Aa
Post tx of combo ifn I now have rosacea with no prior history?
I have never had rosacea in my life. Now, five months after 60 month history of ifn I get exactly what you see in this picture of rosacea:
http://dermis.multimedica.de/dermisroot/en/53231/image.htm
I also am having inflexible and a gradual increase in joint pain. However that may come from less rigorous exercise in recent past required by hcv recovery. A few other symptoms remain, but rosacea is very new and never occurred during tx. It started on about week three of post tx.
As always, thanks for your time.
http://dermis.multimedica.de/dermisroot/en/53231/image.htm
I also am having inflexible and a gradual increase in joint pain. However that may come from less rigorous exercise in recent past required by hcv recovery. A few other symptoms remain, but rosacea is very new and never occurred during tx. It started on about week three of post tx.
As always, thanks for your time.
Four letters in last name, starts with "N"
This is not to say he may or may not have a wealth of information but just that there appears to be a major controversy on at least one major web site regarding a number of issues that many find troubling.
This is not to say he may or may not have a wealth of information but just that there appears to be a major controversy on at least one major web site regarding a number of issues that many find troubling.
Jim, on your 1/1/07 post were you referring to a Dr. N***NO? The ***'s do not indicate the number of letters between the N and the NO, of course. If so, thanks for your thoughts, I was about to waste my time. Some AIH research brought me to this site. Al
Definitely see an endocrinologist. Of course, they must be open to testosterone. Most MD's fear testosterone due to the cancer danger of taking too much. My recent endocrinologist, pre-hcv, started at half the dose I now take and worked up to current dose after monthly tests over a year. I have psa tested every three to six months. I have not found testosterone to be a significant help in libido or performance areas before contracting hcv. I used to take a quarter chip of Viagra, before hcv, if (remember I am 66) I had sex in past two to three days. I have never tried Viagra since hcv, of course. I found a simple moderate amounts of alcohol to be the best support for the libido. Now, there is zero libido, unfortunately, thanks to contracting hcv. I am begging to whip this thing at any cost. I just want to feel good again. My wife and I however, greately miss our intimacy. I intend to step up exercise if I remain negative at 6 months. I used to hike long distances on weekends, but that has all stopped. I think good health, i.e., exercise is the key to libido and performance.
I find my best approach to depression and fatigue, post-tx, is twofold: mild exercise going up a 15 degree treadmill for ten minutes, at a slow pace and 10 ounces of pure, fresh vegetable juice, two times a day. I use a GreenPower juicer. After both, I am improved 50-70%. If that does not work, and if I have a severe headache, I take an enema (very taboo subject with most people). I almost completely recover. I.e., I feel like 90% for almost a day.
I find that I got, during tx, greater constipation with psyllium. My hcv doc said to take Docusate Sodium and Metamucil (psyllium). I stopped the orange flavored Metamucil due to horrible GERD arising from it. I may try it again now that I am post-tx not having GERD as much; but I am taking the orange peel extract (Citrus sinensis) which seems to have stopped GERD so I may try the orange Metamucil again. The Docusate Sodium does not any longer do the trick. That situation seems to be getting worse, but of recent maybe improving slightly.
As I said in earlier post, I am much more sensitive to sugar. I no longer have dairy, icecream, or medium to high glycemic foods. Too much at stake at this time. One thing at a time for me now. I get athletes foot immediately if I indulge in even small amounts of sugar. Thanks for your help. Al
I find my best approach to depression and fatigue, post-tx, is twofold: mild exercise going up a 15 degree treadmill for ten minutes, at a slow pace and 10 ounces of pure, fresh vegetable juice, two times a day. I use a GreenPower juicer. After both, I am improved 50-70%. If that does not work, and if I have a severe headache, I take an enema (very taboo subject with most people). I almost completely recover. I.e., I feel like 90% for almost a day.
