Aa
pregnant with hep C, what suppl. are safe? Diet? I don't drink milk
Hello. I am 6 weeks pregnant. First timer and I am 44. Have Hep C. levels are good and low. I usually don't drink nor eat dairy, don't take any coffee nor teas, I am semi vegitarian as i don't usually eat red meat. I t6ake regularly 600mg of Alpha lipoic acid per day. I also take lots of artichoke pills and usually take sylimarin but have stopped that since i am pregnant. i still don't know if all will be okay with the pregnancy as i am spotting but in the meanwhile I'd like to do all the best and right things to make this possible and well. I have started to drink milk and eat red meat once a week (all organic) and wonder if that is a good idea or not. Also used to take spirulina and chlorella but have stopped those too. i do take every day since a few month prenatal vitamins. Can you direct me to the best ways or perhaps tell me some good books. thank you.
32!!! heck I got underwear older than you hehehe
yes it is a very frustrating disease for sure...I am obsessed with finding out exactly when I got this...If I knew for sure, 100%, tip top, no mistakes, that I got it say 10 years ago, I think I would reconsider tx, the progression would be rapid and I wouldn't want to chance it, but I just don't know and it's driving a dip to drink! (carrot juice that is)
Beth
yes it is a very frustrating disease for sure...I am obsessed with finding out exactly when I got this...If I knew for sure, 100%, tip top, no mistakes, that I got it say 10 years ago, I think I would reconsider tx, the progression would be rapid and I wouldn't want to chance it, but I just don't know and it's driving a dip to drink! (carrot juice that is)
Beth
Hey there veg...
I'm 32. I got this 4 1/2 years ago. It is an odd disease. The progression and relapse are two things I obsess on now.
I am so glad I did the biopsy. I was going back and forth on doing it now I know how important it really is. Just like painintheside has had this for 16 years and she's at stage 4. So you never can tell.
Deb in Az
I'm 32. I got this 4 1/2 years ago. It is an odd disease. The progression and relapse are two things I obsess on now.
I am so glad I did the biopsy. I was going back and forth on doing it now I know how important it really is. Just like painintheside has had this for 16 years and she's at stage 4. So you never can tell.
Deb in Az
I'll tell you what my doc said if you tell me what your doc said....seriously I do like my doc. She calls me to see how I'm dealing with my diagnosis...you gotta like that.
I've had this 4 years and have some damage has been done....booze well let's just say I never wasted a Friday night....wasn't much of a during the week drinker though I did make up for it on the weekends. What can I say you can't camp without beer....beer = camping coffee!!
As for being male...I thought I was a male once but realized it was only a tootsie roll I apparantly dropped and it stuck....so I brushed it off and went shopping.
Deb in Az
I've had this 4 years and have some damage has been done....booze well let's just say I never wasted a Friday night....wasn't much of a during the week drinker though I did make up for it on the weekends. What can I say you can't camp without beer....beer = camping coffee!!
As for being male...I thought I was a male once but realized it was only a tootsie roll I apparantly dropped and it stuck....so I brushed it off and went shopping.
Deb in Az
"I'll tell you what my doc said if you tell me what your doc said...." well we could save the copays and.... nevermind, there I go again.
"I thought I was a male once but realized it was only a tootsie roll I apparantly dropped and it stuck....so I brushed it off and went shopping." ...Nice :)
I had the opposite problem after an August plunge into Emerald Lake in Yosemite. The 70 degree differential between 103dg mountain air and 33dg mountain water can be extremely humbling for a guy.... I followed that off with a private cr*p in the woods to remind me who wore the pants in the family. Ooops, should'a thunk to remove 'em first :(
It was the quarts of hot cocoa and brandy that always got me into the ol' sleeping bag by 3AM! Mmmmmm. Loved that.
Have a great day!
"I thought I was a male once but realized it was only a tootsie roll I apparantly dropped and it stuck....so I brushed it off and went shopping." ...Nice :)
I had the opposite problem after an August plunge into Emerald Lake in Yosemite. The 70 degree differential between 103dg mountain air and 33dg mountain water can be extremely humbling for a guy.... I followed that off with a private cr*p in the woods to remind me who wore the pants in the family. Ooops, should'a thunk to remove 'em first :(
It was the quarts of hot cocoa and brandy that always got me into the ol' sleeping bag by 3AM! Mmmmmm. Loved that.
Have a great day!
