New Member

[Guest guest]

Dear McDeeDee_50

Welcome to this site! Please take a moment tointroduce yourself and

let us know how we can best serve you.

I noticed that you are from Illinios. What are the requirements

there?

Looking forward to seeing your posts.

Respectfully,

Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS Chemistry

Founder / Owner of this site

Pharmcy Tech Educator

> Hi McDeeDee_50

>

> Welcome to Jeanetta's PTCB Study Group. In addition to the active

> message board there is a ton of info loaded in the files and some

> interesting bookmarks. Feel free to add your name to the database

and

> tell us bit about yourself. Browse and enjoy!

>

> Sincerely,

> Dora

> Group Moderator

[Guest guest]

Hi Bonnie,

Wow, you are a little behind where I am, I know just what you are going through.

Honey, 453,000 for a viral count is *not* high. There is a man, I'm not sure

which list he is on because I'm on 3 of them, his count is 25 *million*. I have

genotype 1b, cure rate is more like 30%. I'm pretty close to deciding not to

take the treatment at this time, but rather to look into holistic things. I

just got my liver biopsy results back about 3 weeks ago and have no

inflammation, no fibrosis and no cirrhosis. My viral load is 401,000, and my

liver levels are in normal range. I thought, so why the heck should I put

myself through the hell that can come from the treatment? Sort of like if it's

not broke, why fix it? There are some people, and I know 2 of them personally,

who are doing nothing and living their lives like they always did before the

diagnosis. That being said, they don't smoke, drink or do drugs, just normal

people. Their disease has not progressed, one lady was diagnosed 9 years ago.

Some people live their lives, never having Hepatitis C be an issue, even though

they are positive for it.

There are things you can do to improve your energy level - a big problem I

have is that I can't stomach meat. You can get your protein in other ways, if

you are having the same problem. There is a drink sold in natural food stores

called Isopure, to keep your protein up, just be sure to get .36 grams for each

pound of your body weight each day. If I can get used to the taste of it,

anyone can! Take a multivitamin each day that doesn't contain iron. There are

lots of them out there, Centrum Silver is one, even though you aren't supposedly

old enough to have to take them. Exercise - I couldn't fathom taking the dog

around the block for a walk the first time. For the first week, I came home and

took a 2-hour nap afterwards, but it's getting better. I feel like I've really

reached a turning point, I haven't had to take a nap for 3 days now, and I've

only been doing these things for 3 weeks. Yoga has been highly recommended to

me, and I think I will sign up for a class.

I have heard from people who were diagnosed with stage 3 cirrhosis who went

holistic, and are in better health today than ever. Each person who has

responded to me says you have to look into your own path, holistically. You

have a long way to go, depending on the outcome of your biopsy, where you can

wait to start treatment.

Gosh, you remind me of me, I was going through life, living it at my own pace

and then this thing slapped me right in the face! For months, I let Hepatitis C

define my life, but now I'm mad as hell and not going to take it laying down,

LOL! Go on all the websites, check out as many lists as you can and learn

everything that you can. the side effects of the treatment can go from

absolutely horrendous to nothing, it just depends from person to person. From

what I have learned, we are not at imminent danger and have some time to check

out our options. When my doctor came into my hospital room after the biopsy and

handed me the prescription with the phone number to get on the waiting list, I

thought, well, here we go.

I called Schering, got on the list and then they put me on the phone with a Be

In Charge nurse. She told me to ask my doctor for antidepressants right away,

before I started the treatment, because depression is a major side effect. Like

I wasn't depressed about all of this anyway! After doing my own research, I am

just honked off now! So I have decided that I want to be the one to Be In

Charge, not a drug company or the doctors. Besides, there is a drug called

Pegasys that will be in the market in a few months that has fewer side effects.

I'm going to wait to hear what people say about it before I decide to go on it.

Just a note, since I've been eating better, taking vitamins, exercising a little

and drinking lots more water, I don't look like I'm 4 months pregnant anymore

(maybe just 3 months now, <BG>). And this has just been in a few weeks time.

There are lots of good people on these lists who can probably give you better

advice than I can. I got to the point where I am with their help.

Love, prayers and luck to you,

Marilyn

New Member

Hello, I am 28 I work at a Pediatric Office and I was just diagnosed

with hep C. My Viral load at last count was 453,000. Pretty high. I

had my liver biopsy this week and should stat pills and injections

around the 16 of August. I have genotype 1. so I quess there is a

50/50 chance of cure rate. I quess the thing I hate the most is the

abdominal swelling and the severe fatigue. I am worried about the

chemo injections. The plan is every friday for 12 months and pills

twice a day, weekly dr. appts and blood draws. I hope to still be

able to work full time. How bad are the effects of interferon? they

are not sure how I got it, they are sure it is from work exposure.

and the good news is that my abdominal ultrasound last month showed

that my liver at least LOOKED healthy. LOL

Scared Bonnie

[Guest guest]

Hi Bonnie,

Wow, you are a little behind where I am, I know just what you are going through.

Honey, 453,000 for a viral count is *not* high. There is a man, I'm not sure

which list he is on because I'm on 3 of them, his count is 25 *million*. I have

genotype 1b, cure rate is more like 30%. I'm pretty close to deciding not to

take the treatment at this time, but rather to look into holistic things. I

just got my liver biopsy results back about 3 weeks ago and have no

inflammation, no fibrosis and no cirrhosis. My viral load is 401,000, and my

liver levels are in normal range. I thought, so why the heck should I put

myself through the hell that can come from the treatment? Sort of like if it's

not broke, why fix it? There are some people, and I know 2 of them personally,

who are doing nothing and living their lives like they always did before the

diagnosis. That being said, they don't smoke, drink or do drugs, just normal

people. Their disease has not progressed, one lady was diagnosed 9 years ago.

