Just checking in

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/26/00 7:37:07 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

scooby759@... writes:

I don't really get tested because what's the use? There is no cure (

according to my dr ) so why even go to the trouble? I get frustrated but

sometimes find that just ignoring it is

the best way for me to go. I really don't know what else to do....any ideas?

***************

YES...I have some ideas.......IGNORE the ones who say you aren`t sick. HCV

makes us TIRED, tireder than I ever imagined, all sorts of strange pains,

depression (who wouldn`t be depressed?)...I get wierd bruises.....sleep

problems.....

Please get tested...it MAY save your life.......it will certainly rest your

mind and help you plan ahead..........I realize it`s hard, with so many

outside people, being so Unsupportive...but Hey, you`ve got US..

WE understand, WE will support you..WE know how hard life is, when fighting

the dragon.

Well Wishes, and love,

debmc

[Guest guest]

Everyone on this list is here for you. This is a great place to vent and tell

all. Chances are someone here can help you. I am sorry you are feeling

depressed, goes with the territory for the heppers and the families. I

understand what you mean about wanting to get tested each time you go, but we

go to a city hospital and we really cant just say I want this and that...

Hope your tomorrow is better. Take Care, Irish

[Guest guest]

,

Don't give up, first thing you should do is change your Dr. I don't know

what part of the country you are in but there are some great treatment

programs that are being done. I'm also sorry your husband isn't being more

supportive. You have alot to deal with, people should be supportive. Don't

give up, things can get better.

Carol

just checking in

> My name is and as I said before I was on this list for a while and

> dropped out, and now I'm back. I was diagnosed with Hep C in Nov of 97.

I

> probably got it during the late 70's (needle drug use) or from a

transfusion

> in 85. I am prone to depression so no one will put me on any medication

> which I guess is okay. I really don't have any " real symptoms " . I'm not

> even sure what they would be. I'm at the point right now that it doesn't

> matter anyway because no one will help me. I get tired and have some pain

in

> my lower right abdomen but I'm always told by my husband to " knock it off "

if

> I complain. Maybe it is all in my head. I don't really get tested

because

> what's the use? There is no cure ( according to my dr ) so why even go to

> the trouble? I get frustrated but sometimes find that just ignoring it is

> the best way for me to go. I really don't know what else to do....any

ideas?

>

>

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

> Find long lost high school friends:

> 1/4056/10/_/96144/_/959384166/

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

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I wish I could be tested every time I go to the dr, but they make me

feel like I am a hypocondreact and since I go to a county hospital

anyway, I cannot just request it. This is the only place where I feel

safe in even thinking the way I do. I wish my husband had the slightest

idea what I am going through, but he just keeps drinking his beer and I

have to go on acting as if there is nothing wrong. Guess I am just

feeling depressed tonight. Sherry

dmcdol@... wrote:

>

> In a message dated 5/26/00 7:37:07 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

> scooby759@... writes:

> I don't really get tested because what's the use? There is no cure (

> according to my dr ) so why even go to the trouble? I get frustrated but

> sometimes find that just ignoring it is

> the best way for me to go. I really don't know what else to do....any ideas?

> ***************

> YES...I have some ideas.......IGNORE the ones who say you aren`t sick. HCV

> makes us TIRED, tireder than I ever imagined, all sorts of strange pains,

> depression (who wouldn`t be depressed?)...I get wierd bruises.....sleep

> problems.....

> Please get tested...it MAY save your life.......it will certainly rest your

> mind and help you plan ahead..........I realize it`s hard, with so many

> outside people, being so Unsupportive...but Hey, you`ve got US..

> WE understand, WE will support you..WE know how hard life is, when fighting

> the dragon.

> Well Wishes, and love,

> debmc

>

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

> Best friends, most artistic, class clown Find 'em here:

> 1/4054/10/_/96144/_/959386253/

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

[Guest guest]

Hi : Something you can be doing is take Milk Thistle to help cleanse

the liver. With his dr's approval, my husband takes 210 mg/day. You can buy

it at health food stores or even order it over the internet

(www.vitaminworld.com).

