Aa
Hep C is back. Now what?
After 6 mos. of treatment, my Hep C came back in less than 3 mos. Count was 156,000. I am 75 years old and think I was infected in 1958 when I received a blood transfusion. It did not show up until I was in my 70's. The meds just about killed me with all the side effects so I don't want to do that again. My Dr. says we should do nothing but keep an eye on the viral count from time to time. I know I'm up in years but I still have a lot of pep left in me. I have been babysitting my infant granddaughter for over 2 years now and just want to be as healthy as I can be. My neighbor has suggested Beta Glucan which is made from plants and supports the immune system. She also suggested the use of the Avalon light which provides the body with Nitric Oxide which the body needs. (I hope I used the right name.) Just wondered if you have any suggestions. I also enjoy a beer after working in the yard or a glass of red wine on occasion. Thanks for your support.
Most people with Hep C don't have any symptoms and most are diagnosed just by chance, like you were. In my husband's case, we believe he probably contracted Hep C in the mid 1970's. He is now 59 years old. He had no symptoms, and was diagnosed by elevated liver enzymes in a routine blood draw in 2007. That's one of the reasons Hep C is so dangerous, it hangs around for decades with no signs or symptoms, it isn't tested routinely so people don't know they have it, and it silently attacks the liver in a very slow process.
I am hoping that in the future people born between about 1945 - 1965 (or all people) can be routinely tested in the near future. I am also hoping that there will be an increase in promoting education on Hep C so that people will have more knowledge and those with Hep C won't feel so isolated or stigmatized.
Advocate1955
I am hoping that in the future people born between about 1945 - 1965 (or all people) can be routinely tested in the near future. I am also hoping that there will be an increase in promoting education on Hep C so that people will have more knowledge and those with Hep C won't feel so isolated or stigmatized.
Advocate1955
I am waiting for a call- back from my Dr. and will ask about the fibroscan. I don't know about anyone else in this forum, but I have never had any indications of having Hep C. Never any pain, never sick......nothing. A blood profile showed elevated liver enzymes so further tests were run. That's when the Hep C showed up. I was only sick while on the meds. Now that I have been off them since March 13, I'm feeling great again.......more energy, getting my appetite back, no depression or anxiety, etc. My Primary Care Physician has gotten my thyroid back to normal. I'll let you know what the good Doc says about the fibrosis. Thanks again. Y'all have made my life much better.
SeniorSis
SeniorSis
It is your decision if/when to treat. If your last biopsy was four years ago, and given the likelihood that liver damage progresses more rapidly as we age, given the length of time you suspect that you have had Hep C (55 years or so), I would suggest asking your doctor for another liver biopsy (or a fibroscan?) to determine your current stage of liver damage. With that information, you would be better able to decide how to proceed. It seems like you have 3 possible courses: not treat/wait and see; treat with triple tx (tough tx), or wait for a 2-5 years for newer treatments. Your current stage of liver damage will help you and your doctor decide. Remember, the most important thing is to treat, if your doctor recommends it, before your damage progresses to Cirrhosis.
Advocate1955
Advocate1955
Hi, above I meant to say that everyone above has given good advice, somehow I left out part of the sentence.
if you have little damage that is a very good thing and something to be really happy about.
I wish you the very best
Take care
D
if you have little damage that is a very good thing and something to be really happy about.
I wish you the very best
Take care
D
I have been drinking about 3 to 4 cups every morning while watching the news. (Fox News....so now you know I am a conservative) But no more drinking a beer after working in the garden or a red wine when out to dinner. There's always a juice substitute. Thanks again for all your help. I'll visit that coffee/Hep C website.
Senior Sis
Senior Sis
Thanks for the good advice. I feel somewhat encouraged by the fact that my liver biopsy was normal 4 yrs. ago. Since it was never mentioned to me, I assume I have no fibrosis. ?? I have placed a call to my Dr.'s ofc. Since I am a genotype 2, my Dr. says this type seldom causes cirrhosis. I am just now studying all my options along with the help of my friends on this forum. thanks again, Senior Sis
Genotype 2 does not do any better statistically with the triple combination of meds. I'm geno 2 and was happy to only take the two strong meds, why add another if you don't need it?
