4 week labs just in....

[illo]

I am flying higher than a kite!

From experience, my doc has never seen a cirrhotic liver go undie in 4 weeks, and he did everything to prep me that I was going to be taken off tx if I didn't drop a log.  WELL.........

This was his email I just received.  I love that man, and I love all the herbs and milk thistle I've been taking, and in spite of what many of you think of them or me, I love you all, too....


Dear Chris,
Congratulations!  It looks like you have a virologic response with a drop in
viral load from log 6 to undetectable virus.  This is obviously a great sign
that you will have a "sustained virologic response" after completion of
treatment.  Keep up the great work!  I will be in touch with Carol on Monday
regarding these results.
Best regards,
Joseph


(I also posted this on my friends forum over at hepslayer, so if you're over there, you'll see duplicates.  I love this site, but I am trying to support my friend, too. Sorry.)

[wyntre9]

Just got back on internet and saw your good news.

Congrats!  Way to go!

Wyntre

[anise]

Great to hear you take herbal supplements.  I used to frequent Dr. Zhang's site back in 2000, (along with HepCWarriors).  Always heard how important it was to use herbal supplements for sx's and to keep the liver healthy.  For myself I use a chinese doctor, Dr. Wang, in my area - he is considered an expert in the field of herbal medicines.  I swear whenever we used his herbal concoctions we got better.  Before treating I used his formula since 2000, and my liver enzymes stayed in the teen range.  However, due to my own diet, etc., my enzymes rose to over 100 (I wasn't taking his herbs for over a year).  I truly believe that if one stayed with a reputable herbal doctor the liver would would not be in danger.  It is also understandable why people treat - they do not want to have a virus, as herbal remedies are unable to eradicate the virus. In essence, the body lives with the virus.

Thanks for posting on what you take during treatment.  You are quite an individual!

[illo]

Thanks guys for all the support!  I really mean it.  

I'm still flyin' high!  

I wish everyone SVR forever!!!!!!!!  

Enjoy the great weekend & keep picturing yourselves
what it will be like when you are SVR, what you'll do,
how you'll feel.  Hold on to that feeling.  It's important.

Hugs to all!

[BonnieRobin]

I think I will try the Lugustrin I have TMJ since last September...and its been causing me problems...............

Thank you so much for you info.
And again CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BThompson4]

I take a One-A-Day vitamin for men, not the brand name but the Equate version from Wal-Mart, about four dollars per bottle.  I know nobody wants to hear this, but I think it has helped me get undetectable.  Week 49 of 72; gen 1a.

[EspritLibre1]

great news!!!!!!

[orphanedhawk]

I put a ladybug outside on the fuschia where she is happily hanging out. She's my little you!  
     I'm doing well, keeping my fingers crossed about no more surprises. I'm still aiming for 32 weeks, give or take??  That's only 6 more, whoopee. I like doing less interferon, weaning myself away from tx.  Other than that my life is beautiful if a bit dull. And my feet are already itchy.
    Sending you giant bear hugs,  Think Peace           OH

[orphanedhawk]

After reading a comment of your on another thread, I thought I'd add my two cents. I am so glad there is another person on the forum who uses so called alternative medicine. I see an herbalist and have used herbs while doing tx for the sx and to aid my liver. I wish I was more disciplined but I do some meditation which helps me relax. I always use it in response to anxiety attacks ( sx of tx). And at the risk of sounding like the nut I am, I massage my liver area and send love to it. I stubbornly believe that love can cure all.
  You know, as far as things fitting in the box, I think people are so frustated since so little is known about HCV and it is so variable; it doesn't fit any boxes. Ultimately, we have our intuition, instincts, inner feelings, call it what you like, but its up to us, indivisually.
   I'm really grateful for the information you so willingly share.        
                          Good night.    OH

[ladybug52]

Hi guys, hate to hi-jack a thread but I never am usually on when you two are.
How are you doingOH, How are you and Nick, Child. Did he get his results yet?
OH 26 weeks, good job!
Well I'm soing to go take a nap. I will talk to you both later.
HUGS!!!
Bug
(Elaine, I stole "hugs" from you, and I use it all the time, thanks)

[debnevada]

couldn't be happier for you dear.

if i could dance i would!
xoxox
deb

[orphanedhawk]

Hey, what great uplifting news. You are not only doing great but helping others. You will SVR (me too.)
   Keep up the good work and great attitude !!!!            oh

[Forseegood]

Hey, this is a great way to end my dealings here tonight, to read this!!!! I'm soooo happy for you, you must be on cloud 9...youre going to be alright, for sure...hearty congrats to you!!!!

