to wait for a couple of months until my mental health medication on my new dose has had a chance to stabilize. I have been going through a bout of depression in the last couple of months. I know that part of this is because of finding out about the Hep C, but it is something I just have to deal with from time to time. If I am in active depression, the doctor says that they cannot treat me anyway. My mental health has to be stable for them to do any treatment. So, I'll just have to wait for a little while to get the biopsy and then we can go from there. Thank you for sharing your story and the information. It really has been helpful to know that putting this off for a long length of time could be really harmful to my chances of treatment success. Hanging In There, Darlene <dcw915@...> wrote:

Dear , The fear and delay of having your liver biopsy done will determine your percentage of recovery, if any. Get it done ASAP. This is a fatal disease just like Cancer if you catch it early you have a higher change of recovery. I delayed my liver biopsy for 2 years. My delay allowed the HCV to reach a fibrosis stage 3 before my treatment was started. The infusion therapy was not able to kill the HCV in my liver/body. The infusion therapy is the first therapy treatment "protocol" your physician will do. The infusion therapy is a 26-48-52 weeks treatment which consist of the following: A monthly supply the medications will be mailed to you. You will receive a twisting measurable injection interferon pen that lasts 2-4 weeks. You will also receive a supply of Ribavirin pills which is an anti-viral agent that enhances the success to kill the HCV. You will be required to give monthly blood tests to monitor the treatment. By 6 months, if your HCV level is still high, they will discontinue the treatment because the treatment failed. If your HCV level is at the proper low ranch, the treatment will be continued up to 52 weeks. In reality, the treatment is trying to kill the HCV without killing the patient. This is the same treatment Naomi Judd had to go through. They caught the Active HCV in it's first stage which the infusion treatment was able to kill the HCV. If the HCV does not return in 6 months you are considered cured. In Jan 2001 the Peg-Intron infusion therapy was approved to use in the USA. The clinical studies showed it to be 75% more effective in killing the HCV in patients that failed to respond to the infusion therapy. This treatment is my only hope at this time. From what I have read about the Peg-Intron therapy which about the same protocol but now the interferon has an agent that keeps the interferon longer in the body. This allows the interferon more time to kill more HCV. The treatment plan is: One injection a week given under the skin only. Rebetron pills will replace the other pills. You will be required to take these pills daily. HCV is a fatal disease with no definite cure. Once your liver reaches the the Cirrhosis stage it progresses to Cancer of the Liver. The only treatment available at this time is a liver transplant. You can read details information at http://hepatitis-central/hcv/treatment.html I hope this letter brings the reality that the HCV is a Very Serious Fatal Disease that needs to be treated asap just like cancer. Darlene

August 3, 2002

Hey There Darlene:

Congratulations on applying for SS Disability. It is quite a large undertaking and can be quite a process. I too have SS Disability benefits because of the Bi-Polar Disorder but I am allowed to earn up to $780 dollars per month so this is why I can work part-time. I'm grateful to be able to handle it, although, I can't do the stressful work that I was able to in earlier years. The extra income sure is a great help.

There is a website with HCV information that I found recently. It has an article by a benefits consultant on getting disability benefits. Maybe it would be helpful for you.

http://www.hcvadvocate.org

If you will search on "disability" the article will come up under "Getting Disability Benefits". I have also found the site itself to be a wealth of information. I particularly like the glossary. There are 800 terms that are defined and with being new to all this I find it to be helpful in nagivating all the terms that are thrown around.

Good luck in your preparation and in the process for benefits. It sure sounds like it would be helpful to you. I'll keep you in my prayers for this as well as the treatment program.

Darlene <dcw915@...> wrote:

Hi I feel for you having to work two jobs. I finally applied for SS disability today over the phone. So now I am on a rush mission to get the requested documents to them with their forms completed. I pray I receive acceptence for the SSI and HCV treatment. That way I can physically and emotionally concentrate on the treatment. I hope it works so I can have a chance to get healthy again w/o depression etc. M B wrote:

Darlene: Sorry to be taking so much time in responding but I have had a busy work schedule this week. I have two part time jobs that have me working 5 days this week. Usually I only work 4 so I haven't had much time. It's really awful that you had such a bad side effect to your treatment and are having ongoing complications. Hopefully the treatment for the complications that you are receiving now are going to improve the quality of your life and restore you to a better health. I guess that for right now I shouldn't be borrowing trouble from tomorrow that isn't happening today. I'm just going to focus on getting things back into balance now and then cross tomorrows bridges then (sounds good, right...hopefully I can do that!). My meds are getting more stable as the days go by and this is encouraging. The trouble with depression is it always tells you that it's always going to be like this and fortunately that is rarely the case. I do respond well to the medication so I am fortunate. So in the mean time I'll just keep trudging. Hope you improve daily and thanks. I appreciate you. Darlene <dcw915@...> wrote:

