Treatments

[Guest guest]

One other thing that should be considered is a patients platelet count.

People with cirrhosis tend to have enlarged spleens thus they have a low

platlet count. Interferon and other similiar treatments lower the

platelets even furthur which can cause a risk of blood not clotting.

Before considering treatment, blood work is necessary to determine

platelet levels.

Treatment is not always an option for some people. (Which includes

myself).

-

[Guest guest]

Thanks for this info on platelet counts...I had no idea of this

and hadn't read it anywhere yet. I have learned so much,

especially " after " trying the tx...and looking at my lab report

copies, I see that in July of last yr, my platelet count was 246, and

in Sept, it dropped to 174, and then in October it went down to 159

and my WBC was down to 3.0 which should have been in the 4.1-9.5

range...I was severly anemic!!! And I stayed on the tx until Jan.2001

It's no wonder I was in the hospital at the end of October with

severe chest pains... I still have the chest pains, but I've only

been off of tx for 1 and a half months... I will find another dr in a

few months and find out what my genotype is. For the meantime,..it's

herbs and natural foods for me...I hope to find as much info as I can

about alternative tx's. ~By the way, I have noticed my blood doesn't

clot hardly at all anymore...my extremities feel like ice at times...

Take care now,

> One other thing that should be considered is a patients platelet

count.

> People with cirrhosis tend to have enlarged spleens thus they have

a low

> platlet count. Interferon and other similiar treatments lower the

> platelets even furthur which can cause a risk of blood not clotting.

> Before considering treatment, blood work is necessary to determine

> platelet levels.

> Treatment is not always an option for some people. (Which includes

> myself).

> -

[Guest guest]

Skyler your Dr should have info on where to get help on it..I was getting it out of a place in California..It paid for all of it due to my income at the time..It is very costly..It was costing $1600 per month for the combo tx when I was on it..It is sad that people who need this can't afford it..I understand completely..My hubby too as I had said drinks and shows no signs of quitting..As far as we know he doesn't have Hep but too is a hyperchondriac..Probably spelled that one wrong..LOL..Every boo boo he has he thinks it's serious..LOL..He doesn't have any heart problems but does get anxiety attacks and has to be on Celexa for it..

[Guest guest]

Wow, I was just rereading the Newsweek article and I read that Interferon

treatment, and maybe the combo treatment, cost $26,000 for the year that one

takes it. Geez. The article did not clarify how much of that was for the

drug itself. My insurance only pays half of any " approved " drug....There is

just no way that either of us (yeah, i know I don;t yet know if I have it,

but am a hypochondriac! LOL) could afford the treatment. I mean, I won't

bore you with our financial woes, but no way. Even if it were life or

death. Esp. when " they " say the treatment only works, like, 30% of the

time? In fact, I know of two people (the brother of a close friend, and a

friend of a friend) who dies of Hep C because they could not afford

treatment. Both had the disease discovered when it was pretty bad.

I don't drink, except the occasional glass of wine with dinner out, which I

could give up, so maybe if I DO have it it will be slow. My spouse shows NO

signs of quitting drinking, so...well, don't get me started on that one!!

There is no way I can MAKE him stop...Even after he had a heart attack, he

walked to the store to get more beer.

(Sigh.)

Anyway...What do you all do about the high cost of treatment? Have you

found some way around it?

Thanks,

Skyler

[Guest guest]

skler your dr should be able to help you. as for me I

have Ins. but if I didnt my dr says that the maker of

the medicine will still let you go thru the treatment

anyway even if you arent insured because they want to

help cure the virus sounds to good to be true but

thats what I was told Debbie

--- tangly cottage gardening <tangly@...>

wrote:

> Wow, I was just rereading the Newsweek article and I

> read that Interferon

> treatment, and maybe the combo treatment, cost

> $26,000 for the year that one

> takes it. Geez. The article did not clarify how

> much of that was for the

> drug itself. My insurance only pays half of any

> " approved " drug....There is

> just no way that either of us (yeah, i know I don;t

> yet know if I have it,

> but am a hypochondriac! LOL) could afford the

> treatment. I mean, I won't

> bore you with our financial woes, but no way. Even

> if it were life or

> death. Esp. when " they " say the treatment only

> works, like, 30% of the

> time? In fact, I know of two people (the brother of

> a close friend, and a

> friend of a friend) who dies of Hep C because they

> could not afford

> treatment. Both had the disease discovered when it

> was pretty bad.

