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THE DRAGON

DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW HEP C HAS COME TO BE CALLED "THE DRAGON?" I UNDERSTAND THAT IT IS DIFFICULT TO TREAT, BUT WHY THE DRAGON???
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Amerabrit...Hi, First I wanted to comment on "girlie thingys". LOL  had a heck of a time w/ my period while I was on tx. It would come @ stay for months, then all of a sudden, it was gone. I'e been off tx since Dec.2004 @ still no period. I'm really glad, but it probably will start back up, when I start tx again!!!! Hope you are feeling good today...I slept about 4 hours, but it's 3:30am and here I am!!!!! xoxoxoxo,Cindee

gonagetbetr...Hi! I was told no choclote....but that was by my 1st "dummy doctor". I'll ask "Dr.Wonderful" his views. But while on 1st tx. I did have my hubby go to the health food store. I found that I enjoyed "carob"....it's an artificle choc. I loved the carob covered raisins and the carob covered almonds. I found that if I refrig. them 1st they had a much better taste. I used to be a "choco-holic"....NO really....I could have eaten my way out of a room full of chocolate!!!! But since tx.  get this....I have no real desire for it anymore. My g.daughter likes the "shell" chocolate that you put on  ice-cream...it's like syrup, but then when it hits the cold ice-cream...it is yummmmmmmmy. But I have only had that 2X's.

And I've got to share a story w/ you about cotton candy. My best friend had taken her 2 yr old son to the fair....as said before, that's the only time we could find it here. Well, she bought her 2yr old some....and said "Kevin, do you want some cotton candy?" He replied...."NO MOMMY.....I DON'T LIKE "WENT"!!!! At first she was puzzled and then cracked up laughing....he thought is was the same thing you get out of your dryer, in the "LINT" vent!!!! LOL I thought that was so cute....he actually thought It was lint!!!!!   Hope you are doing good these days.... I'm going to try to get to all these posts and then I will post MY visit to the hospital and my "trip" of my biopsy!!!!! love @ prayers, Cindee

Honey....hey girl,.....about the cocktail.....I too, when on tx. decided I had HAD IT W/ THE PAIN!!!!!! I called my hubby @ work and asked him to stop by the ABC store...ya know, All Roads Lead To The ABC Store???? That's a joke my friend and I would always say on "party" nite!!!!! Well....he was reluctant to do so...and ask me if I was SURE???? I said "dang skippy'!!!!! So he did, and then he had to stop to get me a mixer. When he got home...I quickly fixed me a cocktail....and can you believe it? I took 2 drinks outta the glass and I could NOT STAND the taste!!!!! I even tried it once more, about a wk later....the same thing happened....needless to say I poured almost a whole bottle of Absolute down the sink....and I still can't stand the thought of grapefruit!!!!! LOL I bet it cleaned out my kitchen pipes. I did tell my doc about it...and he immediately wrote me a prescription for painkillers...loratabs....to last me thought-out tx!!!!! LOL I love ya girl, prayers to all, Cindee

Indy, TY so much for the story on Dragon's...I too always loved them....being mystical and all. I even have a collection of Gorgoyles....I love them too. My Christian friend "Deb"....who sometimes takes her "preaching" a bit too far...came in my home one day, a longgggg time agao and she called them "emps". She tried to tell me they are of the Devil....well, if someone wants to believe that...so beit. But I love them...I have them in everyroom of my home.....and some very expensive ones too! I won't get rid of my treasures. I also collect the really nice lighthouses....those are some of my pride and joys. I started collecting Gargoyles upon a visit to The Biltmore House, in the mountains of N.C. The Biltmore has them on the eves of the roof tops. They were supposed to protect the house! So I really don't like the hep c being called the Dragon...but I've used that word many times. TY again for letting us know. I esp. liked the drag-on part! LOL I've missed your e-mails!!!!! HAVE YOU LOST MY ADDY????LOL only kidding. But you knew when I was soooooo down and you always elightened me. Even you are the one that sent me one of the poems that was posted somewhere close by. I love ya mannnnnnnnnnn...but you already know that!!!! prayers, Cindee