Some people live their lives, never having Hepatitis C be an issue, even though

they are positive for it.

There are things you can do to improve your energy level - a big problem I

have is that I can't stomach meat. You can get your protein in other ways, if

you are having the same problem. There is a drink sold in natural food stores

called Isopure, to keep your protein up, just be sure to get .36 grams for each

pound of your body weight each day. If I can get used to the taste of it,

anyone can! Take a multivitamin each day that doesn't contain iron. There are

lots of them out there, Centrum Silver is one, even though you aren't supposedly

old enough to have to take them. Exercise - I couldn't fathom taking the dog

around the block for a walk the first time. For the first week, I came home and

took a 2-hour nap afterwards, but it's getting better. I feel like I've really

reached a turning point, I haven't had to take a nap for 3 days now, and I've

only been doing these things for 3 weeks. Yoga has been highly recommended to

me, and I think I will sign up for a class.

I have heard from people who were diagnosed with stage 3 cirrhosis who went

holistic, and are in better health today than ever. Each person who has

responded to me says you have to look into your own path, holistically. You

have a long way to go, depending on the outcome of your biopsy, where you can

wait to start treatment.

Gosh, you remind me of me, I was going through life, living it at my own pace

and then this thing slapped me right in the face! For months, I let Hepatitis C

define my life, but now I'm mad as hell and not going to take it laying down,

LOL! Go on all the websites, check out as many lists as you can and learn

everything that you can. the side effects of the treatment can go from

absolutely horrendous to nothing, it just depends from person to person. From

what I have learned, we are not at imminent danger and have some time to check

out our options. When my doctor came into my hospital room after the biopsy and

handed me the prescription with the phone number to get on the waiting list, I

thought, well, here we go.

I called Schering, got on the list and then they put me on the phone with a Be

In Charge nurse. She told me to ask my doctor for antidepressants right away,

before I started the treatment, because depression is a major side effect. Like

I wasn't depressed about all of this anyway! After doing my own research, I am

just honked off now! So I have decided that I want to be the one to Be In

Charge, not a drug company or the doctors. Besides, there is a drug called

Pegasys that will be in the market in a few months that has fewer side effects.

I'm going to wait to hear what people say about it before I decide to go on it.

Just a note, since I've been eating better, taking vitamins, exercising a little

and drinking lots more water, I don't look like I'm 4 months pregnant anymore

(maybe just 3 months now, <BG>). And this has just been in a few weeks time.

There are lots of good people on these lists who can probably give you better

advice than I can. I got to the point where I am with their help.

Love, prayers and luck to you,

Marilyn

New Member

Hello, I am 28 I work at a Pediatric Office and I was just diagnosed

with hep C. My Viral load at last count was 453,000. Pretty high. I

had my liver biopsy this week and should stat pills and injections

around the 16 of August. I have genotype 1. so I quess there is a

50/50 chance of cure rate. I quess the thing I hate the most is the

abdominal swelling and the severe fatigue. I am worried about the

chemo injections. The plan is every friday for 12 months and pills

twice a day, weekly dr. appts and blood draws. I hope to still be

able to work full time. How bad are the effects of interferon? they

are not sure how I got it, they are sure it is from work exposure.

and the good news is that my abdominal ultrasound last month showed

that my liver at least LOOKED healthy. LOL

Scared Bonnie

[Guest guest]

Hi Marilyn,

Thank you so much for all of the information. They found out I had

it by a fluke. I had been complaining of fatigue for a mont and My

Dr. assumed it was a virus, fatigue, low or no fever, chills cough,

congestion, ect. I also have asthma and allergies. LOL So she decided

to blo a huge amount of blood work back in june. My liver enzymes

were high, they did two more tests that month and finally in july I

tested positive for the hvc antibody, they then did the ultra sound

and the confirmation blood test which showed me my viral count. WHEW!

Now I am awaiting the liver biopsy results. I am still working full

time but I am wiped out by the weekend I have two children at home as

well boys ages 4 and 5. I will be getting their blood tested in

about two weeks.

Well gotta eat dinner

Bonnie

> Hi Bonnie,

>

> Wow, you are a little behind where I am, I know just what you are

going through. Honey, 453,000 for a viral count is *not* high.

There is a man, I'm not sure which list he is on because I'm on 3 of

them, his count is 25 *million*. I have genotype 1b, cure rate is

more like 30%. I'm pretty close to deciding not to take the

treatment at this time, but rather to look into holistic things. I

just got my liver biopsy results back about 3 weeks ago and have no

inflammation, no fibrosis and no cirrhosis. My viral load is

401,000, and my liver levels are in normal range. I thought, so why

the heck should I put myself through the hell that can come from the

treatment? Sort of like if it's not broke, why fix it? There are

some people, and I know 2 of them personally, who are doing nothing

and living their lives like they always did before the diagnosis.

That being said, they don't smoke, drink or do drugs, just normal

people. Their disease has not progressed, one lady was diagnosed 9

years ago. Some people live their lives, never having Hepatitis C be

an issue, even though they are positive for it.

>

> There are things you can do to improve your energy level - a big

problem I have is that I can't stomach meat. You can get your

protein in other ways, if you are having the same problem. There is

a drink sold in natural food stores called Isopure, to keep your

protein up, just be sure to get .36 grams for each pound of your body

weight each day. If I can get used to the taste of it, anyone can!

Take a multivitamin each day that doesn't contain iron. There are

lots of them out there, Centrum Silver is one, even though you aren't

supposedly old enough to have to take them. Exercise - I couldn't

fathom taking the dog around the block for a walk the first time. For

the first week, I came home and took a 2-hour nap afterwards, but

it's getting better. I feel like I've really reached a turning

point, I haven't had to take a nap for 3 days now, and I've only been

doing these things for 3 weeks. Yoga has been highly recommended to

me, and I think I will sign up for a class.