>

> I don't drink, except the occasional glass of wine

> with dinner out, which I

> could give up, so maybe if I DO have it it will be

> slow. My spouse shows NO

> signs of quitting drinking, so...well, don't get me

> started on that one!!

> There is no way I can MAKE him stop...Even after he

> had a heart attack, he

> walked to the store to get more beer.

> (Sigh.)

>

> Anyway...What do you all do about the high cost of

> treatment? Have you

> found some way around it?

>

> Thanks,

>

> Skyler

>

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

You would have to check on it, there is help available for people who can't afford it. I don't know how easy it is to get. You can search for a study group, in which you would get treated free. I know my pharmacist told me that my 2 week supply (I was on the old combo, which I guess is about the same price as the peg combo) was retail over $700. I only had a $20 co-pay, so it wasn't so bad. Good luck in whatever you decide. -dz-

tangly cottage gardening <tangly@...> wrote: Wow, I was just rereading the Newsweek article and I read that Interferontreatment, and maybe the combo treatment, cost $26,000 for the year that onetakes it. Geez. The article did not clarify how much of that was for thedrug itself. My insurance only pays half of any "approved" drug....There isjust no way that either of us (yeah, i know I don;t yet know if I have it,but am a hypochondriac! LOL) could afford the treatment. I mean, I won'tbore you with our financial woes, but no way. Even if it were life ordeath. Esp. when "they" say the treatment only works, like, 30% of thetime? In fact, I know of two people (the brother of a close friend, and afriend of a friend) who dies of Hep C because they could not affordtreatment. Both had the disease discovered when it was pretty bad.I don't drink, except the occasional glass of wine with dinner out, which Icould give up, so maybe if I DO have it it will be slow. My spouse shows NOsigns of quitting drinking, so...well, don't get me started on that one!!There is no way I can MAKE him stop...Even after he had a heart attack, hewalked to the store to get more beer.(Sigh.)Anyway...What do you all do about the high cost of treatment? Have youfound some way around it?Thanks,Skyler

[Guest guest]

I know they do have a program to help people. (scheuring-plough) Hell, they make enough off of those of us that have insurance to pay for those who don't! -dz-

debbie henning <giglebutt2002@...> wrote: skler your dr should be able to help you. as for me Ihave Ins. but if I didnt my dr says that the maker ofthe medicine will still let you go thru the treatmentanyway even if you arent insured because they want tohelp cure the virus sounds to good to be true butthats what I was told Debbie--- tangly cottage gardening <tangly@...>wrote:> Wow, I was just rereading the Newsweek article and I> read that Interferon> treatment, and maybe the combo treatment, cost> $26,000 for the year that one> takes it. Geez. The article did not clarify how> much of that was for the> drug itself. My insurance only pays half of any> "approved" drug....There is> just no way that either of us (yeah, i know I don;t> yet know if I have it,> but am a hypochondriac! LOL) could afford the> treatment. I mean, I won't> bore you with our financial woes, but no way. Even> if it were life or> death. Esp. when "they" say the treatment only> works, like, 30% of the> time? In fact, I know of two people (the brother of> a close friend, and a> friend of a friend) who dies of Hep C because they> could not afford> treatment. Both had the disease discovered when it> was pretty bad.> > I don't drink, except the occasional glass of wine> with dinner out, which I> could give up, so maybe if I DO have it it will be> slow. My spouse shows NO> signs of quitting drinking, so...well, don't get me> started on that one!!> There is no way I can MAKE him stop...Even after he> had a heart attack, he> walked to the store to get more beer.> (Sigh.)> > Anyway...What do you all do about the high cost of> treatment? Have you> found some way around it?> > Thanks,> > Skyler> > > __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Skylar

The first time I was treated I had insurance where I only had to make a

copay of $8.00 for the medication. The second round was taken care of by the

VA at no charge, only I had to drive 150 miles once a month for DR.

appointments. If I had to pay for the meds myself I wouldn't have been able

to get them either.

I think that Schering has a program that will help someone who can't afford

the meds.I'm sure that someone else in the group can give you more info on

this.

Re: [ ]treatments

> Wow, I was just rereading the Newsweek article and I read that Interferon

> treatment, and maybe the combo treatment, cost $26,000 for the year that

one

> takes it. Geez. The article did not clarify how much of that was for the

> drug itself. My insurance only pays half of any " approved " drug....There

is

> just no way that either of us (yeah, i know I don;t yet know if I have it,

> but am a hypochondriac! LOL) could afford the treatment. I mean, I won't

> bore you with our financial woes, but no way. Even if it were life or

> death. Esp. when " they " say the treatment only works, like, 30% of the

> time? In fact, I know of two people (the brother of a close friend, and a

> friend of a friend) who dies of Hep C because they could not afford

> treatment. Both had the disease discovered when it was pretty bad.

