My genotype

[Tyree2005]

I got more lab results.. My Genotype is 1b with hcv quantitation 847,000. SGOT 44, SGPT 54 and I was also positvie for Hept which is the first time the Heptitis A came back positive.  My Sonogram showed a fattie liver no masses I see the Hepatologist tomorrow. At which time I will be getting my appointment for the liver biopsy.  What do I need to ask tomorrow.  Everything that I have read states I should have got vac for the hept a when I was diagnosed with hept c.  I did not.  Can I still get the vac now?

[mikesimon]

Thanks for the kind words. I enjoy reading your posts too and it's nice to finally talk to you after all this time. Yes, I am doing well - my numbers are beautiful AST 22, ALT 16, GGT 13 10/27/2005. My Heptimax as of this date was clear. I have so much to be thankful for. Be well. Mike

[NYgirl]

Please make sure that you bring up the Anemia/Hemoglobin issue with your doctor as Cuteus said (and ALL her points were greatly valid).

Personally the only thing so far that almost beat me into submission and forced me to quit was the extreme drop in hgb - I simply could not EVER have imagined that it could be so tremendously and horribly bad.

Now that I am on Epogen twice a week...I able to continue living in an offbeat way but...able to do so.  Before I kept fainting (which is painful believe it or not it REALLY hurts before you go down) and was not able to walk more than a few feet, could not breathe, had such bad tinnitus.........it was DREADFUL.

Please make sure to talk to the doc about that - it might save your treatment.

Best of luck

[honey11]

Mike,,,,That is so great about your enzymes and heptimax.  I agree that it does make you step back,,,,and be so thankful!  Your wife sounds alot like my husband,,,,Same thing with him other day,,,asking if I was still tuning into medhelp and why? #1,,,I love to see the way more and more are clearing and of course if I can offer any kind of advice,,encouragement,,,That is what I will do also.  So many were there for me as I'm sure you can relate.  Right now,,,I'm helping 2 others going through tx personally and one of them in particular,,,Thanked me yesterday for being there and understanding while they get through the tx.  Days like that,,,make it all worthwhile and maybe that is something that our spouses don't quite understand or maybe even feel after clearing,,,like you said,,,,get on with your life but that is a part of our life.  Glad you are recovering from your motorcycle accident now and Karen is probably looking for a more relaxed year not relating to drs lol

[friole]

Mike - I also understand Karen.  I guess we all need that balance.  The truth is, life is never going to be exactly the same once we have had hep c and that is just part of the total journey.  Like it or not, we become a part of this group and I am sure it will be hard to cut loose in the end.  

No nick - I posted to you on some other thread, hoping you would continue to post.  Your research on hep c and muscle problems is invaluable.  Thank you

Honey -- you too - glad to see you. I understand your hubby too but I am so glad you read and post with your encouraging way

foreseegood -- you too have provided much knowledge here.  In actuality, it seems those still waiting to treat are doing the most research - like you and no nick.

Cutie you too, while I am at it.  THanks for continuing here. YOu have  provided Tyree with the needed info. You were the first to post to me, in May, and I will always remember that

Kathy

[mindylu]

Hi- Went to the liver doc yesterday--- i am 49 y o. I had a biospy 18 months ago- liver was 0-1 . Viral load 289,000. Doc said it was my choice to go on the meds. I am geno 1- so less than 50% chance . i feel fine. Guess i'll wait.

[Forseegood]

You know, sometimes I think that having a potentially deadly disease and bonding with others who have it is a little like the bonding that goes on in the military...the comrades-in-arms type of thing that happens when you share a highly stressful situation. People who do not have a disease like this and are healthy just can't imagine what it's like, I know I sure didn't. Sometimes when I listen to what my "healthy" friends complain and freak out about...sheesh!!!!I try to empathize because I once was one of those people...feeling like my world was going to end because I might be fired from a job or something like that. Oh...would I trade those problems now!

And then, I'm not even on treatment so I haven't even delved into the worst of it. And then the people who don't even respond or relapse, they are further tested. And even more extraordinary... you have people like our friend Mike Simon, who have undergone transplant. I realize going through all these things brings out the best and worst out of all of us, but I am truly amazed at the bravery and character I witness at these boards...And yeah, we don't always see people at their best...as we all know. It's not always like the television shows where someone who is snotty gets a deadly disease and then they suddenly turn into a an angel of a human being. Everyone reacts differently to illness.

But I think it's these things that bond us, even after we have fortunately cleared and really have no need to come here...except to check in and hopefully help someone else less fortunate. The only positives I get from this disease is the fact that I can witness this bravery on a daily basis, and hopefully incorporate some of these lessons into my own life. I hope it's made me a much better person, I know it's made me more compassionate with myself and others. I'm now not so apt to take my pleasures and joys for granted as before. So yeah, there are "some" positives. Still and all, if anyone wants to buy my disease....it's going really cheap!