>

> I have heard from people who were diagnosed with stage 3 cirrhosis

who went holistic, and are in better health today than ever. Each

person who has responded to me says you have to look into your own

path, holistically. You have a long way to go, depending on the

outcome of your biopsy, where you can wait to start treatment.

>

> Gosh, you remind me of me, I was going through life, living it at

my own pace and then this thing slapped me right in the face! For

months, I let Hepatitis C define my life, but now I'm mad as hell and

not going to take it laying down, LOL! Go on all the websites, check

out as many lists as you can and learn everything that you can. the

side effects of the treatment can go from absolutely horrendous to

nothing, it just depends from person to person. From what I have

learned, we are not at imminent danger and have some time to check

out our options. When my doctor came into my hospital room after the

biopsy and handed me the prescription with the phone number to get on

the waiting list, I thought, well, here we go.

>

> I called Schering, got on the list and then they put me on the

phone with a Be In Charge nurse. She told me to ask my doctor for

antidepressants right away, before I started the treatment, because

depression is a major side effect. Like I wasn't depressed about all

of this anyway! After doing my own research, I am just honked off

now! So I have decided that I want to be the one to Be In Charge,

not a drug company or the doctors. Besides, there is a drug called

Pegasys that will be in the market in a few months that has fewer

side effects. I'm going to wait to hear what people say about it

before I decide to go on it.

>

> Just a note, since I've been eating better, taking vitamins,

exercising a little and drinking lots more water, I don't look like

I'm 4 months pregnant anymore (maybe just 3 months now, <BG>). And

this has just been in a few weeks time.

>

> There are lots of good people on these lists who can probably give

you better advice than I can. I got to the point where I am with

their help.

>

> Love, prayers and luck to you,

>

> Marilyn

> New Member

>

>

> Hello, I am 28 I work at a Pediatric Office and I was just

diagnosed

> with hep C. My Viral load at last count was 453,000. Pretty

high. I

> had my liver biopsy this week and should stat pills and

injections

> around the 16 of August. I have genotype 1. so I quess there is a

> 50/50 chance of cure rate. I quess the thing I hate the most is

the

> abdominal swelling and the severe fatigue. I am worried about

the

> chemo injections. The plan is every friday for 12 months and

pills

> twice a day, weekly dr. appts and blood draws. I hope to still be

> able to work full time. How bad are the effects of interferon?

they

> are not sure how I got it, they are sure it is from work

exposure.

> and the good news is that my abdominal ultrasound last month

showed

> that my liver at least LOOKED healthy. LOL

>

> Scared Bonnie

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Marilyn,

Thank you so much for all of the information. They found out I had

it by a fluke. I had been complaining of fatigue for a mont and My

Dr. assumed it was a virus, fatigue, low or no fever, chills cough,

congestion, ect. I also have asthma and allergies. LOL So she decided

to blo a huge amount of blood work back in june. My liver enzymes

were high, they did two more tests that month and finally in july I

tested positive for the hvc antibody, they then did the ultra sound

and the confirmation blood test which showed me my viral count. WHEW!

Now I am awaiting the liver biopsy results. I am still working full

time but I am wiped out by the weekend I have two children at home as

well boys ages 4 and 5. I will be getting their blood tested in

about two weeks.

Well gotta eat dinner

Bonnie

> Hi Bonnie,

>

> Wow, you are a little behind where I am, I know just what you are

going through. Honey, 453,000 for a viral count is *not* high.

There is a man, I'm not sure which list he is on because I'm on 3 of

them, his count is 25 *million*. I have genotype 1b, cure rate is

more like 30%. I'm pretty close to deciding not to take the

treatment at this time, but rather to look into holistic things. I

just got my liver biopsy results back about 3 weeks ago and have no

inflammation, no fibrosis and no cirrhosis. My viral load is

401,000, and my liver levels are in normal range. I thought, so why

the heck should I put myself through the hell that can come from the

treatment? Sort of like if it's not broke, why fix it? There are

some people, and I know 2 of them personally, who are doing nothing

and living their lives like they always did before the diagnosis.

That being said, they don't smoke, drink or do drugs, just normal

people. Their disease has not progressed, one lady was diagnosed 9

years ago. Some people live their lives, never having Hepatitis C be

an issue, even though they are positive for it.

>

> There are things you can do to improve your energy level - a big

problem I have is that I can't stomach meat. You can get your

protein in other ways, if you are having the same problem. There is

a drink sold in natural food stores called Isopure, to keep your

protein up, just be sure to get .36 grams for each pound of your body

weight each day. If I can get used to the taste of it, anyone can!

Take a multivitamin each day that doesn't contain iron. There are

lots of them out there, Centrum Silver is one, even though you aren't

supposedly old enough to have to take them. Exercise - I couldn't

fathom taking the dog around the block for a walk the first time. For

the first week, I came home and took a 2-hour nap afterwards, but

it's getting better. I feel like I've really reached a turning

point, I haven't had to take a nap for 3 days now, and I've only been

doing these things for 3 weeks. Yoga has been highly recommended to

me, and I think I will sign up for a class.

>

> I have heard from people who were diagnosed with stage 3 cirrhosis

who went holistic, and are in better health today than ever. Each

person who has responded to me says you have to look into your own

path, holistically. You have a long way to go, depending on the

outcome of your biopsy, where you can wait to start treatment.