>

> I don't drink, except the occasional glass of wine with dinner out, which

I

> could give up, so maybe if I DO have it it will be slow. My spouse shows

NO

> signs of quitting drinking, so...well, don't get me started on that one!!

> There is no way I can MAKE him stop...Even after he had a heart attack, he

> walked to the store to get more beer.

> (Sigh.)

>

> Anyway...What do you all do about the high cost of treatment? Have you

> found some way around it?

>

> Thanks,

>

> Skyler

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Schering/Plough also has a big lawsuit over it's hepC treatment .....Of

course they have enough money to help them with big-time lawyers......The

lawsuit is a class action against their supposed cure of Hep---many people

are involved (ones who have had relatives who died due to their supposed

good treatment...... claiming that it caused many deaths & also cancer(brain)

& other types.. Don't too much about this as it's been 'pretty

under wraps'!!!!!

Guess there's a possibility of another Enron-type deal here........the

general public will hear about in the years to come!!!>???? I just

can't abide the politickin' of major Corp.

arlene

imaganeer wrote:

I know they do have a program to help people. (scheuring-plough) Hell,

they make enough off of those of us that have insurance to pay for those

who don't! -dz-

debbie henning <giglebutt2002@...> wrote:

skler

your dr should be able to help you. as for me I

have Ins. but if I didnt my dr says that the maker of

the medicine will still let you go thru the treatment

anyway even if you arent insured because they want to

help cure the virus sounds to good to be true but

thats what I was told Debbie

--- tangly cottage gardening <tangly@...>

wrote:

> Wow, I was just rereading the Newsweek article and I

> read that Interferon

> treatment, and maybe the combo treatment, cost

> $26,000 for the year that one

> takes it. Geez. The article did not clarify how

> much of that was for the

> drug itself. My insurance only pays half of any

> "approved" drug....There is

> just no way that either of us (yeah, i know I don;t

> yet know if I have it,

> but am a hypochondriac! LOL) could afford the

> treatment. I mean, I won't

> bore you with our financial woes, but no way. Even

> if it were life or

> death. Esp. when "they" say the treatment only

> works, like, 30% of the

> time? In fact, I know of two people (the brother of

> a close friend, and a

> friend of a friend) who dies of Hep C because they

> could not afford

> treatment. Both had the disease discovered when it

> was pretty bad.

>

> I don't drink, except the occasional glass of wine

> with dinner out, which I

> could give up, so maybe if I DO have it it will be

> slow. My spouse shows NO

> signs of quitting drinking, so...well, don't get me

> started on that one!!

> There is no way I can MAKE him stop...Even after he

> had a heart attack, he

> walked to the store to get more beer.

> (Sigh.)

>

> Anyway...What do you all do about the high cost of

> treatment? Have you

> found some way around it?

>

> Thanks,

>

> Skyler

>

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Where do you live that you are going to the hospital in ton S.C.? An option might be the Mayo Clinic in ville. I went there when I lived in Columbia S.C. and they have a great team.

Chris

[Guest guest]

hi... my name is karen and i have been dx 03/2002... i go to medical university of s. carolina .. i live in charleston...there are 2 excellent hepatologists ... i prefer dr wilner .. he "talks" to me not crunches numbers ...the other dr is dr ruben he is good also ..i met quite a few drs on the l"liver" ward of musc.. my bili was 55 and all blood work was hi crit..kidneys failed and blood sugar dropped to 33..became anemic and quite a lot happened ..but i feel i am now in the best hands i can be .. my primary dr works with dr wilner and has done studies on aih she has helped me alot...my hair has started to fall out ...i thought it was aih but it actually is stress from the illnesses it is so nice to hear someone with aih will be here i have asked about other people with aih but have had no luck...if you have any questions i can help you with my email is kikishrimp@... luck take care karen

[Guest guest]

Dear SJC,

I was on prednisone for seven years for my AIH and I switched to a new Doctor who immediately put me on Imuran (or azathioprine) and tapered my prednisone to nothing. The side effects from the Imuran have been minimal if anything. The long term effects of the prednisone are much worse than the Imuran as well. They will hae to do some blood work to see if you can tolerate the Imuran, but I had no problem with it and am SO glad to be off the prednisone. Good luck to you and hope things work out!