However, genotype 2 is responding very well to the new interferon free meds currently in trial. They won't be avialble for the general public at least a couple of years.
As far as abbreviations and acronyms go, it has nothing to do with being sharp. Here's a link for you:
http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Hepatitis/Hepatitis-C-Acronyms-Abbreviations/show/3?cid=64
Good luck.
However, genotype 2 is responding very well to the new interferon free meds currently in trial. They won't be avialble for the general public at least a couple of years.
As far as abbreviations and acronyms go, it has nothing to do with being sharp. Here's a link for you:
http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Hepatitis/Hepatitis-C-Acronyms-Abbreviations/show/3?cid=64
Good luck.
I am amazed at your knowledge about Hep C and it's effects. Also, how age might determine the progression of fibrosis/cirrhosis. I believe I contracted the virus at age 21 when my second daughter was about to be born. The Hep C didn't rear up it's ugly head until the age of 70. During a routine exam, my liver enzymes were elevated. The virus was located with further testing. Thanks again for all you support and the sharing of your knowledge.
Thank you so much for all your kind words. Since I feel just fine, it will not be difficult to enjoy my life. I wish you well and hope one day we will all be Hep C free!!!
I was treated with Pegasus Interfiron and Ribavirin tablets. One shot a week and 2 pills twice daily. It was not pleasant at all. Lots of bad side effects. But then I am a senior and maybe that makes a difference.. I have Hep C type 2. I was told the newest treatments for Hep C don't work on the Type 2. ??? I won't be drinking any alcohol at all. I seem to remember my Dr. telling me that 1 drink of red wine would not hurt but my memory does sometime fail me. My common sense tells me that if my liver is already compromised alcohol is a no-no,
I'm not the "sharpest knife in the drawer" so many of the terms and abbreviations my good friends are using don't mean anything to me. I've never been told anything about my stage of fibrosis. I did have a liver biopsy about 4 years ago and the results were normal. Maybe that means I don't have any fibrosis. Thanks for all you help and support. We're all in this together!! Good Luck with your results.
I'm not the "sharpest knife in the drawer" so many of the terms and abbreviations my good friends are using don't mean anything to me. I've never been told anything about my stage of fibrosis. I did have a liver biopsy about 4 years ago and the results were normal. Maybe that means I don't have any fibrosis. Thanks for all you help and support. We're all in this together!! Good Luck with your results.
sorry about your relapse, I was also curious what you treated with. And what stage of liver damage you are dealing with. That was very courageous for you to take this fight on @ 75. Your a strong person obviously! Best of luck to you
My approach to supplements, herbs, all things of this nature, is to lean towards the benighn.
For example, there is a study saying milk thistle doesn't actually do any good, despite years of belief that it does. But, no where is there a claim that it does harm.
This is not the case for kombucha.
As far as coffee goes, you need to drink at least 3 cups daily, I think, to have any effect. It also is claimed that it helps improve statistically obtaining SVR.
I'm not going to look for the link, but google coffee and hep C, and you'll see lots of site.
Good luck
For example, there is a study saying milk thistle doesn't actually do any good, despite years of belief that it does. But, no where is there a claim that it does harm.
This is not the case for kombucha.
As far as coffee goes, you need to drink at least 3 cups daily, I think, to have any effect. It also is claimed that it helps improve statistically obtaining SVR.
I'm not going to look for the link, but google coffee and hep C, and you'll see lots of site.
Good luck
SeniorSis, As others have said, how you proceed depends primarily on how much liver damage you currently have. If you don't have a lot of liver damage, your doctor may recommend that you wait until Interferon free treatments are available in a few years. Given your age, however, it is important to know that liver damage can progress more quickly as you get older. On the other hand, if you have a lot of liver damage, your doctor may recommend that you consider trying one of the new "triple therapies", which include Interferon, Ribavirin, and a third drug called a Protease Inhibitor. Since you have done Interferon based treatment before, and it was hard on you, you may be glad to hear that the newer varieties of Interferon are a bit easier to tolerate than the older ones. Your grandbaby wants you to be around for many more years, healthy, and active, so follow up on your Hep C and make decisions with your doctor.