>

> Gosh, you remind me of me, I was going through life, living it at

my own pace and then this thing slapped me right in the face! For

months, I let Hepatitis C define my life, but now I'm mad as hell and

not going to take it laying down, LOL! Go on all the websites, check

out as many lists as you can and learn everything that you can. the

side effects of the treatment can go from absolutely horrendous to

nothing, it just depends from person to person. From what I have

learned, we are not at imminent danger and have some time to check

out our options. When my doctor came into my hospital room after the

biopsy and handed me the prescription with the phone number to get on

the waiting list, I thought, well, here we go.

>

> I called Schering, got on the list and then they put me on the

phone with a Be In Charge nurse. She told me to ask my doctor for

antidepressants right away, before I started the treatment, because

depression is a major side effect. Like I wasn't depressed about all

of this anyway! After doing my own research, I am just honked off

now! So I have decided that I want to be the one to Be In Charge,

not a drug company or the doctors. Besides, there is a drug called

Pegasys that will be in the market in a few months that has fewer

side effects. I'm going to wait to hear what people say about it

before I decide to go on it.

>

> Just a note, since I've been eating better, taking vitamins,

exercising a little and drinking lots more water, I don't look like

I'm 4 months pregnant anymore (maybe just 3 months now, <BG>). And

this has just been in a few weeks time.

>

> There are lots of good people on these lists who can probably give

you better advice than I can. I got to the point where I am with

their help.

>

> Love, prayers and luck to you,

>

> Marilyn

> New Member

>

>

> Hello, I am 28 I work at a Pediatric Office and I was just

diagnosed

> with hep C. My Viral load at last count was 453,000. Pretty

high. I

> had my liver biopsy this week and should stat pills and

injections

> around the 16 of August. I have genotype 1. so I quess there is a

> 50/50 chance of cure rate. I quess the thing I hate the most is

the

> abdominal swelling and the severe fatigue. I am worried about

the

> chemo injections. The plan is every friday for 12 months and

pills

> twice a day, weekly dr. appts and blood draws. I hope to still be

> able to work full time. How bad are the effects of interferon?

they

> are not sure how I got it, they are sure it is from work

exposure.

> and the good news is that my abdominal ultrasound last month

showed

> that my liver at least LOOKED healthy. LOL

>

> Scared Bonnie

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Bonnie,

Yeah, they found mine by a fluke, too. I was going to Loyola Clinic in Chicago,

and they rotate their doctors every 2 - 3 years. Last March, I saw my new

doctor for the second time for my regular checkup - I'm 54, have had high blood

pressure for the last 14 years, caused by an elevated red count and an elevated

iron level. She was asking me questions about surgeries, I had 20 of them by

age 20 for a birth defect, same thing that Casey , the golfer, sued to use

a cart on the PGA course for. She asked me if I ever had blood transfusions and

I told her I had. She said just to be on the safe side, let's check your blood

for Hepatitis C, and I said ok. Could have knocked me over with a feather when

she called me a few days later and said I was positive for it!

Fourteen years ago, my liver levels were all over the map, but they didn't know

about Hep C at the time. One doctor even accused me of being a " closet

alcoholic " (unbeknownst to me!). Now I know I was right in telling him he

couldn't blame me for his lack in diagnostic skills! I decided on women doctors

after him, the first one put me on female hormones because of my age, she had

decided I was having hot flashes while I was sleeping, that's why I was so

exhausted.

It's a good thing to have your children tested. I'm sure you will have such

peace of mind. Again, like me, you are probably so freaked out that you have

inadvertently passed this to your children. I was insane when I first heard

this, that it could be possible - I have a 32 year old daughter who has 4

children of her own, and a 31 year old son who just got married. Did anyone

ever tell you that the likelihood that you passed it to your children is 5% or

less, less that people who test positive for AIDS? Children who have contracted

Hep C in-utero, from what I have read, present with symptoms early.

A lady on my Hep C Web Warriors list said I probably contracted it right before

my liver levels went over the top. After all, 60% of the people with Hep C

don't know where they got it from. There's a man, God bless him, he may even be

on this list, who is an ironworker who helped to clean up the mess at the Twin

Towers, and got it there. We just live with it and deal with it the best we can.

Hee, hee, one more thing and then I will go - when I went in for the ultasound,

the lady doing it was reallly gouging into my right side. She asked me if I

ever had pain there - I said not until you started shoving that thing up under

my rib cage! It was sore for a week afterward!

Best to you, honey,

Marilyn

Re: New Member

Hi Marilyn,

Thank you so much for all of the information. They found out I had

it by a fluke. I had been complaining of fatigue for a mont and My

Dr. assumed it was a virus, fatigue, low or no fever, chills cough,

congestion, ect. I also have asthma and allergies. LOL So she decided

to blo a huge amount of blood work back in june. My liver enzymes

were high, they did two more tests that month and finally in july I

tested positive for the hvc antibody, they then did the ultra sound

and the confirmation blood test which showed me my viral count. WHEW!

Now I am awaiting the liver biopsy results. I am still working full

time but I am wiped out by the weekend I have two children at home as

well boys ages 4 and 5. I will be getting their blood tested in

about two weeks.

Well gotta eat dinner

Bonnie

[Guest guest]

I just read your message and just want to say I believe I got this when I was in

my middle 30s so I have had had it 20 to 30 years, I was told it was non a non b

do not worry about it!! then in 19 ?? whenever I don't remember they said it was

hep c< I came down with idiopathic somthing somthing! LOLL they did not know

what caused it that Is when they discovered the hep c!! I had a liver biopsies

did about 6 years ago, I had a little scaring no cirrhosis I did blood work

every 3 to 6 mo. it always came back fine!! and then when I had my gallbladder

taken out this last December the surgeon said I had cirrhosis, I had turned down

the treatment back when I had the idiopathic thing. I wish now I had not!!!! I

was younger and would have been much better at handling it! though I am not

doing so bad now, it took me a mo. and 1/2 to get use to it!1 if that is what u

call it! but if I had tried to take the treatment back then I may never have

went into cirrhosis, so really think about it!!! aas I said all my blood work

was saying my liver was fine!!! it lied!!!~!

