HCV | Hepatitis C [HCV]

Category: HCV

Dentists

Question:

Yeah, I made the mistake of telling my dentist too. He made a major production out of it, called my BCLD and wanted the entire history. I got the impression he was descriminating against me and I told him so. He said he wasn’t but that his hygienist had a problem with cleaning my teeth and that he wouldn’t make her. That’s the last time I layed eyes on that fuckstick. elmo ///////////// Ya know Elmo, I related that story to my BCLD. She told me not to say I had hep-c to any doctor or dentist. According to her, if the persons in question don’t use the proper safety gear it’s their problem. Personally, I would feel too guilty not to say anything. — Shawn (use the "reply feature on your browser to send a private reply via E-Mail.) <elmoemer…@webtv.net> wrote in message

news:14598-43B159E0-167@storefull-3251.bay.webtv.net… Well…….if they don’t use all that extra safety equipment ALL the time, then they’re putting themselves and their patients at risk for hcv. Shawn, you just happened to be the guy that admitted you had hcv. What about all the infected people who don’t know they’ve got it and therefore don’t tell the dentist? A smart dentist should assume that everyone who walks thru his door is a risk for hcv and other blood-borne illnesses. They should use the same precautions for every patient, whether there is documented hcv or not. elmo http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/DocElmosHepFile http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/TheFamilyAlbum http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/DocElmosHepFile http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/TheFamilyAlbum

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Maitake_man wrote: > "Lu Tze" <lutzespamf…@nogginthenogle.com> wrote in message > news:dorib6$oge$1@nwrdmz03.dmz.ncs.ea.ibs-infra.bt.com.. >>It may well be that the medical profession over here are over cautious but >>I had 4 teeth which were troublesome, indeed I could partially rotate them >>in their socket, I spent close to a year waiting for them to be extracted >>which they would not do at the time as my platelets were only around >>33,000 (poor clotting). I removed two of them myself however (no bleeding) >>and eventually had the other 2 removed once my platelets had climbed back >>to around 100,000. As I say, over cautious?, things are probably different >>over the pond. > Ah..see there, I didn’t know you were in Utah. <kidding> > But really…that is the Bitch of the whole situation, if the pain is > killing someone…then there should be no question or wait. As it’s already > been mentioned here, there really isn’t anyway to know except the honor > system. I’m really sorry you had to go through that. it just doesn’t seem > right. No matter what country. BTW, what part of Asia? I married into > Cantonese once (long time ago…) Nice to meet you, Lu. > den >>– >>Lu Tze >>Whale Oil Beef Hooked.

I’m sitting here with a huge smile on my face. The closest I have ever been to an Asian or Occidental country is the chinese restaurants in the local town. I complete surveys on a regular basis for the local authority and they too have difficulty with the Lu Tze issue. I proclaim myself as caucasian european male and they are buggered. I get calls from various departments within the authority querying my nationality as Lu Tze clearly does not fit the profile for white european. The only trait I have in common with our Asian cousins is my stature as a short arsed welshman. — Lu Tze Whale Oil Beef Hooked.

Response:

Yeah, I see what you are saying. But the discrimination in my case was not because I was in TX, because I wasn’t. It was merely because I checked the box. Are you kidding about OHSA? <s> den "dortski" <dwil…@austin.rr.com> wrote in message

news:e2gsf.9972$tO4.4785@tornado.texas.rr.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> "anonymousone" <te…@earthlink.net> wrote in message > news:1135638153.910752.203460@g44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com… >> Anybody experienced any trouble getting treatment from a dentist after >> you told them you had hep C ? > For those who have had trouble with dentist after informing them of HCV > infection, be glad, they did you a favor. You could report them to the > local state board. But consider yourself lucky not being treated by an > obvious ignorant office the obviously does not follow universal > precautions set by OSHA. > The reason most dentist will not do invasive procedures while on treatment > is because the blood clotting factor is compromised. It’s the same for > folks on blood thinners. It would be very difficult to control the > bleeding, which can lead to serious problems. Most literature I’ve read > recommends getting all dental work and such taken care of before starting > treatment. Hope this helps! > dort

Response:

just had 23 teeth pulled (2 days of surgery) at a local dentist. Told him about the Hep, and they were only worried that some of my meds might cause bleeding. Had to get a note from primary doc at the VA. No big deal "anonymousone" <te…@earthlink.net> wrote in message

news:1135638153.910752.203460@g44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Anybody experienced any trouble getting treatment from a dentist after > you told them you had hep C ?

Response:

In article <1135747881.136907.238…@g47g2000cwa.googlegroups.com>, "anonymousone" <te…@earthlink.net> wrote:

[...] > I went to the dentist this morning and I told them I had hep C. No > problem. No extra charge or anything. Personally, I dont think it would > be right to not tell them. Sure they should always use precautions but > they can let their guard down. If you warn them they can excercize due > caution. We owe it to them.

If a dentist is basing how they sterilize their equipment based on what diseases their patients tell them they have, then beyond worrying someone else getting your hep C you should also worry about YOU getting HIV or Hep B from their unclean tools. G

Response:

"Lu Tze" <lutzespamf…@nogginthenogle.com> wrote in message

news:dorib6$oge$1@nwrdmz03.dmz.ncs.ea.ibs-infra.bt.com.. > It may well be that the medical profession over here are over cautious but > I had 4 teeth which were troublesome, indeed I could partially rotate them > in their socket, I spent close to a year waiting for them to be extracted > which they would not do at the time as my platelets were only around > 33,000 (poor clotting). I removed two of them myself however (no bleeding) > and eventually had the other 2 removed once my platelets had climbed back > to around 100,000. As I say, over cautious?, things are probably different > over the pond.

Ah..see there, I didn’t know you were in Utah. <kidding> But really…that is the Bitch of the whole situation, if the pain is killing someone…then there should be no question or wait. As it’s already been mentioned here, there really isn’t anyway to know except the honor system. I’m really sorry you had to go through that. it just doesn’t seem right. No matter what country. BTW, what part of Asia? I married into Cantonese once (long time ago…) Nice to meet you, Lu. den – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> — > Lu Tze > Whale Oil Beef Hooked.

Response:

In hindsight, I probably shouldn’t have said anything to the first Dentist, but they were funky and probably over-priced. Now my kid’s Dentist I felt comfortable with and kind of knew there would be no problem. (and he told me I can use the centrifugal in his basement anytime I want!) Maybe…it’s just a matter of using our own judgment…if they don’t want to work on us then maybe they lose, we win? I really agree with Elmo’s take on this. It’s what they went to school for. den – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -"Shawn" <m…@privacy.net> wrote in message news:t1psf.229$3Y3.104@trnddc02… > Ya know Elmo, I related that story to my BCLD. She told me not to say I > had hep-c to any doctor or dentist. According to her, if the persons in > question don’t use the proper safety gear it’s their problem. Personally, > I would feel too guilty not to say anything. > — > Shawn > (use the "reply feature on your browser to send a private reply via > E-Mail.) > <elmoemer…@webtv.net> wrote in message > news:14598-43B159E0-167@storefull-3251.bay.webtv.net… >> Well…….if they don’t use all that extra safety equipment ALL the >> time, then they’re putting themselves and their patients at risk for >> hcv. Shawn, you just happened to be the guy that admitted you had hcv. >> What about all the infected people who don’t know they’ve got it and >> therefore don’t tell the dentist? A smart dentist should assume that >> everyone who walks thru his door is a risk for hcv and other blood-borne >> illnesses. They should use the same precautions for every patient, >> whether there is documented hcv or not. >> elmo >> http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/DocElmosHepFile >> http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/TheFamilyAlbum

Response:

Yeh, my dentist charged me double what he charged my nephew for the same work… mmmhhh…. what’s up with that? Doug "Shawn" <m…@privacy.net> wrote in message

news:ST6sf.24146$x%2.23415@trnddc06… >I did once. They charged me triple due to (they said) having to use all the >extra safety equipment. Things that they usually should use. Like gloves, >masks, safety goggles that sort of thing. > — > Shawn > (use the "reply feature on your browser to send a private reply via > E-Mail.) > "anonymousone" <te…@earthlink.net> wrote in message > news:1135638153.910752.203460@g44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com… >> Anybody experienced any trouble getting treatment from a dentist after >> you told them you had hep C ?

Yeh, my dentist charged me double what he charged my nephew for the same work… mmmhhh…. what’s up with that? Doug

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Sara wrote: > "dortski" <dwil…@austin.rr.com> wrote in message > news:e2gsf.9972$tO4.4785@tornado.texas.rr.com… > > "anonymousone" <te…@earthlink.net> wrote in message > > news:1135638153.910752.203460@g44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com… > >> Anybody experienced any trouble getting treatment from a dentist after > >> you told them you had hep C ? > > For those who have had trouble with dentist after informing them of HCV > > infection, be glad, they did you a favor. You could report them to the > > local state board. But consider yourself lucky not being treated by an > > obvious ignorant office the obviously does not follow universal > > precautions set by OSHA. > > The reason most dentist will not do invasive procedures while on treatment > > is because the blood clotting factor is compromised. It’s the same for > > folks on blood thinners. It would be very difficult to control the > > bleeding, which can lead to serious problems. Most literature I’ve read > > recommends getting all dental work and such taken care of before starting > > treatment. Hope this helps! > > dort > I agree. when I told my dentist/hygenist about the hep-c, they pretty much > shrugged… "thanks for letting us know, but we take the same precautions > with everyone"… of course it may affect treatment in the future, but they > have no qualms about taking care of my teeth. thank goodness!

I went to the dentist this morning and I told them I had hep C. No problem. No extra charge or anything. Personally, I dont think it would be right to not tell them. Sure they should always use precautions but they can let their guard down. If you warn them they can excercize due caution. We owe it to them.

Response:

I will give her a call tonight and see what she has to say about it. I know my old dentist had a shit fit when I told her I had Hep A – turns out it was C lol. My understanding is that not all the equipment can be thoroughly cleaned for some reason but I will ask her. I know that she does even my cleaning herself but then on the other hand I insist she does lol – should be every mothers perogative. She is the only dentist I know that has the most vivid blue eyes and who I can reach up and kiss. Mags

Response:

Ya know Elmo, I related that story to my BCLD. She told me not to say I had hep-c to any doctor or dentist. According to her, if the persons in question don’t use the proper safety gear it’s their problem. Personally, I would feel too guilty not to say anything. — Shawn (use the "reply feature on your browser to send a private reply via E-Mail.) <elmoemer…@webtv.net> wrote in message

news:14598-43B159E0-167@storefull-3251.bay.webtv.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Well…….if they don’t use all that extra safety equipment ALL the > time, then they’re putting themselves and their patients at risk for > hcv. Shawn, you just happened to be the guy that admitted you had hcv. > What about all the infected people who don’t know they’ve got it and > therefore don’t tell the dentist? A smart dentist should assume that > everyone who walks thru his door is a risk for hcv and other blood-borne > illnesses. They should use the same precautions for every patient, > whether there is documented hcv or not. > elmo > http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/DocElmosHepFile > http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/TheFamilyAlbum

Response:

>Mags wrote: >My dentist is my daughter – she wouldn’t dare!

Wow Mags. lucky you I’ve noticed some subtle and not-so-subtle descrimination against me in the medical community here because of the hep c. I think that when and if my health problems become severe (ie bloody), I will not get adequate treatment in this smallish town because of the diagnosis. I think this dentist issue is just the tip of the iceberg. I wonder what someone inside the medical establishment, such as your daughter, has to say about this. I wonder if ol’ Doc Rudman is still lurking? Comment, Doc? Kathy

Response:

"anonymousone" <te…@earthlink.net> wrote in message

news:1135638153.910752.203460@g44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com… > Anybody experienced any trouble getting treatment from a dentist after > you told them you had hep C ?

For those who have had trouble with dentist after informing them of HCV infection, be glad, they did you a favor. You could report them to the local state board. But consider yourself lucky not being treated by an obvious ignorant office the obviously does not follow universal precautions set by OSHA. The reason most dentist will not do invasive procedures while on treatment is because the blood clotting factor is compromised. It’s the same for folks on blood thinners. It would be very difficult to control the bleeding, which can lead to serious problems. Most literature I’ve read recommends getting all dental work and such taken care of before starting treatment. Hope this helps! dort

Response:

"dortski" <dwil…@austin.rr.com> wrote in message

I agree. when I told my dentist/hygenist about the hep-c, they pretty much shrugged… "thanks for letting us know, but we take the same precautions with everyone"… of course it may affect treatment in the future, but they have no qualms about taking care of my teeth. thank goodness!

Response:

Well…….if they don’t use all that extra safety equipment ALL the time, then they’re putting themselves and their patients at risk for hcv. Shawn, you just happened to be the guy that admitted you had hcv. What about all the infected people who don’t know they’ve got it and therefore don’t tell the dentist? A smart dentist should assume that everyone who walks thru his door is a risk for hcv and other blood-borne illnesses. They should use the same precautions for every patient, whether there is documented hcv or not. elmo http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/DocElmosHepFile http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/TheFamilyAlbum

Response:

"Maitake_man" <lvr_p…@some.bar> wrote in message

news:43b134d1$0$20944$6d36acad@roc.nntpserver.com… > Hey, I’m sorry, but I just see any reason to turn anyone away.