I find that I got, during tx, greater constipation with psyllium. My hcv doc said to take Docusate Sodium and Metamucil (psyllium). I stopped the orange flavored Metamucil due to horrible GERD arising from it. I may try it again now that I am post-tx not having GERD as much; but I am taking the orange peel extract (Citrus sinensis) which seems to have stopped GERD so I may try the orange Metamucil again. The Docusate Sodium does not any longer do the trick. That situation seems to be getting worse, but of recent maybe improving slightly.
As I said in earlier post, I am much more sensitive to sugar. I no longer have dairy, icecream, or medium to high glycemic foods. Too much at stake at this time. One thing at a time for me now. I get athletes foot immediately if I indulge in even small amounts of sugar. Thanks for your help. Al
Thanks for your descriptions and insights. I need to check into the Testosterone issue myself, and all the other hormonal stuff as well. My thyroid got banged up during tx, and I have been on 1.0 MG synthroid for almost three years. I would assume other hormones, and glandular secretions are out of whack as well. Probably have major SSRI issues also, since I now feel very lethargic frequently, and somewhat depressed, on a physical level.
I also have suffered huge libido and performance problems since ending tx. I am not sure that the Testosterone is the answer, especially for the ED, but maybe for the libido, and muscle deterioration. I am absolutely, 100% certain that Interferon caused the sexual problems, since it all began on tx, and the doctors anticipated that the ED would develop on tx. They just don't tell you that it may well persist long term after therapy has ended! I am not sure that they understand that issue yet.
I am also in the same boat as far as constipation after tx! Metamucil, in large doses, is my daily friend. I seem to crave sweets and carbohydrates after tx, just the opposite of on tx. My blood sugar, and GTT numbers are quickly pushing toward pre-diabetes levels, and my GP is concerned. Lots of fallout from tx....but at least my liver functions are normal!
I just hope we can all find a way back to healthy, normal functioning. The medical community has been painfully slow to acknowledge these post-tx problems. All of our voices may help them focus. Keep in the conversations, and welcome to the forum. Your input is always appreciated.
DoubleDose
I also have suffered huge libido and performance problems since ending tx. I am not sure that the Testosterone is the answer, especially for the ED, but maybe for the libido, and muscle deterioration. I am absolutely, 100% certain that Interferon caused the sexual problems, since it all began on tx, and the doctors anticipated that the ED would develop on tx. They just don't tell you that it may well persist long term after therapy has ended! I am not sure that they understand that issue yet.
I am also in the same boat as far as constipation after tx! Metamucil, in large doses, is my daily friend. I seem to crave sweets and carbohydrates after tx, just the opposite of on tx. My blood sugar, and GTT numbers are quickly pushing toward pre-diabetes levels, and my GP is concerned. Lots of fallout from tx....but at least my liver functions are normal!
I just hope we can all find a way back to healthy, normal functioning. The medical community has been painfully slow to acknowledge these post-tx problems. All of our voices may help them focus. Keep in the conversations, and welcome to the forum. Your input is always appreciated.
DoubleDose
I also had rosacea right after treatment and also had H. Pyloria twice during treatment. How weird is that. I finished treatment on May 5th 2006 and had 1 beer on May 15th and my face was on fire and had it ever since. I am fine now. It flares up once in awhile. I am undetectable still 8 months post. Ya HOO!! Good luck to everyone and Happy New Year!!
I do not know what to say. I have found a new family. "Everyone" is smart, honest, caring and not competitive! I have been away a day and return with this wonderful information about post tx symptoms, most of which, as DoubleDose (DD) states, "There is a definite pattern to all this post-tx stuff,...and 'basket' of nasty problems,..."
Jim: Kalio1 might be right in the big picture, but with myself, I have never had anything like rosacea before tx. I believe, in my case, tx is definitely the culprit, with little doubt. Thanks to you, I will see a Derm and not a GP, especially with the info provided herein by you and others.