[Guest guest]

Hi Bonnie,

Yeah, they found mine by a fluke, too. I was going to Loyola Clinic in Chicago,

and they rotate their doctors every 2 - 3 years. Last March, I saw my new

doctor for the second time for my regular checkup - I'm 54, have had high blood

pressure for the last 14 years, caused by an elevated red count and an elevated

iron level. She was asking me questions about surgeries, I had 20 of them by

age 20 for a birth defect, same thing that Casey , the golfer, sued to use

a cart on the PGA course for. She asked me if I ever had blood transfusions and

I told her I had. She said just to be on the safe side, let's check your blood

for Hepatitis C, and I said ok. Could have knocked me over with a feather when

she called me a few days later and said I was positive for it!

Fourteen years ago, my liver levels were all over the map, but they didn't know

about Hep C at the time. One doctor even accused me of being a " closet

alcoholic " (unbeknownst to me!). Now I know I was right in telling him he

couldn't blame me for his lack in diagnostic skills! I decided on women doctors

after him, the first one put me on female hormones because of my age, she had

decided I was having hot flashes while I was sleeping, that's why I was so

exhausted.

It's a good thing to have your children tested. I'm sure you will have such

peace of mind. Again, like me, you are probably so freaked out that you have

inadvertently passed this to your children. I was insane when I first heard

this, that it could be possible - I have a 32 year old daughter who has 4

children of her own, and a 31 year old son who just got married. Did anyone

ever tell you that the likelihood that you passed it to your children is 5% or

less, less that people who test positive for AIDS? Children who have contracted

Hep C in-utero, from what I have read, present with symptoms early.

A lady on my Hep C Web Warriors list said I probably contracted it right before

my liver levels went over the top. After all, 60% of the people with Hep C

don't know where they got it from. There's a man, God bless him, he may even be

on this list, who is an ironworker who helped to clean up the mess at the Twin

Towers, and got it there. We just live with it and deal with it the best we can.

Hee, hee, one more thing and then I will go - when I went in for the ultasound,

the lady doing it was reallly gouging into my right side. She asked me if I

ever had pain there - I said not until you started shoving that thing up under

my rib cage! It was sore for a week afterward!

Best to you, honey,

Marilyn

Re: New Member

Hi Marilyn,

Thank you so much for all of the information. They found out I had

it by a fluke. I had been complaining of fatigue for a mont and My

Dr. assumed it was a virus, fatigue, low or no fever, chills cough,

congestion, ect. I also have asthma and allergies. LOL So she decided

to blo a huge amount of blood work back in june. My liver enzymes

were high, they did two more tests that month and finally in july I

tested positive for the hvc antibody, they then did the ultra sound

and the confirmation blood test which showed me my viral count. WHEW!

Now I am awaiting the liver biopsy results. I am still working full

time but I am wiped out by the weekend I have two children at home as

well boys ages 4 and 5. I will be getting their blood tested in

about two weeks.

Well gotta eat dinner

Bonnie

[Guest guest]

I just read your message and just want to say I believe I got this when I was in

my middle 30s so I have had had it 20 to 30 years, I was told it was non a non b

do not worry about it!! then in 19 ?? whenever I don't remember they said it was

hep c< I came down with idiopathic somthing somthing! LOLL they did not know

what caused it that Is when they discovered the hep c!! I had a liver biopsies

did about 6 years ago, I had a little scaring no cirrhosis I did blood work

every 3 to 6 mo. it always came back fine!! and then when I had my gallbladder

taken out this last December the surgeon said I had cirrhosis, I had turned down

the treatment back when I had the idiopathic thing. I wish now I had not!!!! I

was younger and would have been much better at handling it! though I am not

doing so bad now, it took me a mo. and 1/2 to get use to it!1 if that is what u

call it! but if I had tried to take the treatment back then I may never have

went into cirrhosis, so really think about it!!! aas I said all my blood work

was saying my liver was fine!!! it lied!!!~!

[Guest guest]

something is really bothering me!! a bunch of us are only on the program for 6

months, WHY!! Pamela and others get a year, I do not understand what is

the difference! I asked the nurse and she said well if u don't respond within 6

mo. u

probably wont!! so why not put everyone on 6 mo??? why do I feel like a

experiment!!!???

carol

[Guest guest]

something is really bothering me!! a bunch of us are only on the program for 6

months, WHY!! Pamela and others get a year, I do not understand what is

the difference! I asked the nurse and she said well if u don't respond within 6

mo. u

probably wont!! so why not put everyone on 6 mo??? why do I feel like a

experiment!!!???

carol

[Guest guest]

Carol,

I think it works like the blood work! My blood work shows I am okay, but my

biopsy did not. I did treatment 3 times. Well really twice, combo stopped at 3

weeks. But both times I responded, show non-detectable just after 1month,

stayed on 8 months first time, 6 months second time. Non-detetable all through

treatment. 3 weeks after treatment, viral leval back up. I still am not sure

they know what the ..... they are doing. But I am with Marilyn about

treatment. Waiting for something new.

P.S Hi new member. I have had HepC for about 20 years. Diagnosed in 97. Just

by chance also. They started testing me for MS and just kept going down the

line tilll they finally tested me for HepC. Dana

dragonrider wrote:something is really bothering me!! a bunch of us are only on

the program for 6 months, WHY!! Pamela and others get a year, I do not

understand what is the difference! I asked the nurse and she said well if u

don't respond within 6 mo. u

probably wont!! so why not put everyone on 6 mo??? why do I feel like a

experiment!!!???

carol

[Guest guest]

Carol,

I think it works like the blood work! My blood work shows I am okay, but my

biopsy did not. I did treatment 3 times. Well really twice, combo stopped at 3

weeks. But both times I responded, show non-detectable just after 1month,

stayed on 8 months first time, 6 months second time. Non-detetable all through

treatment. 3 weeks after treatment, viral leval back up. I still am not sure

they know what the ..... they are doing. But I am with Marilyn about

treatment. Waiting for something new.

