Re: Help with diet, please?

[Guest guest]

First off, I'd like to personally thank you for caring about your friend!Everyone reacts to treatment differently but nearly all of us get anemic and end up not being able to do a hard work out.. Avery, this treatment is doable but difficult.. most of us have great difficulty just climbing stairs because the Ribavirin causes severe anemia and so with less Red Blood Cells to carry less hemoglobin, doing a difficult work out might just be impossible and could actually be dangerous for someone in their 60's,, just from the anemia. But walking, even at a slow pace is always good. Please feel free to ask us any questions and we'll certainly try to help you get the answers. Maybe your friend can come to our group as well..??What foods will help him,, well lots of fresh fruits and veggies and when on tx, unless he has problems with ammonia, he should be on a protein based diet. That does not mean, tons of fatty meats like bacon and sausages,, lean turkey,

fish moderate amounts of red meats if he likes that are ok.. but low fat cheeses, tofu etc, Protein helps the treatment work better by keeping the liver working with what it needs and helps with the nausea that most of us get on tx(treatment=tx). And when he takes his Riba pills, a small amount of fat is helpful as it helps the riba to work better so that can be as easy as a cracker with a tsp or two of peanut butter or cream cheese,, which also have protein in them.. Now if he is end stage or has severe cirrhosis that causes his ammonia to be a problem, then the doc will advise how much protein he should consume per day.. The biggest no no is alcohol,, alcohol is in a lot of things, and its been proven to cause the virus to replicate twice as fast, so no alcohol at all... smoking is hard on the liver as well so if he smokes, stopping might be a good thing.. Drinking filtered water is very very important, especially while on treatment.. We usually drink half a person's

weight in ounces of water,, so say if your friend weighs 150 pounds, then he should drink at least 75 ounces of filtered water per day,, and more if he can take it while on tx.. however, one has to remember not to drink so much that it causes water intoxication as that washes out your electrolytes.. first off, does he know what genotype he is? Has he had a biopsy? What stage and grade of damage does he have? Many questions are necessary to have answered before deciding on treatment.Anyway Avery, welcome to the group and ask us any questions you come across,, jaxavery_elzmyth wrote: I have a friend in his sixties, African-American, and in pretty good shape (except for the hep-c of course). I don't know if the above info is important, but I don't want to miss a detail that may be important for my questions. Richie is about to undergo 48 weeks of interferon treatments at home, and I will be there to help out as much as I can. 1. Will these treatments make him incapable of taking care of his own basic needs? 2. Are there foods that his liver will find difficult to process while, in this weakened state? 3. What foods will help him? Your answers will be so much appreciated. Avery Elzmyth Jackie

[Guest guest]

I am Sharon and I'm 65. I finished the second round of tx last August and am in SRV now. I have geno 2a, which is easier to treat than the 1 geno types.Treatment was hard for me, I became weak and anemic and had trouble making my bed without taking a rest in the process. I was not as sick as others, but the taste of food changed and somedays I just ate poached eggs or chicken broth and toast. Protein with less fat is a good diet, also fruit and veggies, and if the appetite is affected, just what will go down. It's a hard treatment, so patience and concern are important. Your friend has a good friend in you, to be there for him.You;ve found a good group and will receive much good knowledge and experience from the members. Feel free to unload whenever the going gets tough, as it probably will. I believe anne has a sister group that is for the givers of care to Hep C victims and that may also help you to cope.Hang in there, this too shall pass...Sharon in NW Washington Knitting is...time and love made tangible. Alison Hyde Help with diet, please?I have a friend in his sixties, African-American, and in pretty good shape (except for the hep-c of course). I don't know if the above info is important, but I don't want to miss a detail that may be important for my questions.Richie is about to undergo 48 weeks of interferon treatments at home, and I will be there to help out as much as I can. 1. Will these treatments make him incapable of taking care of his own basic needs?2. Are there foods that his liver will find difficult to process while, in this weakened state?3. What foods will help him?Your answers will be so much appreciated.Avery Elzmyth

[Guest guest]

Avery, I read the replies to your

questions and agree with them. I finished my tx (treatment) in February and

lived alone caring for my own needs the entire time despite some setbacks with

medical problems. So hopefully, Richie will be able to take care of

himself……that doesn’t mean that a helping hand isn’t

always welcome J

Since I also had low hemoglobin problems

which are common, I was put on Procrit injections to bring the level up.