Showboat....hey girl!!!!! Hope all is well w/ ya! I just wanted to say how funny it is that sometimes we all have the same wants!!!! I have been wanting cotton candy too...well I had a "hankerin'" a wk ago, or so. But do you know they sell it in paper....containers....CANS!?!?!?!? MY g.daughter came home with some a few wks ago. NOW I MUST HAVE SOME!!!!!!! LOL That's one for my "wants" list for tomorrow. Think I'm kidding??? LOL You can believe g.daughter and I will be setting out on a cotton candy "hunt" tomorrow!!!!! LOL HUGS @ KISSES, Cindee

derail.....TY so much for the posting on the mix up on names....I read that post....and I was sitting and starring @ the screen......LOL!!!!! I thought for a minute there I had "forgotten" a "FLASH BACK"!!!!!  Hey Mister, it's NOT SEPT. yet!!!! LOL....I love you too!!!!! prayers, Cindee  ps it's just good to know you're thinking of me!!!!!! ROFLMButtO...hey that didn't look right!!!!LOL anyways YOU MADKE ME LAUGH!!!! How's that????? I just didn't want to say arss!!!!
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Avatar universal
June 11, 2004 was scheduled to be hcv day in Washington, DC. Instead, we know whose day is going to be now. The increasing number of memorials, activities and money wasted on ONE person, with no need for this now, is obscene.  
There were 3 day activities scheduled to begin tomorrow and ending on Sat, there were meetings scheduled with members of congress to promote the need for more research, services and education. All this has now being overshadowed by the sensationalism of the burial of a person who was irresponsible enough to remain in office as president, with diminished mental capacities. I am non partisan, so political party plays no part in this feeling.   All that time and money wasted on ONE human irks the heck out of me.  OUR money.  
HCV takes the back burner one more time...
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go figure. although he was a president,its still only one man. Had he or nancy had a more positive anti disease agenda it might be more understandable. As it is well..... this continues my political rant from several days ago on this forum. It STILL behooves each and every one on this forum to become political by informing others of our plight and encouraging them to be vocal about this issue. Yes, I know the stigma attached to this damn disease ,but can we continue to be apathetic to the point that nothing will ever change. Remember that squeaky wheel does often get oiled but not until it is heard long enough and loud enough. No hahas this i am really **ssed off
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apologies for mixing up re last post
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Avatar universal
BethUK:  I am definitely americanized and hold citizenship here too;  I have to be able to vote!  Congratulations on clearing back in 2002.  That is so encouraging, I hope you're still doing well...  My sister drives into Birmingham from Cheltenham a couple of times a week as her daughter  (15 yrs) takes Irish dancing classes.. it's nice to hear of familiar places:)

Chevy;  You inspire us all every time you post;  you're funny and inquisitive and kind..  need I go on:)
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Avatar universal
(the other thread above was closed - so I'll post the response here):

I'm very sorry to hear about your bone pain. I have been experiencing something similar throughout the majority of my tx. Possibilities I have seen range from - the pain is a response caused when the interferon and riba diminish cell production - to the other end of the spectrum, where in rare cases there occurs bone death, because the riba disrupts blood flow to the growing points (e.g. - the femeral/hip joint).

I'm sorry to report that I, too, haven't been able to find much of anything that can touch the pain. What I have done is go to my primary care doc and have him X-ray the joint (negative, thank God) and on Monday I had an MRI done to determine if adequate blood flow is still occuring to the hip joints (still waiting on the results).

I wish I could be of more hlep to you. But push your doc for pain meds to try and manage it. And you may want to ask for an MRI, too (though some insurance companies will be reluctant to pay for it - so you'll need your doc to push them on it).


May God's blessing and mercy be upon you.


TnHepGuy
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Avatar universal
I live in the West Midlands & got rid of my hep C in 2002 thanks to the Queen Elizabeth Liver Unit, Birmingham!  Have you turned into an American now after having lived there so long?
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Avatar universal
As a wise person on this forum said, "I toast you with my glass of water, and salute you with my celery stick!"


Best regards to you, and Chevy, too!