Ya' know Veg, I think the party line (from the CDC?), is that the majority of folks will live their normal lives without acquiring advanced fibrosis, and the resulting issues. At 37 years and stage 1, you don't seem too far out off that bell curve. Keep living the good life, and keep an eye on those seasonal pee changes.
Hey Deb,
My 1st appt after starting tx is the 7th. I have quests too about the 48 weeks for 3s. Lets compare notes after.
I do think duration of infection pays a role in chances of SVR, both directly, and once removed in the form of enhanced liver damage. Did you say elsewhere that you had been a bit of a boozer? I was, and that counts too. Were you ever male? That would be another strike ;-)
My 1st appt after starting tx is the 7th. I have quests too about the 48 weeks for 3s. Lets compare notes after.
I do think duration of infection pays a role in chances of SVR, both directly, and once removed in the form of enhanced liver damage. Did you say elsewhere that you had been a bit of a boozer? I was, and that counts too. Were you ever male? That would be another strike ;-)
I am not sure if her book has anything on pregnancy but you can check Dr. Melissa Palmer's book on liver disease.
I am really interested in the length of tx for the 3's as well. I go back to my doc on the 8th so I will ask her to give me a more detailed reason as to why they are considering tx for 48 wks on 3s instead of 24. The only reason I was given before was the rate of relapse and quite frankly I sat with her for 2 1/2 hours so I was pretty well overloaded at the time. Therefore I didn't pursue it further. My tx will be the topic of discussion on the 8th.
As for the length of time of having. WE've pinpointed my having this for about 4 + years and I'm stage 1 grade 1. I think the amount of time having this makes no difference. Although I am very curious as to the progression of the disease based on genotypes. If there is a difference. Still haven't found much on it but still searching....it's an obsessive thing.
....Perhaps I will come across something all the experts missed and will find the "cure" (insert sarcasm here) then I could have a movie made about me.....hahahahaha.....
Deb in Az
As for the length of time of having. WE've pinpointed my having this for about 4 + years and I'm stage 1 grade 1. I think the amount of time having this makes no difference. Although I am very curious as to the progression of the disease based on genotypes. If there is a difference. Still haven't found much on it but still searching....it's an obsessive thing.
....Perhaps I will come across something all the experts missed and will find the "cure" (insert sarcasm here) then I could have a movie made about me.....hahahahaha.....
Deb in Az
Hi there, hope you're doing well :)
How strange this virus is...I too am stage 1 and have had this for 37 years, you're stage 1 and it progressed to that in 7 years...It really does seem to be a very difficult thing to predict, the progression...How old are you? They say it progresses faster in people that contracted it at an older age, I was 17 when I contracted mine and I am 54 now, well 54 going on 10!! lol
Beth
How strange this virus is...I too am stage 1 and have had this for 37 years, you're stage 1 and it progressed to that in 7 years...It really does seem to be a very difficult thing to predict, the progression...How old are you? They say it progresses faster in people that contracted it at an older age, I was 17 when I contracted mine and I am 54 now, well 54 going on 10!! lol
Beth
cougareyes-Ditto. Though it's funny I thought we did solve the mysteries of the universe yet I still can't open those plastic bags at the end of the checkout line in the supermarket(never mind the produce bags.)
higher math studiers- I'm not sure the info is relative to my treatment but is it important for me to know how long ago I actually got it? Can they tell from the labs or biopsy?
Right now I'm assuming it was the 1 time(1975)I put a needle in my arm(shared). But there was always a lot of blood in my life. Head stitched closed at the family drs office 3 times before I was 5(1957) from brainless acts of 'daring do'. Playing hs ftball at a size of 4'10, 96 lbs as a freshman and only 24 lbs heavier as a senior got very bloody. Then training in a pro boxing gym in NY(this is my favorite explanation). 1974 appendectamy. 15 years working in nightclubs and 30 in construction and of course all those shared straws. So much risky behaviour just wondering if I should press to get an estimate if it's even possible.
higher math studiers- I'm not sure the info is relative to my treatment but is it important for me to know how long ago I actually got it? Can they tell from the labs or biopsy?
Right now I'm assuming it was the 1 time(1975)I put a needle in my arm(shared). But there was always a lot of blood in my life. Head stitched closed at the family drs office 3 times before I was 5(1957) from brainless acts of 'daring do'. Playing hs ftball at a size of 4'10, 96 lbs as a freshman and only 24 lbs heavier as a senior got very bloody. Then training in a pro boxing gym in NY(this is my favorite explanation). 1974 appendectamy. 15 years working in nightclubs and 30 in construction and of course all those shared straws. So much risky behaviour just wondering if I should press to get an estimate if it's even possible.
