Cockygal!

[Guest guest]

Cockygal,Thanks for the info and update, I know it's not always comfortable, but it always helps us identify how we can help you.It's amazing the range of side effects we have experienced on the way to diagnosing hep-c. I'm glad you shared another set of them with us.I was diagnosed with genotype 2b around '04, was fortunate to have a good GP that kept an eye on levels while I tried keeping things under control naturally. He told me in '07 things were getting to a point we had to get more aggressive about treatment, and I treated early to mid '08, was certified crazy and cured in early '09. Well, not the crazy part, I just added that in, but it's probably true most of the time.There's only a few things to remember, one of them being it doesn't make a damn bit of difference how you got this! What matters is what you're planning/willing/going to do about it.Another thing is choice of doctor...sounds like you've already experienced the gastro none of us want, so now you've gotten that out of the way. I was fortunate enough to have a GP that didn't know what he didn't know, and referred me to a liver specialist when things got active. It seems an average GP is alright to get things started, but from there you really need a gastro, or preferably a liver specialist to handle the treatment. It's a bit frightening to realize, but most doctors out there and even a majority of gastros don't have a clue about "real" hep-c treatment, so finding a doctor you can identify with and is current on hep-c can be a challenge.As you've already recognized, this is a great group. The knowledge and experience base here is outstanding, and Don has compiled a links library that would keep anyone busy investigating and researching. Here, the only dumb question is the one you don't ask...and that can be anything from "Should my poop look like this?" to "Howsabout those Packers/BlackHawks/Mariners?". Being in Seattle, I had to put that last one in, even thought they're not actually a professional team anymore...heard recently they're attending the GirlScouts rendezvous this spring for their spring training, hopefully they can win a few against some local chapters.Anyway, glad you've joined us, we're all here to help you whenever we can.SteveLife is much more fun when thought of as a scavenger hunt as opposed to a surprise party. Jimmy Buffett

Hello all. I've been reading your posts and am amazed at the wealth of information you've all been in such a short period of time! I haven't known when to jump in, but, here goes anyway.

In Dec. 2009, my home burned down. Family and pets all fine but 20+ years of memorabilia gone up in flames. (Not to mention that year's Xmas gifts.)

A couple months later I began having the worst case of diarhea ever! Horrible stomach pains and swelling ensued. GP ordered blood work, ultrasound and sent me home with instructions to take a mild laxative. REALLY bad idea. Went back only to find I had hypothyroidism and HepC. Was given Synthroid, muscle relaxers, dilaudid and some anti-anxiety drug that gave me wicked weird hallucinations. Now I know what I didn't miss out on in my youth.

Was referred to Gastro guy who ordered more blood work and another ultrasound. HepC positive again, thyroid still low functioning and, ultrasound indicated cyrrhosis of the liver. Was diagnosed with alcoholic cyrrhosis with no mention of HepC contribution. I've always been a drinker. Mostly just wine. My heritage is Irish, ish and French. (A bit of German too.) I come by it honest. (I haven't had so much as a sip of wine, or any other alcohol, since all this began.)

I have no idea where the HepC came from, no idea how long I've had it and Gastro guy never speaks of it. His parting line to me is always "you're dying, I'm dying, we're all dying". Real comforting! I've been on my own trying to find out what it all means. I've requested another referral to a Doc who has knowledge of HepC. I've been so swollen at times I can't move without horrible pain. Gastro gave me diurhetics but refuses to allow me anything for pain. (Guess I'm a potential drug addict too.) Wound up in the hospital after Xmas where I finally got some relief!

Did I mention I also have a hernia in my groin from the extra pressure? Gastro keeps telling me not to worry about it, just lay down and put my feet up. Now it's the size of a tennis ball and extremely painful after a long day. Needless to say, I have an appt. with a surgeon to get it fixed.

Whew! And that's the short of it. Anyway, I'm trying to wrap my mind around all this. I've educated myself enough to know I need a real specialist who is willing and able to help me. Now that the fog is lifting I'm starting to get a little pissed!

Thanks for listening! And thank you for this wonderful group of people! Even my family thinks I'm just lazy. Fatique? Me? Never!

I'm off to start another day after a long night without sleep.

Love to all! You have no idea how much I mean that!

[Guest guest]

Thank you Steve!

I'm apparently a slow learner to have let this go on for as long as I have. I honestly don't remember a whole lot from the past year or so. It's like I've been somewhere between wake and sleep. But I'm awake now and am on a mission! I have a lovely family and a life I want to enjoy again!!