[mikesimon]

Congratulations on the great and, may I say, unexpected results. This is just wonderful news! I wish you good luck. Mike

[ladybug52]

That's wonderful. I don't take herbs or supplements, but I'm not dicrediting their effectiveness. I'm just uninformed and scared to try things new. I have a good friend who owns a Natural Health store and she was telling me about a couple of things I should take. I'll post it some where above and maybe you can tell me if you've heard of the stuff she recommended.
Congratulations again!
Hugs,
Bug

[illo]

I take 2-12 grams of C a day.  Sorry

[illo]

I want to thank you all for your heartfelt support and caring.  I couldn't have done it without you.

Some of you wanted to know what I am taking, and here it is:

Milk Thistle with phosphatidylcholine  (Super syliphos)
Milk Thistle and Dandelion infusion  (I think this is very important)  I make it myself with
organic milk thistle seeds and dandelion root.  Put 1/4 cup each in a stainless or enameled pan, add 2 qts water and simmer for 45 min.  Let stand 6 hours.  Drink 1 to 2 cups a day.
(I'm only 114 lbs, so you can do more)
I take NADH for energy
Natural thyroid & Iodine (personal-monitored)
2-6 grams of Ester C throughout the day (you may have to start with 2 and build bowel tolerance)
2 good probiotics every am
(Glyconutrients are good-I take them on and off)
B-100
SAMe for anti-depression and joint inflammation
Occasional B-12 shot or B-12/folic acid sublingual
ITP herbs for low Platelets (works great!)
Dr Zhang's herbs help greatly:
Ligustrin for tinnitus
Copemine for low WBC (still waiting for this to kick in)
MVM Liver Formula  (HCV multi vitamin with no iron)
Hep F # 2
Circulation P (which gets the interferon and herbs to the smallest capillaries)
(All of these are described on his site:  http://www.sinomedresearch.org
You have to register- he's been harrassed by the pharma companies

I also started taking, instead of gyconutrients, 8oz of Aloe Force (cold pressed
aloe vera), with 8 tsps gary null's green powder and his red powder.  The red's
repair DNA expression

And, I watch and use the tools in 'The Secret' & Ester Hicks books.

I know it's a lot, it's paying off now.

I also want to say this about herbs, go to someone that has knowledge if you are
leary of them.  I was in the beginning because of the way we've all been indoctrinated
to fear them by the media.  No one has died of vitamin c, but thousands die every
year of anti-inflammatories. Yet you don't hear anything.  It would be like taking your motorcycle to a car dealer for repairs, you wouldn't because he only knows and has studied cars.  Naturopaths go to medical school like MD's, (Naturopathic doctors may have skills in several areas, and the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine typically covers the following subjects:

    * Basic medical sciences
    * Conventional diagnostics
    * Naturopathic education
    * Therapeutic nutrition
    * Botanical medicine
    * Homeopathy
    * Natural childbirth
    * Classical Chinese medicine
    * Hydrotherapy
    * Naturopathic manipulative therapy
    * Pharmacology
    * Minor surgery),
but realize that the docs treat the symptoms. Most of them give you an aspirin if you have a headache, but don't ask why you have the headache in the first place.  ND's change their course when they realize this fact.  I am glad there are regular MD's and glad there are ND's.  Both can benefit each other very much.  Which is why I like Dr Zhang.  He is trained in both and will tell you honestly which way to go.

Not everyone will agree with me, but they don't have to.  I can only go by what I've experienced.

Bless you all and SVR Forever!!!!

[desertdreamer]

Congratulations illo, isn't it great to get good news? Had my 4-week labs today & the suspense is already killing me. (But if it hasn't dropped, I almost don't want to know.) Your news is great encouragement!

[Catll]

Great news!!! You are very close to SVR, thank you for sharing it with us!

[goldyn]

Wow what a Blessing, your chances of svr are looking great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[NewEnglandLady]

That is wonderful news illo!   It makes treatment more tolerable when you know its working.

That makes two of us who were undetectable at 4 weeks.  I did not have a liver biopsy, just opted for treatments once I found out from the American Red Cross that I had Hep C.  

I did shot 5 last night.  Each week gets easier!   Best wishes for your continued success illo!  I will check in with you periodically to see how you are doing.  I plan on completing all 24 weeks.  How about you?

Jane

[copyman]

CONGRATS !!!!! please let us know what tx meds you take and added sups?

[BonnieRobin]

Whenever you have time I know your celebrating the good news..I would like to know what genoype you are and if your on Pegasys??
Whatever brew it is let us know what it is................
The best!!!

[anafromtexas]

WOW!!  What great news.  So what supplements are you taking?  You must be doing something right!!

[Myown]

I'm so happy for you! This is wonderful news!