Pete
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Are you a Brit then, we call it candy floss?
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Avatar universal
I don't know about you, but I've been "draggin'" ever since I started taking this varmit killing cocktail!

Pete
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Avatar universal
I don't know and personally never use 'dragon'.  I prefer virus.  Viruses are something that can be eliminated.  And I was the unwilling host.  B/now its gone.  

The virus it self looks much like a futuristic space thingy.  The mo I was starting tx, Newsweek mag had a cover story on HCV complete w/scientific illustrations of the HCV virus and how tx works.  So, I always thot of it in star wars terms and as an epic battle.  I never heard 'dragon' until I went on the internet in Sept 2002, just as I was finishing tx.

B/what ever works, visualization is a very important tool in healing.  & its free & legal w/o sx's.
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Avatar universal
Good Question on where that name came from! It is crazy when you think about it because this is nothing but a nasty virus!  In my case,,I find that I often do refer to the "Dragon"!  Maybe because its something I am conquering in this lifetime and feel like if I slay the dragon,,,that is put in a better perspective for me then just say "I'm beating the virus,,hep c".  Whatever,,its a challenge that we all have to step up to the plate and face...
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LOL,,,Yeah I want a cocktail lately but not this weekly one we are taking....I'm thinking along the lines of a cocktail that makes me feel good,,,not yucky! haha
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I love cotton candy too, I used to eat it as a child at the fairgrounds; only place you could buy it, made fresh too right in front of my eyes.. we called it candy floss:)
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Yes, I'm English - I was born in Cheltenham, Glos. I came here in 1980 at the age of 24 and have lived here ever since; what about you?
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OK gang.......Here's the scoop.
Hcv is called The Dragon because ancient Chinese Medicine uses the Dragon to represent the Liver. Hcv has been around since Babalyonian times and before. So much for transmission primarily through needle sticks and all the stuff that goes with that.
Here is some stuff that I copied a long time ago as I began my personal battle with "The Dragon".....
______________________________________________________________________

Viral hepatitis is a disease as old as the history of Medicine. Hepatitis was described in the Babylonian Talmud in the Fifth Century BC, and was referenced by Hippocrates over 2000 years ago.

This disease is often called the dragon because it will drag-on and drag-on for the rest of your life; and also because it sleeps for many years before awaking and breathing its fiery breath. It's name is frequently shortened to either HCV for Hepatitis C Virus or CHC for Chronic Hepatitis C.

______________________________________________________________________

                        The Dragon Awaits!



Dragons are a source of both delight and awe as they are so powerful and such a fantasy creature.  In Tibet they say that dragons only appear to certain individuals and only then at certain times.  They represent 'eloquent speech' in Tibetan tradition.  In the Chinese Medical system dragons are said to be represented by the liver in the anatomical system and all the anger and resentments are stored in this organ.  Hepatitis C is a viral condition which may destroy the liver by inflammation and progressing liver disease until a transplant or end stage is reached.  The dragon is used as the symbol for HCV.  The anecdote for anger and like emotions is to modify behavior, meditate to remove stress and practice the art of eloquent speech.  
Here is a prose about the Dragon Of Hepatitis C.

  
                      The Dragon
  

I heard a story the other day, the mean old Dragon had gone away,
but when I looked what did I see?  That dreaded Dragon staring at me.
  
I said, "Hey Dragon, what is your fun?
He said, right off, "Your liver is one"
  
"Well let me be to live again or let me pass in peace,
for this virus you are, is hurting me, I want some quick release."
  
The Dragon breathed his fire as his eyes turned crimson red.
"I'll let you go when I want to, and then you will be dead."
  