I have alot of time before the decision becomes critical path. I'll see the docs next month and we'll talk. Additional prof. opinions in light of RVR are probably waranted, but I would want to keep them confidential between me and doc (potential Ins issues).
In the Italian study, on which I seem fixated, SVR for the long treatment group as a whole was higher than SVR for the long treatment sub-group with RVR. Go figure. (The study doesn't compare the two, but the numbers are in there in separate places). I'll need to re-look to be certain.
BTW, I think I'm like a stage 3.9 or something.
Over and out. Time to decorate for Halloween, as next year they may be hanging me on the door. Pull the string and get a one-liner! "Ar-ar-ar-ar-arrrrr!", feet spazzing to-and-fro......
In the Italian study, on which I seem fixated, SVR for the long treatment group as a whole was higher than SVR for the long treatment sub-group with RVR. Go figure. (The study doesn't compare the two, but the numbers are in there in separate places). I'll need to re-look to be certain.
BTW, I think I'm like a stage 3.9 or something.
Over and out. Time to decorate for Halloween, as next year they may be hanging me on the door. Pull the string and get a one-liner! "Ar-ar-ar-ar-arrrrr!", feet spazzing to-and-fro......
I too wonder when I "got" this dreaded virus....All the Doc's I have seen so far seem to be in agreement that it was from a blood transfusion 37 years ago...But my logic tells me different...I am stage 1 and if I have had this for 37 years is it possible to have such low liver damage? Possible yes, probable no, in my opinion...The only other explaination would be surgey I had in 91 or the dental cleanings throughout my life...Now, the medical gurus tell me that there is a very slim chance I contracted it from either of those two and that I am just one of the lucky ones that may be able to live to 90 years without treating Hep C and die from a heart attack after looking in the mirror and seeing an old wrinkled woman where I used to be lol...
I guess some of us will never know where and when we contracted this and just have to say "oh well"...and go on...But, it sure would be nice to know...
Beth
I guess some of us will never know where and when we contracted this and just have to say "oh well"...and go on...But, it sure would be nice to know...
Beth
Actually, a female who is post-menopausal or has had surgically induced menopause through hysterectomy, has the same level of risk factor as a man, if they are not taking HRT. This is because the estrogen protective factor is not there. If a woman is on HRT then, she'd have the estrogen protective factor. If a woman still is having periods, non-menopausal, then she has the estrogen protective factor. This is the only thing that makes men's risk go up.
Susan
Susan
I can't really pinpoint how I got it per se. Yet in the 70's I did my share of post hippie partying, no needles though. But in 1980 I got sick, diag w/ non-A non-B hep, went back for a check-up and doc cleared me. Back then they knew nothing of it. Now we know what they use to call non-A non-B is now C. I never thought about it and never looked back, I was caught completely off guard in Oct of last year; when they diag me w/ HCV. So for me I've had it since 1980.
Now that you know you have it, the most important thing is you're taking steps to take care of it. I believe SVR can be achieved regardless of how long you've had it. I'm not familiar w/ any docs altering tx protocol based on how long you've had it. So of course the biggest concern is the longer you've had it the more chance it's had to do damage. And it can drive you absolutely mad trying to pin it down. Peace
Now that you know you have it, the most important thing is you're taking steps to take care of it. I believe SVR can be achieved regardless of how long you've had it. I'm not familiar w/ any docs altering tx protocol based on how long you've had it. So of course the biggest concern is the longer you've had it the more chance it's had to do damage. And it can drive you absolutely mad trying to pin it down. Peace
RVR still rules. I think you're comparing RVR in the Italian study to the group that treated longer. In any event, once you weed out all the details, both the Italian and German? study concluded SVR's equal in both the short-course and longer course group. That said, I can understand your stage 3 reluctance not to pursue the shorter course. My only question was why you would treat longer than the long course -- which is 24 weeks for geno 3's, especially in light of your RVR.
OK now, my analogy. I'm also a stage 3 (or 2.5, who knows) and I also cleared early (week 6). And I'm male and 58. Spoke to several well-respected hepatologists and they all agreed that to extend treatment beyone 48 weeks made no sense.