Holly

>From: "sjckfoss"

>Reply- > >Subject: [ ] treatments >Date: Sat, 03 Aug 2002 09:35:45 -0000 > >I have been on prednisone for a year and a half. I am wondering what >other medications or treatments are available. I am also going to >University of SC ton in October. Any opinions on this >hospital. Also, if the problem is with our immune system shouldn't >we see an immunologist? just a thought > MSN Photos is the easiest way to share and print your photos: Click Here

[Guest guest]

Hello,

Yes it is an immunesystem problem but my doc says as it affects the

liver we got to liver specialists not immunologists!

As for other drugs, please read my earlier post to courtney. Hollys

experience is typical, Pred is usually combined with an

immunesupressant such as Imuran so that we can taper and hopefully

come off pred completely.

aih dx aug2000, age 23, London UK

>

[Guest guest]

> Hi. thanks for your reply. My name is , am 32 have a

fabulous husband and 2 young girls. My mother also has AIH and needs

a transplant. I guess there is something to be said for genes huh?!

My grandmother also suffered from ALS and my cousin has type 1

diabetes. I sure hope all this skips my girls but by the time they

are grown there will probably be a miracle pill!!!!!!!YEAH...

I do think that Imuran should be tried and do not understand why my

DR. here has not tried it, mabey he is more worried about the chance

of cancer more than the long term affects of predn. I feel very good

about making the decision to get a second opinion from charleston. I

believe this is the first Proactive step I have taken only because I

sort of don't know what to expect. I have surley never been faced

with a chronic disease before and expected that my DR. would have

the answers. NOPE, at least not the answers I want. after this past

year of listening and asking others I know that other things can be

tried. My shrink asked me what my future goals are and without even

having ever thought about this i said remission.. This shocked me, I

have never had to use this word in my vocabulary in 32 yrs. Mabey I

am making to much of this there are certainly many people in the

world a lot worse off than myself. But you know what, I want to

beat this crazy thing and be done with it!!!! I

am greatful to finally have found your support group, the other broad

liver support groups didn't quite feel like home. Thank you for

being here. Thanks for letting me ramble also.

[Guest guest]

Hey, Deb (yes, listmates, Debbie and I are friends outside of

cyberspace; our boys went to pre-school together :-) ):

Of course, you are absolutely right. Parents' instincts on what is

going on with their children count for so much. With so much

information, and MISinformation out there, it can get so confusing and

paralyzing that it can make you crazy.

When I observe Adam, I always hope that that's where will be

when he's 8.

Donna

>

> Cochran

>

> Hi ,

>

> What type of treatment or therapy do you feel is the biggest

> contributor to your child's success?

>

> My 8-year-old son Adam is doing so well since I put him on a

> nondairy diet. He now has 2 new friends at school and is beginning

> to resent having an NPA aide in his classroom. He won't even let me

> walk him to class anymore! He's starting to use $10 words and

> figuring things out for himself. His teacher told me that the

> little girls just love him.

>

> I had tried the anti-viral Valtrex through Dr. G, but he started

> losing speech. I read on the warning label to discontinue use if

> there was loss of speech (which could lead to a stroke). So I threw

> it out.

>

> I feel in my heart of hearts that what helped my son best was ABA

> therapy (starting at 3-years-old). We used WORKING WITH AUTISM in

> Encino for many, many years.

>

> Also, having an older brother to model for him helped a lot.

>

> But I believe you're right... each child is different... you have to

> go by your Mom's instinct to do what's right for your child.

>

> Congratulations, and best wishes,

>

> Debbie

>

[Guest guest]

Hi, I'm new and had a few questions. Long story short, 6mo after my

son was born I started having horrible attacks that last anywhere

from 15min to 3+hrs, 1st dr said GERD, 18 mo later new Dr. dx the

stones. Haven't had a bad attack in a few months but have

tenderness in the area almost daily and occasionally other ab issues

(bloating, upset stomach, vomiting, etc).

I'm scheduled for surgery on 1/24 and would like to know of any

other treatments. The big issue right now is my possible loss of

insurance. If I do it as scheduled it will be covered and I'm not

going to worry about ending up in the ER (at least not for stones).

If I don't do it and then lose my insurance I might get screwed as

it would now be considered preexisting and I might never get it

covered.

I know this list is anti surgery, so are there any treatments that

can help with this other then ones where I have to ingest large

amounts of oil and make myself sick? I would be interested in

herbs, accupuncture/pressure, massage, etc. If surgery is not done

what is the likely hood that stones could turn into an emergency

situation? I know it has been said more then once that the

gallbladder is vital for health, but why? AND if I did convince

myself to try one of these oil flushes I assume it's needed every

few months as stones return?