(edit: "Hey, I’m sorry, but I just ‘DON’T’ see any…"

Response:

My dentist is my daughter – she wouldn’t dare! Mags

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Maitake_man wrote: > Lu, I’m a newbie here, and don’t want to seem like I’m coming out of nowhere > here. But I’m not sure what you are saying? Do you have any citations for > this? Why would a Dentist or Orthodontist not carry out an extraction or any > emergency procedure and prevent any excess bleeding? That doesn’t make much > sense to me. If nothing else they refer it to a specialist? (You know like > when Doc on Gunsmoke had Festus bite down on the bullet case then kicked him > in the jaw to set it?) > Hey, I’m sorry, but I just see any reason to turn anyone away. Regardless. > It goes against ethics and the Hippocratic Oath. (And I wouldn’t like them > very much and probably send them into the cornfield.) > den > "Lu Tze" <lutzespamf…@nogginthenogle.com> wrote in message > news:dorb9p$bck$1@nwrdmz02.dmz.ncs.ea.ibs-infra.bt.com… >>anonymousone wrote: >>>Anybody experienced any trouble getting treatment from a dentist after >>>you told them you had hep C ? >>It may not be the case in this instance but dentists will not carry out >>dental work that may include extractions or cause bleeding to a patient on >>treatment or indeed not on treatment if their platelet count is low. >>– >>Lu Tze >>Whale Oil Beef Hooked.

It may well be that the medical profession over here are over cautious but I had 4 teeth which were troublesome, indeed I could partially rotate them in their socket, I spent close to a year waiting for them to be extracted which they would not do at the time as my platelets were only around 33,000 (poor clotting). I removed two of them myself however (no bleeding) and eventually had the other 2 removed once my platelets had climbed back to around 100,000. As I say, over cautious?, things are probably different over the pond. — Lu Tze Whale Oil Beef Hooked.

Response:

anonymousone wrote: > Anybody experienced any trouble getting treatment from a dentist after > you told them you had hep C ?

It may not be the case in this instance but dentists will not carry out dental work that may include extractions or cause bleeding to a patient on treatment or indeed not on treatment if their platelet count is low. — Lu Tze Whale Oil Beef Hooked.

Response:

Lu, I’m a newbie here, and don’t want to seem like I’m coming out of nowhere here. But I’m not sure what you are saying? Do you have any citations for this? Why would a Dentist or Orthodontist not carry out an extraction or any emergency procedure and prevent any excess bleeding? That doesn’t make much sense to me. If nothing else they refer it to a specialist? (You know like when Doc on Gunsmoke had Festus bite down on the bullet case then kicked him in the jaw to set it?) Hey, I’m sorry, but I just see any reason to turn anyone away. Regardless. It goes against ethics and the Hippocratic Oath. (And I wouldn’t like them very much and probably send them into the cornfield.) den "Lu Tze" <lutzespamf…@nogginthenogle.com> wrote in message

news:dorb9p$bck$1@nwrdmz02.dmz.ncs.ea.ibs-infra.bt.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> anonymousone wrote: >> Anybody experienced any trouble getting treatment from a dentist after >> you told them you had hep C ? > It may not be the case in this instance but dentists will not carry out > dental work that may include extractions or cause bleeding to a patient on > treatment or indeed not on treatment if their platelet count is low. > — > Lu Tze > Whale Oil Beef Hooked.

Response:

Did you document this? How did you know it was triple? Yes, they do usually use those things. very bizarre, maybe contact the ADA.org and give them the 411? That really sux mud. (On a side note about Dentists in general. When I lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico. If someone had a bad tooth, they could go to the Loretto Chapel at around 5:00 a.m. and a volunteer Dentist would yank it for four bucks. I had it done several times with broken molars that were literally killing me. The Doc’s advice to me, was: "It was very infected, next time don’t let it go so long." (yeah, right.) But, it was a good program and I appreciate it now. I hope they are still helping those that need it. den "Shawn" <m…@privacy.net> wrote in message

news:ST6sf.24146$x%2.23415@trnddc06… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I did once. They charged me triple due to (they said) having to use all the >extra safety equipment. Things that they usually should use. Like gloves, >masks, safety goggles that sort of thing. > — > Shawn > (use the "reply feature on your browser to send a private reply via > E-Mail.) > "anonymousone" <te…@earthlink.net> wrote in message > news:1135638153.910752.203460@g44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com… >> Anybody experienced any trouble getting treatment from a dentist after >> you told them you had hep C ?

Response:

I did once. They charged me triple due to (they said) having to use all the extra safety equipment. Things that they usually should use. Like gloves, masks, safety goggles that sort of thing. — Shawn (use the "reply feature on your browser to send a private reply via E-Mail.) "anonymousone" <te…@earthlink.net> wrote in message

Response:

Anybody experienced any trouble getting treatment from a dentist after you told them you had hep C ?

Response:

"anonymousone" <te…@earthlink.net> wrote in message

news:1135638153.910752.203460@g44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com… > Anybody experienced any trouble getting treatment from a dentist after > you told them you had hep C ?

Never. And I’d accuse him/her of unprofessional conduct if I did.

Response:

"anonymousone" <te…@earthlink.net> wrote in message

news:1135638153.910752.203460@g44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com… > Anybody experienced any trouble getting treatment from a dentist after > you told them you had hep C ?

Yeah,I did once, right after I tested pos. It was some real hokey place that advertised itself like American Best (or something like that.) They had a whole bunch of American Flags in their ad and wording like "We are there to serve everyone." (yeah, right.) Anyway I put Hep C down under medical condition and they cancelled my appt. on the spot, after a quick behind closed doors conference. Then they wanted me to bring in copies of my complete medical history. Needless to say I didn’t go back. I think Thip has the right idea, but back then I was just coming off the road, not established and without a pot to piss in, so I just blew it off. However at the time, it did add to the stigma that goes along with just finding out and me not being educated about it. Since then, my son’s Dentist has emergency capped me a couple times, knowing my med. history and didn’t bat an eye (it’s why they wear latex gloves, eh?) And, since him I have discovered the local State University Student Dental Clinic. They are really great (but it takes awhile to get in.) They accept all Dental Insurance and give you reduced rates. Although it’s students in training that do the actual work, the Instructors are highly paid professionals right there with them. I’d recommend checking your local State university to everyone that needs good dental work. I think with dentists that don’t want patients at might have a pathogen, it just boils down to ignorance on their part. den – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

HCV

0 RESPONSES

Roswell Report – 12/22/06

Question:

"Curtis A Stinnett" <curtisstinn…@cableone.net> wrote … > The week started off weird. The Postmaster wanted to see me early Monday > morning. > I guess it’s my fault. Ever since my faux heart attack, I’d been fairly > honest about my current medical condition to management and my coworkers. > But some employees were concerned. It got back to our safety committee.

Does this mean you won’t have anymore lineups in the Post Office washroom? > So to make a long story not so short, the Postmaster called me in to give > me a heads-up on a service talk. They had called in a postal nurse to > give a safety talk on hepatitis-c. Even with the heads-up, I felt a > little awkward during the talk. I couldn’t help but mutter "Damn" when > she said people with hep-c could still work. > The sad thing was I knew more than the nurse did. And I kept my mouth > shut. <~sigh~> > I’m not sure whether that’s good or bad!

Hm. Sounds like the nurse hasn’t got a clue about hep c, and you may have to get a letter from your doctor if your labs show that you’re not in tip-top shape for hiking around with a sack of mail. I know that I certainly couldn’t do any kind of physical work on tx, and the mental work I could do was a real challenge. I don’t like that bit about, "people with hep c could still work." It should have been prefixed with a big *Some* as in *some people*, not *all* people. You very well may be able to work and have minor side-effects, but her blanket statement is wrong. Kinda makes one want to sneak up behind her an jab a syringeful of good ole peg-interferon into her posterior. <g> With a little luck, aliens will abduct her and her replacement will be more knowledgeable. Waterspider

Response:

"Curtis A Stinnett" <curtisstinn…@cableone.net> wrote in message news:11qmv6tr31u5281@corp.supernews.com… > The sad thing was I knew more than the nurse did. And I kept my mouth > shut. <~sigh~> > I’m not sure whether that’s good or bad! > Curtis, Roswell NM

Our infectious diseases nurse told a whole room full of us that HCV is NOT curable. One of my co-workers said he saw steam coming out from under my chair. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

"Waterspider" <waterspi…@moonlight.net> wrote in message

news:11qn5iqq9ro5v80@corp.supernews.com… > Hm. Sounds like the nurse hasn’t got a clue about hep c, and you may have > to get a letter from your doctor if your labs show that you’re not in > tip-top shape for hiking around with a sack of mail. I know that I > certainly couldn’t do any kind of physical work on tx, and the mental work > I could do was a real challenge/ > I don’t like that bit about, "people with hep c could still work." It > should have been prefixed with a big *Some* as in *some people*, not *all* > people. You very well may be able to work and have minor side-effects, but > her blanket statement is wrong. Kinda makes one want to sneak up behind > her an jab a syringeful of good ole peg-interferon into her posterior. <g> > With a little luck, aliens will abduct her and her replacement will be > more knowledgeable.

In all fairness to the nurse, she had done some research. She was serious and earnest. She didn’t imply *all* people could work. And she DID say the treatment could be rough. And it was an ‘official’ source telling everybody they wouldn’t have to be hosed down with a 10 percent bleach solution if I sneezed. LOL. I got no complaints. Curtis, Roswell NM

Response:

"Curtis A Stinnett" <curtisstinn…@cableone.net> wrote in message news:11qpnps8tr5vkcc@corp.supernews.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> "Waterspider" <waterspi…@moonlight.net> wrote in message > news:11qn5iqq9ro5v80@corp.supernews.com… >> Hm. Sounds like the nurse hasn’t got a clue about hep c, and you may have >> to get a letter from your doctor if your labs show that you’re not in >> tip-top shape for hiking around with a sack of mail. I know that I >> certainly couldn’t do any kind of physical work on tx, and the mental >> work I could do was a real challenge/ >> I don’t like that bit about, "people with hep c could still work." It >> should have been prefixed with a big *Some* as in *some people*, not >> *all* people. You very well may be able to work and have minor >> side-effects, but her blanket statement is wrong. Kinda makes one want to >> sneak up behind her an jab a syringeful of good ole peg-interferon into >> her posterior. <g> >> With a little luck, aliens will abduct her and her replacement will be >> more knowledgeable. > In all fairness to the nurse, she had done some research. She was serious > and earnest. She didn’t imply *all* people could work. And she DID say > the treatment could be rough. > And it was an ‘official’ source telling everybody they wouldn’t have to be > hosed down with a 10 percent bleach solution if I sneezed. LOL. > I got no complaints.

Well, that’s all good then. I guess if you get real bored some day at work you could run through the sorting room waving your ketchup-covered hand in the air, screaming, "Paper cut! Paper cut!" Waterspider

Response:

The week started off weird. The Postmaster wanted to see me early Monday morning. I guess it’s my fault. Ever since my faux heart attack, I’d been fairly honest about my current medical condition to management and my coworkers. But some employees were concerned. It got back to our safety committee. So to make a long story not so short, the Postmaster called me in to give me a heads-up on a service talk. They had called in a postal nurse to give a safety talk on hepatitis-c. Even with the heads-up, I felt a little awkward during the talk. I couldn’t help but mutter "Damn" when she said people with hep-c could still work. The sad thing was I knew more than the nurse did. And I kept my mouth shut. <~sigh~> I’m not sure whether that’s good or bad! Curtis, Roswell NM

Response:

Jeez!!! You got a gov’t job with every flippin’ holiday in the book off and a healthy retirement plan. Plus you get cost of living increases that don’t need decimal places!! you are one querulous s.o.b. — Shawn "Curtis A Stinnett" <curtisstinn…@cableone.net> wrote in message news:11qmv6tr31u5281@corp.supernews.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> The week started off weird. The Postmaster wanted to see me early Monday > morning. > I guess it’s my fault. Ever since my faux heart attack, I’d been fairly > honest about my current medical condition to management and my coworkers. > But some employees were concerned. It got back to our safety committee. > So to make a long story not so short, the Postmaster called me in to give > me a heads-up on a service talk. They had called in a postal nurse to > give a safety talk on hepatitis-c. Even with the heads-up, I felt a > little awkward during the talk. I couldn’t help but mutter "Damn" when > she said people with hep-c could still work. > The sad thing was I knew more than the nurse did. And I kept my mouth > shut. <~sigh~> > I’m not sure whether that’s good or bad! > Curtis, Roswell NM

Response:

Querulous?!?!?!? I thought I was being curmudgeonly! LOL. Curtis "Shawn" <m…@privacy.net> wrote in message

news:sRLqf.7858$vJ4.6297@trnddc07… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Jeez!!! You got a gov’t job with every flippin’ holiday in the book off > and a healthy retirement plan. Plus you get cost of living increases that > don’t need decimal places!! you are one querulous s.o.b. > — > Shawn > "Curtis A Stinnett" <curtisstinn…@cableone.net> wrote in message > news:11qmv6tr31u5281@corp.supernews.com… >> The week started off weird. The Postmaster wanted to see me early Monday >> morning. >> I guess it’s my fault. Ever since my faux heart attack, I’d been fairly >> honest about my current medical condition to management and my coworkers. >> But some employees were concerned. It got back to our safety committee. >> So to make a long story not so short, the Postmaster called me in to give >> me a heads-up on a service talk. They had called in a postal nurse to >> give a safety talk on hepatitis-c. Even with the heads-up, I felt a >> little awkward during the talk. I couldn’t help but mutter "Damn" when >> she said people with hep-c could still work. >> The sad thing was I knew more than the nurse did. And I kept my mouth >> shut. <~sigh~> >> I’m not sure whether that’s good or bad! >> Curtis, Roswell NM

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HCV

0 RESPONSES

Survived biopsy! good results!