P.S Hi new member. I have had HepC for about 20 years. Diagnosed in 97. Just

by chance also. They started testing me for MS and just kept going down the

line tilll they finally tested me for HepC. Dana

dragonrider wrote:something is really bothering me!! a bunch of us are only on

the program for 6 months, WHY!! Pamela and others get a year, I do not

understand what is the difference! I asked the nurse and she said well if u

don't respond within 6 mo. u

probably wont!! so why not put everyone on 6 mo??? why do I feel like a

experiment!!!???

carol

[Guest guest]

Dragonrider

I will start treatment on the 16th. I hope things are going better

for you, are you on interferon?

Thank you for sharing your story. I just got vaccinated for hepB and

hepA. I got my certification for bloodborn pathogens last year so I

know how easy it is to get hepA when you already have hepC. It's a

shame that certification did not stop me from contracting it. But 50%

of all cases have no known reason for exposure. Kinda scary.

Bonnie

> I just read your message and just want to say I believe I got this

when I was in my middle 30s so I have had had it 20 to 30 years, I

was told it was non a non b do not worry about it!! then in 19 ??

whenever I don't remember they said it was hep c< I came down with

idiopathic somthing somthing! LOLL they did not know what caused it

that Is when they discovered the hep c!! I had a liver biopsies did

about 6 years ago, I had a little scaring no cirrhosis I did blood

work every 3 to 6 mo. it always came back fine!! and then when I had

my gallbladder taken out this last December the surgeon said I had

cirrhosis, I had turned down the treatment back when I had the

idiopathic thing. I wish now I had not!!!! I was younger and would

have been much better at handling it! though I am not doing so bad

now, it took me a mo. and 1/2 to get use to it!1 if that is what u

call it! but if I had tried to take the treatment back then I may

never have went into cirrhosis, so really think about it!!! aas I

said all my blood work was saying my liver was fine!!! it lied!!!~!

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dragonrider

I will start treatment on the 16th. I hope things are going better

for you, are you on interferon?

Thank you for sharing your story. I just got vaccinated for hepB and

hepA. I got my certification for bloodborn pathogens last year so I

know how easy it is to get hepA when you already have hepC. It's a

shame that certification did not stop me from contracting it. But 50%

of all cases have no known reason for exposure. Kinda scary.

Bonnie

> I just read your message and just want to say I believe I got this

when I was in my middle 30s so I have had had it 20 to 30 years, I

was told it was non a non b do not worry about it!! then in 19 ??

whenever I don't remember they said it was hep c< I came down with

idiopathic somthing somthing! LOLL they did not know what caused it

that Is when they discovered the hep c!! I had a liver biopsies did

about 6 years ago, I had a little scaring no cirrhosis I did blood

work every 3 to 6 mo. it always came back fine!! and then when I had

my gallbladder taken out this last December the surgeon said I had

cirrhosis, I had turned down the treatment back when I had the

idiopathic thing. I wish now I had not!!!! I was younger and would

have been much better at handling it! though I am not doing so bad

now, it took me a mo. and 1/2 to get use to it!1 if that is what u

call it! but if I had tried to take the treatment back then I may

never have went into cirrhosis, so really think about it!!! aas I

said all my blood work was saying my liver was fine!!! it lied!!!~!

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

what really pisses me off was that stupid DR??? who took out my gallbladder

could have did another biopsy right then but he was so afraid when he saw it he

hurried to get out!!! I guess I really need to go get a new one!! but I have

never turned yellow or anything !! and I also think it is what brought on my

high blood pressure, as when I lost weight and quit smoking it did not go down a

bit!! but one thing I did read in the hep-c mag. or online was that if your t-4

levels go up because of the treatment you have a better chance of responding??

anyone else here that!! WHY THE HELL CAN'T EVERYONE GET TOGETHER ON THIS CRAP,

INSTEAD OF US HAVING TO GO TO SO MANY DIFFERENT PLACES TO GET info!!??

[Guest guest]

Carol,

What is your genotype? This seems to be what determines your treatment. 1A and

1B determine a year's worth of treatment, the rest are shorter, since 1A and 1B

are the hardest to treat. I feel like we are all experiments!

How are the fires, are you ok?

Love and Hugs,

Marilyn

Re: New Member

something is really bothering me!! a bunch of us are only on the program for 6

months, WHY!! Pamela and others get a year, I do not understand what is

the difference! I asked the nurse and she said well if u don't respond within 6

mo. u

probably wont!! so why not put everyone on 6 mo??? why do I feel like a

experiment!!!???

carol

[Guest guest]

Carol,

What is your genotype? This seems to be what determines your treatment. 1A and

1B determine a year's worth of treatment, the rest are shorter, since 1A and 1B

are the hardest to treat. I feel like we are all experiments!

How are the fires, are you ok?