When your hemoglobin drops, it makes it hard to do some of the normal

activities. I believe Jackie mentioned becoming breathless walking up

stairs. I also had that problem & the Procrit helped.

I have always stressed preparation prior

to treatment, especially for those living alone. For instance, I have a

cat so I stocked up on the 40 lb. cartons of cat litter that I buy at a local

warehouse club. I wasn’t sure I could lug them during tx as I live

on the second floor with a flight of stairs to carry everything up. But

since Richie has a good friend in you, he will have some help.

I also had taste issues during tx and many

of the foods that I normally would eat tasted awful. I’m a coffee

drinker and stopped drinking coffee altogether. Now that my tx is

finished, I’m right back on coffee again!! A good basic diet that

provides solid nutrition is important and Richie will have to wait and see how

he feels about different foods. I also ate peanut butter for quick

protein and it seems that most people like it during tx. I sort of lived on

Good Humor Toasted Almond Bars……but I’m not recommending that

as solid nutrition…..LOL! But they got me through!!

Good luck to you and Richie. I hope

you’ll stick around and let us know how it’s going.

Dorothy

From: Hepatitis_C_Central [mailto:Hepatitis_C_Central ] On Behalf Of avery_elzmyth

Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2008

12:57 AM

To: Hepatitis_C_Central

Subject:

Help with diet, please?

I have a friend in his sixties, African-American, and

in pretty good

shape (except for the hep-c of course). I don't know if the above info

is important, but I don't want to miss a detail that may be important

for my questions.

Richie is about to undergo 48 weeks of interferon treatments at home,

and I will be there to help out as much as I can.

1. Will these treatments make him incapable of taking care of his own

basic needs?

2. Are there foods that his liver will find difficult to process while,

in this weakened state?

3. What foods will help him?

Your answers will be so much appreciated.

Avery

[Guest guest]

Hi Avery, I am Janet, been through the treatment twice so I will share my knowledge of what was helpful to me. Richie, should be able to do most things like bathing,getting to the restroom etc. by himself. He might have to have help with stuff like grocery shopping. I know that I waited on my grocery shopping until almost time for me to take the next interferon shot. That is when I had the most energy and was able to get up and go. A friend like you could go and just help out. One of those electric carts are nice when you don't feel like walking all over Wal-mart or Costco what ever you have in your area. *smile* No there are no foods that need to be restricted(except those high in iron), I am going to tell you his taste buds might change tho. I couldn't stand red meat the first time around.

And the second round I couldn't get enough. Go figure. When he takes his meds tho, he needs to take them with a bit of protein. A peanut butter sandwich or just a teaspoon of peanut butter is great. It makes the medicine work better. What ever foods he feels like he can eat, will be great. A good diet that includes all the food groups would be most helpful. I ate a lot of greens both time when I was on treatment. And I didn't have to take the procrit like a lot of folks. On shot nights, I usually would treat myself. Usually with something I really liked. Like strawberry shortcake. *Big cheesy grin* It was bad enough that I had to look forward to shot night. It made it better knowing I had something to look forward to besides the shot. You are a good friend and I know that your friend will make it with a

friend like you. Love Janet avery_elzmyth wrote: I have a friend in his sixties, African-American, and in pretty good shape (except for the hep-c of course). I don't know if the above info is important, but I don't want to miss a detail that may be important for my questions.Richie is about to undergo 48 weeks of interferon treatments at home, and I will be there to help out as much as I can.

1. Will these treatments make him incapable of taking care of his own basic needs?2. Are there foods that his liver will find difficult to process while, in this weakened state?3. What foods will help him?Your answers will be so much appreciated.Avery Elzmyth"There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go" Frederick

Faber

[Guest guest]

I wish to thank everyone for their advice. My GOD, I have never seen a

group so active and so eager to help. You are truly a bunch of

wonderful and caring people.