You mention your husband keeps chugging his beer. You know that's something

you shouldn't touch, right? My husband is an alcoholic, and the years of

heavy drinking before he knew he had Hep C has no doubt contributed to his

liver damage. He quit about the same time he was diagnosed 4 1/2 yrs ago.

He also is prone to depression (takes Prozac), but they offered him the combo

treatment anyway. He decided against it because of the poor success rate.

However, the addition of another drug to the combo we learned of recently

apparently works better, and he has decided to go for it (after he recovers

from next wk's back surgery). Granddam posted info on it on this list about

the same time my husband's dr called us about it.

We're here for you! Tree

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/26/00 8:28:18 PM Central Daylight Time, myruel@...

writes:

<< but they make me

feel like I am a hypocondreact >>

that's how I am made to feel also. I'm supposed to get a follow up mammo

gram too because they saw a mass they feel is nothing about 8 months ago and

they want to check again, but I'm actually afraid to ask my dr for a

referral. He makes me feel like I'm just looking for trouble.

Hang in there, and I will too.

[Guest guest]

debmc,

I know what you are saying and having the support of my husband would be

great. There are days I feel okay and if I have a bad day and say so my

husband just gives a big sigh and says something like " when do you ever feel

okay? " (very sarcastic)

Sometimes I feel like something major needs to happen before he realizes this

is not a joke.

I've already changed drs once (i'm on an HMO in Illinois) and this dr is the

same as my old one. I'm a recovering alcoholic prone to depression, he can't

treat me, just monitor me. Like I said, sometimes I just say why bother?

Thanks for listening and I'm really glad I came back to the list.

[Guest guest]

Sharon,

I have had blood work and a liver biopsy which the gasto dr said showed

cirrohsis and " activity " . My liver functions go up and down. She wanted to

put me on the interferon injections but found out I was in the hospital for

depression and said she will not treat me because the medicine causes

depression and there have been cases of suicide and she doesn't want to take

the chance. She told me to just have the hep C monitored by my regular dr

and maybe in a few years they will come along with something new or just have

a liver transplant.......(like there is no problem with that!) I am on an

HMO and have already changed DR's once. The new GP says the same as the old

one. Your sick, you aren't going to feel good...just live with it. Nice,

Huh?

[Guest guest]

Thanks for your support Irish, I honesly don't feel depressed about all

this.....just resigned. What can you do? It's nice to be able to vent

though and I really appreciate the opportunity and the wonderful emails I'm

getting in response. Makes me feel like I'm really not alone.

[Guest guest]

Tree,

That wasn't me that posted about her husband chugging beer. That was

Sherry...my husband just refuses to acknowledge my illness. I am a

recovering alcoholic and have had many relapses even though I know its not

good for me. Sometimes I think I do it so that something major may happen to

get my husbands attention. (as I wrote in an earlier post) I used to take

milk thistle and should start again. I take St. s Wort which is a mood

enhancer, all natural and I have to hide that from my husband.

He is against all medication, says I'm pill happy.

Thanks for your post, take care and hang in there.....that's all we can do.

[Guest guest]

Scooby, I am glad you are on here and feel comfortable with letting it all

out. A lot of people feel like they are so alone and if there isn't any

support I can understand why, they need this and other support groups. I am

glad I have joined this and many other groups to learn all I can for My

Husband and for myself. The Dr.'s are still so clueless in many areas. I keep

looking for more info and hope to help someone, at least to be able to vent.

I just wish more family members would get involved, it helps so much to learn

all you can,in order to help the ones who are sick. Those who have this

disease need a lot of support from family and others. Just because you may

look well doesn't mean you are, and that's why they don't believe ANYTHING IS

WRONG.! I see it with Our Family and some friends and it is so aggravating at

times. But you learn to resign yourself to it and the disease but not give

up. Take Care,Irish

[Guest guest]

: My husband is also a recovering alcoholic, prone to depression and

has Hep C, and they ARE offering him treatment. Prozac is working for him.