Also, anyone have any info on getting pregnant after surgery? My

Dr. said I should wait at least a year as the scars could herniate.

I really I don't want to wait a year to try again, but I don't want

to wait till after baby#2 because I can just imagine an attack when

I'm pregnant.

I will try to go back in the archives, but time is short before I

have to make this decision. Thanks.

[Guest guest]

Hi tanya,

Couple of things. First it seems there is a bit of confusion in regards

the diagnoses. The first doc said GERDS, second said stones. 80 % of all

gallstones are silent, so the presence of stones is not an absolute diagnosis.

You could have surgery and find out that this was really not it. You could have

some type of bacterial/fungal/ " parasitical " infection. Second, the flushes do

not necessarily make you " sick " . Many perform them with a minimum of

discomfort. I am assuming that the first doc put you on something like zantax

or prilosec (PPI inhibitors) which could have further screwed you up. Best to

get your health situation under control before getting pregnant again. This is

as much for your next child to be as well as for yourself. Flushes do not need

to be done on a every so often basis as long as the environment that allowed the

stones to form in the first place is changed. There is no reason that they need

to form again. You can live without your gallbladder, maybe just not

optimally. Think about an intensive study in regards to your health in the

immediate future; the decisions you make now are going to effect not only the

rest of your life, but those of your children, husband, and all that care about

you. Add us to that list.

Always, in all

ways,

-Dave

----- Original Message -----

From: <mailto:tanya7774@...>

gallstones <mailto:gallstones >

Sent: Monday, December 17, 2007 1:41 PM

Subject: Treatments

Hi, I'm new and had a few questions. Long story short, 6mo after my

son was born I started having horrible attacks that last anywhere

from 15min to 3+hrs, 1st dr said GERD, 18 mo later new Dr. dx the

stones. Haven't had a bad attack in a few months but have

tenderness in the area almost daily and occasionally other ab issues

(bloating, upset stomach, vomiting, etc).

I'm scheduled for surgery on 1/24 and would like to know of any

other treatments. The big issue right now is my possible loss of

insurance. If I do it as scheduled it will be covered and I'm not

going to worry about ending up in the ER (at least not for stones).

If I don't do it and then lose my insurance I might get screwed as

it would now be considered preexisting and I might never get it

covered.

I know this list is anti surgery, so are there any treatments that

can help with this other then ones where I have to ingest large

amounts of oil and make myself sick? I would be interested in

herbs, accupuncture/pressure, massage, etc. If surgery is not done

what is the likely hood that stones could turn into an emergency

situation? I know it has been said more then once that the

gallbladder is vital for health, but why? AND if I did convince

myself to try one of these oil flushes I assume it's needed every

few months as stones return?

Also, anyone have any info on getting pregnant after surgery? My

Dr. said I should wait at least a year as the scars could herniate.

I really I don't want to wait a year to try again, but I don't want

to wait till after baby#2 because I can just imagine an attack when

I'm pregnant.

I will try to go back in the archives, but time is short before I

have to make this decision. Thanks.

[Guest guest]

After a certain length of time goes by, it will not be considered

pre-existing.......check your policy.

<tanya7774@...> wrote: Hi, I'm new and had a few questions.

Long story short, 6mo after my

son was born I started having horrible attacks that last anywhere

from 15min to 3+hrs, 1st dr said GERD, 18 mo later new Dr. dx the

stones. Haven't had a bad attack in a few months but have

tenderness in the area almost daily and occasionally other ab issues

(bloating, upset stomach, vomiting, etc).

I'm scheduled for surgery on 1/24 and would like to know of any

other treatments. The big issue right now is my possible loss of

insurance. If I do it as scheduled it will be covered and I'm not

going to worry about ending up in the ER (at least not for stones).

If I don't do it and then lose my insurance I might get screwed as

it would now be considered preexisting and I might never get it

covered.

I know this list is anti surgery, so are there any treatments that

can help with this other then ones where I have to ingest large

amounts of oil and make myself sick? I would be interested in

herbs, accupuncture/pressure, massage, etc. If surgery is not done

what is the likely hood that stones could turn into an emergency

situation? I know it has been said more then once that the

gallbladder is vital for health, but why? AND if I did convince

myself to try one of these oil flushes I assume it's needed every

few months as stones return?