I'm afraid Richie won't be able to join this group. For one thing, his

fingers are HUGE, so it's hard for him to type. His sight isn't what it

used to be, either.

Now that I've time to think about Richie's overall well-being, I'm

growing more and more concerned. He's not overweight, but I forgot that

he's had prostate cancer, currently has cataracs in his eyes, and he's

sixty-six years old. Is this interferon treatment really as brutal on

the body as I fear it may be?

I can't remember if he has cataracs or glaucoma. I would ask him, but

he's off to Foxwoods for some fun before his treatments begin.

Again, and from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Avery

[Guest guest]

I wish to thank everyone for their advice. My GOD, I have never seen a

group so active and so eager to help. You are truly a bunch of

wonderful and caring people.

I'm afraid Richie won't be able to join this group. For one thing, his

fingers are HUGE, so it's hard for him to type. His sight isn't what it

used to be, either.

Now that I've time to think about Richie's overall well-being, I'm

growing more and more concerned. He's not overweight, but I forgot that

he's had prostate cancer, currently has cataracs in his eyes, and he's

sixty-six years old. Is this interferon treatment really as brutal on

the body as I fear it may be?

I can't remember if he has cataracs or glaucoma. I would ask him, but

he's off to Foxwoods for some fun before his treatments begin.

Again, and from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Avery

[Guest guest]

Avery, I guess you will just have to let Richie know that we are all thinking of him. And you can be his go between as far as the group is concerned. That is a good thing. Treatment is different for each individual. Some sail through it with very little problems, some have a great difficulty dealing with it. It is something that Richie needs to discuss with his doctor, given his recent health problems. According to the stage and severity of his liver disease he might want to not do treatment, and just try to manage his disease by good health practices. It is not for everyone, the treatment that is. And some do well by managing their symptoms. Love Janetavery_elzmyth wrote: I wish to thank everyone for their advice. My GOD, I have never seen a group so active and so eager to help. You are truly a bunch of wonderful and caring people.I'm afraid Richie won't be able to join this group. For one thing, his fingers are HUGE, so it's hard for him to type. His sight isn't what it used to be, either.Now that I've time to think about Richie's overall well-being, I'm growing more and more concerned. He's not overweight, but I forgot that he's had prostate cancer, currently has cataracs in his eyes, and he's

sixty-six years old. Is this interferon treatment really as brutal on the body as I fear it may be? I can't remember if he has cataracs or glaucoma. I would ask him, but he's off to Foxwoods for some fun before his treatments begin.Again, and from the bottom of my heart, thank you.Avery"There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go" Frederick Faber

[Guest guest]

I'm 65, went through the 2nd tx last year and am stronget than ever now. If he's over the prostrate cancer, that shoudn't make a difference. I just had a cataract removed and am marveling at the improvement in my eyes. I can actually read from my bad eye!! It's actually a lens transplant and takes all of 10 minutes. It's amazing and a gift that doctors are able to give us now.Having said all that, if his constitution is weak, it would place a strain on him, but I made it through, so it's pretty individual for all. Just see that he has all the conforts he can have and he'll be ok. I had no one to take care of me, my husband is not a good care giver, altho he tries - and I got through. Sharon in NW Washington Knitting is...time and love made tangible. Alison Hyde

[Guest guest]

I'm 65, went through the 2nd tx last year and am stronget than ever now. If he's over the prostrate cancer, that shoudn't make a difference. I just had a cataract removed and am marveling at the improvement in my eyes. I can actually read from my bad eye!! It's actually a lens transplant and takes all of 10 minutes. It's amazing and a gift that doctors are able to give us now.Having said all that, if his constitution is weak, it would place a strain on him, but I made it through, so it's pretty individual for all. Just see that he has all the conforts he can have and he'll be ok. I had no one to take care of me, my husband is not a good care giver, altho he tries - and I got through. Sharon in NW Washington Knitting is...time and love made tangible. Alison Hyde

[Guest guest]