Maybe you should keep shopping around for another dr, although I know when

you feel bad, it just takes too much energy.

Will it every stop raining?

Tree, in land

[Guest guest]

Get a new Dr. who knows what hes talking about. Thats what my first Dr. said

and I immediately left him in the dust. Get someone who is knowledgable in

that field or who will recommend you to a specialist.

Bob Simons

Sr. Commander

Royal Rangers

Tucson, Az.

bsimons@...

http://abbacomputers.homepage.com/bob.htm

For I know the plans I have for you, " declares the LORD, " plans to prosper

you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jer 29:11

(NIV)

Re: just checking in

>

> << scooby759@... writes:

> I don't really get tested because what's the use? There is no cure

> according to my dr ) so why even go to the trouble? >>

>

> Now wait just a freakin' minute.... No cure.. maybe but there are several

> THOUSAND PEOPLE who are " undetectable " after treatment. Tell your doctor

to

> get on the web and learn the new details!

>

> Please don't delay treatment, it's the worst thing you can do.

>

> To find a good doctor in your area you can look for recommendations from

the

> AMA or call your health care insurance coverage.

>

> You can also see a list of good and recommended doctors on this web page,

> along with more details about your illnesses.

>

> Go to:

> <A HREF= " http://hepatitis-central.com/hcv/drs/toc.html " >Hepatitis

Central,

> Patient Recommended Drs. who Treat Hepatitis C</A>

>

> And look in your area.

>

> Doctor's who have been in the " know " make it perfectly clear...

>

> All hepatitis C patients should get a viral count, genotype, and a liver

> biopsy done to determine liver damage. with this info you can determine

> which is the best therapy for you.

>

> Good luck and don't give up!

>

>

> Sharon Nicholson

>

> Hepatitis Education & Patient Coalition (H. E. P. C.)

> Executive Director

>

> <A HREF= " http://www.suite101.com/welcome.cfm/hepatitis_abc " >Hepatitis A,

B,

> C's - editor Suite101.com</A>

> http://www.suite101.com/welcome.cfm/hepatitis_abc

>

> Join our e-group mailing list online!

> <A HREF= " /group/ArizonaHepatitis C " >eGroups :

> ArizonaHepatitis C</A>

> /group/ArizonaHepatitis C

>

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

> Was the salesman clueless? Productopia has the answers.

> 1/4633/10/_/96144/_/959392686/

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

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/28/00 8:57:53 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

scooby759@... writes:

<<

I've already changed drs once (i'm on an HMO in Illinois) and this dr is the

same as my old one. I'm a recovering alcoholic prone to depression, he

can't

treat me, just monitor me. Like I said, sometimes I just say why bother?

Thanks for listening and I'm really glad I came back to the list.

>>

*******************

Why bother??? because you are SPECIAL. You are a GOD-GIVEN creature, a

beautiful work of art.....a miracle..................God has a plan for

you......and if your husband is acting like this, it`s not because he doesn`t

love you, it`s because he does not know what else to do. I`m sure, he`s

scared out of his mind....if not, he wouldn`t be acting like this. Think

about it...............

Please, just get strong. Take care of yourself..and the rest, will fall in

place. I swear to you, this works. It`s a PROMISE from God, remember. and GOD

does not break promises.

Well Wishes,

debmc

[Guest guest]

Right on , Deb. Its true that we have to demand action from our Drs. or get

a new one. Demand a specialist, such as a Gastroenterologist. They will

sweep you under the rug if they think they can get away with it. HMO's use

the number system and you're just another statistic to them. Not that way

with God. He cares about you and so do we. We are all real

people-individuals-not just a number. It says in the Bible that He knew you

before He formed you in your mothers womb. Jer. 1:5

Bob Simons

Sr. Commander

Royal Rangers

Tucson, Az.

bsimons@...

http://abbacomputers.homepage.com/bob.htm

For I know the plans I have for you, " declares the LORD, " plans to prosper

you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jer 29:11

(NIV)

Re: just checking in

> In a message dated 5/28/00 8:57:53 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

> scooby759@... writes:

> <<

> I've already changed drs once (i'm on an HMO in Illinois) and this dr is

the

> same as my old one. I'm a recovering alcoholic prone to depression, he

> can't

> treat me, just monitor me. Like I said, sometimes I just say why bother?