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Mark wrote: > I had my biopsy last Wed and actually survived it. As everyone said > the mental part of dreading it was worse than the procedure. Took at > look at the needle afterwards and it was a big sucker. > Got the results back today. Grade = 1 Stage = 1/2 > I was afraid it would be far worse. I feel much better knowing than > wondering all through tx. > I start tx Friday on pegasys and NM283 in place of the ribovirin for > the clinical trial. Geno = 1a VL = 9.5 million > I am starting to feel better after switching to a low fat, no > processed sugar diet and exercising several times a week. Lost about > 10 lbs in last 2 months. Oh, yeah, I guess no alcohol has helped since > I use to drink every day. Now I drink almost exclusively water. > First time since I found out I had HCV that I felt like there may be > light at the end of the tunnel. I know it is a very long 48 week > tunnel but, I think I am physically and mentally ready to get started > on the journey. > Mark

Good luck to you Mark. I’m glad you got the biopsy. Mary Ann

Response:

> I start tx Friday on pegasys and NM283 in place of the ribovirin for > the clinical trial. Geno = 1a VL = 9.5 million

Mark, the best of luck on the treatment. I’ll be watching out for your posts re: with the NM283 and not using the Ribaviran. Man that stuff sucked, the anemia was like being a 100 years old. russ "Mark" <m…@home.com> wrote in message

news:btm1q19pnmh1u69bqm4bpuvrrqjqmo11rt@4ax.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I had my biopsy last Wed and actually survived it. As everyone said > the mental part of dreading it was worse than the procedure. Took at > look at the needle afterwards and it was a big sucker. > Got the results back today. Grade = 1 Stage = 1/2 > I was afraid it would be far worse. I feel much better knowing than > wondering all through tx. > I start tx Friday on pegasys and NM283 in place of the ribovirin for > the clinical trial. Geno = 1a VL = 9.5 million > I am starting to feel better after switching to a low fat, no > processed sugar diet and exercising several times a week. Lost about > 10 lbs in last 2 months. Oh, yeah, I guess no alcohol has helped since > I use to drink every day. Now I drink almost exclusively water. > First time since I found out I had HCV that I felt like there may be > light at the end of the tunnel. I know it is a very long 48 week > tunnel but, I think I am physically and mentally ready to get started > on the journey. > Mark

Response:

Best of Luck to you Mark. We will all be watching your progress with this new drug. Mags also stage 1 "Mark" <m…@home.com> wrote in message

Response:

not up to making liverwvurst sangies, tho I bet 8-) chester "Mark" <m…@home.com> wrote in message

Response:

I had my biopsy last Wed and actually survived it. As everyone said the mental part of dreading it was worse than the procedure. Took at look at the needle afterwards and it was a big sucker. Got the results back today. Grade = 1 Stage = 1/2 I was afraid it would be far worse. I feel much better knowing than wondering all through tx. I start tx Friday on pegasys and NM283 in place of the ribovirin for the clinical trial. Geno = 1a VL = 9.5 million I am starting to feel better after switching to a low fat, no processed sugar diet and exercising several times a week. Lost about 10 lbs in last 2 months. Oh, yeah, I guess no alcohol has helped since I use to drink every day. Now I drink almost exclusively water. First time since I found out I had HCV that I felt like there may be light at the end of the tunnel. I know it is a very long 48 week tunnel but, I think I am physically and mentally ready to get started on the journey. Mark

Response:

HCV

0 RESPONSES

Rosacea?

Question:

"Thip" <m…@privacy.net> wrote in message

news:40c1kdF19j11jU1@individual.net… Thanks for the input. I didn’t see her today (Friday) but will tell her Monday.

Response:

I’ve taken it on myself to counsel/educate inmates with HCV. So far, the Powers That Be aren’t stopping me, and the women are coming to me at the rate of 3 – 5 a week with millions of questions. Today, I talked to a girl who has a bad nail fungus and rosacea. She’s pretty sure she got the fungus when she was an orderly at a really dirty county camp, and the rosacea popped up at about the same time. We discussed the various ailments that can go along with HCV (like arthritis) and she wanted me to ask y’all if it’s possible her rosacea is related to the HCV. I told her I doubted it, but would defer to anyone who has better information than I do. Talking to them is really helping me a lot. Sometimes I get SO sick of dealing with HCV, and using it for something positive like this makes me feel like it has some useful purpose.

Response:

Hi Thip. Excellent that you are talking to the women about HCV. There is something healing about turning this beast outward and forcing it away – by speaking about it or writing about it. A form of storytelling. I find myself educating the new nurse at the Doc’s office because it’s a new area for her There is a physiological relationship between rosacea and liver malfunction. There is medical literature about alcoholism and rosacea. I have a suspicion that it has to do with liver hormones and fat metabolism. I’ve had minor rosacea off and on for a few years. It got bad at the beginning of tx and has been clearing since then. My skin is much less oily than it was before too. I have wondered if it’s getting better because my liver is less inflamed… Clearasil makes an adult acne product that is good for spot application. It’s drying and has antibacterial sulphur in it. Hope you’re feeling well, Sweetie. Kathy

Response:

Dear thip e got rosacea on my forehead, and down on the upper part of both cheek bones on the upper side of the face. I had rosacea in the same place for years. It’s a skin condition often inherited, I’ve hear. I completed tx type 1 48 weeeks 3 short months ago. clear so far of dragon scratches. But the Rosacea never did go away. It’s like having dandruff in the eybrws considering the amound of residue that particulates down to my nice dark suit jackets. hunh. somethings you never like and yet not die from perhaps, and there are there are some things that will never change. I don’t think that anyone is going to croak from R (ha ha) It’s the shits, but hey I am too busy to worry aboutdit. hope this hlps chester "Thip" <m…@privacy.net> wrote in message

news:40c1kdF19j11jU1@individual.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’ve taken it on myself to counsel/educate inmates with HCV. So far, the > Powers That Be aren’t stopping me, and the women are coming to me at the > rate of 3 – 5 a week with millions of questions. Today, I talked to a > girl who has a bad nail fungus and rosacea. She’s pretty sure she got the > fungus when she was an orderly at a really dirty county camp, and the > rosacea popped up at about the same time. We discussed the various > ailments that can go along with HCV (like arthritis) and she wanted me to > ask y’all if it’s possible her rosacea is related to the HCV. I told her > I doubted it, but would defer to anyone who has better information than I > do. > Talking to them is really helping me a lot. Sometimes I get SO sick of > dealing with HCV, and using it for something positive like this makes me > feel like it has some useful purpose.

Response:

HCV

0 RESPONSES

tx starting in Feb

Question:

ROFLMAO waterspider. She will be the only one not needing a bra in here! You go Sara! Mags "Waterspider" <waterspi…@moonlight.net> wrote in message

news:11puu2mnuu9uq56@corp.supernews.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> "Sara" <puff…@wowway.com> wrote >> Now, how do I go thru the next two months without obsessing? :) >> Maybe I’ll get some cleaning done anyway… > You could go shopping, for new bras or something… > Waterspider

Response:

<elmoemer…@webtv.net> wrote in message

news:22403-43A01D3B-24@storefull-3256.bay.webtv.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Re: tx starting in Feb > Group: alt.support.hepatitis-c Date: Tue, Dec 13, 2005, 6:05pm (CST+1) > From: puff…@wowway.com (Sara) > <elmoemer…@webtv.net> wrote in message > news:21455-439F429E-540@storefull-3257.bay.webtv.net… > Hey Sara! I don’t know who told you that 5 million viral load is high, > but that’s wrong. It’s considered ‘mid-range’. One to two million is > considered ‘low’, Two million to ten million is ‘mid-range’, and above > ten million is ‘high’. Best luck in Feb. > elmo > Thanks, Elmo I thought 5 million wasn’t ‘that’ bad… the lady I > talked to at the clinic said it’s kinda high, but that certainly many > people have a higer VL. > S > ////////// > Just goes to show that even people who are supposed to know these things > don’t know as much as they should. There’s a ton of misinformation > concerning hcv floating around, some of it getting passed on by so > called ‘health professionals’. > elmo

Yeh, my doc told me my 4,000,000 was high. Doug

Response:

<elmoemer…@webtv.net> wrote in message

news:21455-439F429E-540@storefull-3257.bay.webtv.net… > Hey Sara! I don’t know who told you that 5 million viral load is high, > but that’s wrong. It’s considered ‘mid-range’. One to two million is > considered ‘low’, Two million to ten million is ‘mid-range’, and above > ten million is ‘high’. Best luck in Feb. > elmo

Thanks, Elmo I thought 5 million wasn’t ‘that’ bad… the lady I talked to at the clinic said it’s kinda high, but that certainly many people have a higer VL. S – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/DocElmosHepFile > http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/TheFamilyAlbum

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -On Tue, 13 Dec 2005 18:04:02 -0500, "Sara" <puff…@wowway.com> wrote: >"greyhackles" <greyhack…@NOSPAMyahoo.com> wrote in message >news:jqhup1h2td7s1ln3d3tpdj46ldm4et68jd@4ax.com… >> On Tue, 13 Dec 2005 15:10:59 -0500, "Sara" <puff…@wowway.com> wrote: >>>just got off the phone with the clinic… looks like I’ll go in for my >>>screening visit Feb 13. they want to be sure I am totally healed from my >>>surgery, plus I guess something about waiting 6 months from the time you >>>got your first ’suspiscious’ liver enzymes test result. Even tho I’ve had a >>>couple of different drs tell my my enzymes were hi, and we need to ‘watch’ >>>that, they only have the August 05 results on record soooooo. whatever. >>>Feb sounds good to me. >>>I’m pretty healthy considering. Finally asked what my viral load is… >>>she said it is 5,600,000 and that that is pretty high. Hopefully that number >>>will drop rapidly!! >>>So, I’m in ‘waiting’ mode thru the holidays and then some. was hoping to >>>start a little sooner, but I do feel better that I have a little extra >>>time to finish healing from the surgery. >>>Now, how do I go thru the next two months without obsessing? :) >>>Maybe I’ll get some cleaning done anyway… >>>Sara >> Hi Sara. >> Have you had a liver biopsy yet? Is that part of the "screening" process? >> If there’s doubt about how long you’ve been hosting the dragon, a biopsy >> could answer the question. And in any case, it would certainly establish your >> current condition… >> Cheers >> /greyhackles >yep, had the liver biopsy already, I have stage 2 fibrosis. >S

Curious…Unless there were historic factors other than HCV that could account for stage 2 fibrosis, it seems a bit daft for a physician to still be considering your infection as possibly recent in origin, and to wait out the acute phase before initiating treatment. Otoh, the surgery pushed out the start date anyway, so it’s all likely moot… Cheers /greyhackles

Response:

"mags" <chillniltakeoutt…@rogers.com> wrote in message

news:6LednWZiCa2Hvz3eRVn-jg@rogers.com… > ROFLMAO waterspider. She will be the only one not needing a bra in here! > You go Sara!

I was *so* not thinking that one through, Mags– you’re right, LOL! Okay Sara, you go shopping for some cute little strapless tees! Waterspider p.s. Gravity sucks.

Response:

Re: tx starting in Feb Group: alt.support.hepatitis-c Date: Tue, Dec 13, 2005, 6:05pm (CST+1) From: puff…@wowway.com (Sara) <elmoemer…@webtv.net> wrote in message

news:21455-439F429E-540@storefull-3257.bay.webtv.net… Hey Sara! I don’t know who told you that 5 million viral load is high, but that’s wrong. It’s considered ‘mid-range’. One to two million is considered ‘low’, Two million to ten million is ‘mid-range’, and above ten million is ‘high’. Best luck in Feb. elmo Thanks, Elmo I thought 5 million wasn’t ‘that’ bad… the lady I talked to at the clinic said it’s kinda high, but that certainly many people have a higer VL. S ////////// Just goes to show that even people who are supposed to know these things don’t know as much as they should. There’s a ton of misinformation concerning hcv floating around, some of it getting passed on by so called ‘health professionals’. elmo http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/DocElmosHepFile http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/TheFamilyAlbum

Response:

"Waterspider" <waterspi…@moonlight.net> wrote in message

news:11puu2mnuu9uq56@corp.supernews.com… > "Sara" <puff…@wowway.com> wrote >> Now, how do I go thru the next two months without obsessing? :) >> Maybe I’ll get some cleaning done anyway… > You could go shopping, for new bras or something… > Waterspider

most definitely some shopping is in order!! ) S

Response:

"Sara" <puff…@wowway.com> wrote > Now, how do I go thru the next two months without obsessing? :) > Maybe I’ll get some cleaning done anyway…

You could go shopping, for new bras or something… Waterspider

Response:

"Gordo Mondragon" <ga_mondra…@yahoo.com> wrote … > I’d ask them for more details on the waiting six months thing and if > there’s any chance that it’s a recent infection then starting treatment > immediately is the best thing to do.