Love and Hugs,

Marilyn

Re: New Member

something is really bothering me!! a bunch of us are only on the program for 6

months, WHY!! Pamela and others get a year, I do not understand what is

the difference! I asked the nurse and she said well if u don't respond within 6

mo. u

probably wont!! so why not put everyone on 6 mo??? why do I feel like a

experiment!!!???

carol

[Guest guest]

what really pisses me off was that stupid DR??? who took out my gallbladder

could have did another biopsy right then but he was so afraid when he saw it he

hurried to get out!!! I guess I really need to go get a new one!! but I have

never turned yellow or anything !! and I also think it is what brought on my

high blood pressure, as when I lost weight and quit smoking it did not go down a

bit!! but one thing I did read in the hep-c mag. or online was that if your t-4

levels go up because of the treatment you have a better chance of responding??

anyone else here that!! WHY THE HELL CAN'T EVERYONE GET TOGETHER ON THIS CRAP,

INSTEAD OF US HAVING TO GO TO SO MANY DIFFERENT PLACES TO GET info!!??

[Guest guest]

I have hep- a also _ I guess I should get hep b vaccinated !! but I am so tired

of shots LOL But after a mo. and a half I am handling it better! and I drive a

18 wheeler, but I do get tired that is my biggest problem!! now! and in all

reality is was a big problem back when I did not know what I had! LOL everyone

thought I was lazy and just wanted to sleep, but I don't LIKE being tired, I

like to go go go . but I kept thinking I was just getting old! I have that

problem now I don't know if it is the treatment or age!! but another thing I

have is I cannot quit smoking!! believe me I have tried. But I have smoked since

I was 13.

[Guest guest]

Marilyn,

LOL about the ultrasound. My tech was very gentle. You have eased my

mind so much with the 5% getting hepC in utero. I am O negative

blood type and RH Negative so they were very careful about blood

mixing with the babies good thing because they are both o positive.

I would go back to that Dr and give him a peice of my mind, he could

have saved you alot of hassel by giving you a proper diagnosis. I

too have a female Dr, and I love her to death, She got my asthma,

anxiety and allergies under control and when she realized how

fatigued and sick I was she got right on the ball to get me tested.

I'ts been about 3 months now that I have been dealing with this and

about a month or so since I have known that I have it. I don't think

it has hit home yet how sick I am. I attribute everything to being

busy it is hard for me to realize that this could kill me. It won't,

but there is always that chance. Pretty strange. I think it will hit

home a little more when I start treatment. My GI Dr. said I didn't

really have a choice, my liver is going bad and I can treat it or go

on faith that it will not get worse. Hmmmm tough choice. LOL I

already have damage the biopsy will tell how much, fingers crossed

that it is minimal.

Bonnie the babbler

> Hi Bonnie,

>

> Yeah, they found mine by a fluke, too. I was going to Loyola

Clinic in Chicago, and they rotate their doctors every 2 - 3 years.

Last March, I saw my new doctor for the second time for my regular

checkup - I'm 54, have had high blood pressure for the last 14 years,

caused by an elevated red count and an elevated iron level. She was

asking me questions about surgeries, I had 20 of them by age 20 for a

birth defect, same thing that Casey , the golfer, sued to use a

cart on the PGA course for. She asked me if I ever had blood

transfusions and I told her I had. She said just to be on the safe

side, let's check your blood for Hepatitis C, and I said ok. Could

have knocked me over with a feather when she called me a few days

later and said I was positive for it!

>

> Fourteen years ago, my liver levels were all over the map, but they

didn't know about Hep C at the time. One doctor even accused me of

being a " closet alcoholic " (unbeknownst to me!). Now I know I was

right in telling him he couldn't blame me for his lack in diagnostic

skills! I decided on women doctors after him, the first one put me

on female hormones because of my age, she had decided I was having

hot flashes while I was sleeping, that's why I was so exhausted.

>

> It's a good thing to have your children tested. I'm sure you will

have such peace of mind. Again, like me, you are probably so freaked

out that you have inadvertently passed this to your children. I was

insane when I first heard this, that it could be possible - I have a

32 year old daughter who has 4 children of her own, and a 31 year old

son who just got married. Did anyone ever tell you that the

likelihood that you passed it to your children is 5% or less, less

that people who test positive for AIDS? Children who have contracted

Hep C in-utero, from what I have read, present with symptoms early.

>

> A lady on my Hep C Web Warriors list said I probably contracted it

right before my liver levels went over the top. After all, 60% of

the people with Hep C don't know where they got it from. There's a

man, God bless him, he may even be on this list, who is an ironworker

who helped to clean up the mess at the Twin Towers, and got it there.

We just live with it and deal with it the best we can.

>

> Hee, hee, one more thing and then I will go - when I went in for

the ultasound, the lady doing it was reallly gouging into my right

side. She asked me if I ever had pain there - I said not until you

started shoving that thing up under my rib cage! It was sore for a

week afterward!

>

> Best to you, honey,

>

> Marilyn

> Re: New Member

>

>

> Hi Marilyn,

>

> Thank you so much for all of the information. They found out I

had

> it by a fluke. I had been complaining of fatigue for a mont and

My

> Dr. assumed it was a virus, fatigue, low or no fever, chills

cough,

> congestion, ect. I also have asthma and allergies. LOL So she

decided

> to blo a huge amount of blood work back in june. My liver

enzymes

> were high, they did two more tests that month and finally in july

I

> tested positive for the hvc antibody, they then did the ultra

sound

> and the confirmation blood test which showed me my viral count.

WHEW!

> Now I am awaiting the liver biopsy results. I am still working

full

> time but I am wiped out by the weekend I have two children at

home as

> well boys ages 4 and 5. I will be getting their blood tested in

> about two weeks.

> Well gotta eat dinner

> Bonnie

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Marilyn,

LOL about the ultrasound. My tech was very gentle. You have eased my

mind so much with the 5% getting hepC in utero. I am O negative

blood type and RH Negative so they were very careful about blood

mixing with the babies good thing because they are both o positive.

I would go back to that Dr and give him a peice of my mind, he could

have saved you alot of hassel by giving you a proper diagnosis. I

too have a female Dr, and I love her to death, She got my asthma,

anxiety and allergies under control and when she realized how

fatigued and sick I was she got right on the ball to get me tested.