> Thanks for listening and I'm really glad I came back to the list.

> >>

> *******************

> Why bother??? because you are SPECIAL. You are a GOD-GIVEN creature, a

> beautiful work of art.....a miracle..................God has a plan for

> you......and if your husband is acting like this, it`s not because he

doesn`t

> love you, it`s because he does not know what else to do. I`m sure, he`s

> scared out of his mind....if not, he wouldn`t be acting like this. Think

> about it...............

> Please, just get strong. Take care of yourself..and the rest, will fall in

> place. I swear to you, this works. It`s a PROMISE from God, remember. and

GOD

> does not break promises.

> Well Wishes,

> debmc

>

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

> Accurate impartial advice on everything from laptops to table saws.

> 1/4634/10/_/96144/_/959882716/

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

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

thanks Debmc.....

[Guest guest]

> Hi Theresa,

Hang in there! It is going to happen and there is no reason why it

shouldn't work. I, too, have conflicting emotions, though. Before the

surgery it was " is this going to work for me? " and now that I have had it

2 weeks ago and I am eating and drinking with NO problems I am very happy

but have these little thoughts that " is this going to work for a long

time? " that make me feel guilty for sort of spitting on my good fortune.

Well, we're only human, after all. Do you like the Indigo Girls?

Kathy

Washington

>

>

>

> Hello Everyone

> I finally got to read the board, I have been busy having test after

> test that I haven't even wanted to see the word & quot;achalasia & quot; or

> read about anyone elses problems! Sorry, but sometimes I just get

> burned out. I like to pretend that this isn't happening, but the first

> cracker gets stuck and.... I wanted to say to you that I

> sure can relate to how your mom acts with you. At work I find most

> people have a problem with my & quot;eating & quot; or should I say

> & quot;non-eating & quot; habits. We celebrate everyone's birthdays with

> cake and of course they try to skirt around me as they cut the peices.

> And of course there are employees who whisper things like

> & quot;anorexic & quot; or & quot;on a diet & quot; that really hurts me if I

> let it! You are so lucky to have a supportive hubby and children. I

> wanted to thank others that have commented on my post about my

> endoscopy, I truly want to believe

> that the word & quot;dialation & quot; was in regards to my E instead of

> what was performed on me. As yet, I have still not heard back from the

> secretary about what happened so I'm in the dark. I will play the

> waiting game of course, I'm getting sooooo good at that! I'll keep you

> posted on when my myotomy is going to be done (that was positive eh?!).

> Welcome Christi to this wonderful world! Settle in to the

> fact that you will probably go through a fair amount of test before the

> powers that be make a prognosis. If you try to hurry the process you

> will only frustrate yourself! Hang in there, there's lots of us to keep

> you company. Good Luck, my thoughts are with you. & nbsp; Theresa from

> Vancouver, BC

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

> Just thought I would post A update. Still eating babyfood and

> drinking lots of water have been doing good with the walking walked

> a total of 10 miles this week .I find I get tired very easy but I

> keep going Still no news on when surgery is going to take place

> hopefully soon but with the doctors around here who knows . My

> hospital bed will be deleiverd Mon so maybe i will be able to get

> some sleep I,m tired of sleeping in my chair . Thanks for all the

> ideas on stuff i could eat to calm the craving for sweets. Take

care

> all talk again soon Penny

Hi Penny

I just joined the group last week.I am so happy I found all of

you.Everyones great! I feel like I have a whole new group of friends

that understand what I'm going through and are not grossed out by

some of things we talk about.This is my 4th day of not being able to

get down solids and liquids are only going down at times.I have had a

bowl of soup in four days.I have an appoint with a new GI Mon AM.I

feel so hungry and thirsty this mourning but that will go away after

a while.I have gone alot longer without food/liquids.It seems like it

gets harder for me.I know what you mean about getting tired.I joined

an exercise group a couple months ago called Curves.I really like

it.I went yesterday and it was all I could do to finish my rounds on

the machines.I think I will skip today.I did 4 days this week.Hope

you get your surgery soon.I have only had dilatons.My last one was a

couple yrs ago.Keep in touch. Sherry

[Guest guest]