Jim and RTS: I am 66 years and at about 50 I discovered my "free testosterone" was low. I did extensive reading about the supportive functions of testosterone beyond the muscle and sexual issues. At the time I was only interested in good health, without any sexual concerns. Endocrinologists found I should take AndroGel 1%, 5 grams size, which I have done daily throughout tx (Actually a little less during tx because I was paranoid it might be a burden on my liver.). The first "hint" something was wrong--before I knew I had contracted hcv, was when libido vanished. 5 months post-tx my libido has not recovered. Curious RTS, I also developed hypoglycemia during tx and still have it along with a much greater sensitivity to high glycemic carbohydrates. Jim, since you asked about gastro problems, I have had constipation problems prior to tx, but now it is five times worse even though I no longer eat red meat. I too have the neck, spine and joints problem. Neck started first, then knees and back. If I sit down for ten minutes, I am dramatically stiff when I stand up. When the first doc stopped my meds, same thing happened; in fact I thought the contaminated blood causing my hcv was also contaminated with Lyme disease! Jim, thanks. I will let you know what happens on my rosacea, especially since you have done extensive internet study.
Scott: Thanks for the AIH information. I will follow up on this also.
DD: I had similar post-tx symptoms, excluding the balance and gait problems. My back extended not just up and down the spine, but laterally just in back of the liver area. As you, I was absolutely CERTAIN I had relapsed. Your hypothesis/theory explanations are very insightful. They have been my ruminations as well!
Finally, thank you all! Al
Jim: Kalio1 might be right in the big picture, but with myself, I have never had anything like rosacea before tx. I believe, in my case, tx is definitely the culprit, with little doubt. Thanks to you, I will see a Derm and not a GP, especially with the info provided herein by you and others.
Jim and RTS: I am 66 years and at about 50 I discovered my "free testosterone" was low. I did extensive reading about the supportive functions of testosterone beyond the muscle and sexual issues. At the time I was only interested in good health, without any sexual concerns. Endocrinologists found I should take AndroGel 1%, 5 grams size, which I have done daily throughout tx (Actually a little less during tx because I was paranoid it might be a burden on my liver.). The first "hint" something was wrong--before I knew I had contracted hcv, was when libido vanished. 5 months post-tx my libido has not recovered. Curious RTS, I also developed hypoglycemia during tx and still have it along with a much greater sensitivity to high glycemic carbohydrates. Jim, since you asked about gastro problems, I have had constipation problems prior to tx, but now it is five times worse even though I no longer eat red meat. I too have the neck, spine and joints problem. Neck started first, then knees and back. If I sit down for ten minutes, I am dramatically stiff when I stand up. When the first doc stopped my meds, same thing happened; in fact I thought the contaminated blood causing my hcv was also contaminated with Lyme disease! Jim, thanks. I will let you know what happens on my rosacea, especially since you have done extensive internet study.
Scott: Thanks for the AIH information. I will follow up on this also.
DD: I had similar post-tx symptoms, excluding the balance and gait problems. My back extended not just up and down the spine, but laterally just in back of the liver area. As you, I was absolutely CERTAIN I had relapsed. Your hypothesis/theory explanations are very insightful. They have been my ruminations as well!
Finally, thank you all! Al
Copy,
Could you please post a link to actual study/paper/review or a path to follow for same at Clinical Care Options site. Lots of info there but badly organized and all I found was a study profile.
Susan,
Sorry you're having post tx skin problems. I'm not at all familiar with T.E.M.P. but from your general description it sounds like another case of an interferon altered immune system. Hopefully your current tx will work out, but if not, do not hesitate to get a second (or even third opinion) inlcuding another biopsy or at least another reading of your current biopsy. I ended up seeing five derms, all with good reputations, but with some disagreement over what I had and what my biopsy meant. Bottom line is if you seem to be getting better, stay the present course but if things stall, or get worse, a second opnion can never hurt. Hope it all works out.
All the best,
-- Jim
Could you please post a link to actual study/paper/review or a path to follow for same at Clinical Care Options site. Lots of info there but badly organized and all I found was a study profile.
Susan,
Sorry you're having post tx skin problems. I'm not at all familiar with T.E.M.P. but from your general description it sounds like another case of an interferon altered immune system. Hopefully your current tx will work out, but if not, do not hesitate to get a second (or even third opinion) inlcuding another biopsy or at least another reading of your current biopsy. I ended up seeing five derms, all with good reputations, but with some disagreement over what I had and what my biopsy meant. Bottom line is if you seem to be getting better, stay the present course but if things stall, or get worse, a second opnion can never hurt. Hope it all works out.