Good Afternoon I still have serve fatigue and depression from the treatment. I was going through menpause right before I started the treatment. I was a crazy women on menopause. I had panic attacks, fear, fatigue, the sweats. My doctor forgot about my menopause symptoms when they started the treatment. So my doctor believed my depression and fatigue was from the treatment. He did treat my depression and fatigue etc. while I continued with the treatment. After the treatment ended, the depression, fatigue, and mental confusion remains to this day and is being treated. I read; A patient who has depression and the HCV treatment is needed, they recommend that the patient's depression be stable and not suicidal. The HCV will increase the depression symptoms but as long as a doctor has your depression under control throughout the treatment, they can start the HCV treatment. They can always suspend the treatment if other problems arise. I had to have a blood transfusion 3 months into the treatment because my CBC dropped from 12 to 9. I was off the treatment for 2 weeks and then treatment was resumed. This is so funny what happend to me. When I was going through the third month of treatment. I started getting weak and dizzy when I stood up, my joints pain was worse and the fatigue was severe. I had to buy a cane just to walk at work and home. I slept the whole day on the weekends. I went for my monthly blood test. My doctor called me a few days later. He asked if I had been feeling weak ect. I stated yes and that I had to use a cane. He said it was because my red blood count dropped from 12 to 9 and that I did not have enough red blood cells to support my body functions. This never crossed my mind when it should have Duh!!! I heard is HCV negative post 3 months. This is absolutely wonderful news to hear. Darlene

M B wrote:

Darlene: Your concern is touching and you're right, I have been feeling like I can put this off because there is no apparent immediate danger. So, all of ya'll (a word I learned here in TX, lol) have convinced me that the liver biopsy is the thing to do. I do need to wait for a couple of months until my mental health medication on my new dose has had a chance to stabilize. I have been going through a bout of depression in the last couple of months. I know that part of this is because of finding out about the Hep C, but it is something I just have to deal with from time to time. If I am in active depression, the doctor says that they cannot treat me anyway. My mental health has to be stable for them to do any treatment. So, I'll just have to wait for a little while to get the biopsy and then we can go from there. Thank you for sharing your story and the information. It really has been helpful to know that putting this off for a long length of time could be really harmful to my chances of treatment success. Hanging In There, Darlene <dcw915@...> wrote:

Dear , The fear and delay of having your liver biopsy done will determine your percentage of recovery, if any. Get it done ASAP. This is a fatal disease just like Cancer if you catch it early you have a higher change of recovery. I delayed my liver biopsy for 2 years. My delay allowed the HCV to reach a fibrosis stage 3 before my treatment was started. The infusion therapy was not able to kill the HCV in my liver/body. The infusion therapy is the first therapy treatment "protocol" your physician will do. The infusion therapy is a 26-48-52 weeks treatment which consist of the following: A monthly supply the medications will be mailed to you. You will receive a twisting measurable injection interferon pen that lasts 2-4 weeks. You will also receive a supply of Ribavirin pills which is an anti-viral agent that enhances the success to kill the HCV. You will be required to give monthly blood tests to monitor the treatment. By 6 months, if your HCV level is still high, they will discontinue the treatment because the treatment failed. If your HCV level is at the proper low ranch, the treatment will be continued up to 52 weeks. In reality, the treatment is trying to kill the HCV without killing the patient. This is the same treatment Naomi Judd had to go through. They caught the Active HCV in it's first stage which the infusion treatment was able to kill the HCV. If the HCV does not return in 6 months you are considered cured. In Jan 2001 the Peg-Intron infusion therapy was approved to use in the USA. The clinical studies showed it to be 75% more effective in killing the HCV in patients that failed to respond to the infusion therapy. This treatment is my only hope at this time. From what I have read about the Peg-Intron therapy which about the same protocol but now the interferon has an agent that keeps the interferon longer in the body. This allows the interferon more time to kill more HCV. The treatment plan is: One injection a week given under the skin only. Rebetron pills will replace the other pills. You will be required to take these pills daily. HCV is a fatal disease with no definite cure. Once your liver reaches the the Cirrhosis stage it progresses to Cancer of the Liver. The only treatment available at this time is a liver transplant. You can read details information at http://hepatitis-central/hcv/treatment.html I hope this letter brings the reality that the HCV is a Very Serious Fatal Disease that needs to be treated asap just like cancer. Darlene

August 3, 2002

Hello

Thank you for the hcvadvocate.org website. Now I really know what I need to have for my application for SSDI. I also added severe depression and severe fatigue along with Chronic HCV. I documented I have three diseases that affects my ability to work. I believe and hope my doctor will submit a summary of the damaging emotional and physical changes I had since 05/1999. The other question I am worried about is losing my home. I own my home and if I collect SSI and medicaid I could lose my home. They wanted documentation of the County Appraisal Market Value of my house. I will have to call my friend (an atty) to discuss this issue for clarification. Please put me on your prayer list that I get accepted.

Thank you for the information.