Sorry you haven't been feeling well enough to be here, Angie. Hope

you'll recover from your sinus troubles very soon.

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

[ ] just checking in

>

>

> Just thought I would stop in andtry to catch up on reading some ofr

> posts haven't been on here a lot lately just haven't felt well

> enough to do much after work have been fighting a sinus infection

> for 3 weeks now hpefully over with soon I hope everyone is well I

> have missed reading all teh posts hopefully can get caught up soon

>

> Thanks

> Angie

[Guest guest]

,

I was going to look up my info on Chicken Pox & the vaccine - but haven't had

time yet. Why are you stopping the NSAIDs before the vaccine? The NSAIDs are

an anti-inflammatory - but to my knowledge have now effect on the immune system,

so they shouldn't be a problem to take them with the vaccine. Of course you

would follow the doc's directions - but I just don't understand.

Val

Rob's Mom (7,systemic)

In a message dated 2/11/2005 8:39:25 AM Eastern Standard Time, " "

<earthmama2k@...> writes:

>

>

>Hello all,

>

> Just wanted to welcome all the new members and send out

>congratulations to those who deserve it and hugs to those who need

>them! I've been reading but haven't had much time for posting

>lately....

>

> I'm still debating the whole chickenpox vaccine issue. We've had

>the mtx sitting in our cabinet for a month now and still have not

>started it because of this. I've been back and forth with 's

>pediatrician about the pro's and con's. I will see her this

>afternoon when I take my dd in about her eczema and maybe she'll

>have some more information for me. I have scheduled for a check

>up on the 23rd. We'll probably take him off the NSAIDs and do the

>vaccination then if I'm satisfied with her answers. Not looking

>forward to a few weeks without any meds but I'd rather be safe than

>sorry.

>

>, mom to (10-poly)

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

That is great news. Glad to hear your hunt ended with Dr Hunt..... LOL I hope all goes well and things move fast for you.

in Suffolk

[Guest guest]

Tania,

I haven't talked to you on in a while and I was wondering about

you I'm glad to hear you are going through with the surgery. You will

not regret it. Sometimes that is the only option. I know you are scared

but we are all rooting for you! It will make such a difference in your

life! Don't expect 100% but keep the faith . I will pray for you. I

know your kids and family will be happy to get their moms spirit back.

I wish such good results for you. GOOD LUCK and keep us updated!

Dawn in Ohio

>

> hello everyone its been awhile since i posted.. i haven't been doing

> to good.. " A " is taking its toll on me.. I also might have gallstones

> so when i have my surgery they might remove my gallbladder at the

same

> time.. I meet the surgeon on the 27th.. His name is Dr Easter..

anyone

> know of him? hes at UCSD in San Diego.. Im a lil nervous I have been

> having nightmares about the surgery.. actually just told my husband i

> was gonna hold it off and see how long i can put up with this but i

> know i cant.. ive gone from wearing a size 18 to a 10 thats not so

bad

> i was excited about it it just sucks that im starving myself.. not

> wanting to of course.. well just wanted to say hi to all of you...

> thanks tania in san diego

[Guest guest]

Hello Tania:

I hope this post helps. I had my Hellers Laproscocopy on March 16,

and I cannot believe how it has changed my life. Like you, my weight

was dropping dramatically (45 pounds in 13 weeks) and I was weak, sore

throat from reguring, and generally miserable. NOT TO MENTION

UNBELIEVABLY FRIGHTENED. I too, had moments of hesitation and was not

sure I was doing the right thing. Just so you know, you are not alone.