Also, anyone have any info on getting pregnant after surgery? My

Dr. said I should wait at least a year as the scars could herniate.

I really I don't want to wait a year to try again, but I don't want

to wait till after baby#2 because I can just imagine an attack when

I'm pregnant.

I will try to go back in the archives, but time is short before I

have to make this decision. Thanks.

---------------------------------

Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Search.

[Guest guest]

Dave,

Thank you for the information. Unfortunately, I

believe the gallstone dx is correct and what is

causing the pain. The stones were dx by ultrasound

and everyone else who I described my pain to (2 other

drs and my MIL who had the same problem) immediately

said stones. The first Dr said, if you get one of

these attacks just take some Zantac and go to the ER

if it doesn't help. I know what heartburn is and this

was not it.

If it was a bacterial/fungal/parasitical infection how

would that be treated? Just to clarify, when I said

" sick " I did not mean virus sick I meant

uncomfortable, vomiting sick. And again I hate to

ask, but in regards to living without a gallbladder,

what is optimally? I would like to find a natural

health practitioner, I just don't know where to start

or if I have the funds.

As for effecting the people around me, these attacks

already do that. I'm extremely lucky that I haven't

had a bad attack at work yet or when I'm alone with my

son. They seem to like to happen on the weekends or

in the evening and I did forget to mention in my

original post that food does not seem to effect them.

I actually had one attack that I thought was hunger

pains until it got stronger.

Thank you again for any and all information you can

provide to me. Do you know anything about the

appendix? I ask because my husband had been having ab

pain and when he showed the Dr. where she said " that's

where you appendix is, but your symptoms don't point

to appendicitis. " Yet another organ issue.

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

Never miss a thing. Make your home page.

http://www./r/hs

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I too suspect it is gallbladder from the symptoms you described but my

point being that it is not a solid diagnosis. There are a few who have been on

this group who had their gallbladders removed (with stones) where the issue was

not helped. If an invader is present, you can try an rid it with antibiotics or

traditional herbs ( with specific bacterias/yeasts/funguses etc. this is kind of

hit and miss. Different organisms respond to different substances and what may

be excellent for one may or may not work for another. This is also very dose

dependent; 10 caps might have no effect when 15 would wipe it out) or find

someone capable of making a more precise evaluation. It is common to have

several layers to the problem, e.g. gallstones that are silent then infection

sets in creating inflammation and then symptoms occur. The one thing we can be

sure of is that you have gallstones and they definitely can induce your

symptoms. Again, my point being that it is not always so cut and dry. The

medical communities standard is to remove the organ. If you still have problems

then they will try and deal with those after. Most on this group, myself

included would advise having your gallbladder resected as a last resort not the

first. There is much you can do first and the success rate is very high. These

approaches can have a very positive effect on the quality of life in many other

ways as well. There have been people on this group that diligently worked with

these methods and eventually decided to have their gallbladder removed. More

power to them. They made well informed decisions and tried everything else

first.

The gallbladder is not a useless organ. It performs some important

functions. You can live without it just as you can live without your spleen or

appendix, but your ability to digest fats will be compromised whether you

experience " symptoms " or not. This effects all sorts of functions within the

human body that may seem to be completely unrelated. Probably best to retain

the organ if at all possible. Medicine in our culture is both symptom based and

exclusionary; a myopic viewpoint that only sees the immediate affect and

ignores the multifaceted relationships and domino effects.

Glad you mentioned the appendix, the removal of which was one of the

operations du jour while I was growing up. Long thought to be a vestigial organ

by the medical establishment. It is a lymph organ (like your tonsils) and is

very important in preventing those infections discussed earlier. You have more

immunal response in your digestive tract than anywhere else ((lots in lungs too)

because it is an " opening " to the outside world where transfer across membranes

occur. Guards at the gate. Just several weeks ago it was announced that they

have discovered an until now function of repopulating friendly intestinal flora

(You cannot live without them. We think of ourselves as one organism but

actually we are a community. Can't we all just get along? -R.K.). Keep in mind

that this function was for normal occurrences not the frequent onslaught of

powerful antibiotics. So in your husbands case an inflammation is suspect and

again the medical communities idea may be to remove. Anti inflammatory and anti

microbial remedies might be a better option.

Since you are both experiencing digestive issues, diet and lifestyle is at

least suspect or if there is an infectious issue in both it could have been a

spinach salad (cheap humor example only) thing. Hereditary constitution is a

major player. Many of the things you do in regards to this will benefit your

life in so many other ways.