Advocate1955
Advocate1955
me again, at the bottom right of this page you can see under experts "Hepatitis Researcher" He had many good recommendations for people who could not treat
Also wanted to say Gilead has some new medications in trials I think it is 7977
You could also do some searches on the forum to find other ideas
Also wanted to say Gilead has some new medications in trials I think it is 7977
You could also do some searches on the forum to find other ideas
Hi so sorry really did not answer the question. Yes I have heard of Beta Glucan and have heard it helps the immune system.
It will not help the HCV but may help your bodies immune system for colds or other viruses
It will not help the HCV but may help your bodies immune system for colds or other viruses
As everyone above had said, I am so sorry you relapsed.
Were you using one of the new drugs? Incivek?..Victrellis?
I understand wanting to have a drink, really I do.
When I first learned about HCV years ago I was told that drinking alchohol was like pouring gas on a fire.
Just because I heard it doesn't make it so however that has been my mantra.
I have cirrhosis, I was just transitioning into cirrhosis when diagnosed in Dec 08
I wish you all the best. I finished the Incivek, Peg and Riba a little over 4 months ago. I pray I get to SVR
I pray that your damage is not bad
My best wishes to you
Dee
Were you using one of the new drugs? Incivek?..Victrellis?
I understand wanting to have a drink, really I do.
When I first learned about HCV years ago I was told that drinking alchohol was like pouring gas on a fire.
Just because I heard it doesn't make it so however that has been my mantra.
I have cirrhosis, I was just transitioning into cirrhosis when diagnosed in Dec 08
I wish you all the best. I finished the Incivek, Peg and Riba a little over 4 months ago. I pray I get to SVR
I pray that your damage is not bad
My best wishes to you
Dee
Sorry to hear your news. Can you share the type of treatment you were taking? IE: SOC or one of the new triple therapy's? Alcohol is a no no for anyone with liver disease. When I found out that I was to start a treatment in 2009, I was told by my Doctor that I had to be free of Alcohol for 1 year before I started my first treatment. At that point I quit and haven't touched a drop since. I am now in week 11 of the incivek triple therapy and this is my second round and I do believe that I have achieved UND. Only time will tell if SVR is for me.
What is kombucha tea? Does it have any health benefits?
Brent A. Bauer, M.D.
Kombucha tea is a fermented drink made with tea, sugar, bacteria and yeast. Although it's sometimes referred to as kombucha mushroom tea, kombucha is not a mushroom — it's a colony of bacteria and yeast. Kombucha tea is made by adding the colony to sugar and tea, and allowing the mix to ferment. The resulting liquid contains vinegar, B vitamins and a number of other chemical compounds.
Health benefits attributed to kombucha tea include stimulating the immune system, preventing cancer, and improving digestion and liver function. However, there's no scientific evidence to support these health claims.
There have, however, been reports of adverse effects such as stomach upset, infections and allergic reactions in kombucha tea drinkers
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/kombucha-tea/AN01658
Kombucha & Liver Damage
Kombucha is a fermented tea that is purported to stimulate your immune system, improve digestion, boost liver function and prevent cancer. No scientific evidence backs any use for this drink, which is made by adding a colony of bacteria and yeast to tea and sugar and letting the brew ferment for one to two weeks. Kombucha can, in fact, carry a risk of adverse health effects, including possible liver damage. Consult a doctor before trying kombucha tea.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/484465-kombucha-liver-damage/
Brent A. Bauer, M.D.
Kombucha tea is a fermented drink made with tea, sugar, bacteria and yeast. Although it's sometimes referred to as kombucha mushroom tea, kombucha is not a mushroom — it's a colony of bacteria and yeast. Kombucha tea is made by adding the colony to sugar and tea, and allowing the mix to ferment. The resulting liquid contains vinegar, B vitamins and a number of other chemical compounds.