All the best,
-- Jim
Hi there Jim. I don't know if you saw my posting a few days ago about something I've been diagnosed with post treatment with the initials of T.M.E.P. It stands for telengiectiasia Macularis Eruptiva Perstans. Anyhow, I don't know that much about it except it came up on the skin biopsy that the dermatologist did a couple of weeks back on 12/19. The path report says that there's a predominance of mast cells. She ran some more labwork to rule out a systemic cause. I asked her about the interferon causing it, but forgot to ask about the Riba. She said that she didn't think that it would cause it. But, she was not that familiar with an adult getting this particular result back on the path. She said that it's more common in kids. Anyway, Rosacea was not the diagnosis, nor was it mentioned. I'm having a tendency to believe that it's a direct result of the treatments though. I didn't notice this disorder until about the time that I stopped treatment, round about 6 mon. ago. Have you ever heard of this? Have you ever heard of the biopsy coming back with something of this nature after treatment? For now, the initial treatment is Zantac and Allegra. She might have to adjust the antihistamine dose she said.
Susan
Susan
Your feedback is highly appreciated on this subject. It reinforces the reality that we are dealing with in the post-tx phase. Lots of issues, few answers!
RTS....now that you have formally joined the SVR ranks....sorry to hear about your post-tx sx. They seem to be pretty similar to what we are all hearing about. The dizziness thing is really bothersome. I have it more and more frequently and it seems to go hand-in-hand with some of the balance and walking problems that I also have. It feels like the base of my skull is the origin on many of these problems, and I sense a deteriorating physiology in that region...neck, base of head, shoulders, spinal column...to the point that I feel as if the nerves and connective tissues are all becoming irritated, dysfunctional, and extremely stressed. The involuntary muscle contraction throughout my body is often very high. Small stressors cause major internal reactions, as well as autoimmune flare ups.
I hate this feeling of dizziness, being off-balance when I move my head around, and much more vertigo than in the past. My back and ribs are always cramping or painful. My lungs frequently burn and are weaker than ever in the past. Wierd stuff, and it all interferes with daily living! As several of my doctors now readily acknowledge, Interferon is very potent medecine! The full ramifications of its long term use are still becoming understood. We are all 'works in progress'!
Good to hear from all of you.
Have a pleasant holiday!
DoubleDose
RTS....now that you have formally joined the SVR ranks....sorry to hear about your post-tx sx. They seem to be pretty similar to what we are all hearing about. The dizziness thing is really bothersome. I have it more and more frequently and it seems to go hand-in-hand with some of the balance and walking problems that I also have. It feels like the base of my skull is the origin on many of these problems, and I sense a deteriorating physiology in that region...neck, base of head, shoulders, spinal column...to the point that I feel as if the nerves and connective tissues are all becoming irritated, dysfunctional, and extremely stressed. The involuntary muscle contraction throughout my body is often very high. Small stressors cause major internal reactions, as well as autoimmune flare ups.
I hate this feeling of dizziness, being off-balance when I move my head around, and much more vertigo than in the past. My back and ribs are always cramping or painful. My lungs frequently burn and are weaker than ever in the past. Wierd stuff, and it all interferes with daily living! As several of my doctors now readily acknowledge, Interferon is very potent medecine! The full ramifications of its long term use are still becoming understood. We are all 'works in progress'!
Good to hear from all of you.
Have a pleasant holiday!
DoubleDose
I also have the facial reactions after ending therapy, and never had any of it before. My rheumatologist felt that mine was a general autoimmune reaction caused by the interferon, and presenting in a similar way to Lupus. He said that this was a common after-effect of interferon, and proceeded to run a battery of blood tests. My results confirmed a general autoimmune disorder, which does not fall into any clear category. So it is not EXACTLY Lupus, or RA, or Sjogren's Syndrome, etc. but is a little like all three.