All said, I respect your angst over all this. At this point, you only have one major thing to obsess/decide on, and that is tx length. I went through that for about three months until the third hepatologist convinced me that 48 weeks was enough, especially in light of my RVR.
At some point we have to draw the line. Otherwise, one could make the argument that we all should treat for five years, if we consider length of tx the main consideration. The trick is to kill the virus with the least amount of drugs, not the most. :)
-- Jim
OK now, my analogy. I'm also a stage 3 (or 2.5, who knows) and I also cleared early (week 6). And I'm male and 58. Spoke to several well-respected hepatologists and they all agreed that to extend treatment beyone 48 weeks made no sense.
All said, I respect your angst over all this. At this point, you only have one major thing to obsess/decide on, and that is tx length. I went through that for about three months until the third hepatologist convinced me that 48 weeks was enough, especially in light of my RVR.
At some point we have to draw the line. Otherwise, one could make the argument that we all should treat for five years, if we consider length of tx the main consideration. The trick is to kill the virus with the least amount of drugs, not the most. :)
-- Jim
Coug:
I knew this would get you. Even tried to toss out a pre-emtive bone! LOL. Peace to you too, my friend.
Jim:
Yeah I hear you on the quick clearance being a good postitive indicator, but....
My Negative Predictors
* Stage > 3 (hey, looky there, the eggs worked!)
* Past alcohol usage - let's call me a social drinker who can be VERY social :)
* Male
* Over 45
* 25 year infection
* "non-low" viral-load
My Positive Predictors
* Geno 3
* Early Response (*maybe - see below)
In the small study I cited there were 14 (genos 1 & 2) non-SVRs. 7 were non-responders and 7 were relapsers. So response in general is not an overriding factor. No metion of early response.
* I'm just looking at the Italian study, and if I'm not mistaken 4 week clearance seems to be a negative predictor! Not by nuch - 4-5% overall - but enough that it wouldn't be a postive predictor. This for early responders treating the entire 24 weeks. As the Veg says, YIKES!
"And you have a good sense of humor"... Jim, I'm afraid you're mis-reading the data again. Frequency and quality are not the same - in fact in this case they seem to exclude on another ;)
I knew this would get you. Even tried to toss out a pre-emtive bone! LOL. Peace to you too, my friend.
Jim:
Yeah I hear you on the quick clearance being a good postitive indicator, but....
My Negative Predictors
* Stage > 3 (hey, looky there, the eggs worked!)
* Past alcohol usage - let's call me a social drinker who can be VERY social :)
* Male
* Over 45
* 25 year infection
* "non-low" viral-load
My Positive Predictors
* Geno 3
* Early Response (*maybe - see below)
In the small study I cited there were 14 (genos 1 & 2) non-SVRs. 7 were non-responders and 7 were relapsers. So response in general is not an overriding factor. No metion of early response.
* I'm just looking at the Italian study, and if I'm not mistaken 4 week clearance seems to be a negative predictor! Not by nuch - 4-5% overall - but enough that it wouldn't be a postive predictor. This for early responders treating the entire 24 weeks. As the Veg says, YIKES!
"And you have a good sense of humor"... Jim, I'm afraid you're mis-reading the data again. Frequency and quality are not the same - in fact in this case they seem to exclude on another ;)
You guys remind me of the 70s, when my friends and I would be tripping on acid and discussing all the mysteries of the universe. But now you guys drug of choice is peg/riba combo cocktail. lol Peace
Yeah, right. LOL. They always throw in that "regression anlaysis" stuff. But basically, being male is an indpendent negative *pre-tx* predictor for SVR, but my understanding from talks with those supposedly in the know is that it gets overriden once treatment starts with *during-tx* predictors such as the week 4 PCR. In other words, if being male in your case was such a negative predictor -- or your stage 3? damage for that matter -- then you probably never would have cleared at week 4. See???
I'm in a bit of a fog now -- so what follows is at your own risk LOL -- you're a geno 2 or 3 right who cleared at week 4. Standard tx is 24 weeks but you could conceivably treat-short course for 12 weeks or 16 weeks depending on whether you're on Peg intron or Pegasys.
