Aa
Natural Treatment - Milk thistle others?
Can these supplements help with Hep C?
alpha lipoic acid, selenium, and silymarin?
Silymarin is found in artichokes, which is a natural liver detoxifier.
Has anybody had any experiences with these?
A Liver Transplant Alternative
http://altmedangel.com/livrtran.htm
alpha lipoic acid, selenium, and silymarin?
Silymarin is found in artichokes, which is a natural liver detoxifier.
Has anybody had any experiences with these?
A Liver Transplant Alternative
http://altmedangel.com/livrtran.htm
Have you heard of LiverCare and HemoCare Products of the Himalaya company. These product are used in India with a great deal of success. Over 300 Medical papers writen on them and clinical controled studies. Can down load this from there site.
Before starting my first treatment with Rebatron, I had a liver biopsy which showed bridging portal fibrosis.
During treatment with Rebatron, I took Milk Thistle, about 600-800 mg. per day, every day, and continued to take it after treatment. It is important to find Milk Thistle that is of high potency and standardized extract.
About one year after treatment I had to have my gallbadder removed (stones). At my request, the surgeon performed another liver biopsy. The second biopsy showed a reduction in the fibrosis and an overall improvement in the condition of my liver.
Now, one could possibly argue that this was a result of the Rebatron treatment. I believe that it was the Milk Thistle, which has been shown to have this capability.
I also notice that when I have URQ tenderness and pain, Milk Thistle relieves this tenderness.
So, no, perhaps Milk Thistle does not erradicate the virus, but it can slow the damage, and in early liver disease, reverse it. I'm all for it.
Oh, I responded very well to both therapies mentioned, but relapsed within one month of coming off treatment in each instance.
During treatment with Rebatron, I took Milk Thistle, about 600-800 mg. per day, every day, and continued to take it after treatment. It is important to find Milk Thistle that is of high potency and standardized extract.
About one year after treatment I had to have my gallbadder removed (stones). At my request, the surgeon performed another liver biopsy. The second biopsy showed a reduction in the fibrosis and an overall improvement in the condition of my liver.
Now, one could possibly argue that this was a result of the Rebatron treatment. I believe that it was the Milk Thistle, which has been shown to have this capability.
I also notice that when I have URQ tenderness and pain, Milk Thistle relieves this tenderness.
So, no, perhaps Milk Thistle does not erradicate the virus, but it can slow the damage, and in early liver disease, reverse it. I'm all for it.
Oh, I responded very well to both therapies mentioned, but relapsed within one month of coming off treatment in each instance.
Hey Magnum I couldnt find the 72 tab Sam-e today. Has anyone had any experience with NSI sam-e from vitacost.com, its 400mg and cheaper.
http://www.vitacost.com/Store/Products/ProductDescription.cfm?SKUNumber=835003301843&homepage=yes
Any one wish to comment?
Thanks
http://www.vitacost.com/Store/Products/ProductDescription.cfm?SKUNumber=835003301843&homepage=yes
Any one wish to comment?
Thanks
Hi Magnum, thanks for your reply. Yeah, I personally think it's some magic mix of taking care of yourself and genetics. I asked my own doc about that, because I've had the virus close to 30 years and for the "first" 15 of those years I was partying - relatively speaking. Just haven't the last 15. And yet i'm a 1.1, pretty good labs but they have as late gone up a little, treatment naive, going to start treatment in the fall.
He told me when I was partying in the beginning, the disease probably wasn't really replicating that much. That usually happens later on. Suffice it to say, if I had been partying these last 15 years, I probably wouldn't have had had all these last 15 years, who knows?. So maybe there was a window there for you too, it's so hard to exactly nail what happens when or how much genetics, etc. play into it.
As far as the supplements, I'm glad you found a regimen that works for you, and it sounds very economical which is so important. Plus you seem like you have a really good attitude, along with taking good care of yourself, also very important! I have been taking most of these for years and years and it works for me. Maybe I'm also a product of my slightly whacky environment, living in Los Angeles, it's not the least bit unusual here. A lot of people supplement here, go to gyms and health food stores all the time, blah blah.
Like you I'm really praying that these new drugs work out for all the non-responders, etc. Maybe I'll be one of them too. At least some of them are going into phase 3 trials which is promising. Something's gotta happen for us, God knows we're certainly growing in number, let's hope influence as well. Good luck to you.
He told me when I was partying in the beginning, the disease probably wasn't really replicating that much. That usually happens later on. Suffice it to say, if I had been partying these last 15 years, I probably wouldn't have had had all these last 15 years, who knows?. So maybe there was a window there for you too, it's so hard to exactly nail what happens when or how much genetics, etc. play into it.