The effects on the people around you now are acute and related to your

immediate symptoms. The effects of organ removal can either be long term or may

not show up for decades. The positive life enhancing effects of lifestyle

change, detox, education, success, etc. also can be experienced for a lifetime;

sometimes even longer if by saving the organ you are extending your time here.

There are no wrong decisions, just some may be better than others.

Always, in all ways,

-Dave

----- Original Message -----

From: 7774<mailto:tanya7774@...>

gallstones <mailto:gallstones >

Sent: Friday, December 21, 2007 7:49 AM

Subject: Re: Treatments

Dave,

Thank you for the information. Unfortunately, I

believe the gallstone dx is correct and what is

causing the pain. The stones were dx by ultrasound

and everyone else who I described my pain to (2 other

drs and my MIL who had the same problem) immediately

said stones. The first Dr said, if you get one of

these attacks just take some Zantac and go to the ER

if it doesn't help. I know what heartburn is and this

was not it.

If it was a bacterial/fungal/parasitical infection how

would that be treated? Just to clarify, when I said

" sick " I did not mean virus sick I meant

uncomfortable, vomiting sick. And again I hate to

ask, but in regards to living without a gallbladder,

what is optimally? I would like to find a natural

health practitioner, I just don't know where to start

or if I have the funds.

As for effecting the people around me, these attacks

already do that. I'm extremely lucky that I haven't

had a bad attack at work yet or when I'm alone with my

son. They seem to like to happen on the weekends or

in the evening and I did forget to mention in my

original post that food does not seem to effect them.

I actually had one attack that I thought was hunger

pains until it got stronger.

Thank you again for any and all information you can

provide to me. Do you know anything about the

appendix? I ask because my husband had been having ab

pain and when he showed the Dr. where she said " that's

where you appendix is, but your symptoms don't point

to appendicitis. " Yet another organ issue.

__________________________________________________________

Never miss a thing. Make your home page.

http://www./r/hs<http://www./r/hs>

[Guest guest]

Hi Gloria

Its true that the protease inhibitors will include the I/R present TX, but to my understanding it will cut TX time, and increase SVR rates.

Vertex is talking about 80% SVR rates.

If this is true, then that is really good news for especially genotype 1's, where SVR rates will more than double in some cases.

I truely believe that the days of HCV hopelessness are comming to an end, thanks to the efforts of medical research.

If, medical science can get a grip on how viruses work, and can be defeated, then not only HCV, but HIV, flu's, etc, will be treated effectively.

The news every month gets better and better.

love

don in ks

From: Gloria <gadamscan@...>Subject: [ ] Treatments"Hep C Web Warriors" < >Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 5:49 PM

Seems to me that all of a sudden there is a whole lot of "big" news from the big Pharms about their version of a protease inhibitor!!Hope everyone understands that these inhibitor's are in conjunction with the Interferon and Ribavirn. Also, it seems that the only big pharm that is really close is the one with the Telapavir. At least they are announcing the stats from their Phase II studies, all the while that they are well into Phase III clinicals.Gloria

Be smarter than spam. See how smart SpamGuard is at giving junk email the boot with the All-new

[Guest guest]

DonWho knows - maybe that's why we had to go through this battle with the dragon. It gave medical science more reason to research these viruses of all kinds. The AIDS/HIV people did it before they found the Hep C virus or perhaps as a result of the AIDS/HIV they found the Hep C virus.By the way , the cutting TX time is very discretionary!! One example I know about, is my sister-in-law. She went along on the first 24 weeks but probably because they had to cut her dosage because of platelet problems, they decided to leave her on for the full 48. Actually, I don't know if her dosage was ever put back up to the same as mine.Gloria

Hi Gloria

Its true that the protease inhibitors will include the I/R present TX, but to my understanding it will cut TX time, and increase SVR rates.

Vertex is talking about 80% SVR rates.

If this is true, then that is really good news for especially genotype 1's, where SVR rates will more than double in some cases.

I truely believe that the days of HCV hopelessness are comming to an end, thanks to the efforts of medical research.

If, medical science can get a grip on how viruses work, and can be defeated, then not only HCV, but HIV, flu's, etc, will be treated effectively.

The news every month gets better and better.

love

don in ks

From: Gloria <gadamscan (DOT) ca>Subject: [ ] Treatments"Hep C Web Warriors" < >Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 5:49 PM

Seems to me that all of a sudden there is a whole lot of "big" news from the big Pharms about their version of a protease inhibitor!!Hope everyone understands that these inhibitor's are in conjunction with the Interferon and Ribavirn. Also, it seems that the only big pharm that is really close is the one with the Telapavir. At least they are announcing the stats from their Phase II studies, all the while that they are well into Phase III clinicals.Gloria

Be smarter than spam. See how smart SpamGuard is at giving junk email the boot with the All-new

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[Guest guest]

Hi Gloria

Im not saying that there will be a standardized one TX for all, as far as treatment, duration, or dosage.