The joint pain issue has been HUGE for me since finishing therapy. I was doing pretty well the final months of tx, and then for three or four weeks after finishing tx I felt better than I had in decades, with high energy, alert mind, no joint issues, no memory problems or brain fog, no erectile issues, etc. Then after about a month the #@*# hit the fan, and everything began to hurt. I became heavily fatigued, had joint pains and numbness in various locations, developed sun sensitivity, facial rash from exertion or sun exposure, brain fog, balance and gait problems, etc. I was absolutely CERTAIN that I had relapsed, but funny thing: every test after ending tx has been negative, for over three years! My liver functions remain normal, and PCR's of every variety and sensitivity are totally undetected.
So, my take is that either one of two things happen: After we finish successful therapy we go through a short period of calm, then the withdrawal from the interferon causes our own systems to create a powerful autoimmune over-reaction, and begins to pummel us in a variety of ways. For some on a LONG TERM basis.
OR, maybe at the end of therapy the virus is pretty well eradicated, and the system does not have to engage in any way to fight the virus....but after a few weeks or so, the so called "persistent virus after SVR" asserts itself, and needs to be constantly kept 'in check' by the immune system, in order to prevent this sub-detectable virus from again triggering a full blown chronic infection. Thus the immune system would be in a constant state of 'over-reaction', keeping a very low level virus constantly in 'remission'.
These are my two theories regarding the cause of these common Post-Tx syndromes that many of us seem to be experiencing. There is a definite pattern to all this post-tx stuff, if you read all the posts by our members, as well as comments on other forums by people who are post-tx, and SVR, and seem to have developed this same 'basket' of nasty problems, all right after ending therapy.
This issue is becoming more acknowledged by doctors lately, and will reluctantly begin to receive more study and attention. I don't think the doctors or drug companies are chomping at the bit to figure out what is going on. Its not exactly in their best interest. But how about OUR best interest? Where might that fit into the picture? We will see.....
Happy New Year to ALL of You!
DoubleDose
The joint pain issue has been HUGE for me since finishing therapy. I was doing pretty well the final months of tx, and then for three or four weeks after finishing tx I felt better than I had in decades, with high energy, alert mind, no joint issues, no memory problems or brain fog, no erectile issues, etc. Then after about a month the #@*# hit the fan, and everything began to hurt. I became heavily fatigued, had joint pains and numbness in various locations, developed sun sensitivity, facial rash from exertion or sun exposure, brain fog, balance and gait problems, etc. I was absolutely CERTAIN that I had relapsed, but funny thing: every test after ending tx has been negative, for over three years! My liver functions remain normal, and PCR's of every variety and sensitivity are totally undetected.
So, my take is that either one of two things happen: After we finish successful therapy we go through a short period of calm, then the withdrawal from the interferon causes our own systems to create a powerful autoimmune over-reaction, and begins to pummel us in a variety of ways. For some on a LONG TERM basis.
OR, maybe at the end of therapy the virus is pretty well eradicated, and the system does not have to engage in any way to fight the virus....but after a few weeks or so, the so called "persistent virus after SVR" asserts itself, and needs to be constantly kept 'in check' by the immune system, in order to prevent this sub-detectable virus from again triggering a full blown chronic infection. Thus the immune system would be in a constant state of 'over-reaction', keeping a very low level virus constantly in 'remission'.
These are my two theories regarding the cause of these common Post-Tx syndromes that many of us seem to be experiencing. There is a definite pattern to all this post-tx stuff, if you read all the posts by our members, as well as comments on other forums by people who are post-tx, and SVR, and seem to have developed this same 'basket' of nasty problems, all right after ending therapy.
This issue is becoming more acknowledged by doctors lately, and will reluctantly begin to receive more study and attention. I don't think the doctors or drug companies are chomping at the bit to figure out what is going on. Its not exactly in their best interest. But how about OUR best interest? Where might that fit into the picture? We will see.....
Happy New Year to ALL of You!