As far as the supplements, I'm glad you found a regimen that works for you, and it sounds very economical which is so important. Plus you seem like you have a really good attitude, along with taking good care of yourself, also very important! I have been taking most of these for years and years and it works for me. Maybe I'm also a product of my slightly whacky environment, living in Los Angeles, it's not the least bit unusual here. A lot of people supplement here, go to gyms and health food stores all the time, blah blah.
Like you I'm really praying that these new drugs work out for all the non-responders, etc. Maybe I'll be one of them too. At least some of them are going into phase 3 trials which is promising. Something's gotta happen for us, God knows we're certainly growing in number, let's hope influence as well. Good luck to you.
Also wanted to clarify, never thought that my regimen would actually "treat the disease" per se, only help my immune system and inflammation issues.
I must have good genes, because when I was diagnosed with Hep C in '94, I'm sure I had it longer, and not proud to say, I was regularly on the booze, but I stopped that six years ago. Even on that steady alcohol intake, and with Hep C, the doctors in those days were saying "We'll just keep an eye on this". They were not advising treatment unless things were getting pretty bad. Now, the protocol is totally different. Thank God.
As for vitamins, I take One A Day brand, without iron, available at Costco. Milk Thistle is available at Wal-Mart at 1000mg soft caps. Naturemade Sam-E is available everywhere, but I look and wait for the two-for-one specials and stock up, otherwise, it can get costly.
My curly hair never come back all the way after three treatments, but at least 50%. Three treatments later, and the doctor said I can afford to wait for the VX-950 trials to start here. I agree with him that it's been a little over two years since my last biopsy and I'm going to have one in November.
I drink a LOT of water, eat very well, very little meat, mostly chicken and fish, and work out. This all seems to work for me. I think you can get into an overkill with supplements, I mean, where does it all end? The gastro suggested the Sam-E and Milk Thistle and that's it. He has seen a lot of reports, and his conclusion is that he wants me to stay on those.
Good luck to you and all of us. We will all be victorious, it's just a matter of time.
Magnum
As for vitamins, I take One A Day brand, without iron, available at Costco. Milk Thistle is available at Wal-Mart at 1000mg soft caps. Naturemade Sam-E is available everywhere, but I look and wait for the two-for-one specials and stock up, otherwise, it can get costly.
My curly hair never come back all the way after three treatments, but at least 50%. Three treatments later, and the doctor said I can afford to wait for the VX-950 trials to start here. I agree with him that it's been a little over two years since my last biopsy and I'm going to have one in November.
I drink a LOT of water, eat very well, very little meat, mostly chicken and fish, and work out. This all seems to work for me. I think you can get into an overkill with supplements, I mean, where does it all end? The gastro suggested the Sam-E and Milk Thistle and that's it. He has seen a lot of reports, and his conclusion is that he wants me to stay on those.
Good luck to you and all of us. We will all be victorious, it's just a matter of time.
Magnum
Yeah, youre right about the checing with a bx thing. But I do know many who are doing alright. Wow, i take Naturemade. I'm going to go get some that's a good price! thanks for the tip!
Hey Magnum I just wanted to thank you for your thoughts.
What other products are you taking for this?
Also, can I get your email?
What other products are you taking for this?
Also, can I get your email?
Hey Magnum I just wanted to thank you for your thoughts.
What other products are you taking for this?
Also, can I get your email?
What other products are you taking for this?
Also, can I get your email?
Yes, I've been fortunate that nearly three years have gone by and I've actually improved! However, it's risky to think that just because you feel great, that you have nothing to worry about. I plan to get my third biopsy at the end of the year to be sure of what's going on.
Magnum
Magnum
Forgot to mention, they're the Nature Made brand. Those are top of the line...
Magnum
Magnum
I've been off treatment for nearly three years and all along have been on Milk Thistle (1000mg. daily) and Sam-E (400mg. daily). My ALT and AST signs have never been better, ranging in the 45-80 levels. I feel very good and the last few tests have shown normal liver activity, considering. I'm not cured yet and still Fibrosis Level 2, Hep C 1a. Keep an eye on the VX-950 Protease Inhibitors clinical trials...
Good luck,
Magnum
Good luck,
Magnum
Congrats on keeping yourself up so well after being a non-responder. Just wanted to add, that I have spoken to many non-responders who are taking excellent care of themselves, and they don't seem to get any worse, even after more than a few years. Their alts are more or less normal, or just a little elevated, etc. and they feel pretty good. It gives me hope in case I'm an non-responder. I'm pretty sure you'll be taking that vx or something just as good as well. If that's what you want to do.
