HCV/HIV questions; liver; tests, ALA

January 13, 2011

Ok, you fine folks who know a hell of a lot more than I at this point,

I really get your commitment to others, and that's so very comforting!

Thanks.

Did a lot of reading today. Learned that HCV/HIV co-infection speeds

along HCV. Well, remember I'm 66. Not sure how to interpret that,

however, and probably no one else can say anything for sure, duh!

BUT, the alpha Lipoic acid (ALA) thing just discussed is interesting,

as all sources recommend it for Hep. and HIV. My connection is so

slow I can't watch the video.

So, if the HIV drugs (cocktail) are hard on the liver, why not do 6

months of HCV drugs first?

Are the drugs that most of you are taking essentially peginterferon

alfa and ribavarin??? My source is a few years old, so I want to make

sure.

I don't think my Dr. has plans to test viral RNA, or get a genotype.

I see her tomorrow and will see what she has in mind. But we have to

remember that this is the provinces here in the Philippines, there are

only 10 HIV patients on this island, and only one gastroenterologist,

no hepatologist (sp?), so there is not a good chance that the most

up-to-date info is available, I'd guess. Well, I'll see what she says

tomorrow.

And my source of info also suggested that almost 10 years ago they

recommended not only a CD4 but also a viral load. We only tested the

CD4 and no plans immediately to test viral load, which concerns me in

making a decision.

I'd love to have your thoughts, etc.! Thanks in advance.

Rod

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