But you're a stage 3? You're male? And you have a good sense of humor? OK. Putting all that in my regression equataion :) I could understand forgoing the short course and making yourself sick for 24 weeks while you entertain us with your woes. However, why the 48 weeks given being non-detecible at week 4? I'm sure the tomatoes in your fridge will be very happy with any leftover Procrit.:)My guess is your SVR stats will not change whether you treat for 12, 24 or 48 weeks. If you relapse (unlikely) you're gonna relapse but it will be for reasons other than treatment length. You kmow, sunspots hasn't been discussed a lot around here but personally that's how I decided to when to begin and end tx. :)
-- Jim
I'm in a bit of a fog now -- so what follows is at your own risk LOL -- you're a geno 2 or 3 right who cleared at week 4. Standard tx is 24 weeks but you could conceivably treat-short course for 12 weeks or 16 weeks depending on whether you're on Peg intron or Pegasys.
But you're a stage 3? You're male? And you have a good sense of humor? OK. Putting all that in my regression equataion :) I could understand forgoing the short course and making yourself sick for 24 weeks while you entertain us with your woes. However, why the 48 weeks given being non-detecible at week 4? I'm sure the tomatoes in your fridge will be very happy with any leftover Procrit.:)My guess is your SVR stats will not change whether you treat for 12, 24 or 48 weeks. If you relapse (unlikely) you're gonna relapse but it will be for reasons other than treatment length. You kmow, sunspots hasn't been discussed a lot around here but personally that's how I decided to when to begin and end tx. :)
-- Jim
Sad to say, but I never had much of an attention span for math. Can anyone help me interpret the following from an abstract on predictors of SVR failures in genos 2 & 3? I know Cougar... I should just settle in for the ride, but where's the anxiety in that? I'm engaged in psychological warfare aagainst the bugs, and I want them scared :) And, I actually want to understand the benefit in going 48 wks vs. 24.
From the abstract.........
The Method:
Identification of variables associated with treatment failure was done by comparing variables of interest between SVR and non-SVR groups using Wilcoxon test for continuous variables and Chi-Square for categorical variables. Individual logistic regression was done to obtain Odds Ratios (OR). Multivariate modeling was done to identify independent predictors of treatment failure.
Sample Results:
...Male gender (p=0.01, OR=6.2, 95% CI 1.5-43.3),.....
Given the above sample result (one of several), how does one interpret the negative impact of being male on the likelyhood of SVR? The abstract: http://www.hcvadvocate.org/news/reports/DDW_2005/May%2015%20HCV.htm
From the abstract.........
The Method:
Identification of variables associated with treatment failure was done by comparing variables of interest between SVR and non-SVR groups using Wilcoxon test for continuous variables and Chi-Square for categorical variables. Individual logistic regression was done to obtain Odds Ratios (OR). Multivariate modeling was done to identify independent predictors of treatment failure.
Sample Results:
...Male gender (p=0.01, OR=6.2, 95% CI 1.5-43.3),.....
Given the above sample result (one of several), how does one interpret the negative impact of being male on the likelyhood of SVR? The abstract: http://www.hcvadvocate.org/news/reports/DDW_2005/May%2015%20HCV.htm
hello again and thanks for support. I was wondering if anyone knows of a good book for pregnant with hep c because, although i have almost every book out there on hep c i have not found anything substantial on the subject. Only the warnings on low iron intake or all other warnings but no real good suggestions... My doctor here does not seem to be very savvy on hep c as I have a feeling i am his first pregnant patient with hepc. I will be calling my doc in Europe tonight but i just wondered if anyone here has any suggestions. I have had 2 biopies already and i know my liver is in good condition..no cysts or lesions on the surface and the levels seem to stay pretty good all the time. My concern is the change over now. That i am not sure how to handle. Thank you.
Goof prev: "In the Italian study, on which I seem fixated"
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If you find yourself handing out canoli's at halloween, then maybe it's time to start reading the German study :)
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If you find yourself handing out canoli's at halloween, then maybe it's time to start reading the German study :)
Hey goof what did you do to the thread below, I couldn't post a comment. Are you sure you're allowed to play on the computer.
Jim, can't help you; I go into riba-rage when my girlfriend ask me what I want for dinner. Can't make any decisions and it's starting to get a little difficult to communicate.
Friole they sell sharps containers at the pharmacy retail. Where I live your doctor or the pharmacy will take the full ones.
Peace
Jim, can't help you; I go into riba-rage when my girlfriend ask me what I want for dinner. Can't make any decisions and it's starting to get a little difficult to communicate.
Friole they sell sharps containers at the pharmacy retail. Where I live your doctor or the pharmacy will take the full ones.
Peace
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