Hey There Darlene: Congratulations on applying for SS Disability. It is quite a large undertaking and can be quite a process. I too have SS Disability benefits because of the Bi-Polar Disorder but I am allowed to earn up to $780 dollars per month so this is why I can work part-time. I'm grateful to be able to handle it, although, I can't do the stressful work that I was able to in earlier years. The extra income sure is a great help. There is a website with HCV information that I found recently. It has an article by a benefits consultant on getting disability benefits. Maybe it would be helpful for you. http://www.hcvadvocate.org If you will search on "disability" the article will come up under "Getting Disability Benefits". I have also found the site itself to be a wealth of information. I particularly like the glossary. There are 800 terms that are defined and with being new to all this I find it to be helpful in nagivating all the terms that are thrown around. Good luck in your preparation and in the process for benefits. It sure sounds like it would be helpful to you. I'll keep you in my prayers for this as well as the treatment program. Darlene <dcw915@...> wrote:

Hi I feel for you having to work two jobs. I finally applied for SS disability today over the phone. So now I am on a rush mission to get the requested documents to them with their forms completed. I pray I receive acceptence for the SSI and HCV treatment. That way I can physically and emotionally concentrate on the treatment. I hope it works so I can have a chance to get healthy again w/o depression etc.

M B wrote:

Darlene: Sorry to be taking so much time in responding but I have had a busy work schedule this week. I have two part time jobs that have me working 5 days this week. Usually I only work 4 so I haven't had much time. It's really awful that you had such a bad side effect to your treatment and are having ongoing complications. Hopefully the treatment for the complications that you are receiving now are going to improve the quality of your life and restore you to a better health. I guess that for right now I shouldn't be borrowing trouble from tomorrow that isn't happening today. I'm just going to focus on getting things back into balance now and then cross tomorrows bridges then (sounds good, right...hopefully I can do that!). My meds are getting more stable as the days go by and this is encouraging. The trouble with depression is it always tells you that it's always going to be like this and fortunately that is rarely the case. I do respond well to the medication so I am fortunate. So in the mean time I'll just keep trudging. Hope you improve daily and thanks. I appreciate you. Darlene <dcw915@...> wrote:

Good Afternoon I still have serve fatigue and depression from the treatment. I was going through menpause right before I started the treatment. I was a crazy women on menopause. I had panic attacks, fear, fatigue, the sweats. My doctor forgot about my menopause symptoms when they started the treatment. So my doctor believed my depression and fatigue was from the treatment. He did treat my depression and fatigue etc. while I continued with the treatment. After the treatment ended, the depression, fatigue, and mental confusion remains to this day and is being treated. I read; A patient who has depression and the HCV treatment is needed, they recommend that the patient's depression be stable and not suicidal. The HCV will increase the depression symptoms but as long as a doctor has your depression under control throughout the treatment, they can start the HCV treatment. They can always suspend the treatment if other problems arise. I had to have a blood transfusion 3 months into the treatment because my CBC dropped from 12 to 9. I was off the treatment for 2 weeks and then treatment was resumed. This is so funny what happend to me. When I was going through the third month of treatment. I started getting weak and dizzy when I stood up, my joints pain was worse and the fatigue was severe. I had to buy a cane just to walk at work and home. I slept the whole day on the weekends. I went for my monthly blood test. My doctor called me a few days later. He asked if I had been feeling weak ect. I stated yes and that I had to use a cane. He said it was because my red blood count dropped from 12 to 9 and that I did not have enough red blood cells to support my body functions. This never crossed my mind when it should have Duh!!! I heard is HCV negative post 3 months. This is absolutely wonderful news to hear. Darlene

M B wrote:

Darlene: Your concern is touching and you're right, I have been feeling like I can put this off because there is no apparent immediate danger. So, all of ya'll (a word I learned here in TX, lol) have convinced me that the liver biopsy is the thing to do. I do need to wait for a couple of months until my mental health medication on my new dose has had a chance to stabilize. I have been going through a bout of depression in the last couple of months. I know that part of this is because of finding out about the Hep C, but it is something I just have to deal with from time to time. If I am in active depression, the doctor says that they cannot treat me anyway. My mental health has to be stable for them to do any treatment. So, I'll just have to wait for a little while to get the biopsy and then we can go from there. Thank you for sharing your story and the information. It really has been helpful to know that putting this off for a long length of time could be really harmful to my chances of treatment success. Hanging In There, Darlene <dcw915@...> wrote:

Dear , The fear and delay of having your liver biopsy done will determine your percentage of recovery, if any. Get it done ASAP. This is a fatal disease just like Cancer if you catch it early you have a higher change of recovery. I delayed my liver biopsy for 2 years. My delay allowed the HCV to reach a fibrosis stage 3 before my treatment was started. The infusion therapy was not able to kill the HCV in my liver/body. The infusion therapy is the first therapy treatment "protocol" your physician will do. The infusion therapy is a 26-48-52 weeks treatment which consist of the following: A monthly supply the medications will be mailed to you. You will receive a twisting measurable injection interferon pen that lasts 2-4 weeks. You will also receive a supply of Ribavirin pills which is an anti-viral agent that enhances the success to kill the HCV. You will be required to give monthly blood tests to monitor the treatment. By 6 months, if your HCV level is still high, they will discontinue the treatment because the treatment failed. If your HCV level is at the proper low ranch, the treatment will be continued up to 52 weeks. In reality, the treatment is trying to kill the HCV without killing the patient. This is the same treatment Naomi Judd had to go through. They caught the Active HCV in it's first stage which the infusion treatment was able to kill the HCV. If the HCV does not return in 6 months you are considered cured. In Jan 2001 the Peg-Intron infusion therapy was approved to use in the USA. The clinical studies showed it to be 75% more effective in killing the HCV in patients that failed to respond to the infusion therapy. This treatment is my only hope at this time. From what I have read about the Peg-Intron therapy which about the same protocol but now the interferon has an agent that keeps the interferon longer in the body. This allows the interferon more time to kill more HCV. The treatment plan is: One injection a week given under the skin only. Rebetron pills will replace the other pills. You will be required to take these pills daily. HCV is a fatal disease with no definite cure. Once your liver reaches the the Cirrhosis stage it progresses to Cancer of the Liver. The only treatment available at this time is a liver transplant. You can read details information at http://hepatitis-central/hcv/treatment.html I hope this letter brings the reality that the HCV is a Very Serious Fatal Disease that needs to be treated asap just like cancer. Darlene

August 3, 2002

Darlene:

You are most welcome. Since you have a work history having paid in Social Security fees, you more than likely will be qualified for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) which is an insurance entitlement program rather than the indigent program. There are no restrictions there at all for owning a home and having any forms of income other than emplyment related income. With this benefit you receive Medicare benefits as well.

If you fall into a category where you do not have enough quarters of SS dollars paid in, then is when you would fall into the SSI indigent program. Those people on SSI generally qualify for Medicaid. This is an area where I have less knowledge but I do know that my good friend is on Medicaid and owns her own home.

I believe that if you call Social Security back that they can tell you over the phone whether you have enough quarters paid in to qualify for SSDI or if you would fall into the SSI category.

A call you your attorney friend probably wouldn't hurt either.

Hope this helps alleviate some of your concerns, Take Care,

Darlene <dcw915@...> wrote:

Hello Thank you for the hcvadvocate.org website. Now I really know what I need to have for my application for SSDI. I also added severe depression and severe fatigue along with Chronic HCV. I documented I have three diseases that affects my ability to work. I believe and hope my doctor will submit a summary of the damaging emotional and physical changes I had since 05/1999. The other question I am worried about is losing my home. I own my home and if I collect SSI and medicaid I could lose my home. They wanted documentation of the County Appraisal Market Value of my house. I will have to call my friend (an atty) to discuss this issue for clarification. Please put me on your prayer list that I get accepted. Thank you for the information.

Hey There Darlene: Congratulations on applying for SS Disability. It is quite a large undertaking and can be quite a process. I too have SS Disability benefits because of the Bi-Polar Disorder but I am allowed to earn up to $780 dollars per month so this is why I can work part-time. I'm grateful to be able to handle it, although, I can't do the stressful work that I was able to in earlier years. The extra income sure is a great help. There is a website with HCV information that I found recently. It has an article by a benefits consultant on getting disability benefits. Maybe it would be helpful for you. http://www.hcvadvocate.org If you will search on "disability" the article will come up under "Getting Disability Benefits". I have also found the site itself to be a wealth of information. I particularly like the glossary. There are 800 terms that are defined and with being new to all this I find it to be helpful in nagivating all the terms that are thrown around. Good luck in your preparation and in the process for benefits. It sure sounds like it would be helpful to you. I'll keep you in my prayers for this as well as the treatment program.

Darlene <dcw915@...> wrote:

Hi I feel for you having to work two jobs. I finally applied for SS disability today over the phone. So now I am on a rush mission to get the requested documents to them with their forms completed. I pray I receive acceptence for the SSI and HCV treatment. That way I can physically and emotionally concentrate on the treatment. I hope it works so I can have a chance to get healthy again w/o depression etc.

M B wrote:

Darlene: Sorry to be taking so much time in responding but I have had a busy work schedule this week. I have two part time jobs that have me working 5 days this week. Usually I only work 4 so I haven't had much time. It's really awful that you had such a bad side effect to your treatment and are having ongoing complications. Hopefully the treatment for the complications that you are receiving now are going to improve the quality of your life and restore you to a better health. I guess that for right now I shouldn't be borrowing trouble from tomorrow that isn't happening today. I'm just going to focus on getting things back into balance now and then cross tomorrows bridges then (sounds good, right...hopefully I can do that!). My meds are getting more stable as the days go by and this is encouraging. The trouble with depression is it always tells you that it's always going to be like this and fortunately that is rarely the case. I do respond well to the medication so I am fortunate. So in the mean time I'll just keep trudging. Hope you improve daily and thanks. I appreciate you. Darlene <dcw915@...> wrote:

Good Afternoon I still have serve fatigue and depression from the treatment. I was going through menpause right before I started the treatment. I was a crazy women on menopause. I had panic attacks, fear, fatigue, the sweats. My doctor forgot about my menopause symptoms when they started the treatment. So my doctor believed my depression and fatigue was from the treatment. He did treat my depression and fatigue etc. while I continued with the treatment. After the treatment ended, the depression, fatigue, and mental confusion remains to this day and is being treated. I read; A patient who has depression and the HCV treatment is needed, they recommend that the patient's depression be stable and not suicidal. The HCV will increase the depression symptoms but as long as a doctor has your depression under control throughout the treatment, they can start the HCV treatment. They can always suspend the treatment if other problems arise. I had to have a blood transfusion 3 months into the treatment because my CBC dropped from 12 to 9. I was off the treatment for 2 weeks and then treatment was resumed. This is so funny what happend to me. When I was going through the third month of treatment. I started getting weak and dizzy when I stood up, my joints pain was worse and the fatigue was severe. I had to buy a cane just to walk at work and home. I slept the whole day on the weekends. I went for my monthly blood test. My doctor called me a few days later. He asked if I had been feeling weak ect. I stated yes and that I had to use a cane. He said it was because my red blood count dropped from 12 to 9 and that I did not have enough red blood cells to support my body functions. This never crossed my mind when it should have Duh!!! I heard is HCV negative post 3 months. This is absolutely wonderful news to hear. Darlene

M B wrote:

Darlene: Your concern is touching and you're right, I have been feeling like I can put this off because there is no apparent immediate danger. So, all of ya'll (a word I learned here in TX, lol) have convinced me that the liver biopsy is the thing to do. I do need to wait for a couple of months until my mental health medication on my new dose has had a chance to stabilize. I have been going through a bout of depression in the last couple of months. I know that part of this is because of finding out about the Hep C, but it is something I just have to deal with from time to time. If I am in active depression, the doctor says that they cannot treat me anyway. My mental health has to be stable for them to do any treatment. So, I'll just have to wait for a little while to get the biopsy and then we can go from there. Thank you for sharing your story and the information. It really has been helpful to know that putting this off for a long length of time could be really harmful to my chances of treatment success. Hanging In There, Darlene <dcw915@...> wrote:

Dear , The fear and delay of having your liver biopsy done will determine your percentage of recovery, if any. Get it done ASAP. This is a fatal disease just like Cancer if you catch it early you have a higher change of recovery. I delayed my liver biopsy for 2 years. My delay allowed the HCV to reach a fibrosis stage 3 before my treatment was started. The infusion therapy was not able to kill the HCV in my liver/body. The infusion therapy is the first therapy treatment "protocol" your physician will do. The infusion therapy is a 26-48-52 weeks treatment which consist of the following: A monthly supply the medications will be mailed to you. You will receive a twisting measurable injection interferon pen that lasts 2-4 weeks. You will also receive a supply of Ribavirin pills which is an anti-viral agent that enhances the success to kill the HCV. You will be required to give monthly blood tests to monitor the treatment. By 6 months, if your HCV level is still high, they will discontinue the treatment because the treatment failed. If your HCV level is at the proper low ranch, the treatment will be continued up to 52 weeks. In reality, the treatment is trying to kill the HCV without killing the patient. This is the same treatment Naomi Judd had to go through. They caught the Active HCV in it's first stage which the infusion treatment was able to kill the HCV. If the HCV does not return in 6 months you are considered cured. In Jan 2001 the Peg-Intron infusion therapy was approved to use in the USA. The clinical studies showed it to be 75% more effective in killing the HCV in patients that failed to respond to the infusion therapy. This treatment is my only hope at this time. From what I have read about the Peg-Intron therapy which about the same protocol but now the interferon has an agent that keeps the interferon longer in the body. This allows the interferon more time to kill more HCV. The treatment plan is: One injection a week given under the skin only. Rebetron pills will replace the other pills. You will be required to take these pills daily. HCV is a fatal disease with no definite cure. Once your liver reaches the the Cirrhosis stage it progresses to Cancer of the Liver. The only treatment available at this time is a liver transplant. You can read details information at http://hepatitis-central/hcv/treatment.html I hope this letter brings the reality that the HCV is a Very Serious Fatal Disease that needs to be treated asap just like cancer. Darlene

August 3, 2002

Dear

Thank you for the clarification. I was so upset about losing my house.