If some doctors even *suspect* that a patient is drinking alcohol, they will wait six months because they have the order not to treat until six months of total abstinance. Who knows… but I agree with you Gordo, the sooner the better. Waterspider

Response:

OK, extremely unlikely you’re in the acute phase. I still wonder about the six-month waiting period. In article <IsmdnQraQfg4zgLenZ2dnUVZ_sCdn…@wideopenwest.com>, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text - "Sara" <puff…@wowway.com> wrote: > "greyhackles" <greyhack…@NOSPAMyahoo.com> wrote in message > news:jqhup1h2td7s1ln3d3tpdj46ldm4et68jd@4ax.com… > > On Tue, 13 Dec 2005 15:10:59 -0500, "Sara" <puff…@wowway.com> wrote: > >>Hi > >>just got off the phone with the clinic… looks like I’ll go in for my > >>screening visit Feb 13. they want to be sure I am totally healed from my > >>surgery, plus I guess something about waiting 6 months from the time you > >>got > >>your first ’suspiscious’ liver enzymes test result. Even tho I’ve had a > >>couple of different drs tell my my enzymes were hi, and we need to ‘watch’ > >>that, they only have the August 05 results on record soooooo. whatever. > >>Feb sounds good to me. > >>I’m pretty healthy considering. Finally asked what my viral load is… > >>she > >>said it is 5,600,000 and that that is pretty high. Hopefully that number > >>will drop rapidly!! > >>So, I’m in ‘waiting’ mode thru the holidays and then some. was hoping to > >>start a little sooner, but I do feel better that I have a little extra > >>time > >>to finish healing from the surgery. > >>Now, how do I go thru the next two months without obsessing? :) > >>Maybe I’ll get some cleaning done anyway… > >>Sara > > Hi Sara. > > Have you had a liver biopsy yet? Is that part of the "screening" process? > > If there’s doubt about how long you’ve been hosting the dragon, a biopsy > > could > > answer the question. And in any case, it would certainly establish your > > current condition… > > Cheers > > /greyhackles > yep, had the liver biopsy already, I have stage 2 fibrosis. > S

Response:

"greyhackles" <greyhack…@NOSPAMyahoo.com> wrote in message

news:jqhup1h2td7s1ln3d3tpdj46ldm4et68jd@4ax.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> On Tue, 13 Dec 2005 15:10:59 -0500, "Sara" <puff…@wowway.com> wrote: >>Hi >>just got off the phone with the clinic… looks like I’ll go in for my >>screening visit Feb 13. they want to be sure I am totally healed from my >>surgery, plus I guess something about waiting 6 months from the time you >>got >>your first ’suspiscious’ liver enzymes test result. Even tho I’ve had a >>couple of different drs tell my my enzymes were hi, and we need to ‘watch’ >>that, they only have the August 05 results on record soooooo. whatever. >>Feb sounds good to me. >>I’m pretty healthy considering. Finally asked what my viral load is… >>she >>said it is 5,600,000 and that that is pretty high. Hopefully that number >>will drop rapidly!! >>So, I’m in ‘waiting’ mode thru the holidays and then some. was hoping to >>start a little sooner, but I do feel better that I have a little extra >>time >>to finish healing from the surgery. >>Now, how do I go thru the next two months without obsessing? :) >>Maybe I’ll get some cleaning done anyway… >>Sara > Hi Sara. > Have you had a liver biopsy yet? Is that part of the "screening" process? > If there’s doubt about how long you’ve been hosting the dragon, a biopsy > could > answer the question. And in any case, it would certainly establish your > current condition… > Cheers > /greyhackles

yep, had the liver biopsy already, I have stage 2 fibrosis. S

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -On Tue, 13 Dec 2005 15:10:59 -0500, "Sara" <puff…@wowway.com> wrote: >Hi >just got off the phone with the clinic… looks like I’ll go in for my >screening visit Feb 13. they want to be sure I am totally healed from my >surgery, plus I guess something about waiting 6 months from the time you got >your first ’suspiscious’ liver enzymes test result. Even tho I’ve had a >couple of different drs tell my my enzymes were hi, and we need to ‘watch’ >that, they only have the August 05 results on record soooooo. whatever. >Feb sounds good to me. >I’m pretty healthy considering. Finally asked what my viral load is… she >said it is 5,600,000 and that that is pretty high. Hopefully that number >will drop rapidly!! >So, I’m in ‘waiting’ mode thru the holidays and then some. was hoping to >start a little sooner, but I do feel better that I have a little extra time >to finish healing from the surgery. >Now, how do I go thru the next two months without obsessing? :) >Maybe I’ll get some cleaning done anyway… >Sara

Hi Sara. Have you had a liver biopsy yet? Is that part of the "screening" process? If there’s doubt about how long you’ve been hosting the dragon, a biopsy could answer the question. And in any case, it would certainly establish your current condition… Cheers /greyhackles

Response:

Hey Sara! I don’t know who told you that 5 million viral load is high, but that’s wrong. It’s considered ‘mid-range’. One to two million is considered ‘low’, Two million to ten million is ‘mid-range’, and above ten million is ‘high’. Best luck in Feb. elmo http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/DocElmosHepFile http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/TheFamilyAlbum

Response:

pretty much a moot issue when all is said and done. I need to wait a few weeks to heal from this surgery anyway, (plastic surgeon says 6 weeks is about right), and that puts me around feb 1 anyway. six months from the liver enzyme results is feb 6…. so at the most I’ll be another month getting tested and this’ed and that’ed… I anticipate starting treatment by March 1 at the latest. hopefully sooner. at least I already have the EKG and chest xray done from the pre-op stuff ) S "Gordo Mondragon" <ga_mondra…@yahoo.com> wrote in message

news:ga_mondragon-142969.16174213122005@news-rdr-01-dummy.rdc-nyc.rr.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m trying to figure out the "waiting six months" thing and all I can > think of is that they are waiting to see if it’s a recent infection and > if it will resolve by itself. > If that’s what they’re doing then it’s just plain wrong – the absolute > best time to treat is during the first six months of infection (over 90% > SVR rate with six months of treatment.) One of the ways they can tell > is by looking at your viral load vs the antibodies you are creating; new > infections look different. > I’d ask them for more details on the waiting six months thing and if > there’s any chance that it’s a recent infection then starting treatment > immediately is the best thing to do. > G > In article <HtydndHp4YFZqgLeRVn…@wideopenwest.com>, > "Sara" <puff…@wowway.com> wrote: >> "Gordo Mondragon" <ga_mondra…@yahoo.com> wrote in message >> news:ga_mondragon-238703.15403113122005@news-rdr-01-dummy.rdc-nyc.rr.com… >> > Sara – >> > Any chance that you were recently infected with this? >> > Gordo >> I can’t imagine it was any more recent than 1984 when I had RHOGAM after >> my >> 4th baby… and I was never sick after that one. I WAS sick in 1977 >> after >> my 3rd son was born, and I had RHOGAM then too. >> The only things I’ve had done recently were a D&C a couple years ago, and >> of >> course tons of dental work. But I don’t think those should be >> suspect…and >> otherwise, no transfusions, no tattoos, etc etc… >> anyway, short answer = no. I can’t imagine being infected with it >> recently. >> I suppose anything is possible but…. >> 1970 when I was partying all the time truly seems most likely when I got >> this. >> > In article <Q5SdnYBME5PvtgLeRVn…@wideopenwest.com>, >> > "Sara" <puff…@wowway.com> wrote: >> >> Hi >> >> just got off the phone with the clinic… looks like I’ll go in for >> >> my >> >> screening visit Feb 13. they want to be sure I am totally healed from >> >> my >> >> surgery, plus I guess something about waiting 6 months from the time >> >> you >> >> got >> >> your first ’suspiscious’ liver enzymes test result. Even tho I’ve had >> >> a >> >> couple of different drs tell my my enzymes were hi, and we need to >> >> ‘watch’ >> >> that, they only have the August 05 results on record soooooo. >> >> whatever. >> >> Feb sounds good to me. >> >> I’m pretty healthy considering. Finally asked what my viral load >> >> is… >> >> she >> >> said it is 5,600,000 and that that is pretty high. Hopefully that >> >> number >> >> will drop rapidly!! >> >> So, I’m in ‘waiting’ mode thru the holidays and then some. was hoping >> >> to >> >> start a little sooner, but I do feel better that I have a little extra >> >> time >> >> to finish healing from the surgery. >> >> Now, how do I go thru the next two months without obsessing? :) >> >> Maybe I’ll get some cleaning done anyway… >> >> Sara

Response:

I’m trying to figure out the "waiting six months" thing and all I can think of is that they are waiting to see if it’s a recent infection and if it will resolve by itself. If that’s what they’re doing then it’s just plain wrong – the absolute best time to treat is during the first six months of infection (over 90% SVR rate with six months of treatment.) One of the ways they can tell is by looking at your viral load vs the antibodies you are creating; new infections look different. I’d ask them for more details on the waiting six months thing and if there’s any chance that it’s a recent infection then starting treatment immediately is the best thing to do. G In article <HtydndHp4YFZqgLeRVn…@wideopenwest.com>, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text - "Sara" <puff…@wowway.com> wrote: > "Gordo Mondragon" <ga_mondra…@yahoo.com> wrote in message > news:ga_mondragon-238703.15403113122005@news-rdr-01-dummy.rdc-nyc.rr.com… > > Sara – > > Any chance that you were recently infected with this? > > Gordo > I can’t imagine it was any more recent than 1984 when I had RHOGAM after my > 4th baby… and I was never sick after that one. I WAS sick in 1977 after > my 3rd son was born, and I had RHOGAM then too. > The only things I’ve had done recently were a D&C a couple years ago, and of > course tons of dental work. But I don’t think those should be suspect…and > otherwise, no transfusions, no tattoos, etc etc… > anyway, short answer = no. I can’t imagine being infected with it recently. > I suppose anything is possible but…. > 1970 when I was partying all the time truly seems most likely when I got > this. > > In article <Q5SdnYBME5PvtgLeRVn…@wideopenwest.com>, > > "Sara" <puff…@wowway.com> wrote: > >> Hi > >> just got off the phone with the clinic… looks like I’ll go in for my > >> screening visit Feb 13. they want to be sure I am totally healed from my > >> surgery, plus I guess something about waiting 6 months from the time you > >> got > >> your first ’suspiscious’ liver enzymes test result. Even tho I’ve had a > >> couple of different drs tell my my enzymes were hi, and we need to > >> ‘watch’ > >> that, they only have the August 05 results on record soooooo. whatever. > >> Feb sounds good to me. > >> I’m pretty healthy considering. Finally asked what my viral load is… > >> she > >> said it is 5,600,000 and that that is pretty high. Hopefully that number > >> will drop rapidly!! > >> So, I’m in ‘waiting’ mode thru the holidays and then some. was hoping to > >> start a little sooner, but I do feel better that I have a little extra > >> time > >> to finish healing from the surgery. > >> Now, how do I go thru the next two months without obsessing? :) > >> Maybe I’ll get some cleaning done anyway… > >> Sara

Response:

"Gordo Mondragon" <ga_mondra…@yahoo.com> wrote in message

news:ga_mondragon-238703.15403113122005@news-rdr-01-dummy.rdc-nyc.rr.com… > Sara – > Any chance that you were recently infected with this? > Gordo

I can’t imagine it was any more recent than 1984 when I had RHOGAM after my 4th baby… and I was never sick after that one. I WAS sick in 1977 after my 3rd son was born, and I had RHOGAM then too. The only things I’ve had done recently were a D&C a couple years ago, and of course tons of dental work. But I don’t think those should be suspect…and otherwise, no transfusions, no tattoos, etc etc… anyway, short answer = no. I can’t imagine being infected with it recently. I suppose anything is possible but…. 1970 when I was partying all the time truly seems most likely when I got this. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> In article <Q5SdnYBME5PvtgLeRVn…@wideopenwest.com>, > "Sara" <puff…@wowway.com> wrote: >> Hi >> just got off the phone with the clinic… looks like I’ll go in for my >> screening visit Feb 13. they want to be sure I am totally healed from my >> surgery, plus I guess something about waiting 6 months from the time you >> got >> your first ’suspiscious’ liver enzymes test result. Even tho I’ve had a >> couple of different drs tell my my enzymes were hi, and we need to >> ‘watch’ >> that, they only have the August 05 results on record soooooo. whatever. >> Feb sounds good to me. >> I’m pretty healthy considering. Finally asked what my viral load is… >> she >> said it is 5,600,000 and that that is pretty high. Hopefully that number >> will drop rapidly!! >> So, I’m in ‘waiting’ mode thru the holidays and then some. was hoping to >> start a little sooner, but I do feel better that I have a little extra >> time >> to finish healing from the surgery. >> Now, how do I go thru the next two months without obsessing? :) >> Maybe I’ll get some cleaning done anyway… >> Sara

Response:

Sara – Any chance that you were recently infected with this? Gordo In article <Q5SdnYBME5PvtgLeRVn…@wideopenwest.com>, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text - "Sara" <puff…@wowway.com> wrote: > Hi > just got off the phone with the clinic… looks like I’ll go in for my > screening visit Feb 13. they want to be sure I am totally healed from my > surgery, plus I guess something about waiting 6 months from the time you got > your first ’suspiscious’ liver enzymes test result. Even tho I’ve had a > couple of different drs tell my my enzymes were hi, and we need to ‘watch’ > that, they only have the August 05 results on record soooooo. whatever. > Feb sounds good to me. > I’m pretty healthy considering. Finally asked what my viral load is… she > said it is 5,600,000 and that that is pretty high. Hopefully that number > will drop rapidly!! > So, I’m in ‘waiting’ mode thru the holidays and then some. was hoping to > start a little sooner, but I do feel better that I have a little extra time > to finish healing from the surgery. > Now, how do I go thru the next two months without obsessing? :) > Maybe I’ll get some cleaning done anyway… > Sara

Response:

Hi just got off the phone with the clinic… looks like I’ll go in for my screening visit Feb 13. they want to be sure I am totally healed from my surgery, plus I guess something about waiting 6 months from the time you got your first ’suspiscious’ liver enzymes test result. Even tho I’ve had a couple of different drs tell my my enzymes were hi, and we need to ‘watch’ that, they only have the August 05 results on record soooooo. whatever. Feb sounds good to me. I’m pretty healthy considering. Finally asked what my viral load is… she said it is 5,600,000 and that that is pretty high. Hopefully that number will drop rapidly!! So, I’m in ‘waiting’ mode thru the holidays and then some. was hoping to start a little sooner, but I do feel better that I have a little extra time to finish healing from the surgery. Now, how do I go thru the next two months without obsessing? :) Maybe I’ll get some cleaning done anyway… Sara

Response:

HCV

0 RESPONSES

Is this too good to be true

Question:

Mags, I didnt read your thread about WBC, sounds like your already aware! Good Luck!!!!!!!!!! buster "buster" <as…@cox.net> wrote in message

news:ARnmf.52491$sg5.5487@dukeread12… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Conglads Mag those are good numbers! But………… the numbers that > caused your dose reduction wasn’t shown. That would be your WBC (white > blood cell count). If the WBC count doesn’t go up they will keep you on a > reduced dose of peg. If the white cell counts drop even more they could > stop treatment. A continued reduced dose of peg could mean the good > numbers shown now may not be as good in the future. I don’t mean to > pessimist but just trying to help you understand what’s really going on. > Buster > "mags" <chillniltakeoutt…@rogers.com> wrote in message > news:bdednTVyNa9JKwXeRVn-qw@rogers.com… >> Talked to the Dr.’s office today. Have my 8 week results. >> ALT 41 >> AST 37 >> Viral load 353 - considered nil under 600 >> Has anyone heard of this theory on under 600? Could these results take a >> radical jump back up even though I am taking all meds – reduced last week >> and feeling much better but probably will go back to full strength on 16 >> Dec. - which means 2 weeks reduced peginterferon. >> Mags >> hoping XMAS is here early!

Response:

Your getting tossed from the program might well be the best thing for you achieving your SVR. But hell, that’s just my opinion. They won’t prescribe anything to boost your blood counts but instead reduce your dosage. That’s not in your best interest but keeps you ‘in the program’. I’ll stop offering you advice. It reminds me of an adage pertaining to advice which I won’t quote for you because I know it would offend you. It’s your round of tx and your life anyway. Best of luck to you, Mags. :-) elmo <shoving a sock in my mouth> ////////////// I was thinking the same thing Elmo – but with my luck I would get tossed from the program! I get bloodwork on Monday and I just know that my WBC levels are up and that they will say full steam ahead. Maybe they will have me shoot extra – who knows! Murderous Mags <elmoemer…@webtv.net> wrote in message

news:5903-4398C2FC-292@storefull-3255.bay.webtv.net… That’s FANTASTIC, Mags!!!!! Unfortunately, 353 is still detectable virus, so you’re not quite clear yet. But it’s extremely close to being undetectable. I’ll bet if you had the test done today, it’d come up undetectable. Hey, if you feel great, why not fire up the full dose? Why wait til the 16th? Don’t let up on those pesky viri! Kill em dead!!! elmo //////////// Talked to the Dr.’s office today. Have my 8 week results. ALT 41 AST 37 Viral load 353 – considered nil under 600 Has anyone heard of this theory on under 600? Could these results take a radical jump back up even though I am taking all meds – reduced last week and feeling much better but probably will go back to full strength on 16 Dec. – which means 2 weeks reduced peginterferon. Mags hoping XMAS is here early! http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/DocElmosHepFile http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/TheFamilyAlbum http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/DocElmosHepFile http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/TheFamilyAlbum

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Top-posted: I thing the important thing here is, Mags… no guts, no glory. This is your life, your health, and maybe it’s worth asserting yourself to make sure it’s taken care of properly. WS <elmoemer…@webtv.net> wrote in message

news:5903-439A122F-494@storefull-3255.bay.webtv.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Your getting tossed from the program might well be the best thing for > you achieving your SVR. But hell, that’s just my opinion. They won’t > prescribe anything to boost your blood counts but instead reduce your > dosage. That’s not in your best interest but keeps you ‘in the > program’. I’ll stop offering you advice. It reminds me of an adage > pertaining to advice which I won’t quote for you because I know it would > offend you. It’s your round of tx and your life anyway. Best of luck > to you, Mags. :-) > elmo > <shoving a sock in my mouth> > ////////////// > I was thinking the same thing Elmo – but with my luck I would get tossed > from the program! I get bloodwork on Monday and I just know that my WBC > levels are up and that they will say full steam ahead. Maybe they will > have me shoot extra – who knows! > Murderous Mags > <elmoemer…@webtv.net> wrote in message > news:5903-4398C2FC-292@storefull-3255.bay.webtv.net… > That’s FANTASTIC, Mags!!!!! Unfortunately, 353 is still detectable > virus, so you’re not quite clear yet. But it’s extremely close to being > undetectable. I’ll bet if you had the test done today, it’d come up > undetectable. Hey, if you feel great, why not fire up the full dose? Why > wait til the 16th? Don’t let up on those pesky viri! Kill em dead!!! > elmo > //////////// > Talked to the Dr.’s office today. Have my 8 week results. ALT 41 > AST 37 > Viral load 353 – considered nil under 600 Has anyone heard of this > theory on under 600? Could these results take a radical jump back up > even though I am taking all meds – reduced last week and feeling much > better but probably will go back to full strength on 16 Dec. – which > means 2 weeks reduced peginterferon. Mags > hoping XMAS is here early! > http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/DocElmosHepFile > http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/TheFamilyAlbum > http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/DocElmosHepFile > http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/TheFamilyAlbum

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Great news………………merry Christmas…………….john

Response:

Conglads Mag those are good numbers! But………… the numbers that caused your dose reduction wasn’t shown. That would be your WBC (white blood cell count). If the WBC count doesn’t go up they will keep you on a reduced dose of peg. If the white cell counts drop even more they could stop treatment. A continued reduced dose of peg could mean the good numbers shown now may not be as good in the future. I don’t mean to pessimist but just trying to help you understand what’s really going on. Buster "mags" <chillniltakeoutt…@rogers.com> wrote in message

news:bdednTVyNa9JKwXeRVn-qw@rogers.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Talked to the Dr.’s office today. Have my 8 week results. > ALT 41 > AST 37 > Viral load 353 - considered nil under 600 > Has anyone heard of this theory on under 600? Could these results take a > radical jump back up even though I am taking all meds – reduced last week > and feeling much better but probably will go back to full strength on 16 > Dec. - which means 2 weeks reduced peginterferon. > Mags > hoping XMAS is here early!

Response:

Mags – It’s weird that they would give you a number if it’s considered invalid. I’m thinking that it’s based on the way quantitative viral loads are done. They take a unit of blood and they run a process that makes copies of unique pieces of parts of the viral DNA. Over and over. If there is virus there then they get enough to count and they can then say how much they believe they started with to get that many copies. But below a certain level you can’t tell if there was anything there to begin with. It’s like if you put a blank piece of paper on a copy machine and make a copy, and then make a copy of the copy, and then make a copy of the copy of the copy. Even if when the first page was blank after a while you get a lot of noise in the copies. So I’d ignore the "353" number because they say anything below 600, in their experience, is most probably noise. I went back and looked at the studies on early viral response. Basically, they look at positive predictive value – predicting that it will work – and negative predictive value – predicting that it won’t work. The 12-week test has been 98% right in predicting that it _won’t_ work (but only for genotype 1; genotype 2/3 most people show an early response and it’s rarer so there’s not enough data to predict an outcome.) A good response at 4 and then 8 weeks gives a higher probability that it _will_ work. I’d say that’s very good news. You’ve got a ways to go but it’s definitely a good start. G In article <ouOdnUAUk_4_ewXeRVn…@rogers.com>, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text - "mags" <chillniltakeoutt…@rogers.com> wrote: > Thanks Doug! I am cautiously optimistic! > Mags > "Doug" <dttr…@adelphia.net> wrote in message > news:hcOdnSZEu-w8TQXeRVn-qg@adelphia.com… > > Mags, I’ve been following your posts like a hawk. This sounds really > > good – very encouraging to all. I’m so glad for you. Doug > > "mags" <chillniltakeoutt…@rogers.com> wrote in message > > news:bdednTRyNa9JKwXeRVn-qw@rogers.com… > >> Talked to the Dr.’s office today. Have my 8 week results. > >> ALT 41 > >> AST 37 > >> Viral load 353 - considered nil under 600 > >> Has anyone heard of this theory on under 600? Could these results take a > >> radical jump back up even though I am taking all meds – reduced last week > >> and feeling much better but probably will go back to full strength on 16 > >> Dec. - which means 2 weeks reduced peginterferon. > >> Mags > >> hoping XMAS is here early!

Response:

Thanks – that I can understand fwiw, there are a number of VL tests that can be licensed for use, and they come with their own sensitivity specs, etc. Labs don’t just establish their own benchmarks, they use the specs for the tests they paid the license fees for… Cheers /greyhackles On Fri, 09 Dec 2005 03:22:15 GMT, "cactus jammies" <cactusjamm…@hotmail.com> wrote: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->the conclusion is that each lab measures according to their own index and >there are lots of those indices. But they all add up to svr = no hep c >living virus. >ok? >8-) >cj — been a long great day >"cactus jammies" <cactusjamm…@hotmail.com> wrote in message >news:lI6mf.200872$Io.81907@clgrps13… >> ya, you can blame bill gates ms express for that, or me what ever you >> choose. >> the conclusion is: >> "greyhackles" <greyhack…@NOSPAMyahoo.com> wrote in message >> news:qlrhp15j7ja10t4tr8bs9fjeci674h3ig8@4ax.com… >>> On Fri, 09 Dec 2005 02:36:50 GMT, "cactus jammies" >>> <cactusjamm…@hotmail.com> >>> wrote: >>>>I was told at the liver clinic when I was on TX that all measuring >>>>instruments for detection of the HCV vl is the way the numbers are >>>>indexed. >>>>In other words, >>> Bob, I’ve read that a half-dozen times and I still don’t get it. >>> What does it mean? >>> /greyhackles (playing the "dense as a post" role tonite >>> "mags" <chillniltakeoutt…@rogers.com> wrote in message >>> news:aLednfHzJY5CewXenZ2dnUVZ_tidnZ2d@rogers.com… >>>> Hey Gordo – I am hoping what you have read is true! Thanks >>>> Mags >>>> "Gordo Mondragon" <ga_mondra…@yahoo.com> wrote in message >>>> news:ga_mondragon-B48300.17540708122005@news-rdr-01-dummy.rdc-nyc.rr.com… >>>>> Mags – >>>>> Some people do have their VLs go up later but from what I’ve read, a >>>>> short quick response like yours is very very encouraging. >>>>> G

Response:

the conclusion is that each lab measures according to their own index and there are lots of those indices. But they all add up to svr = no hep c living virus. ok? cj — been a long great day "cactus jammies" <cactusjamm…@hotmail.com> wrote in message

news:lI6mf.200872$Io.81907@clgrps13… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> ya, you can blame bill gates ms express for that, or me what ever you > choose. > the conclusion is: > "greyhackles" <greyhack…@NOSPAMyahoo.com> wrote in message > news:qlrhp15j7ja10t4tr8bs9fjeci674h3ig8@4ax.com… >> On Fri, 09 Dec 2005 02:36:50 GMT, "cactus jammies" >> <cactusjamm…@hotmail.com> >> wrote: >>>I was told at the liver clinic when I was on TX that all measuring >>>instruments for detection of the HCV vl is the way the numbers are >>>indexed. >>>In other words, >> Bob, I’ve read that a half-dozen times and I still don’t get it. >> What does it mean? >> /greyhackles (playing the "dense as a post" role tonite >> "mags" <chillniltakeoutt…@rogers.com> wrote in message >> news:aLednfHzJY5CewXenZ2dnUVZ_tidnZ2d@rogers.com… >>> Hey Gordo – I am hoping what you have read is true! Thanks >>> Mags >>> "Gordo Mondragon" <ga_mondra…@yahoo.com> wrote in message >>> news:ga_mondragon-B48300.17540708122005@news-rdr-01-dummy.rdc-nyc.rr.com… >>>> Mags – >>>> Some people do have their VLs go up later but from what I’ve read, a >>>> short quick response like yours is very very encouraging. >>>> G

Response:

I was told at the liver clinic when I was on TX that all measuring instruments for detection of the HCV vl is the way the numbers are indexed. In other words, "mags" <chillniltakeoutt…@rogers.com> wrote in message

news:aLednfHzJY5CewXenZ2dnUVZ_tidnZ2d@rogers.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hey Gordo – I am hoping what you have read is true! Thanks > Mags > "Gordo Mondragon" <ga_mondra…@yahoo.com> wrote in message > news:ga_mondragon-B48300.17540708122005@news-rdr-01-dummy.rdc-nyc.rr.com… >> Mags – >> Some people do have their VLs go up later but from what I’ve read, a >> short quick response like yours is very very encouraging. >> G >> In article <bdednTVyNa9JKwXeRVn…@rogers.com>, >> "mags" <chillniltakeoutt…@rogers.com> wrote: >>> Talked to the Dr.’s office today. Have my 8 week results. >>> ALT 41 >>> AST 37 >>> Viral load 353 - considered nil under 600 >>> Has anyone heard of this theory on under 600? Could these results take >>> a >>> radical jump back up even though I am taking all meds – reduced last >>> week >>> and feeling much better but probably will go back to full strength on 16 >>> Dec. - which means 2 weeks reduced peginterferon. >>> Mags >>> hoping XMAS is here early!

