Lynne - supplements

[Guest guest]

Lynne,I finished interferon/ribavirin about 18 months ago. I gave my GI staff a list of supplements etc that I was taking before I started treatment.The vitamins, dandelion, milk thistle, all that they said no problem to. However, they recommended against a supplement I was taking that had ginseng in it, as it's known to give you more energy, since insomnia is a pretty common side effect of the ribavirin.I don't know about your dr's allowing alcohol. Before my GI clinic would let me start the treatment, I had to stop drinking completely for 3 weeks, and they basically forbid me any alcohol during treatment. Being a stubborn male, I had to try a beer a couple times during treatment and greatly regretted it; just my opinion, I'd let the ephedra and alcohol go during treatment and limit caffeine.However, I'm only a doctor in my own mind, but please question your GI staff about this.This is an incredible group, no doubt. If you need to vent or have questions, we're here to help wherever we can.SteveLife is much more fun when thought of as a scavenger hunt as opposed to a surprise party. Jimmy Buffett [ ] Question about “supplementsâ€

Hi, so glad I stumble across this group! Seems a very supportive

place to be esp. with all the stigma attached to hep c. I am a 43 yr. female

and was diagnosed in March geno type 3. Completely out of the blue! I was

going through a battery of medical tests for a contractor job in the Middle

East and one of my labs came back with an “abnormal†result. Had to get more

tests to show that I am ok…well, turns out I am not ok. So, I really want to

get this started and over and try to move on with my life. I plan to start my

peg\ribo treatment mid May. (I think) I have just been trying to research as

much as I can before I start and mentally gear up for it. Oh I do already

take the max dose of Wellbutrin for depression…so really concerned about the

mental\emotional side effects. However, my current mind set is: Expect (and

prepare) for the worst and pray for the best! Once again, feel blessed to have

found your group! Getting to the supplement question: I was wondering if

anyone has used any Ephedra products while on the meds? In the mornings I currently

take half of a 25 mg true Ephedra w\200 mg of caffeine in it. It helps give

me energy to get to the gym and get a work out. However I am concerned if

there are indications for the liver and it if may have an adverse affect with

the meds. I was thinking it may actually help me though some of the side effects…?

I asked my Dr. and she said it was fine…but she also told me I could drink alcohol

on occasion too while on the meds. Also, are there many of you that have combined

alternative medicines with the Western? Such as Milk Thistle, vitamin D and

such? Is there any one place (or link…Don?) for dosage amounts and potency?

Thanks!! Lynne