I'ts been about 3 months now that I have been dealing with this and

about a month or so since I have known that I have it. I don't think

it has hit home yet how sick I am. I attribute everything to being

busy it is hard for me to realize that this could kill me. It won't,

but there is always that chance. Pretty strange. I think it will hit

home a little more when I start treatment. My GI Dr. said I didn't

really have a choice, my liver is going bad and I can treat it or go

on faith that it will not get worse. Hmmmm tough choice. LOL I

already have damage the biopsy will tell how much, fingers crossed

that it is minimal.

Bonnie the babbler

> Hi Bonnie,

>

> Yeah, they found mine by a fluke, too. I was going to Loyola

Clinic in Chicago, and they rotate their doctors every 2 - 3 years.

Last March, I saw my new doctor for the second time for my regular

checkup - I'm 54, have had high blood pressure for the last 14 years,

caused by an elevated red count and an elevated iron level. She was

asking me questions about surgeries, I had 20 of them by age 20 for a

birth defect, same thing that Casey , the golfer, sued to use a

cart on the PGA course for. She asked me if I ever had blood

transfusions and I told her I had. She said just to be on the safe

side, let's check your blood for Hepatitis C, and I said ok. Could

have knocked me over with a feather when she called me a few days

later and said I was positive for it!

>

> Fourteen years ago, my liver levels were all over the map, but they

didn't know about Hep C at the time. One doctor even accused me of

being a " closet alcoholic " (unbeknownst to me!). Now I know I was

right in telling him he couldn't blame me for his lack in diagnostic

skills! I decided on women doctors after him, the first one put me

on female hormones because of my age, she had decided I was having

hot flashes while I was sleeping, that's why I was so exhausted.

>

> It's a good thing to have your children tested. I'm sure you will

have such peace of mind. Again, like me, you are probably so freaked

out that you have inadvertently passed this to your children. I was

insane when I first heard this, that it could be possible - I have a

32 year old daughter who has 4 children of her own, and a 31 year old

son who just got married. Did anyone ever tell you that the

likelihood that you passed it to your children is 5% or less, less

that people who test positive for AIDS? Children who have contracted

Hep C in-utero, from what I have read, present with symptoms early.

>

> A lady on my Hep C Web Warriors list said I probably contracted it

right before my liver levels went over the top. After all, 60% of

the people with Hep C don't know where they got it from. There's a

man, God bless him, he may even be on this list, who is an ironworker

who helped to clean up the mess at the Twin Towers, and got it there.

We just live with it and deal with it the best we can.

>

> Hee, hee, one more thing and then I will go - when I went in for

the ultasound, the lady doing it was reallly gouging into my right

side. She asked me if I ever had pain there - I said not until you

started shoving that thing up under my rib cage! It was sore for a

week afterward!

>

> Best to you, honey,

>

> Marilyn

> Re: New Member

>

>

> Hi Marilyn,

>

> Thank you so much for all of the information. They found out I

had

> it by a fluke. I had been complaining of fatigue for a mont and

My

> Dr. assumed it was a virus, fatigue, low or no fever, chills

cough,

> congestion, ect. I also have asthma and allergies. LOL So she

decided

> to blo a huge amount of blood work back in june. My liver

enzymes

> were high, they did two more tests that month and finally in july

I

> tested positive for the hvc antibody, they then did the ultra

sound

> and the confirmation blood test which showed me my viral count.

WHEW!

> Now I am awaiting the liver biopsy results. I am still working

full

> time but I am wiped out by the weekend I have two children at

home as

> well boys ages 4 and 5. I will be getting their blood tested in

> about two weeks.

> Well gotta eat dinner

> Bonnie

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I have hep- a also _ I guess I should get hep b vaccinated !! but I am so tired

of shots LOL But after a mo. and a half I am handling it better! and I drive a

18 wheeler, but I do get tired that is my biggest problem!! now! and in all

reality is was a big problem back when I did not know what I had! LOL everyone

thought I was lazy and just wanted to sleep, but I don't LIKE being tired, I

like to go go go . but I kept thinking I was just getting old! I have that

problem now I don't know if it is the treatment or age!! but another thing I

have is I cannot quit smoking!! believe me I have tried. But I have smoked since

I was 13.

[Guest guest]

Carol,

I think it depends on the type, for geno type 1 they do six months of

combined therapy and then another 6 months. that is what I am doing

12 months of pills and injections. YUK! Some genotypes only need 6

months I read alot about it at aol web md. I would get a second

opinion maybe? It is your life not your Dr's. If you have concerns

about your medical treatment then read up on the subject and ask your

Dr lots and lots of questions.

Bonnie

> something is really bothering me!! a bunch of us are only on the

program for 6 months, WHY!! Pamela and others get a year, I

do not understand what is the difference! I asked the nurse and she

said well if u don't respond within 6 mo. u

> probably wont!! so why not put everyone on 6 mo??? why do I feel

like a experiment!!!???

> carol

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Carol,

I think it depends on the type, for geno type 1 they do six months of

combined therapy and then another 6 months. that is what I am doing

12 months of pills and injections. YUK! Some genotypes only need 6

months I read alot about it at aol web md. I would get a second

opinion maybe? It is your life not your Dr's. If you have concerns

about your medical treatment then read up on the subject and ask your

Dr lots and lots of questions.

Bonnie

> something is really bothering me!! a bunch of us are only on the

program for 6 months, WHY!! Pamela and others get a year, I

do not understand what is the difference! I asked the nurse and she

said well if u don't respond within 6 mo. u

> probably wont!! so why not put everyone on 6 mo??? why do I feel

like a experiment!!!???

> carol

>

>

>