As far as the Sam-E is concerned, I take it sometimes, I find it makes me just a bit edgy, just a little. But I know many that benefit from it, most people that I know really like it. People take from 200mg to 600mg or more of it daily. I never took more than 200 a day, which is kind of low, but I always low dose because my system is sensitive. It's controversial when taking treatment because it's said to enchance elimination of certain drugs from the body. Also, researchers say that if you are manic depressive, you probably shouldn't take it. That's just my experience with it. I'm sure other people have theirs.
Also, I forgot to say I also take calcium and magnesium. Great for sleep.
As far as the Sam-E is concerned, I take it sometimes, I find it makes me just a bit edgy, just a little. But I know many that benefit from it, most people that I know really like it. People take from 200mg to 600mg or more of it daily. I never took more than 200 a day, which is kind of low, but I always low dose because my system is sensitive. It's controversial when taking treatment because it's said to enchance elimination of certain drugs from the body. Also, researchers say that if you are manic depressive, you probably shouldn't take it. That's just my experience with it. I'm sure other people have theirs.
Also, I forgot to say I also take calcium and magnesium. Great for sleep.
All I know is I wish I had known more about the side effects of the peg intron and rebatol (I'm not good with spelling) I now have plumonary hypertension very fatiqued, edema. they can't or want confirm if the tx caused my lung problem but, now if you read the warning sign alot of breathing problem are there now. The plumonary hypertension most likley keep me from having a transplant if I ever need one. The dr at Tulane Unvin New Orleans told me this. The only place that might would be the Mayo clinic in Rodchester Minnesoto I live in florida. I don't have that kind of money. My point being I'll try just about any thing now.
I usually get them at Sav-On Drugs, but if you hurry, this week Rite-Aid Drugs has a two-for-one sale on the double Strength. They're $40 each usually for 36 tabs, but now you get 72 for $40. That will last you nearly three months. You only need to take one a day of those. Remember, the Double-Strength, 36 in a box.
Good luck,
Magnum
Good luck,
Magnum
Sorry you're having such a hard time. I hope you can get a transplant if the time comes.
I haven't heard that pulmonary hypertension is a side effect of tx. I think that if there were evidence of that we'd all know about it and the decision to treat would be harder than it is.
I confess a bias against dietary supplements and herbal remedies. I've always been a little afraid of them. So the hepc dr was singing my song when he told me that he was, too. He says that they're not all just nutrients. There are drugs in them which haven't haven't had clinical trials to establish what they really do. He said that his instinct was that a multivitamin would be a good idea during tx because our diets get jerked around but he couldn't advise anything that is liver specific.
The only other medical advice that I've had about vitamins was when I was getting radiation for cancer 5 years ago. The dr told me not to take any because there is evidence that they make cancer resistant to radiation.
I haven't heard that pulmonary hypertension is a side effect of tx. I think that if there were evidence of that we'd all know about it and the decision to treat would be harder than it is.
I confess a bias against dietary supplements and herbal remedies. I've always been a little afraid of them. So the hepc dr was singing my song when he told me that he was, too. He says that they're not all just nutrients. There are drugs in them which haven't haven't had clinical trials to establish what they really do. He said that his instinct was that a multivitamin would be a good idea during tx because our diets get jerked around but he couldn't advise anything that is liver specific.
The only other medical advice that I've had about vitamins was when I was getting radiation for cancer 5 years ago. The dr told me not to take any because there is evidence that they make cancer resistant to radiation.
could it have been caused by the hemolytic anemia? I never had HTN until a few months into tx when the hgb started dropping.
<a href=http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsSupplements/Interactions/SAdenosylmethionineSAMecs.html><b>Possible Interactions with: S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe)</b></a>
A very reputable hepatologist actually suggested I take SAM-e during treatment, as it boosts depleted dopamine levels.
A very reputable hepatologist actually suggested I take SAM-e during treatment, as it boosts depleted dopamine levels.
going to dr this today any tips on what to say about my pcr and treatment? i have my labs- result: hcv rna detected 277 iu/ml hcv rna reference range <50 iu/ml hcv rna
I did the milk thistle, lipoic acid and selenum before I treated and stopped during tx. I am going to continue to take them now that treatment is over. They are really good antioxidants.
I have been greatly helped over the years by the use of herbs and homeopathic medicines for various ailments. I try these remedies first and most of the time they work. Unfortunately, while they can help with inflamation, etc., they do not treat Hep C.
-cbee
I have been greatly helped over the years by the use of herbs and homeopathic medicines for various ailments. I try these remedies first and most of the time they work. Unfortunately, while they can help with inflamation, etc., they do not treat Hep C.
