Viral fluctuations: Are they important?

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, When you say "fluctuations in viral loads occur frequently and are of little importance unless they are very significant sustainable drops of known origin" is that a quote or is that your opinion, or is that knowledge you have gained through experience. Please let me know which it is so I can interpret it accordingly. If is the result of an article you read then please post the link to it. If it is your opinion then I know that it is your opinion and not some fact your are quoting. If it is you experience then let me know the circumstances of how you gained that knowledge. Thank you. Randy O Website-- SuncoastHepCFriends.OrgForum -- Suncoast HepC Friends ForumFrom: william myers <ogic123@...>HepCingles2 Sent: Mon, June 7, 2010 9:30:16 AMSubject: Re: [HepCingles2] Re: Milk thistle is no cure for hep C

the liver damage was noted primarily in cancer patients - so its not recommended for cancer therapy - fluctuations in viral loads occur frequently and are of little importance unless they are very significant sustainable drops of known origin

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From: Kilroy n Oz <kilroynks@...>

HepCingles2

Sent: Mon, June 7, 2010 1:09:19 AM

Subject: [HepCingles2] Re: Milk thistle is no cure for hep C

Hi Rick,

I reread that whole site and "WOW" it says it good for Hep C treatment then as you pointed out ,it says liver damage,my last biopsy shows none,.but thats not saying it cant,Im confused myself,but I have a cario appt tomorrow,and will call brasil,(her daughter is a Dr)And see if I can dig deeper that site also is a pay site for more info if you saw that.Most of those I can't access (no credit card)

thanx for the heads up,Im still taking it,my viral load dropped to 5mil. from 7.5 last blood run,so frankly Im confused, too a the moment?

Kilroy n Oz

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> > > > Milk thistle is no cure for hep C

> > > > Published: June 1, 2010

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> > > > Q: I am a 60-year-old male with hepatitis C. I'm doing as much research as I can on this subject and would like your opinion on milk thistle and its benefits, if any.

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> > > > A: There are six hepatitis viruses, A, B, C, D, E and G, with C commonly considered to be the most serious. All forms attack the liver by causing inflammation that results in that organ's inability to function normally. With a long-standing diagnosis of hep C, cirrhosis, scarring and cancer can result.

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> > > > Symptoms may or may not be present in the early stages of the disease. When they do occur, they present with liver tenderness, fatigue, nausea, muscle and/or joint pain, and poor appetite. As the disease progresses, low-grade fever and jaundice, a yellowing of the skin, eyes and mucous membranes can result.

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> > > > Common causes include exposure to contaminated blood, such as sharing needles from drug use; the use of contaminated needles for tattooing or body piercing; or receiving a blood transfusion before 1992. Before that date, blood-screening tests were not sophisticated enough to detect the disorder.

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> > > > Testing is accomplished through a simple blood analysis. If the results come back positive, a physician might choose to measure the viral load in the blood so the best course of treatment can be decided. He or she may also choose to order a liver biopsy, a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed for analysis. While this procedure isn't vital, it will help determine the severity of the disease and assist with treatment options.

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> > > > Most people infected with hep C develop a condition known as chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis develops in about 20 percent of patients. A positive diagnosis does not mean treatment is necessary. Some people fight off the virus without treatment and without permanent damage.

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> > > > Standard treatment is weekly injections of a drug called pegylated interferon alfa in combination with oral doses of ribavirin. End-stage disease treatment is done through liver transplant.

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> > > > On the home front, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding medications such as acetaminophen and some prescription drugs that may cause liver damage, and reducing alcohol consumption are appropriate first steps. Milk thistle has been used for hundreds of years in Europe as a treatment for jaundice and some liver disorders. It will not cure hepatitis C, nor will it prevent healthy people from contracting the virus. What is known about this over-the-counter product is that silymarin, the primary ingredient, may help heal the liver because it appears to stimulate the production of antioxidant enzymes that neutralize liver toxins and reduce inflammation.

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> > > > PETER GOTT, M.D., is a retired general internist and the author of "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook." Send questions to Dr. Gott, c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016. His website is www.askdrgottmd.com.

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> > > > http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/health-and-science/milk-thistle-is-no-cure-for-hep-c-1.824365

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