Response:

On Fri, 09 Dec 2005 02:36:50 GMT, "cactus jammies" <cactusjamm…@hotmail.com> wrote: >I was told at the liver clinic when I was on TX that all measuring >instruments for detection of the HCV vl is the way the numbers are indexed. >In other words,

Bob, I’ve read that a half-dozen times and I still don’t get it. What does it mean? /greyhackles (playing the "dense as a post" role tonite "mags" <chillniltakeoutt…@rogers.com> wrote in message

Response:

ya, you can blame bill gates ms express for that, or me what ever you choose. the conclusion is: "greyhackles" <greyhack…@NOSPAMyahoo.com> wrote in message

news:qlrhp15j7ja10t4tr8bs9fjeci674h3ig8@4ax.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> On Fri, 09 Dec 2005 02:36:50 GMT, "cactus jammies" > <cactusjamm…@hotmail.com> > wrote: >>I was told at the liver clinic when I was on TX that all measuring >>instruments for detection of the HCV vl is the way the numbers are >>indexed. >>In other words, > Bob, I’ve read that a half-dozen times and I still don’t get it. > What does it mean? > /greyhackles (playing the "dense as a post" role tonite > "mags" <chillniltakeoutt…@rogers.com> wrote in message > news:aLednfHzJY5CewXenZ2dnUVZ_tidnZ2d@rogers.com… >> Hey Gordo – I am hoping what you have read is true! Thanks >> Mags >> "Gordo Mondragon" <ga_mondra…@yahoo.com> wrote in message >> news:ga_mondragon-B48300.17540708122005@news-rdr-01-dummy.rdc-nyc.rr.com… >>> Mags – >>> Some people do have their VLs go up later but from what I’ve read, a >>> short quick response like yours is very very encouraging. >>> G

Response:

I hear you – I might add a smidge! Mags "Waterspider" <waterspi…@moonlight.net> wrote in message

news:11phpqb65qq1l43@corp.supernews.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> <elmoemer…@webtv.net> wrote in message > news:5903-4398C2FC-292@storefull-3255.bay.webtv.net… >> That’s FANTASTIC, Mags!!!!! Unfortunately, 353 is still detectable >> virus, so you’re not quite clear yet. But it’s extremely close to being >> undetectable. I’ll bet if you had the test done today, it’d come up >> undetectable. Hey, if you feel great, why not fire up the full dose? >> Why wait til the 16th? Don’t let up on those pesky viri! Kill em >> dead!!! >> elmo > Congratulations, Mags, way to go! Have a think about what the good Doc > says, above. Might not hurt… > Waterspider

Response:

I was thinking the same thing Elmo – but with my luck I would get tossed from the program! I get bloodwork on Monday and I just know that my WBC levels are up and that they will say full steam ahead. Maybe they will have me shoot extra – who knows! Murderous Mags <elmoemer…@webtv.net> wrote in message

news:5903-4398C2FC-292@storefull-3255.bay.webtv.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> That’s FANTASTIC, Mags!!!!! Unfortunately, 353 is still detectable > virus, so you’re not quite clear yet. But it’s extremely close to being > undetectable. I’ll bet if you had the test done today, it’d come up > undetectable. Hey, if you feel great, why not fire up the full dose? > Why wait til the 16th? Don’t let up on those pesky viri! Kill em > dead!!! > elmo > //////////// > Talked to the Dr.’s office today. Have my 8 week results. > ALT 41 > AST 37 > Viral load 353 – considered nil under 600 > Has anyone heard of this theory on under 600? Could these results take a > radical jump back up even though I am taking all meds – reduced last > week and feeling much better but probably will go back to full strength > on 16 Dec. – which means 2 weeks reduced peginterferon. > Mags > hoping XMAS is here early! > http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/DocElmosHepFile > http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/TheFamilyAlbum

Response:

<elmoemer…@webtv.net> wrote in message

news:5903-4398C2FC-292@storefull-3255.bay.webtv.net… > That’s FANTASTIC, Mags!!!!! Unfortunately, 353 is still detectable > virus, so you’re not quite clear yet. But it’s extremely close to being > undetectable. I’ll bet if you had the test done today, it’d come up > undetectable. Hey, if you feel great, why not fire up the full dose? > Why wait til the 16th? Don’t let up on those pesky viri! Kill em > dead!!! > elmo

Congratulations, Mags, way to go! Have a think about what the good Doc says, above. Might not hurt… Waterspider

Response:

Hey Grey – how are you? I would not dream of doing less than 48 weeks of treatment being a geno 1b. My baseline for the virus on this study is 1,250,000 and other results ALT 66, 60 AST although they have been captured in the 70ish range. At week 4, I dropped from the million count to 11,500 – altogether a 4 log drop in 8 weeks. I went from 4.0 to 2.7 in interferon last Friday and continued with the same does of Riba at 1,000 mg a day. I can’t beleive what a difference 1.3 makes – I can function. The strangest thing is that I felt the virus was dead in me for the last few days- I just feel different – call me crazy or undermedicated lol! I think it will be gone by 12 weeks – attitude works! Mags "greyhackles" <greyhack…@NOSPAMyahoo.com> wrote in message

ASTnews:4udhp1hn5bpn1chkt54t02q26olija15ol@4ax.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> On Thu, 8 Dec 2005 17:42:02 -0500, "mags" <chillniltakeoutt…@rogers.com> > wrote: >>Talked to the Dr.’s office today. Have my 8 week results. >>ALT 41 >>AST 37 >>Viral load 353 - considered nil under 600 >>Has anyone heard of this theory on under 600? Could these results take a >>radical jump back up even though I am taking all meds – reduced last week >>and feeling much better but probably will go back to full strength on 16 >>Dec. - which means 2 weeks reduced peginterferon. >>Mags >>hoping XMAS is here early! > These numbers mean the most when compared against baselines. > Do you remember what your pre-tx viral load was? What your ALT & AST were? > The LFTs are within normal range now, so that’s a good thing. Otoh, if > your > LFTs were within normal range to begin with, there’s less significance. > The "353" viral load (btw, is that in International Units or not?) is > likely > to be very good as well, unless you had a very low viral low going in. > As for your doctors "theory": lots of possible meanings to what he may > have > been trying to convey. > Testing positive for *any* HCV virions (as opposed to antibodies alone) > means > you’re still HCV+ and going off therapy would mean all the bad things you > can > imagine it would mean. So if his meaning was that you were "close enough > to > being undetectable", he would be quite wrong. > On the other hand, if he was trying to say that you were "essentially at > zero" > in the context of an 8 week VL check when validating the rate of fall of > viral > load, that could be close enough to being correct, assuming your pre-tx VL > was > at least a few orders of magnitude higher. It still would be imprudent to > use > "undetectable" even in that context, as that has significant meaning in > its > own right. > Could you have a viral breakthrough while still doing your anti-C meds? > Sadly, yes – even with those numbers. It happens. Best to keep thoughts > like > that locked up until (if) they materialize, little good can come from > worrying > about mere possibilities. > So, how big was the dose reduction – and was it IFN alone, or did they cut > your Riba, too? > Cheers – and keep up the good work! > /greyhackles

Response:

On Thu, 8 Dec 2005 17:42:02 -0500, "mags" <chillniltakeoutt…@rogers.com> wrote: >Talked to the Dr.’s office today. Have my 8 week results. >ALT 41 >AST 37 >Viral load 353 - considered nil under 600 >Has anyone heard of this theory on under 600? Could these results take a >radical jump back up even though I am taking all meds – reduced last week >and feeling much better but probably will go back to full strength on 16 >Dec. - which means 2 weeks reduced peginterferon. >Mags >hoping XMAS is here early!

These numbers mean the most when compared against baselines. Do you remember what your pre-tx viral load was? What your ALT & AST were? The LFTs are within normal range now, so that’s a good thing. Otoh, if your LFTs were within normal range to begin with, there’s less significance. The "353" viral load (btw, is that in International Units or not?) is likely to be very good as well, unless you had a very low viral low going in. As for your doctors "theory": lots of possible meanings to what he may have been trying to convey. Testing positive for *any* HCV virions (as opposed to antibodies alone) means you’re still HCV+ and going off therapy would mean all the bad things you can imagine it would mean. So if his meaning was that you were "close enough to being undetectable", he would be quite wrong. On the other hand, if he was trying to say that you were "essentially at zero" in the context of an 8 week VL check when validating the rate of fall of viral load, that could be close enough to being correct, assuming your pre-tx VL was at least a few orders of magnitude higher. It still would be imprudent to use "undetectable" even in that context, as that has significant meaning in its own right. Could you have a viral breakthrough while still doing your anti-C meds? Sadly, yes – even with those numbers. It happens. Best to keep thoughts like that locked up until (if) they materialize, little good can come from worrying about mere possibilities. So, how big was the dose reduction – and was it IFN alone, or did they cut your Riba, too? Cheers – and keep up the good work! /greyhackles

Response:

That’s FANTASTIC, Mags!!!!! Unfortunately, 353 is still detectable virus, so you’re not quite clear yet. But it’s extremely close to being undetectable. I’ll bet if you had the test done today, it’d come up undetectable. Hey, if you feel great, why not fire up the full dose? Why wait til the 16th? Don’t let up on those pesky viri! Kill em dead!!! elmo //////////// Talked to the Dr.’s office today. Have my 8 week results. ALT 41 AST 37 Viral load 353 – considered nil under 600 Has anyone heard of this theory on under 600? Could these results take a radical jump back up even though I am taking all meds – reduced last week and feeling much better but probably will go back to full strength on 16 Dec. – which means 2 weeks reduced peginterferon. Mags hoping XMAS is here early! http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/DocElmosHepFile http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/TheFamilyAlbum

Response:

That’s right, Gordo. I’ve never heard of anyone who has had as great a response to the meds as Mags has experieced rebounding. It’s almost always someone who never achieved a 2 log drop that the virus has rebounded while still taking the drugs. elmo ///////// Mags – Some people do have their VLs go up later but from what I’ve read, a short quick response like yours is very very encouraging. G In article <bdednTVyNa9JKwXeRVn…@rogers.com>, "mags" <chillniltakeoutt…@rogers.com> wrote:

Talked to the Dr.’s office today. Have my 8 week results. ALT 41 AST 37 Viral load 353 – considered nil under 600 Has anyone heard of this theory on under 600? Could these results take a radical jump back up even though I am taking all meds – reduced last week and feeling much better but probably will go back to full strength on 16 Dec. – which means 2 weeks reduced peginterferon. Mags hoping XMAS is here early! http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/DocElmosHepFile http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/TheFamilyAlbum

Response:

Mags, I’ve been following your posts like a hawk. This sounds really good – very encouraging to all. I’m so glad for you. Doug "mags" <chillniltakeoutt…@rogers.com> wrote in message

news:bdednTRyNa9JKwXeRVn-qw@rogers.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Talked to the Dr.’s office today. Have my 8 week results. > ALT 41 > AST 37 > Viral load 353 - considered nil under 600 > Has anyone heard of this theory on under 600? Could these results take a > radical jump back up even though I am taking all meds – reduced last week > and feeling much better but probably will go back to full strength on 16 > Dec. - which means 2 weeks reduced peginterferon. > Mags > hoping XMAS is here early!

Response:

Thanks Doug! I am cautiously optimistic! Mags "Doug" <dttr…@adelphia.net> wrote in message

news:hcOdnSZEu-w8TQXeRVn-qg@adelphia.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Mags, I’ve been following your posts like a hawk. This sounds really > good – very encouraging to all. I’m so glad for you. Doug > "mags" <chillniltakeoutt…@rogers.com> wrote in message > news:bdednTRyNa9JKwXeRVn-qw@rogers.com… >> Talked to the Dr.’s office today. Have my 8 week results. >> ALT 41 >> AST 37 >> Viral load 353 - considered nil under 600 >> Has anyone heard of this theory on under 600? Could these results take a >> radical jump back up even though I am taking all meds – reduced last week >> and feeling much better but probably will go back to full strength on 16 >> Dec. - which means 2 weeks reduced peginterferon. >> Mags >> hoping XMAS is here early!

