Aa
2 Years Later
Hello
It's been two years since I stopped my third treatment and I just wanted others to know what' happening. In case you didn't know, I went through three treatments. The traditional, then Pegasys, then One shot per day for two months, along with Amantadine. Unfortunately for me, nothing worked.
However, I just wanted to add that I have not progressed at all. On the contrary, my ALT and AST numbers are lower than they've been in the past ten years. I don't know if I can attribute Sam-E to that or not. The doctor wants me to continue taking it.
I'm in stage 2 Fibrosis and have been for ten years. In July it will have been 5 years since I stopped drinking. The doctor seems to think that has a lot to do with not progressing. At any rate, a couple of notes: My very curly hair is now just wavy. The doctor said that is directly related to the treatment. The gaunt look on my face took nearly two years after treatment to go away and I now look normal.
I guess I'm posting this to give some of you an insight on what you may expect after stopping treatment. Naturally, everyone's different. My energy level appears to be at where it was before starting treatment. Another thing, my skin still has a splotchy look to it, especially in my arms. That is related to treatment, because I never had skin like that prior to treatment. So, in conclusion, you can expect to get back to 90% normal after you stop treatment, but it can be a slow process. Now, like some of you, I'm waiting for the Protease Inhibitor trials to begin. The doctor said we bought 2 years of time with treatment.
It's been two years since I stopped my third treatment and I just wanted others to know what' happening. In case you didn't know, I went through three treatments. The traditional, then Pegasys, then One shot per day for two months, along with Amantadine. Unfortunately for me, nothing worked.
However, I just wanted to add that I have not progressed at all. On the contrary, my ALT and AST numbers are lower than they've been in the past ten years. I don't know if I can attribute Sam-E to that or not. The doctor wants me to continue taking it.
I'm in stage 2 Fibrosis and have been for ten years. In July it will have been 5 years since I stopped drinking. The doctor seems to think that has a lot to do with not progressing. At any rate, a couple of notes: My very curly hair is now just wavy. The doctor said that is directly related to the treatment. The gaunt look on my face took nearly two years after treatment to go away and I now look normal.
I guess I'm posting this to give some of you an insight on what you may expect after stopping treatment. Naturally, everyone's different. My energy level appears to be at where it was before starting treatment. Another thing, my skin still has a splotchy look to it, especially in my arms. That is related to treatment, because I never had skin like that prior to treatment. So, in conclusion, you can expect to get back to 90% normal after you stop treatment, but it can be a slow process. Now, like some of you, I'm waiting for the Protease Inhibitor trials to begin. The doctor said we bought 2 years of time with treatment.
I never meant to suggest that ANYONE spends too much time here, you just keep on doing what you are doing. Actually, I have kinda dubbed you "the cheerleader" of the group as you are always there with a kind word, you lift us up when we are acting pitiful, you give us encouragement when we are fed up, you make us smile when we want to cry, and your overall attitude is one of genuine concern and thoughtfulness. I think everyone looks forward to getting your (((smiles))), (((hugs))) etc. and I thank you for all the time you share with us. Couch
I cl'ed 2yrs ago almost to the day. I know my health has improved, not gotten any worse, because i'm still alive today 30 mo after my liver failed. I figure I've managed to halt and maybe reverse some of the damage. Just knowing about the hep c allows one to make lifestyle changes for the better. Any knowledge helps. I, too, swear by SAM-e. I'm always surprised more people aren't taking it. Do you have a good, cheap source? It is pricy.
what is it they say?: one man's garbage is another man's treasure, it could translate here into; one person's chit chat is another person's lifeline.
tolerance, patience and humor is what I wish to find here, not data input only.
I know we can get frustrated, but can we keep the lashing out to a minimum, please? It may hinder those that are waffling about posting, or keep those in need of some comfort from reaching for it.
tolerance, patience and humor is what I wish to find here, not data input only.
I know we can get frustrated, but can we keep the lashing out to a minimum, please? It may hinder those that are waffling about posting, or keep those in need of some comfort from reaching for it.
Sam-e is a wonder supplement..It increases the natural production of dopimen.. Which battles depression and acts as a mood leveler.. In a trial study of Hep c patients with end stage liver disease, 47% prolonged the need for transplant, where the others needed them!! It was shown that it increased liver functions, a way of life for these patients..The recommended dose as per this study is 1200mg a day.. Now if you are paying for these, you will go broke.. I just purchased 30, 400 mg tabs for $43.. Try www.swansonvitamins.com, or www.puritanspride.com.. These are the best direct suppliers for supplements, and usually run sales for 80% off..This is when to buy..
As for Sam-e, my research shows direct link to actual documented progression with hep c.. Another excellent supplment that is also documented to aid with interferon treatment is NAC.. This is N- Acetyl Cysteine.. This is what they give people that come into Emergency room with drug overdoses, to protect the liver.. It is also a natural anti-oxidant that LIVER produces to stop cell detruction!! People such as ourselves need this, as we already have damage, and liver does not function as it should..
I am not a doctor, nor are any of these substances FDA approved to treat anything, but studies show that they help!!! Why not do everthing possible.. Nac is an amino acid produced by liver to make gsh..A combination of cell protecting anti-oxidants..
Next round of drugs for hep c, are still 3 to 4 years away..We must all do every possible thing to prolong are lives, or role over and do nothing!!! I personally must do everthing possible to survive!!! As all of you should too!!!
As for Sam-e, my research shows direct link to actual documented progression with hep c.. Another excellent supplment that is also documented to aid with interferon treatment is NAC.. This is N- Acetyl Cysteine.. This is what they give people that come into Emergency room with drug overdoses, to protect the liver.. It is also a natural anti-oxidant that LIVER produces to stop cell detruction!! People such as ourselves need this, as we already have damage, and liver does not function as it should..
I am not a doctor, nor are any of these substances FDA approved to treat anything, but studies show that they help!!! Why not do everthing possible.. Nac is an amino acid produced by liver to make gsh..A combination of cell protecting anti-oxidants..
Next round of drugs for hep c, are still 3 to 4 years away..We must all do every possible thing to prolong are lives, or role over and do nothing!!! I personally must do everthing possible to survive!!! As all of you should too!!!
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