Yeah you did hon, and I am so proud of you. You hung in there like a trooper!! Love JanetSHARON CROSBY wrote: I'm 65, went through the 2nd tx last year and am stronget than ever now. If he's over the prostrate cancer, that shoudn't make a difference. I just had a cataract

removed and am marveling at the improvement in my eyes. I can actually read from my bad eye!! It's actually a lens transplant and takes all of 10 minutes. It's amazing and a gift that doctors are able to give us now. Having said all that, if his constitution is weak, it would place a strain on him, but I made it through, so it's pretty individual for all. Just see that he has all the conforts he can have and he'll be ok. I had no one to take care of me, my husband is not a good care giver, altho he tries - and I got through. Sharon in NW Washington Knitting is...time and love made tangible. Alison Hyde "There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go" Frederick Faber

[Guest guest]

Yeah you did hon, and I am so proud of you. You hung in there like a trooper!! Love JanetSHARON CROSBY wrote: I'm 65, went through the 2nd tx last year and am stronget than ever now. If he's over the prostrate cancer, that shoudn't make a difference. I just had a cataract

removed and am marveling at the improvement in my eyes. I can actually read from my bad eye!! It's actually a lens transplant and takes all of 10 minutes. It's amazing and a gift that doctors are able to give us now. Having said all that, if his constitution is weak, it would place a strain on him, but I made it through, so it's pretty individual for all. Just see that he has all the conforts he can have and he'll be ok. I had no one to take care of me, my husband is not a good care giver, altho he tries - and I got through. Sharon in NW Washington Knitting is...time and love made tangible. Alison Hyde "There are souls in this world that have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go" Frederick Faber

[Guest guest]

you are very welcome Avery,, yes we are a terrific group even if I do say so myself! Well if Richie can't type, then you'll have to do the typing for him but please read the posts to him as it will help him to feel less alone.With his age and medical problems, he should decide along with his doc about whether or not to do treatment.. As janet said, some sail through it but most of us do have side effects to deal with but not all of us get all the bad ones. Interferon CAN worsen cataracts and I think the glaucoma might be a consideration as well.I hope he is having a GREAT time right now and when he gets back then you can pass on all the info to him. YOU'RE a great friend to him Avery!hugsjaxavery_elzmyth wrote: I wish to thank everyone for their advice. My GOD, I have never seen a group so active and so eager to help. You are truly a bunch of wonderful and caring people. I'm afraid Richie won't be able to join this group. For one thing, his fingers are HUGE, so it's hard for him to type. His sight isn't what it used to be, either. Now that I've time to think about Richie's overall well-being, I'm growing more and more concerned. He's not overweight, but I forgot that he's had prostate cancer, currently has cataracs in his eyes, and he's sixty-six years old. Is this interferon treatment really as brutal on the body as I fear it may be? I can't remember if he has cataracs or glaucoma. I would

ask him, but he's off to Foxwoods for some fun before his treatments begin. Again, and from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Avery Jackie

[Guest guest]

you are very welcome Avery,, yes we are a terrific group even if I do say so myself! Well if Richie can't type, then you'll have to do the typing for him but please read the posts to him as it will help him to feel less alone.With his age and medical problems, he should decide along with his doc about whether or not to do treatment.. As janet said, some sail through it but most of us do have side effects to deal with but not all of us get all the bad ones. Interferon CAN worsen cataracts and I think the glaucoma might be a consideration as well.I hope he is having a GREAT time right now and when he gets back then you can pass on all the info to him. YOU'RE a great friend to him Avery!hugsjaxavery_elzmyth wrote: I wish to thank everyone for their advice. My GOD, I have never seen a group so active and so eager to help. You are truly a bunch of wonderful and caring people. I'm afraid Richie won't be able to join this group. For one thing, his fingers are HUGE, so it's hard for him to type. His sight isn't what it used to be, either. Now that I've time to think about Richie's overall well-being, I'm growing more and more concerned. He's not overweight, but I forgot that he's had prostate cancer, currently has cataracs in his eyes, and he's sixty-six years old. Is this interferon treatment really as brutal on the body as I fear it may be? I can't remember if he has cataracs or glaucoma. I would

ask him, but he's off to Foxwoods for some fun before his treatments begin. Again, and from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Avery Jackie