DoubleDose
Both those theories make sense and are consistent with what I've experienced. The light at the end of the tunnel is that after a 3.5+ year post-tx rollercoaster ride, most of this has faded away. Maybe my body has finally brought itself back into adjustment - or maybe I've just gained a new level of acceptance for insomnia and pain.
Happy New Year to everyone, couldnt resist a talk of post tx sides. Enough time off and time to get back to worrying again. I am about 32 weeks post treatment and having a variety of problems that I assume is from the treatment drugs. I continue to have on and off dizziness and balance problems although they are not quite as bad as a few months ago. I have this extreme weakness in my leg and arm muscles however, at some time feeling so weak that walking is a chore. My arm and left leg have a numbness and burning sensation at times as well. I have some troubles with breathing and at times cant seem to catch my breath at times. Stress really wires me as well. I have continuing dryness of the skin and some rashes that appear and disappear.
The good news is that I am sleeping way better than I was the last 7 months - the other night getting a record 10 hours of continuous sleep! And no strange dreams either! Thank god for large favors LOL. I attribute this primarily to the testosterone therapy which has also helped my mood a bit. I have been taking androgel for about 3 weeks. I suspect that a lot of the sides I was having were as a result of the damage my endocrine system took during tx. I developed hypoglycemia as well as the low testosterone during tx. Basically speaking I am still feeling like I am in the detox mode. I was reading somewhere that complete detox from a 48 week treatment can take upwards to a year to resolve. I do feel like I am improving overall but I am concerned about these problems with weakness and dizziness. Any ideas?
The good news is that I am sleeping way better than I was the last 7 months - the other night getting a record 10 hours of continuous sleep! And no strange dreams either! Thank god for large favors LOL. I attribute this primarily to the testosterone therapy which has also helped my mood a bit. I have been taking androgel for about 3 weeks. I suspect that a lot of the sides I was having were as a result of the damage my endocrine system took during tx. I developed hypoglycemia as well as the low testosterone during tx. Basically speaking I am still feeling like I am in the detox mode. I was reading somewhere that complete detox from a 48 week treatment can take upwards to a year to resolve. I do feel like I am improving overall but I am concerned about these problems with weakness and dizziness. Any ideas?
rts: Any ideas?
-----------------
I've been thinking about giving TCM a try as its orientation is balancing out the entire system which the tx drugs appear to throw out of whack. I haven't gotten around to it yet but would welcome you (or anyone else) as a guinea pig for my benefit :)
---------------
Can you expand a bit on tetesterone therapy including: what were you testoserone levels prior to therapy and then during therapy? Other than sleeping better what else have you noticed? Do you work out and has the therapy helped build muscle? Any gastro problems solved or caused by the therapy? Does it effect your sex life in any way? How about your skin? I've read good and bad on test therapy regarding rosacea, etc.
Thanks for any help on this and all the best in the New Year.
-- Jim
-----------------
I've been thinking about giving TCM a try as its orientation is balancing out the entire system which the tx drugs appear to throw out of whack. I haven't gotten around to it yet but would welcome you (or anyone else) as a guinea pig for my benefit :)
---------------
Can you expand a bit on tetesterone therapy including: what were you testoserone levels prior to therapy and then during therapy? Other than sleeping better what else have you noticed? Do you work out and has the therapy helped build muscle? Any gastro problems solved or caused by the therapy? Does it effect your sex life in any way? How about your skin? I've read good and bad on test therapy regarding rosacea, etc.
Thanks for any help on this and all the best in the New Year.
-- Jim
You really can't say "make no mistake" this is being caused by your past tx. Everything I read says that tx is only one possible cause amongst a myriad of other possible causes for rosecea.
Not everything that happens post tx in our lives is because of tx. It could be some totally unrelated reason.
Not everything that happens post tx in our lives is because of tx. It could be some totally unrelated reason.
What were you testoserone levels prior to therapy and then
during therapy? Dont know before but afterwards they were less than 200 ng/dl - normal is 250 to 1100.
Other than sleeping better what else have you noticed? Feeling better emotionally - hard to describe - can lie in bed in the morning without feeling freaked out - seems my brain is calmer. I am also much more tolerant of people and patient.