Sorry, not into pro ball. Just luv those Cocks! Ya'll are gonna hate me during football season!

Have a great week!S. Colette Wise

From: schandler21@...Date: Mon, 21 Feb 2011 06:55:39 +0000Subject: [ ] Cockygal!

Cockygal,Thanks for the info and update, I know it's not always comfortable, but it always helps us identify how we can help you.It's amazing the range of side effects we have experienced on the way to diagnosing hep-c. I'm glad you shared another set of them with us.I was diagnosed with genotype 2b around '04, was fortunate to have a good GP that kept an eye on levels while I tried keeping things under control naturally. He told me in '07 things were getting to a point we had to get more aggressive about treatment, and I treated early to mid '08, was certified crazy and cured in early '09. Well, not the crazy part, I just added that in, but it's probably true most of the time.There's only a few things to remember, one of them being it doesn't make a damn bit of difference how you got this! What matters is what you're planning/willing/going to do about it.Another thing is choice of doctor...sounds like you've already experienced the gastro none of us want, so now you've gotten that out of the way. I was fortunate enough to have a GP that didn't know what he didn't know, and referred me to a liver specialist when things got active. It seems an average GP is alright to get things started, but from there you really need a gastro, or preferably a liver specialist to handle the treatment. It's a bit frightening to realize, but most doctors out there and even a majority of gastros don't have a clue about "real" hep-c treatment, so finding a doctor you can identify with and is current on hep-c can be a challenge.As you've already recognized, this is a great group. The knowledge and experience base here is outstanding, and Don has compiled a links library that would keep anyone busy investigating and researching. Here, the only dumb question is the one you don't ask...and that can be anything from "Should my poop look like this?" to "Howsabout those Packers/BlackHawks/Mariners?". Being in Seattle, I had to put that last one in, even thought they're not actually a professional team anymore...heard recently they're attending the GirlScouts rendezvous this spring for their spring training, hopefully they can win a few against some local chapters.Anyway, glad you've joined us, we're all here to help you whenever we can.SteveLife is much more fun when thought of as a scavenger hunt as opposed to a surprise party. Jimmy Buffett

Hello all. I've been reading your posts and am amazed at the wealth of information you've all been in such a short period of time! I haven't known when to jump in, but, here goes anyway.In Dec. 2009, my home burned down. Family and pets all fine but 20+ years of memorabilia gone up in flames. (Not to mention that year's Xmas gifts.) A couple months later I began having the worst case of diarhea ever! Horrible stomach pains and swelling ensued. GP ordered blood work, ultrasound and sent me home with instructions to take a mild laxative. REALLY bad idea. Went back only to find I had hypothyroidism and HepC. Was given Synthroid, muscle relaxers, dilaudid and some anti-anxiety drug that gave me wicked weird hallucinations. Now I know what I didn't miss out on in my youth. Was referred to Gastro guy who ordered more blood work and another ultrasound. HepC positive again, thyroid still low functioning and, ultrasound indicated cyrrhosis of the liver. Was diagnosed with alcoholic cyrrhosis with no mention of HepC contribution. I've always been a drinker. Mostly just wine. My heritage is Irish, ish and French. (A bit of German too.) I come by it honest. (I haven't had so much as a sip of wine, or any other alcohol, since all this began.)I have no idea where the HepC came from, no idea how long I've had it and Gastro guy never speaks of it. His parting line to me is always "you're dying, I'm dying, we're all dying". Real comforting! I've been on my own trying to find out what it all means. I've requested another referral to a Doc who has knowledge of HepC. I've been so swollen at times I can't move without horrible pain. Gastro gave me diurhetics but refuses to allow me anything for pain. (Guess I'm a potential drug addict too.) Wound up in the hospital after Xmas where I finally got some relief! Did I mention I also have a hernia in my groin from the extra pressure? Gastro keeps telling me not to worry about it, just lay down and put my feet up. Now it's the size of a tennis ball and extremely painful after a long day. Needless to say, I have an appt. with a surgeon to get it fixed.Whew! And that's the short of it. Anyway, I'm trying to wrap my mind around all this. I've educated myself enough to know I need a real specialist who is willing and able to help me. Now that the fog is lifting I'm starting to get a little pissed!Thanks for listening! And thank you for this wonderful group of people! Even my family thinks I'm just lazy. Fatique? Me? Never! I'm off to start another day after a long night without sleep. Love to all! You have no idea how much I mean that!