-cbee
this is difficult to talk about because it's soooo controversial, but I just want to say my supplements and herbs help me. I don't personally take milk thistle, i used to but it doesn't make me feel well now for some reason. The other herbs I take, I take just a few, work much the same way MT does and they do agree with me. I have said this a few times I know, but I only had slight fatigue as a symptom up until last summer. Then I came down with a prize fighter of a flare up last july in fact.
It happened I think because I had taken aspirin for 2 weeks or so for a toothache. This flareup happened right then. My doc told me to quit taking any supps and herbs. 2 and half months went by which seemed like an eternity... Bad IBS indigestion, constant loose stools, liver pain, dark circles and paleness, red eyes like I was hung over, horrible sick feeling w/ a lot feverish feelings, lots and lots of clear urine, severe insomnia, profound fatigue and anxiety, weakness, you name it. I never knew I could get that sick. Well, I figured, not taking anything isn't working, so I began to take my supps and herbs again, and started to feel better within one week. I also started estrogen thereafter and I felt better still. Now I just have fatigue for the most part, not all that other stuff. This is just what happened to me. I firmly believe that supps and herbs won't help everyone, we are all different.
I know they won't get rid of the virus, only tx will do that. They just help me with symptoms. Perhaps they are addressing nutritional deficiencies, whatever. I take some of those things you were talking about. Mostly I take food source vitamins, like artichoke capsules, probiotics,, etc. Selenium, Vit C, Vit E, (low doses, 1000 of vit c though) Glucosamine & Chondroitin & MSM, a no mercury Fish oil, black current oil, what I think is really great is designer whey protein. It has all the b's and amino acids and glyconutrients. And it's cheap (10 bucks for a big container) and I don't have to take too much of it. I also take a few herbs. I cycle most of this too, to make sure I don't build up. Also take Liver Kampo sometimes. What I think is really important is a good diet. Not too much sugar, simple carbs, etc. Lots of veggies, avocados fruits, good grains, oatmeal, and water!. Almond milk smoothies w/banana and blueberries! Oh yeah, and I do love to walk!
I only take a little bit of fish and chicken, organic. I am a big believer in Aloe Vera juice, wonderful detoxifier and great for the skin and digestion. I also take this stuff TMG for the digestion, it's made from sugar beets. Havent' had any bad digestive problems or urpies at all. I've found ways of getting this stuff pretty cheap but I understand it's still and expense to some people, in which case I'd just take the really important ones. You asked what some of us do, this is what I do, I don't advocate that anybody else do it it just works for me. I'm also taking the treatment in the fall. Good luck to you.
It happened I think because I had taken aspirin for 2 weeks or so for a toothache. This flareup happened right then. My doc told me to quit taking any supps and herbs. 2 and half months went by which seemed like an eternity... Bad IBS indigestion, constant loose stools, liver pain, dark circles and paleness, red eyes like I was hung over, horrible sick feeling w/ a lot feverish feelings, lots and lots of clear urine, severe insomnia, profound fatigue and anxiety, weakness, you name it. I never knew I could get that sick. Well, I figured, not taking anything isn't working, so I began to take my supps and herbs again, and started to feel better within one week. I also started estrogen thereafter and I felt better still. Now I just have fatigue for the most part, not all that other stuff. This is just what happened to me. I firmly believe that supps and herbs won't help everyone, we are all different.
I know they won't get rid of the virus, only tx will do that. They just help me with symptoms. Perhaps they are addressing nutritional deficiencies, whatever. I take some of those things you were talking about. Mostly I take food source vitamins, like artichoke capsules, probiotics,, etc. Selenium, Vit C, Vit E, (low doses, 1000 of vit c though) Glucosamine & Chondroitin & MSM, a no mercury Fish oil, black current oil, what I think is really great is designer whey protein. It has all the b's and amino acids and glyconutrients. And it's cheap (10 bucks for a big container) and I don't have to take too much of it. I also take a few herbs. I cycle most of this too, to make sure I don't build up. Also take Liver Kampo sometimes. What I think is really important is a good diet. Not too much sugar, simple carbs, etc. Lots of veggies, avocados fruits, good grains, oatmeal, and water!. Almond milk smoothies w/banana and blueberries! Oh yeah, and I do love to walk!
I only take a little bit of fish and chicken, organic. I am a big believer in Aloe Vera juice, wonderful detoxifier and great for the skin and digestion. I also take this stuff TMG for the digestion, it's made from sugar beets. Havent' had any bad digestive problems or urpies at all. I've found ways of getting this stuff pretty cheap but I understand it's still and expense to some people, in which case I'd just take the really important ones. You asked what some of us do, this is what I do, I don't advocate that anybody else do it it just works for me. I'm also taking the treatment in the fall. Good luck to you.
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