scared

[dannydan]

hi!!
    i got hep.c. about 30 yrs ago in the Navy probably by the innoculation air guns(i don`t know)
     But anyway 3 yrs. ago i had my blood tested and my viral load was 191,000 and my alt was 30 and ast was 22,alk was 69
    Since the last yr. or so I`v been taking blood pressure medication(diovan).since the last 3 mo. I`v been taking Herbal extracts(about 4 different kinds from the "Godsremedy" web site) after 3 mo. of this i had my blood checked again and my alt went up to 104,my alk to 99 and my ast to 39 and viral load up to 314,000
    I`m still without symptoms.Do i need to get my house in order(HaHa)or do i have hope??
    Thanx so much for any replies
Concerned

[Galen]

Actually, the article I posted about milk thistle was a bit more negative.  While there is much evidence that it can ease inflamation of the liver, bringing down the ALT and AST #'s, there is also evidence that it can cause interaction with many other meds, particularly antidepressents and sleep meds.  For many of us, these are the very medications that can enable us to tolerate tx, but I have no problem with milk thistle for those not taking stuff on the list. The article is posted on the HCV Advocate site at
http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/hepC/mthistle.html

[Lill]

Hi.  I agree with everyone about the herbal supplements.  Try to remember that your liver has a huge job and sooner or later, every single thing you put in your mouth must go through your already taxed liver.  Your lab values aren't horribly out of whack and elevations don't always point to hep c related liver damage as the culprit.  Elevations can be seen in fatty liver, gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, etc.  You really do need to see a hepatologist for a clearer picture of what is going on.  In addition to your herbal supplements, Diovan can also cause increases in liver enzymes.  Check with your doc about trying a different rx for the blood pressure. Of course, if Diovan works great for you, you have to stick with it.  Hep c or not.  Living a long life with hep c beats a stroke any day! Lil

[Bartt]

I agree with the comments from the board. One additional very important element is to abstain from alcohol. It's like throwing gas on the fire. Stay away from the herbals with the exception of one. Milk Thistle helps promote liver health and helps the liver repair itself. It does not fight the virus.

Regards,
Barry

[MajNeni]

Hi, Dan,
The increase in your Viral Load shows that the bug is active.  By all means, have your genotype identified (blood test) and have a biopsy to determine your status.  
Please read the post/thread below: 10/7/2003
I FEEL SO ALONE DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO . HELP! - baby4cakes
I think you'll find it very informative.
Maj Neni

[Bartt]

I agree with the comments from the board. One additional very important element is to abstain from alcohol. It's like throwing gas on the fire. Stay away from the herbals with the exception of one. Milk Thistle helps promote liver health and helps the liver repair itself. It does not fight the virus.

Regards,
Barry

[cc2]

I agree - get your biobsy and geno type.  You need to find out all information to make a decision.  Best to you in what ever you decide.

[Bartt]

I agree with the comments from the board. One additional very important element is to abstain from alcohol. It's like throwing gas on the fire. Stay away from the herbals with the exception of one. Milk Thistle helps promote liver health and helps the liver repair itself. It does not fight the virus.

Regards,
Barry

[oldhippiechick67]

did your post a comment button get stuck?? hahahahhaaa....no patience?  I can relate!    
Danny, I agree with Galen about milk thistle, there is an article she posts that says it inhibits production of an enzyme that kills the virus (something like that).  Anyways, I am not a big believer in the alternative medicine crapola, I think it just parts us from our $$$ and gives us false hopes.   If this modern medicine doesnt kill the virus, I may have to rethink other methods---but I am pretty convinced SVR is in my future.
So do what the others suggest, get the genotype bloodwork, and biopsy, and decide from that.  The biopsy isn t difficult or scarey.  It was a breeze for 90% of us!  Good luck to you!  OHC

[Southernboy]

Hi,
Agree with Scott but would like to add that I think you should get an appointment with a GI who specializes in HCV treatment right away.  Not just a regular GI.  A specialist can give you the correct tests and can help advise you on the correct course for your condition.

Please don't panic.  Most people will live with this condition to a ripe old age with little or no symptoms or will respond well to the treatments available.

Best to you and to all,
Steve

[Revenire]

Hi Dan,

You need to get a liver biopsy to see where you're really at -- a biopsy is the GOLD STANDARD. Your viral level is very low BUT that does not always 'jibe' with liver damage.

1. Get a biopsy

2. Find out what genotype you are

3. Start treatment and beat this disease -- the virus isn't just sitting around

4. Watch out for herbal products (there are a LOT of scammers out there that promise Hep C 'cures' for a certain price), some of these products actually cause harm to the liver -- none can cure hepatitis either -- NONE

In most cases this is a slow moving disease. It isn't a death sentence.

Good luck,

Scott