M B wrote:

Darlene: You are most welcome. Since you have a work history having paid in Social Security fees, you more than likely will be qualified for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) which is an insurance entitlement program rather than the indigent program. There are no restrictions there at all for owning a home and having any forms of income other than emplyment related income. With this benefit you receive Medicare benefits as well. If you fall into a category where you do not have enough quarters of SS dollars paid in, then is when you would fall into the SSI indigent program. Those people on SSI generally qualify for Medicaid. This is an area where I have less knowledge but I do know that my good friend is on Medicaid and owns her own home. I believe that if you call Social Security back that they can tell you over the phone whether you have enough quarters paid in to qualify for SSDI or if you would fall into the SSI category. A call you your attorney friend probably wouldn't hurt either. Hope this helps alleviate some of your concerns, Take Care, Darlene <dcw915@...> wrote:

Hello Thank you for the hcvadvocate.org website. Now I really know what I need to have for my application for SSDI. I also added severe depression and severe fatigue along with Chronic HCV. I documented I have three diseases that affects my ability to work. I believe and hope my doctor will submit a summary of the damaging emotional and physical changes I had since 05/1999. The other question I am worried about is losing my home. I own my home and if I collect SSI and medicaid I could lose my home. They wanted documentation of the County Appraisal Market Value of my house. I will have to call my friend (an atty) to discuss this issue for clarification. Please put me on your prayer list that I get accepted. Thank you for the information.

Hey There Darlene: Congratulations on applying for SS Disability. It is quite a large undertaking and can be quite a process. I too have SS Disability benefits because of the Bi-Polar Disorder but I am allowed to earn up to $780 dollars per month so this is why I can work part-time. I'm grateful to be able to handle it, although, I can't do the stressful work that I was able to in earlier years. The extra income sure is a great help. There is a website with HCV information that I found recently. It has an article by a benefits consultant on getting disability benefits. Maybe it would be helpful for you. http://www.hcvadvocate.org If you will search on "disability" the article will come up under "Getting Disability Benefits". I have also found the site itself to be a wealth of information. I particularly like the glossary. There are 800 terms that are defined and with being new to all this I find it to be helpful in nagivating all the terms that are thrown around. Good luck in your preparation and in the process for benefits. It sure sounds like it would be helpful to you. I'll keep you in my prayers for this as well as the treatment program.

Darlene <dcw915@...> wrote:

Hi I feel for you having to work two jobs. I finally applied for SS disability today over the phone. So now I am on a rush mission to get the requested documents to them with their forms completed. I pray I receive acceptence for the SSI and HCV treatment. That way I can physically and emotionally concentrate on the treatment. I hope it works so I can have a chance to get healthy again w/o depression etc.

M B wrote:

Darlene: Sorry to be taking so much time in responding but I have had a busy work schedule this week. I have two part time jobs that have me working 5 days this week. Usually I only work 4 so I haven't had much time. It's really awful that you had such a bad side effect to your treatment and are having ongoing complications. Hopefully the treatment for the complications that you are receiving now are going to improve the quality of your life and restore you to a better health. I guess that for right now I shouldn't be borrowing trouble from tomorrow that isn't happening today. I'm just going to focus on getting things back into balance now and then cross tomorrows bridges then (sounds good, right...hopefully I can do that!). My meds are getting more stable as the days go by and this is encouraging. The trouble with depression is it always tells you that it's always going to be like this and fortunately that is rarely the case. I do respond well to the medication so I am fortunate. So in the mean time I'll just keep trudging. Hope you improve daily and thanks. I appreciate you. Darlene <dcw915@...> wrote:

Good Afternoon I still have serve fatigue and depression from the treatment. I was going through menpause right before I started the treatment. I was a crazy women on menopause. I had panic attacks, fear, fatigue, the sweats. My doctor forgot about my menopause symptoms when they started the treatment. So my doctor believed my depression and fatigue was from the treatment. He did treat my depression and fatigue etc. while I continued with the treatment. After the treatment ended, the depression, fatigue, and mental confusion remains to this day and is being treated. I read; A patient who has depression and the HCV treatment is needed, they recommend that the patient's depression be stable and not suicidal. The HCV will increase the depression symptoms but as long as a doctor has your depression under control throughout the treatment, they can start the HCV treatment. They can always suspend the treatment if other problems arise. I had to have a blood transfusion 3 months into the treatment because my CBC dropped from 12 to 9. I was off the treatment for 2 weeks and then treatment was resumed. This is so funny what happend to me. When I was going through the third month of treatment. I started getting weak and dizzy when I stood up, my joints pain was worse and the fatigue was severe. I had to buy a cane just to walk at work and home. I slept the whole day on the weekends. I went for my monthly blood test. My doctor called me a few days later. He asked if I had been feeling weak ect. I stated yes and that I had to use a cane. He said it was because my red blood count dropped from 12 to 9 and that I did not have enough red blood cells to support my body functions. This never crossed my mind when it should have Duh!!! I heard is HCV negative post 3 months. This is absolutely wonderful news to hear. Darlene

M B wrote:

