No Remicade Study

[Wassup]

Well I finally got my answer about the Remicade Study, "No"  Martin @ Cedars said that the Remicade would definitely exacerbate my COPD. So, he said that: at the end of this summer,< (sigh), Cedars is doing a 'PROTEASE', Study. Pron. PRO-TEE-ACE. Martin told me that Protase inhibits the growth of the HCV by keeping it from replicating itself. I asked about 'rescue drugs' and he said that the P. Study does have rescue drugs which are given as soon as it is indicated.  And I thought I was a bit confused BEFORE. Now I'm so confused that I need a t-shirt, with an arrow pointing at my chin, saying 'This side up' ! HELP- NOW, whadoido???

[Mikkimoe]

Can you tell me a little more about the Remicade study? This is an RA drug like the one I'm on, Enbrel which I thought was going to be counterindicative when I started tx.

Thanks

[Wassup]

Thanks so much for you well wishes for me. Good luck with your fight, too. Hugs, Ant B

[IAmTheWalrus]

Sounds like good news. I have heard about Protease inhibitors being studied, but lack the expertise to tell you much about them. The stuff I read sounded promising. They are also looking at polymerase inhibitors, also.

I know some others on this site are better versed in these studies, so I hope they'll answer. Just want to add a good luck to you. Hope it works out for you.

[Wassup]

So,since my last post, I got a call back from Martin, Re; His Studies, Remicade and now Protease, He had my chart in hand, asked me a few questions, re; my heart, (it's good), my overall health,(not bad either, except for my pain, HCV, COPD, and Stage 2-3 cirrhosis, with bridging. He asked about my current sx with HCV, and FINALLY made an appt. for me to meet with him, (and the Dr.s in the Liver Transplant/ Hepatitus dept.@ Cedars Hosp.)  Yipppeee !!!! I see my GI DR. on 2-27, and Martin @ Cedars on the 28th. Cross your fingers and wish me luck. I'm having another BT tomorrow to check Ammonia levels in my blood,(was 26 or 27 last mo.) The bruises have just started to fade from the last poking around to start the IV for my 3rd EGD, (Esophageal dilitation), they stick a tube down your throat, (with a camera and baloon on the end), find the narrow place, and blow up the baloon, to widen the esophagus. RE; am I going to participate, I'll let ya know on the 28th. If I followed your advice about 'this side up', the neighbor kid would have a place to park his bicycle. Tell me THAT doesn't paint a picture.  Has anyone heard anything about Protease, (pro-tee-ace)?  Thanks for the support, YF, Hugs, Ant B

[Yellowfin]

So, I am confused too.  Are you going to participate in this study?

"whadoido??"  ...try tuurning the other side up.  :)

Really, I'm not one to suggest what you should do, but I widh you the best in whatever decision you make.

YF