Health benefits attributed to kombucha tea include stimulating the immune system, preventing cancer, and improving digestion and liver function. However, there's no scientific evidence to support these health claims.
There have, however, been reports of adverse effects such as stomach upset, infections and allergic reactions in kombucha tea drinkers
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/kombucha-tea/AN01658
Kombucha & Liver Damage
Kombucha is a fermented tea that is purported to stimulate your immune system, improve digestion, boost liver function and prevent cancer. No scientific evidence backs any use for this drink, which is made by adding a colony of bacteria and yeast to tea and sugar and letting the brew ferment for one to two weeks. Kombucha can, in fact, carry a risk of adverse health effects, including possible liver damage. Consult a doctor before trying kombucha tea.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/484465-kombucha-liver-damage/
Ok, didn't read your post before I replied to Bo's. Hmmm dueling theories/studies. May have to back off, but will still drink my Kefir out of a wine glass :). I have started drinking coffee every once in a while again since you have become an advocate of it. I really did miss it so much. I gave it up when I was having severe digestive issues. Still drink mostly green/white tea though.
What I have learned to do, since I have Hep C, is to substitute the cold beer, or wine, with a nice icy cold Kombucha tea. It comes in a glass bottle, in many flavors, and it does have a trace of alcohol in it, because of the ferment, so it gives one a relaxing buzz.
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BoGal, I'll have to try this. I've been drinking my Kefir out of a wine glass just to give me the feeling that I'm relaxing with a nice glass of wine. LOL
I aslo drink lots of green tea as well as white, never tried the Kombucha, and didn'y know about it's properties. Thank you.
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BoGal, I'll have to try this. I've been drinking my Kefir out of a wine glass just to give me the feeling that I'm relaxing with a nice glass of wine. LOL
I aslo drink lots of green tea as well as white, never tried the Kombucha, and didn'y know about it's properties. Thank you.
As far as a liver friendly diet goes, think of your liver as the filter that it is. Therefore it's easier on it if it doesn't have to filter out pesticides, herbicides, noxious fumes, or synthesized food substances.
In other words think organic, freshly prepared food.
Nothing can replace eating well and exercise.
Red meat is fine unless you have decompensated cirrhosis. If you don't have cirrhosis, you need not worry.
You might want to have your vitamin D levels checked and you could always included a mutli-vitamin w/o iron in your diet.
Avoid any drink with alcohol, including kombucha.
In fact according to this link if you have liver damage you should avoid kombucha.
However coffee is good for those with hep C and those doing treatment.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/hepatitis-c/treatment.html
Patients with hepatitis should be aware that some herbal remedies may cause liver damage. In particular, kava (an herb used to relieve anxiety and tension) may be dangerous for people with chronic liver disease. Other herbs associated with liver damage include chaparral, kombucha mushroom, mistletoe, pennyroyal, and some traditional Chinese herbs.
http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1772388/coffee_slows_progression_of_liver_disease_in_chronic_hep_c/
Coffee Slows Progression Of Liver Disease In Chronic Hep C Sufferers
In other words think organic, freshly prepared food.
Nothing can replace eating well and exercise.
Red meat is fine unless you have decompensated cirrhosis. If you don't have cirrhosis, you need not worry.
You might want to have your vitamin D levels checked and you could always included a mutli-vitamin w/o iron in your diet.
Avoid any drink with alcohol, including kombucha.
In fact according to this link if you have liver damage you should avoid kombucha.
However coffee is good for those with hep C and those doing treatment.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/hepatitis-c/treatment.html
Patients with hepatitis should be aware that some herbal remedies may cause liver damage. In particular, kava (an herb used to relieve anxiety and tension) may be dangerous for people with chronic liver disease. Other herbs associated with liver damage include chaparral, kombucha mushroom, mistletoe, pennyroyal, and some traditional Chinese herbs.
http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1772388/coffee_slows_progression_of_liver_disease_in_chronic_hep_c/
Coffee Slows Progression Of Liver Disease In Chronic Hep C Sufferers
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