Response:

Hey Gordo – I am hoping what you have read is true! Thanks Mags "Gordo Mondragon" <ga_mondra…@yahoo.com> wrote in message

news:ga_mondragon-B48300.17540708122005@news-rdr-01-dummy.rdc-nyc.rr.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Mags – > Some people do have their VLs go up later but from what I’ve read, a > short quick response like yours is very very encouraging. > G > In article <bdednTVyNa9JKwXeRVn…@rogers.com>, > "mags" <chillniltakeoutt…@rogers.com> wrote: >> Talked to the Dr.’s office today. Have my 8 week results. >> ALT 41 >> AST 37 >> Viral load 353 - considered nil under 600 >> Has anyone heard of this theory on under 600? Could these results take a >> radical jump back up even though I am taking all meds – reduced last week >> and feeling much better but probably will go back to full strength on 16 >> Dec. - which means 2 weeks reduced peginterferon. >> Mags >> hoping XMAS is here early!

Response:

Talked to the Dr.’s office today. Have my 8 week results. ALT 41 AST 37 Viral load 353 - considered nil under 600 Has anyone heard of this theory on under 600? Could these results take a radical jump back up even though I am taking all meds – reduced last week and feeling much better but probably will go back to full strength on 16 Dec. - which means 2 weeks reduced peginterferon. Mags hoping XMAS is here early!

Response:

sounds good to me megs. after 8 weeks, keep on fighting you’re gonna win. Bob cj ””””””””” "mags" <chillniltakeoutt…@rogers.com> wrote in message

Response:

Mags – Some people do have their VLs go up later but from what I’ve read, a short quick response like yours is very very encouraging. G In article <bdednTVyNa9JKwXeRVn…@rogers.com>, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text - "mags" <chillniltakeoutt…@rogers.com> wrote: > Talked to the Dr.’s office today. Have my 8 week results. > ALT 41 > AST 37 > Viral load 353 - considered nil under 600 > Has anyone heard of this theory on under 600? Could these results take a > radical jump back up even though I am taking all meds – reduced last week > and feeling much better but probably will go back to full strength on 16 > Dec. - which means 2 weeks reduced peginterferon. > Mags > hoping XMAS is here early!

Response:

HCV

0 RESPONSES

Need help selecting HCV Doctor

Question:

"Brian" <m…@me.com> wrote in message

news:oZu9f.498006$x96.410510@attbi_s72… > My PCP simply sent me to my BCLD after I tested + for HCV.However he did > tell me that my BCLD was the only Doc in town(Louisville,KY) that is a HCV > specialist and that he no longer treats new GI patients.It turned out that > my BCLD just happened to be one of the top authorities in treating HCV.I > simply lucked out that the only HCV Doc was Ben Cecil.All my labs (except > the one’s that are usually out of whack on TX)are normal,my ALT’s are > normal and I have a zero VRL.My spleen is within normal size now as well > as my liver.Finally good news,this is my 4th try back to back to get > SVR.Although I do have 19 1/2 months to go on TX. > BrianD

19 1/2 MONTHS?????! What type of regimen are you on? Did I miss something? <probably, brain fog strikes again….>

Response:

I am leaning more towards the UT Medical group. They are suppose to be one of the best liver treatment centers around. Caroline Riely heads it up and she is well noted in the field. I found out that the NP is great and works directly with you. Then you have a meeting with the NP and Dr Riely about every 3 months. At this point I have no idea of the extent of my liver damage. I probably got HCV back in 77 or 78 era. I have been a pretty heavy drinker all my life, so I am expecting the worse. I did quit drinking the day my test came back positive. I have also been trying to eat right. But, I am sure the damage is done. On 31 Oct 2005 09:45:41 -0800, twice_redee…@yahoo.com wrote: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Talk to him about how he treats advanced liver disease/cirrhosis, eg, >does he do many bandings, sclerotherapy, does he ever have to treat >SBP, Ascitis, Encephalopathy, Varices. Who does he recommend if a TIPS >shunt has to be inserted. Hopefully your hepc will never progress to >needing any of these treatments like mine did. But you will want a >Gastro/Hepatologist who is very well versed in this, plus very >experienced with the Infn/Riba regimen. Make sure he is very positive. >There is nothing sorse than a Dr. that gives you a grim outlook. I once >had a Dr. who told me, ‘You are going to be on the transplant wait list >for several years. I don’t know if I can keep you alive that long’ >Allen ltx 7/9/04 UCSF (living donor)

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -On Mon, 31 Oct 2005 18:47:38 -0500, "Thip" <m…@privacy.net> wrote: >"Brian" <m…@me.com> wrote in message >news:oZu9f.498006$x96.410510@attbi_s72… >> My PCP simply sent me to my BCLD after I tested + for HCV.However he did >> tell me that my BCLD was the only Doc in town(Louisville,KY) that is a HCV >> specialist and that he no longer treats new GI patients.It turned out that >> my BCLD just happened to be one of the top authorities in treating HCV.I >> simply lucked out that the only HCV Doc was Ben Cecil.All my labs (except >> the one’s that are usually out of whack on TX)are normal,my ALT’s are >> normal and I have a zero VRL.My spleen is within normal size now as well >> as my liver.Finally good news,this is my 4th try back to back to get >> SVR.Although I do have 19 1/2 months to go on TX. >> BrianD >19 1/2 MONTHS?????! What type of regimen are you on? Did I miss something? ><probably, brain fog strikes again….>

He’s on his fourth go at therapy, and Doc Cecil has been known to extend treatment to as long as two full years for folks that are on their 2nd (or more) ride on the Tx Express… Cheers /greyhackles

Response:

Sounds good, Mark! Best of luck to you in defeating the dragon. elmo /////// I am leaning more towards the UT Medical group. They are suppose to be one of the best liver treatment centers around. Caroline Riely heads it up and she is well noted in the field. I found out that the NP is great and works directly with you. Then you have a meeting with the NP and Dr Riely about every 3 months. At this point I have no idea of the extent of my liver damage. I probably got HCV back in 77 or 78 era. I have been a pretty heavy drinker all my life, so I am expecting the worse. I did quit drinking the day my test came back positive. I have also been trying to eat right. But, I am sure the damage is done. On 31 Oct 2005 09:45:41 -0800, twice_redee…@yahoo.com wrote: Talk to him about how he treats advanced liver disease/cirrhosis, eg, does he do many bandings, sclerotherapy, does he ever have to treat SBP, Ascitis, Encephalopathy, Varices. Who does he recommend if a TIPS shunt has to be inserted. Hopefully your hepc will never progress to needing any of these treatments like mine did. But you will want a Gastro/Hepatologist who is very well versed in this, plus very experienced with the Infn/Riba regimen. Make sure he is very positive. There is nothing sorse than a Dr. that gives you a grim outlook. I once had a Dr. who told me, ‘You are going to be on the transplant wait list for several years. I don’t know if I can keep you alive that long’ Allen ltx 7/9/04 UCSF (living donor) http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/DocElmosHepFile http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/TheFamilyAlbum

Response:

Mark wrote: > My GP just noticed during my annual physical that my AST and ALT > levels [...] > He did the HCV AntiBody test which came back positive and then the HCV > RNA test which came back positive. [...] > Mark

Hi Mark, you’re doing great. I mean, as somebody else said, knowledge is power. So make your own edeucated decision once you’ve got your mind clear. If you need to interview 3 doctors in order to do that, then go for it, I say. Don’t care what they say. I’ve had my treatment managed by a couple of doctors (one is a friend of mine) who whork in team in the gastroenterology/hepatology unit of my hometown hospital, and I felt confortable with them. But this is just my experience. Listen to all the others’ here. It helped me _a lot_ during my first steps. Good luck, jeeb.

Response:

My GP just noticed during my annual physical that my AST and ALT levels were slightly elevated and had been so for several years. He had been focusing on my BP and cholesterol which is now under control. He did the HCV AntiBody test which came back positive and then the HCV RNA test which came back positive. He also did an ultrasound which indicated no major abnormalities but there was one nodule (sp?) on my liver. He then gave me the name of several gastroenterologists he recommended. After doing some research and talking with other people I have made appointments with 3 different offices to find the right doctor and program that suites my needs. Here are my three choices: (1) UT Medical Group Liver transplant team/gastroenterology/hepatology Appt is with Nurse Practitioner hepatoligist The Doctors in this group are suppose to be some of the best liver specialist. Lots of positive info about them on internet. I just wonder how much I will see the Doctors vs Nurse Practitioner or if this should even be a concern. (2) Gastroenterologist Recommended by my GP but I know nothing about him. When I asked the receptionist about him treating HCV patients she said, that he does treat many. Checked him out on the internet and there is not much info but there were no negatives about him. (3) Infectious disease He treated and cured my wife’s friend of HCV. My wife met him several times taking her friend in for appointments. She said he took his time explaining things and answering any questions. Even asked my wife if she had any questions. However, I think she had to go to another office or lab to receive shots 3 times a week. This sounded a little odd. But, she is HCV free now, so that does mean something. At this time I have appointments with all 3. My plan was to interview each and decide on who I felt comfortable with. Is this a good strategy? Should I just pick one and get started and if I don’t like them change later on? Does one sound better than the other? When I called my GP’s office to get my records they thought I was nuts doing this. They acted like they didn’t want me to have copies of my records and for me to just go the DR my GP recommended and they would forward the records to him. I tend to over analyse things sometime and with the shock of being newly diagnosed I can’t hardly think anyway. Tell me if this is a good approach. Also which of the 3 do you think would be best. All comments and suggestions appreciated. Mark

Response:

I think yours is an excellent idea, and if it works for you, who cares what the GP thinks? You will probably have to get cozy with your HCV doctor before it’s all over, and if you like him/her and trust him/her, it’s a big help. I go to a gastro, and I REALLY like the guy, but unfortunately his practice has exploded and he’s just too busy now. I guess I’ll have to find another one, but I’m not happy about it. "Mark" <m…@home.com> wrote in message

news:chd7m15q2skmdtha9slouvh3rn2gtdufek@4ax.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> My GP just noticed during my annual physical that my AST and ALT > levels were slightly elevated and had been so for several years. He > had been focusing on my BP and cholesterol which is now under control. > He did the HCV AntiBody test which came back positive and then the HCV > RNA test which came back positive. He also did an ultrasound which > indicated no major abnormalities but there was one nodule (sp?) on my > liver. He then gave me the name of several gastroenterologists he > recommended. > After doing some research and talking with other people I have made > appointments with 3 different offices to find the right doctor and > program that suites my needs. Here are my three choices: > (1) > UT Medical Group > Liver transplant team/gastroenterology/hepatology > Appt is with Nurse Practitioner hepatoligist > The Doctors in this group are suppose to be some of the best liver > specialist. Lots of positive info about them on internet. I just > wonder how much I will see the Doctors vs Nurse Practitioner or if > this should even be a concern. > (2) > Gastroenterologist > Recommended by my GP but I know nothing about him. > When I asked the receptionist about him treating HCV patients she > said, that he does treat many. Checked him out on the internet and > there is not much info but there were no negatives about him. > (3) > Infectious disease > He treated and cured my wife’s friend of HCV. My wife met him several > times taking her friend in for appointments. She said he took his time > explaining things and answering any questions. Even asked my wife if > she had any questions. However, I think she had to go to another > office or lab to receive shots 3 times a week. This sounded a little > odd. But, she is HCV free now, so that does mean something. > At this time I have appointments with all 3. My plan was to interview > each and decide on who I felt comfortable with. Is this a good > strategy? Should I just pick one and get started and if I don’t like > them change later on? Does one sound better than the other? > When I called my GP’s office to get my records they thought I was nuts > doing this. They acted like they didn’t want me to have copies of my > records and for me to just go the DR my GP recommended and they would > forward the records to him. > I tend to over analyse things sometime and with the shock of being > newly diagnosed I can’t hardly think anyway. Tell me if this is a good > approach. Also which of the 3 do you think would be best. All comments > and suggestions appreciated. > Mark

Response:

Your records by law are yours. Since your interviewing dr.s your going to need them. Dont depend on the office to fax them. Sign a release to your self and get them for your own personal use. Good luck on the Dr.s Juanita

Response:

There’s nothing wrong with checking out all three. My experience was that the GI doc my GP recommended turned out to be the biggest BOZO for a doctor. He was a fricking jerk. I had an excellent experience with a hot shot GI in Jersey that I saw only the NP in his practice after the first visit. She was incredibly up to date and knowledgable, as well as willing to spend as much time with me as I needed. Don’t let the fact that you’d be seeing a NP prejudice your decision against her. Your third option doesn’t seem bad either. By checking them all out, you’ll get a better idea of who you want treating you. You should be armed with a list of questions that will help you determine the quality of treatment you’ll be getting. Such as: What does their treatment (tx) consist of? Do they prescribe Procrit and Neupogen for anemia vs. dose reduction? How do they feel about prescribing anit-depressants? There are a lot more questions to ask and I’m hoping the other members of this group will help add to your list. Be sure and write the questions on paper so that you won’t forget to ask them. Thomas Wagner recently posted here an excellent link for hepc info that you should read. Do some research before you interview all those docs so that you can add your own questions to the list as well as understand what they are telling you. Knowledge is power! Good luck in selecting your doc!! elmo http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/DocElmosHepFile http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/TheFamilyAlbum