Everyones body is different, and reacts differently, so a single fix for all is unlikely.

Im just commenting on the overall news, that good things are appearing for those of us with HCV, and to encourage everyone infected not to give up hope.

It is still going to be a hard road to travel for each of us, but in my case, my primary goal is to achieve SVR one day, and regain my health.

I would also like to bypass some of the hardships that those before me have had to face.

love

don in ks

From: Gloria <gadamscan (DOT) ca>Subject: [ ] Treatments"Hep C Web Warriors" < >Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 5:49 PM

Seems to me that all of a sudden there is a whole lot of "big" news from the big Pharms about their version of a protease inhibitor!!Hope everyone understands that these inhibitor's are in conjunction with the Interferon and Ribavirn. Also, it seems that the only big pharm that is really close is the one with the Telapavir. At least they are announcing the stats from their Phase II studies, all the while that they are well into Phase III clinicals.Gloria

Be smarter than spam. See how smart SpamGuard is at giving junk email the boot with the All-new

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[Guest guest]

Dosages are usually based on a person's weight and other factors such as how well you can tolerate the regime. You are so right about the reactions. This medication will affect each of us in it's own varied ways. During my first treatment - it threw my thyroid into over action big time!! This time, it's something to do with my kidneys but only that I might make stones or get gout. Thank heavens for the Happy Pills my Dr. prescribed a couple of weeks ago. At least I'm not such a horrible basket case anymore.By the way, I'm sure not trying to be morbid here or anything, but the worst side affect that I got from the first round of meds was the Fibromyalgia. So, I had to face the fact awhile ago that this was as good as it gets in the physical

sense. Doesn't mean that I've yet given into it; but, it is time to get a Handicap thingy. It sure would come in handy for a trip like tomorrow! I'm driving one of my brothers down island to to see the same Arthritic Specialist that I saw and hoping to get a diagnosis. But, I especially don't like driving in . It's always been a laugh there. "If the little old person in front of you puts their left turn signal on - DON'T BELIEVE IT - they'll turn right every time".Gloria

Hi Gloria

Im not saying that there will be a standardized one TX for all, as far as treatment, duration, or dosage.

Everyones body is different, and reacts differently, so a single fix for all is unlikely.

Im just commenting on the overall news, that good things are appearing for those of us with HCV, and to encourage everyone infected not to give up hope.

It is still going to be a hard road to travel for each of us, but in my case, my primary goal is to achieve SVR one day, and regain my health.

I would also like to bypass some of the hardships that those before me have had to face.

love

don in ks

From: Gloria <gadamscan (DOT) ca>Subject: [ ] Treatments"Hep C Web Warriors" < >Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 5:49 PM

Seems to me that all of a sudden there is a whole lot of "big" news from the big Pharms about their version of a protease inhibitor!!Hope everyone understands that these inhibitor's are in conjunction with the Interferon and Ribavirn. Also, it seems that the only big pharm that is really close is the one with the Telapavir. At least they are announcing the stats from their Phase II studies, all the while that they are well into Phase III clinicals.Gloria

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Ask a question on any topic and get answers from real people. Go to Answers.

[Guest guest]

Hi Gloria

I have collected some info on fibro in the links.

You might look at it and see if any of it is useful to you.

From my research on fibro, it is hard to diagnose, and I have not seen a cure.

Just a treatment involving steroids.

http://health.dir./group/ /links/010___HCV_and_FIBROMYALGIA_001254351819/

love

don in ks

From: Gloria <gadamscan (DOT) ca>Subject: [ ] Treatments"Hep C Web Warriors" < >Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 5:49 PM

Seems to me that all of a sudden there is a whole lot of "big" news from the big Pharms about their version of a protease inhibitor!!Hope everyone understands that these inhibitor's are in conjunction with the Interferon and Ribavirn. Also, it seems that the only big pharm that is really close is the one with the Telapavir. At least they are announcing the stats from their Phase II studies, all the while that they are well into Phase III clinicals.Gloria

Be smarter than spam. See how smart SpamGuard is at giving junk email the boot with the All-new

Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr!

Ask a question on any topic and get answers from real people. Go to Answers.