Darlene: Your concern is touching and you're right, I have been feeling like I can put this off because there is no apparent immediate danger. So, all of ya'll (a word I learned here in TX, lol) have convinced me that the liver biopsy is the thing to do. I do need to wait for a couple of months until my mental health medication on my new dose has had a chance to stabilize. I have been going through a bout of depression in the last couple of months. I know that part of this is because of finding out about the Hep C, but it is something I just have to deal with from time to time. If I am in active depression, the doctor says that they cannot treat me anyway. My mental health has to be stable for them to do any treatment. So, I'll just have to wait for a little while to get the biopsy and then we can go from there. Thank you for sharing your story and the information. It really has been helpful to know that putting this off for a long length of time could be really harmful to my chances of treatment success. Hanging In There, Darlene <dcw915@...> wrote:

Dear , The fear and delay of having your liver biopsy done will determine your percentage of recovery, if any. Get it done ASAP. This is a fatal disease just like Cancer if you catch it early you have a higher change of recovery. I delayed my liver biopsy for 2 years. My delay allowed the HCV to reach a fibrosis stage 3 before my treatment was started. The infusion therapy was not able to kill the HCV in my liver/body. The infusion therapy is the first therapy treatment "protocol" your physician will do. The infusion therapy is a 26-48-52 weeks treatment which consist of the following: A monthly supply the medications will be mailed to you. You will receive a twisting measurable injection interferon pen that lasts 2-4 weeks. You will also receive a supply of Ribavirin pills which is an anti-viral agent that enhances the success to kill the HCV. You will be required to give monthly blood tests to monitor the treatment. By 6 months, if your HCV level is still high, they will discontinue the treatment because the treatment failed. If your HCV level is at the proper low ranch, the treatment will be continued up to 52 weeks. In reality, the treatment is trying to kill the HCV without killing the patient. This is the same treatment Naomi Judd had to go through. They caught the Active HCV in it's first stage which the infusion treatment was able to kill the HCV. If the HCV does not return in 6 months you are considered cured. In Jan 2001 the Peg-Intron infusion therapy was approved to use in the USA. The clinical studies showed it to be 75% more effective in killing the HCV in patients that failed to respond to the infusion therapy. This treatment is my only hope at this time. From what I have read about the Peg-Intron therapy which about the same protocol but now the interferon has an agent that keeps the interferon longer in the body. This allows the interferon more time to kill more HCV. The treatment plan is: One injection a week given under the skin only. Rebetron pills will replace the other pills. You will be required to take these pills daily. HCV is a fatal disease with no definite cure. Once your liver reaches the the Cirrhosis stage it progresses to Cancer of the Liver. The only treatment available at this time is a liver transplant. You can read details information at http://hepatitis-central/hcv/treatment.html I hope this letter brings the reality that the HCV is a Very Serious Fatal Disease that needs to be treated asap just like cancer. Darlene

August 3, 2002

Darlene, the rules might have changed. But 25 years ago my Father-inlaw had to go on SSDI. My inlaws owned there home outright & had there retirement investments. It didn't afect it at all. They kept there house & investment's. But it pays to talk with lawer. There has been a lot of changes in 25 years.

Terry

Darlene wrote:

Hello Thank you for the hcvadvocate.org website. Now I really know what I need to have for my application for SSDI. I also added severe depression and severe fatigue along with Chronic HCV. I documented I have three diseases that affects my ability to work. I believe and hope my doctor will submit a summary of the damaging emotional and physical changes I had since 05/1999. The other question I am worried about is losing my home. I own my home and if I collect SSI and medicaid I could lose my home. They wanted documentation of the County Appraisal Market Value of my house. I will have to call my friend (an atty) to discuss this issue for clarification. Please put me on your prayer list that I get accepted. Thank you for the information.

Hey There Darlene: Congratulations on applying for SS Disability. It is quite a large undertaking and can be quite a process. I too have SS Disability benefits because of the Bi-Polar Disorder but I am allowed to earn up to $780 dollars per month so this is why I can work part-time. I'm grateful to be able to handle it, although, I can't do the stressful work that I was able to in earlier years. The extra income sure is a great help. There is a website with HCV information that I found recently. It has an article by a benefits consultant on getting disability benefits. Maybe it would be helpful for you. http://www.hcvadvocate.org If you will search on "disability" the article will come up under "Getting Disability Benefits". I have also found the site itself to be a wealth of information. I particularly like the glossary. There are 800 terms that are defined and with being new to all this I find it to be helpful in nagivating all the terms that are thrown around. Good luck in your preparation and in the process for benefits. It sure sounds like it would be helpful to you. I'll keep you in my prayers for this as well as the treatment program.

Darlene <dcw915@...> wrote:

Hi I feel for you having to work two jobs. I finally applied for SS disability today over the phone. So now I am on a rush mission to get the requested documents to them with their forms completed. I pray I receive acceptence for the SSI and HCV treatment. That way I can physically and emotionally concentrate on the treatment. I hope it works so I can have a chance to get healthy again w/o depression etc.