Do you work out and has the therapy helped build muscle? Your kidding right? Seriously though, have started walking and watching what I eat and I am working towards the gym - albeit slowly.
Any gastro problems solved or caused by the therapy? No gastro problems, in fact my stomach seems to have completely resolved from the riba and Peg. That is really a blessing. Not sure if androgel helped.
Does it effect your sex life in any way? Seems somewhat improved, defintely better than a few months ago.
How about your skin? I've read good and bad on test therapy regarding rosacea, etc. Nothing to report as far as sking except for the occasionaly rash that was there before I started nothing happening at the application site either.
Good to see you Jim, hope you have a healthy 2007.
during therapy? Dont know before but afterwards they were less than 200 ng/dl - normal is 250 to 1100.
Other than sleeping better what else have you noticed? Feeling better emotionally - hard to describe - can lie in bed in the morning without feeling freaked out - seems my brain is calmer. I am also much more tolerant of people and patient.
Do you work out and has the therapy helped build muscle? Your kidding right? Seriously though, have started walking and watching what I eat and I am working towards the gym - albeit slowly.
Any gastro problems solved or caused by the therapy? No gastro problems, in fact my stomach seems to have completely resolved from the riba and Peg. That is really a blessing. Not sure if androgel helped.
Does it effect your sex life in any way? Seems somewhat improved, defintely better than a few months ago.
How about your skin? I've read good and bad on test therapy regarding rosacea, etc. Nothing to report as far as sking except for the occasionaly rash that was there before I started nothing happening at the application site either.
Good to see you Jim, hope you have a healthy 2007.
Jim - That last post was to you Jim and I meant "skin" not skiing - that would be funny - 6'4 and 350 pounds of detoxing combo crud coming down the slopes at 100 mph! Watch out beloooooowwww! LOL.
DD - thanks, I got that neck thing going as well. That was the part of me that hurt the most when I was finishing up treatment. It still bothers me now but not as much. If you ever figure this thing out let me know. Have a great holiday.
DD - thanks, I got that neck thing going as well. That was the part of me that hurt the most when I was finishing up treatment. It still bothers me now but not as much. If you ever figure this thing out let me know. Have a great holiday.
hey jim and happy new year,
"I only use Cetaphil moisturizing creme once daily and Cetaphil gentle cleanser. That, and the meds, and a non-irritating, non-chemical sunscreen with zinc and titanium oxide"
Is the Cetaphil OTC or prescription? if OTC where can i buy it? is it possible to have roscea before tx?
Thanks
PS,
i posted this before and was wondering if you have an opinion or comment on it:
has anyone had this CRS (cirrhosis risk score) test done. dr shiffman talks about it on clinical care website. from what i understand it has the ability to predict your chance of getting fibrosis and/or cirrhosis in the future, it is some sort of DNA pcr test that measures 7 different snp's & gender. this test is suppose to be almost 100% accurate. the cost of test is around $500 and i think would be helpful for people that have not started tx (like myself) and may want to wait if this test said they would not develop fibrosis/cirrhosis in the future. the bx as well as the other non invasive tests can tell you if you have liver damage now but not about the future. i guess it all comes down to your DNA & genetics once again on what the future holds. hope someone could offer some insight on this or maybe i will ask hepreseacher when and if he ever comes back. thanks
"I only use Cetaphil moisturizing creme once daily and Cetaphil gentle cleanser. That, and the meds, and a non-irritating, non-chemical sunscreen with zinc and titanium oxide"
Is the Cetaphil OTC or prescription? if OTC where can i buy it? is it possible to have roscea before tx?