Moral:  Get tested for HCV today, you may have it and cannot tell as it lies silently in the liver and destroys it without obvious symptoms until it gets too late.
______________________________________________________________________

Here is a link for a good starter info site for Hcv. The treatment section is dated as it still says the current tx is the old 3x/week interferon, but the rest of it is pretty good.

http://articles.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FSL/is_6_77/ai_103379527
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Personally, I LIKE putting a name and a face on this disease. It is to create a picture for me of the "Thing" that I was fighting. Made it easier for me to wrap my mind around it all. PLUS......That makes me a "Dragon Slayer"!  And all the hottest Babes LOVED the Dragon Slayers in the movies.
Hahahahahahahahaha
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Hey, thanks... that post made sense... it must be my English heritage though that prevents me from embracing the chinese interpretation of this virus;  Although if I find out the virus is back after 12/31/2005, I may well move to China:)
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Indi....Thanks for posting your research.  I am glad I checked back at the medhelp site. You saved me from myself.  I had been surfing the internet trying to find that answer....Must have surfed for two hours.....nothing....it wore me out!!!!! Thank you for posting.....I had to find that answer somewhere.....I should have come back here a lot sooner....would have saved me some time. (lol)

Amerabrit::: I like your name much better than ours....cotton floss sounds more light and has a healthier ring to it. hahahhaha......think I will buy some more tomorrow.....
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Chevy, you rule, and have always been a very positive inspiration to me. Thanks!!! I can't tell you how many times I've thought about stopping this Tx, but am encouraged by all of the positive people here who are doing their best. It REALLY helps me,

God bless us all,

Pete
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Avatar universal
sweeeet, sweeeet , sweet city woman all the way.  

amerabrit; I am with you on the dragon thing, if you noticed it i call it the bug for lack of better analogy, but a bug like flies and mosquitoes, not butterflies.  i like the dragon in Shrek and Disney's reluctant dragon ... i can't call hcv by their name!
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Do not know how the Dragon got it's name.....all I know is that it has been known to be "draggon my butt" at times.......
Ah, yes, sugar:::::::Amerabrit...hahaha I like what you said about being able to kill the dragon if you could not eat sugar. I love my sugar too......hopefully my craving for it will go away soon.  That has been one of my sx.....thankgoodness I did not gain weight on tx, did not lose any either......but since I completed 48/48 last month, I really need to cut that darn sugar out or at least cut down.......I eat bags of cotton candy......ymmmmmmmy yum yum.....:>)
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THANKS
I COME FROM A FAMILY OF MEAT EATERS  THOUGH AND FROM WHAT I READ THE ANIMAL PROTIEN IS SO BAD FOR YOUR LIVER. I AM REALLY JUST EATING A LOT MORE VEGGIES AND VERY LITTLE MEAT. IT IS TOUGH THOUGH AT TIMES. I CAN DEAL WITH DARK CHOCOLATE THOUGH AND WILL GIVE THAT A TRY.
I REALLY THINK THE WATER IS THE HARDEST FOR ME THOUGH. I CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT I WENT MONTHS IF NOT YEARS WITHOUT DRINKING A GLASS. IVE TRIED THE LEMONS AND SOMETIMES OTHER FRUIT AND CAN DEAL WITH A GLASS OR TWO A DAY.
TRY NOT TO WORK TO HARD TODAY AND TAKE IT EASY ON YOURSELF TOO.

HAVE YOU OR ANYONE ELSE HAD A STABBING PAIN IN SHOLDERBLADES BEFORE? I THINK THAT ANYTHING THAT HURTS AROUND THE OLE LIVER AREA SCARES ME NOW. IT LASTS A COUPLE DAYS THEN JUST GOES AWAY
CRAZY STUFF
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Secondtime: I don't know why the virus is called the dragon.  I am probably in a minority here but I don't personally like that moniker and don't use it.  Dragons are mystical magical, creatures with untold strength and powers.  HC is not magical nor mystical, it's a virus, albeit a very clever virus.  It's most mystifying quality is it's ability to mutate itself to hide from the meds.   In my humble opinion, HCV will be eradicated, there will be a vaccine and until that day comes it's much easier for me to deal with a virus than a Dragon.  Right now I'm staying positive about current research efforts and the tx now available.  Having said all that, I do understand and respect that each of us deals with the virus in the way that works best for us; the dragon thing just doesn't work for me, that's all.

Gonagetbtr:  If I couldn't eat sugar or chocolate, I guarantee i could kill the HCV within my body; we'd both starve to death..:)
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YIPEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!

I REALLY DIDN'T WANT TO KILL ANY OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS LOL
THIS WHOLE VEGGIE THING IS TAKING A LOT OF GETTING USE TO
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