I had my surgery on March 16, and the difference is amazing. I had

two dialations of my Esophagus only (not the LES tear), and neither did

anything. The surgery was absolutely the right choice for me.

One month later, and I am eating. VERY SLOWLY, tiny bites, chewing

to an absurd degree and introducing things one at a time ... but I AM

keeping it down! It is almost a miracle in my book. I now go out to

lunch and dinner with family and friends. I order food and ask for a

take home container to be brought with the food. I cut off 1/4 of

everything, and put 3/4 of all in the take home container before I even

begin to eat. It takes me as long to eat the 1/4 as my companions to

have their full meal. I am very satisified with that amount of food,

and have meals cooked for the next few days. It is working out well!

I am definately a rule follower, so I am still taking things very

slow. Sometimes I feel like I could speed up, take a larger bite, or

try a few new things ... but I remember what I felt like, and make

myself follow the rules. My surgeon tells me he thinks that is why I

am doing so well.

Tania, you are within reach of relief. I hope it goes as well for

you. Can they do it Lap if they also have to remove the gallbladder?

That would be great.

Good luck. When you go to the hospital, remember chapstick! Also, I

took lozengers to suck on but be sure not to swallow any little

pieces. My doctor was not happy to see them sitting on my end table,

but I assured him, I spit them out when they get small.

Kathie from Pittsburgh

>

> hello everyone its been awhile since i posted.. i haven't been doing

> to good.. " A " is taking its toll on me.. I also might have gallstones

> so when i have my surgery they might remove my gallbladder at the

same

> time.. I meet the surgeon on the 27th.. His name is Dr Easter..

anyone

> know of him? hes at UCSD in San Diego.. Im a lil nervous I have been

> having nightmares about the surgery.. actually just told my husband i

> was gonna hold it off and see how long i can put up with this but i

> know i cant.. ive gone from wearing a size 18 to a 10 thats not so

bad

> i was excited about it it just sucks that im starving myself.. not

> wanting to of course.. well just wanted to say hi to all of you...

> thanks tania in san diego

[Guest guest]

Hi Tania,

You will be OK ! I know just how frightened one can be. I have had major

surgery 3 times and was really very frightened. It seems silly but you can't

help it.

I see the surgeon tomorrow and am scared he will say wait but just a scared

he will say let's do it tomorrow !.

They can remove a gallbladder with laparoscopic surgery as well, and it is

said to not be that bad, so why can't they do a Heller and fundoplication as

well. It sounds reasonable.

Please let us know how you are doing !

Hugs

Joan

just checking in

>

>

> hello everyone its been awhile since i posted.. i haven't been doing

> to good.. " A " is taking its toll on me.. I also might have gallstones

> so when i have my surgery they might remove my gallbladder at the same

> time.. I meet the surgeon on the 27th.. His name is Dr Easter.. anyone

> know of him? hes at UCSD in San Diego.. Im a lil nervous I have been

> having nightmares about the surgery.. actually just told my husband i

> was gonna hold it off and see how long i can put up with this but i

> know i cant.. ive gone from wearing a size 18 to a 10 thats not so bad

> i was excited about it it just sucks that im starving myself.. not

> wanting to of course.. well just wanted to say hi to all of you...

> thanks tania in san diego

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Belinda, if I understand it right, the 9.75 is the bands circumference or size. It doesn't refer to how much it holds. I think I have that right. I have the 10cm band that also holds 4cc. I hope I am getting that right.

just checking in

Hey everyone I had my first fill Thursday and everything went well. He gave me 1cc and it's taking me awile to get use to the differance. Nina my band info says I have a 9.75 band the dr that did the fill said it was a 4cc band. What does this mean? Could you ask Dr Aceves how much fill I should get for my size band. I'm down 25 pounds and walking 2 miles 3 to 4 times a week. Well got to go Belinda