M B wrote:

Darlene: Sorry to be taking so much time in responding but I have had a busy work schedule this week. I have two part time jobs that have me working 5 days this week. Usually I only work 4 so I haven't had much time. It's really awful that you had such a bad side effect to your treatment and are having ongoing complications. Hopefully the treatment for the complications that you are receiving now are going to improve the quality of your life and restore you to a better health. I guess that for right now I shouldn't be borrowing trouble from tomorrow that isn't happening today. I'm just going to focus on getting things back into balance now and then cross tomorrows bridges then (sounds good, right...hopefully I can do that!). My meds are getting more stable as the days go by and this is encouraging. The trouble with depression is it always tells you that it's always going to be like this and fortunately that is rarely the case. I do respond well to the medication so I am fortunate. So in the mean time I'll just keep trudging. Hope you improve daily and thanks. I appreciate you. Darlene <dcw915@...> wrote:

Good Afternoon I still have serve fatigue and depression from the treatment. I was going through menpause right before I started the treatment. I was a crazy women on menopause. I had panic attacks, fear, fatigue, the sweats. My doctor forgot about my menopause symptoms when they started the treatment. So my doctor believed my depression and fatigue was from the treatment. He did treat my depression and fatigue etc. while I continued with the treatment. After the treatment ended, the depression, fatigue, and mental confusion remains to this day and is being treated. I read; A patient who has depression and the HCV treatment is needed, they recommend that the patient's depression be stable and not suicidal. The HCV will increase the depression symptoms but as long as a doctor has your depression under control throughout the treatment, they can start the HCV treatment. They can always suspend the treatment if other problems arise. I had to have a blood transfusion 3 months into the treatment because my CBC dropped from 12 to 9. I was off the treatment for 2 weeks and then treatment was resumed. This is so funny what happend to me. When I was going through the third month of treatment. I started getting weak and dizzy when I stood up, my joints pain was worse and the fatigue was severe. I had to buy a cane just to walk at work and home. I slept the whole day on the weekends. I went for my monthly blood test. My doctor called me a few days later. He asked if I had been feeling weak ect. I stated yes and that I had to use a cane. He said it was because my red blood count dropped from 12 to 9 and that I did not have enough red blood cells to support my body functions. This never crossed my mind when it should have Duh!!! I heard is HCV negative post 3 months. This is absolutely wonderful news to hear. Darlene

M B wrote:

Darlene: Your concern is touching and you're right, I have been feeling like I can put this off because there is no apparent immediate danger. So, all of ya'll (a word I learned here in TX, lol) have convinced me that the liver biopsy is the thing to do. I do need to wait for a couple of months until my mental health medication on my new dose has had a chance to stabilize. I have been going through a bout of depression in the last couple of months. I know that part of this is because of finding out about the Hep C, but it is something I just have to deal with from time to time. If I am in active depression, the doctor says that they cannot treat me anyway. My mental health has to be stable for them to do any treatment. So, I'll just have to wait for a little while to get the biopsy and then we can go from there. Thank you for sharing your story and the information. It really has been helpful to know that putting this off for a long length of time could be really harmful to my chances of treatment success. Hanging In There, Darlene <dcw915@...> wrote:

Dear , The fear and delay of having your liver biopsy done will determine your percentage of recovery, if any. Get it done ASAP. This is a fatal disease just like Cancer if you catch it early you have a higher change of recovery. I delayed my liver biopsy for 2 years. My delay allowed the HCV to reach a fibrosis stage 3 before my treatment was started. The infusion therapy was not able to kill the HCV in my liver/body. The infusion therapy is the first therapy treatment "protocol" your physician will do. The infusion therapy is a 26-48-52 weeks treatment which consist of the following: A monthly supply the medications will be mailed to you. You will receive a twisting measurable injection interferon pen that lasts 2-4 weeks. You will also receive a supply of Ribavirin pills which is an anti-viral agent that enhances the success to kill the HCV. You will be required to give monthly blood tests to monitor the treatment. By 6 months, if your HCV level is still high, they will discontinue the treatment because the treatment failed. If your HCV level is at the proper low ranch, the treatment will be continued up to 52 weeks. In reality, the treatment is trying to kill the HCV without killing the patient. This is the same treatment Naomi Judd had to go through. They caught the Active HCV in it's first stage which the infusion treatment was able to kill the HCV. If the HCV does not return in 6 months you are considered cured. In Jan 2001 the Peg-Intron infusion therapy was approved to use in the USA. The clinical studies showed it to be 75% more effective in killing the HCV in patients that failed to respond to the infusion therapy. This treatment is my only hope at this time. From what I have read about the Peg-Intron therapy which about the same protocol but now the interferon has an agent that keeps the interferon longer in the body. This allows the interferon more time to kill more HCV. The treatment plan is: One injection a week given under the skin only. Rebetron pills will replace the other pills. You will be required to take these pills daily. HCV is a fatal disease with no definite cure. Once your liver reaches the the Cirrhosis stage it progresses to Cancer of the Liver. The only treatment available at this time is a liver transplant. You can read details information at http://hepatitis-central/hcv/treatment.html I hope this letter brings the reality that the HCV is a Very Serious Fatal Disease that needs to be treated asap just like cancer. Darlene

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