Thanks
PS,
i posted this before and was wondering if you have an opinion or comment on it:
has anyone had this CRS (cirrhosis risk score) test done. dr shiffman talks about it on clinical care website. from what i understand it has the ability to predict your chance of getting fibrosis and/or cirrhosis in the future, it is some sort of DNA pcr test that measures 7 different snp's & gender. this test is suppose to be almost 100% accurate. the cost of test is around $500 and i think would be helpful for people that have not started tx (like myself) and may want to wait if this test said they would not develop fibrosis/cirrhosis in the future. the bx as well as the other non invasive tests can tell you if you have liver damage now but not about the future. i guess it all comes down to your DNA & genetics once again on what the future holds. hope someone could offer some insight on this or maybe i will ask hepreseacher when and if he ever comes back. thanks
Cetahphil products are OTC and are in most larger drug stores. It can get confusing with all the nuances but these are the Cetaphil products I use:
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (in plastic bottle) -- this is my twice a day face wash, morning and before bed.
Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar ((not the anti-bacterial bar) looks like bar of soap) -- Sometimes I use this in bath instead of Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser for parts other than face -- especially in the gym since it's easier to transport. Other times I will now substitute either 'Basic" brand soap or one of the hypoallergenic Dove Bars instead of the Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar. Sometimes I I will use the bottled Cleanser all over.
Cetaphil Moiturizing Cream -- the mildest of the moisturizers but also the thickest. I use this sometimes in the morning or after a shower.
Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion -- similar to cream but absorbs better.
Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15 -- sometimes use this in morning since has sunscreen instead of the Cream or Lotion. In the summer I substitute one of the zinc oxide /titanium oxide sunscreens. Unlike some on treatment, I only was advised to use moiturizer on face once, maybe twice a day and not at bedtime when I put on the rosacea topicals.
No, I don't own any stock in the Cetaphil company :)
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Lost my password to the Clinical Options Site but I'll try and check it out soon.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (in plastic bottle) -- this is my twice a day face wash, morning and before bed.
Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar ((not the anti-bacterial bar) looks like bar of soap) -- Sometimes I use this in bath instead of Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser for parts other than face -- especially in the gym since it's easier to transport. Other times I will now substitute either 'Basic" brand soap or one of the hypoallergenic Dove Bars instead of the Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar. Sometimes I I will use the bottled Cleanser all over.
Cetaphil Moiturizing Cream -- the mildest of the moisturizers but also the thickest. I use this sometimes in the morning or after a shower.
Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion -- similar to cream but absorbs better.
Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15 -- sometimes use this in morning since has sunscreen instead of the Cream or Lotion. In the summer I substitute one of the zinc oxide /titanium oxide sunscreens. Unlike some on treatment, I only was advised to use moiturizer on face once, maybe twice a day and not at bedtime when I put on the rosacea topicals.
No, I don't own any stock in the Cetaphil company :)
------------------
Lost my password to the Clinical Options Site but I'll try and check it out soon.
The initial doctor that treated me, gave seven others and I type 1A hcv. For crazy reasons, I trusted him since he was so honest in admitting his office staff infected us. Without going into detail, he stopped tx after 12 weeks, allegedly because he feared that ifn would cause chronic fatigue. I later learned from conversations that it was for other reasons. He said that hcv therapy was well established and a specialist was not necessary. Anyway, upon discovering why he "really" stopped treatment, I went to a doctor with my insurance that treated only hcv patients and s/he prescribed combo tx for 48 weeks. Neither was a hepatologist. I ultimately added a hepatologist to my team (the Gish group) since I did not feel I should stop at week 48 since tx became tolerable. I was paranoid from the first 12 week failure. Thus far, nobody mentioned AIH. I and seven others tested positive TMA (3,000,000 for me). Do you think a separate AIH test might be wise? I have not studied AIH as yet and will do so next. With much thanks, Al
Lastly, there's a Dr. N*** on the Internet who offers rosacea cures, etc, but he is somewhat controversial, so be careful. He is not a medical doctor btw. Again, the internet is the internet -- it's informative, wonderful, and enlightening and also misleading, ugly and with a dark underbelly -- and all at the same time!
-- Jim
-- Jim
If you catch it at this stage you should be OK, but just make sure you're treated by a Derm, not a GP, because rosacea is a very misunderstood condition even among the medical community. Let me know how things go or if I can be of further help. Spent a lot of time researching this out not to mention looking into the mirror and cursing :)
-- Jim
-- Jim
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