Response:

Best of luck to you on Tuesday! T’s and P’s for you. elmo http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/DocElmosHepFile http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/TheFamilyAlbum

Response:

You can do it! Sami, take things one day at a time. Do not stress out, we understand here and this is a good place for info and support. Take care and let us know how it goes ok? — Russ Visit Alaska @ http://www.tannersacre.com "sami" <samiamtwo…@yahoo.com> wrote in message

news:1130695213.514487.13480@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> elmoemer…@webtv.net wrote: > > There’s nothing wrong with checking out all three. My experience was > > that the GI doc my GP recommended turned out to be the biggest BOZO for > > a doctor. He was a fricking jerk. I had an excellent experience with a > > hot shot GI in Jersey that I saw only the NP in his practice after the > > first visit. She was incredibly up to date and knowledgable, as well as > > willing to spend as much time with me as I needed. Don’t let the fact > > that you’d be seeing a NP prejudice your decision against her. Your > > third option doesn’t seem bad either. By checking them all out, you’ll > > get a better idea of who you want treating you. You should be armed > > with a list of questions that will help you determine the quality of > > treatment you’ll be getting. Such as: What does their treatment (tx) > > consist of? Do they prescribe Procrit and Neupogen for anemia vs. dose > > reduction? How do they feel about prescribing anit-depressants? There > > are a lot more questions to ask and I’m hoping the other members of this > > group will help add to your list. Be sure and write the questions on > > paper so that you won’t forget to ask them. Thomas Wagner recently > > posted here an excellent link for hepc info that you should read. Do > > some research before you interview all those docs so that you can add > > your own questions to the list as well as understand what they are > > telling you. Knowledge is power! > > Good luck in selecting your doc!! > > elmo > Elmo is right! I did the same as you 7 years ago. Way back then > interferon was the single treatment option. Was told by one no > treatment,he was a sadistic jack ass, second said ok, but psychiatric > supervision was recommended because of the duration of treatment (me?) > The third doctor was good, but he jumped ship and went on to another > hospital and they turfed me back to doctor one group. Combo was just > out, I was told I had hardly any damage and to keep up on my blood > work. The next year I had many extrahepatic problems caused by the HCV. > Blood work was good, never elevated, even when I lost a kidney. Neuro > problems grew and I was shuffled off to neuro doctor who had me > possibly dead in the parking lot after all the testing was done. > Multiple strokes, stml, nothing physical that was permanet. I left the > office and got off the merry go round of tests and doctors. I had > enough! Treatment was not recommended at that time. I followed blood > work and had my great GP as a watchdog. Neuro problems continued to > get worse and was becoming evident. > Now 7 years down the road I am much worse then I was, I got a new > gastro, who after interview proved to be the one. I got a follow up > biopsy which I will get the results and discuss what’s next on Tuesday. > He thinks I could do treatment and probably should to maybe halt the > progression of the neuro disease. I could have called for the results, > but I guess I just wanted to wait to talk to him face to face. I > learned to take my time not waste it because of my condition. But maybe > I am scared to change things because I look like a young 49 year old > healthy woman. I am on pain management meds because it allows me to be > active. I have bad days and some bad weeks that I am not so active. I > don’t know what Tuesday will bring but I am not laying down for HCV. I > do ponder can I do it? Will treatment help? I am a former nurse, and > not a good patient. I am afraid because I know what is happening to me > and now is the time to do treatment. > Well Tuesday is near and I have things to do, the sun is out and > warming up the soil, my garden needs to be put to bed, the boat is out > and winter ready. Firewood is cut/stacked and I should be done painting > the bathroom tomorrow. Talk to you later. > ps: really learn all you can about hcv, you will know which guy/gal > knows their stuff, discuss what his plan is, voice your concerns and > note his reactions to you. Doctors are humans, you will know the one > you can relate to after the interviews! Good luck to you.

Response:

elmoemer…@webtv.net wrote: > Best of luck to you on Tuesday! T’s and P’s for you. > elmo

Thanks Elmo, Talk to you after doc appt.

Response:

Talk to him about how he treats advanced liver disease/cirrhosis, eg, does he do many bandings, sclerotherapy, does he ever have to treat SBP, Ascitis, Encephalopathy, Varices. Who does he recommend if a TIPS shunt has to be inserted. Hopefully your hepc will never progress to needing any of these treatments like mine did. But you will want a Gastro/Hepatologist who is very well versed in this, plus very experienced with the Infn/Riba regimen. Make sure he is very positive. There is nothing sorse than a Dr. that gives you a grim outlook. I once had a Dr. who told me, ‘You are going to be on the transplant wait list for several years. I don’t know if I can keep you alive that long’ Allen ltx 7/9/04 UCSF (living donor)

Response:

I have observed that everyone, absolutely everyone, who has been referred to a specialist has been told by the referring gp that the specialist is either the best or one of the best in the country/province/state. Has anyone else noticed this? Waterspider

Response:

Yes indeed!! Fortunately in my case it turned out to be true!! (as I’m here to testify!!) — Shawn (use the "reply feature on your browser to send a private reply via E-Mail.) "Waterspider" <waterspi…@moonshine.net> wrote in message

news:oXt9f.94669$ir4.47949@edtnps90… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I have observed that everyone, absolutely everyone, who has been referred >to a specialist has been told by the referring gp that the specialist is >either the best or one of the best in the country/province/state. Has >anyone else noticed this? > Waterspider

Response:

My PCP simply sent me to my BCLD after I tested + for HCV.However he did tell me that my BCLD was the only Doc in town(Louisville,KY) that is a HCV specialist and that he no longer treats new GI patients.It turned out that my BCLD just happened to be one of the top authorities in treating HCV.I simply lucked out that the only HCV Doc was Ben Cecil.All my labs (except the one’s that are usually out of whack on TX)are normal,my ALT’s are normal and I have a zero VRL.My spleen is within normal size now as well as my liver.Finally good news,this is my 4th try back to back to get SVR.Although I do have 19 1/2 months to go on TX. BrianD "Waterspider" <waterspi…@moonshine.net> wrote in message

news:oXt9f.94669$ir4.47949@edtnps90… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have observed that everyone, absolutely everyone, who has been referred > to a specialist has been told by the referring gp that the specialist is > either the best or one of the best in the country/province/state. Has > anyone else noticed this? > Waterspider

Response:

top-posted… Hey Shawn! Yesssir, I vote for your BCLD as the bestest there is, and you *are* the proof. Hope all is as well as can be, buddy, for you and Randi. Take care and I’ll be talking to ya soon! Spidey "Shawn" <m…@privacy.net> wrote … – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Yes indeed!! Fortunately in my case it turned out to be true!! (as I’m > here to testify!!) > — > "Waterspider" <waterspi…@moonshine.net> wrote … >>I have observed that everyone, absolutely everyone, who has been referred >>to a specialist has been told by the referring gp that the specialist is >>either the best or one of the best in the country/province/state. Has >>anyone else noticed this?

Response:

An aside about BCLDs Group: alt.support.hepatitis-c Date: Mon, Oct 31, 2005, 7:07pm (CST+6) From: waterspi…@moonshine.net (Waterspider) I have observed that everyone, absolutely everyone, who has been referred to a specialist has been told by the referring gp that the specialist is either the best or one of the best in the country/province/state. Has anyone else noticed this? Waterspider /////////// ahahahahahahaha!!! You gotta point, Spidey. I wonder if a GP has ever told his patient "This guy isn’t worth a shit, but he’s the only one I know." My GP said the guy he referred me to was ‘excellent’, but turned out to be an ass. I found a really good specialist by finding out who participated regularly in clinical trials in my area. elmo http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/DocElmosHepFile http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/TheFamilyAlbum

Response:

HCV

0 RESPONSES

INFO: Guide for the Newly Diagnosed

Question:

An excellent guide for the newly diagnosed is now available at HCV Advocate: "First Steps with HCV for the Newly Diagnosed by Lucinda Porter, RN - this new HCSP Guide has information for the newly diagnosed person so that he or she can partner with his or her medical provider to receive the best possible HCV medical care. Included in the

HCV

0 RESPONSES

Vaccinations

Question:

Im still educating myself but forgive me if the questions are redundant. My Doctor has not said anything about vaccinations for hep A or B. Some of the old posts indicate its a good idea. If its important, why isnt is standard operating medical procedure? Is this something I should insist upon? Opinions appreciated.

Response:

Hello Anon, my doc gave them standard procedure, though he rather implied that I probably didn’t need them because I’m not at too much risk for exposure(?) I’m not sure what to make of that. Isn’t hep a common on imported vegetables? Just a thought. kj

Response:

Everyone who hasn’t already been infected with either HAV or HBV should be immunized against them. Immunization consists of series of 2 or 3 shots, depending on which virus is being targeted. HAV and HBV immunizations are often combined in one series of shots. There is no downside for most people to vaccination against these viruses. An infection with either of them can cause serious complications–even death–for someone infected with HCV. HAV is easily spread through such things as HAV contaminated food. If you ever eat in restaurants you should be concerned about HAV–even if you don’t already have HCV. Better safe than sorry. "kjoh" <kjohyay…@nospamyahoo.com> wrote in message

news:01dbbac706a0d84a3663d3c54109ac0c@localhost.talkaboutsupport.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello Anon, my doc gave them standard procedure, though he rather implied > that I probably didn’t need them because I’m not at too much risk for > exposure(?) I’m not sure what to make of that. Isn’t hep a common on > imported vegetables? > Just a thought. kj

Response:

Hep A is really easy to get. Most people get it from eating in restaurants – ever wonder why there are all those "Employees must wash hands" signs in restaurant bathrooms? Hep B is blood/body-fluid borne. I’d ask about the vaccination for A again. I’d also, maybe later, ask about the vaccination for B. Why not get it, even if the chances of exposure are low? Who needs another chronic liver infection? In article <01dbbac706a0d84a3663d3c54109a…@localhost.talkaboutsupport.com>, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text - "kjoh" <kjohyay…@nospamyahoo.com> wrote: > Hello Anon, my doc gave them standard procedure, though he rather implied > that I probably didn’t need them because I’m not at too much risk for > exposure(?) I’m not sure what to make of that. Isn’t hep a common on > imported vegetables? > Just a thought. kj

Response:

It IS standard operating procedure if labs indicate you don’t have antibodies for them. elmo http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/DocElmosHepFile http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/TheFamilyAlbum

Response:

HCV

0 RESPONSES

Geno 1, low VL, 6 months tx, 92% SVR

Question:

I went through a lot of newer articles over the last couple of days. The main focus seems to be on trying figure out how to predict an SVR, which turns into leads on research on how tx actually works and into coming up more appropriate dosages, durations, etc. What leapt out was the association of lower VL with SVR, when VL isn’t a useful indicator for what kind of liver damage to expect. G In article <chr4l1ht14it70co395i0rnql08tkim…@4ax.com>, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text - greyhackles <greyhack…@NOSPAMyahoo.com> wrote: > On Sun, 16 Oct 2005 10:40:22 GMT, Gordo Mondragon <ga_mondra…@yahoo.com> > wrote: > >This says: > >Geno 1 + > >low VL (<600,000) + > >undetectable weeks 4-24 (that was 41% of the test subjects) + > >6 months tx = > >92% SVR. > >This is from Oct 7 ‘05. > >http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/hep_c/news/2005/ad/100705_a.html > Encouraging statistics aside (as a type-1b waiting for the next post-tx VL > test at the end of the month!) I think the best thing to take from this is the > emerging concept of treating each case interactively, instead of simply > binning someone with HCV into one of two treatment regimens depending on viral > type alone and sticking with it regardless of lab results. > It wasn’t long ago that a VL test at week 4 wasn’t even in the play book… > Cheers > /greyhackles

Response:

On Sun, 16 Oct 2005 10:40:22 GMT, Gordo Mondragon <ga_mondra…@yahoo.com> wrote: >This says: >Geno 1 + >low VL (<600,000) + >undetectable weeks 4-24 (that was 41% of the test subjects) + >6 months tx = >92% SVR. >This is from Oct 7 ‘05. >http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/hep_c/news/2005/ad/100705_a.html

Encouraging statistics aside (as a type-1b waiting for the next post-tx VL test at the end of the month!) I think the best thing to take from this is the emerging concept of treating each case interactively, instead of simply binning someone with HCV into one of two treatment regimens depending on viral type alone and sticking with it regardless of lab results. It wasn’t long ago that a VL test at week 4 wasn’t even in the play book… Cheers /greyhackles

Response:

This says: Geno 1 + low VL (<600,000) + undetectable weeks 4-24 (that was 41% of the test subjects) + 6 months tx = 92% SVR. This is from Oct 7 ‘05. http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/hep_c/news/2005/ad/100705_a.html

Response:

HCV