Newly diagnosed, taking naturopathic/homeopathic treatment ???

[kstar]

Since July I have been exploring all options.  Here is what I know about my diagnoses...My liver enzymes are AST 75/Alt 76, genotype I, HCV RNA of 2.3 million and one small liver cyst w/no splenomegaly.  After researching the side affects and the response rate of peg interferon and ribavirin I decided to try other options.  Since taking supplements and homeopathic meds my viral load has dropped from 2 million to 5 hundred thousand.  MY QUESTION, IS IT NORMAL TO SEE VIRAL LOADS DROP WITHOUT ANY TREATMENT AT ALL.  My doc told me not to get to excited that I still have a treatable virus.  SECOND QUESTION, WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT MY DOC TO BE DOING?  ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR THE BEST HOSPITALS, DOCTORS IN THE STATES...PREFERABLY IN THE MICHIGAN AREA.  My first visit was at U of M Ann Arbor which will continue seeing me if I opt for treatment.  Thanks for any/all help or suggestions.

[FlGuy]

From what they said at UM, VX for geno 1 relapsers will start around early 2007.  For other geno relapsers a little later but still in the first quarter of 07.  Since they did not have their full instructions for the next phase yet, that was a guess but they've been around the block with many trials so they are educated guesses.  So, your Feb appt with Schiff could be very good timing.  That's why you should check in with Amy every couple of months.  And, as the other folks who are in current vx trials have indicated, the first several weeks of vx trials require attendance at the trial site for meds, testing and evaluation.  So, the sooner you can move farther south the easier it would be for you.  Assuming, of course, that your condition and specifics make you eligible.

[Mister beagle bailey]

Thanks, I have my house on the market now and hoping it sells soon.  As you know, this is not a good market to be selling.  I plan to call Amy again today.  I don't care if I have to live at UM for a month as long as they take me.  LOL  How are you doing?

Beagle

[Mister beagle bailey]

Well, I just got off the phone with Amy and she still has my name on the list for up coming trials.  However, she said there are no trials down the pike for 2's and 3's any where in the country as of yet. Because they say 2 and 3 are easy to treat, sure right. It seem's to be a losing battle, maybe I should go to Europe for their trials as 2's and3's are common there.  LOL

She also said that they may not take me because of my thalassemia' can you believe this, I'm screwed either way.

Any ideas???????

Beagle

[doglover_forgot password]

Hi Liv,

Nice to meet you.  Dr. McHutchinson is great! He has the best bedside manner of any Doc that I've been  to. I couldn't believe how young he looks. He has no problem with me taking SAMe and the other one that I take is Milk Thistle. Maybe they aren't cures, but they do help the liver. He has the best bedside manner of any Doc that I've been  to.
I worked in Pharmaceutical Development, and scientist would synthesis herbs to make medicine.  
How long have you been going to Duke?
Pam

Beagle,
I'm not sure about the studys there on 2s since I am a 1.

[doglover_forgot password]

Thanks for sharing that with me.  That's probably my problem. Reading all the horror stories about the treatment.  I am going to watch the video tonight about treatment.

[GrandmaA]

You cannot take homeopathic remedies because they contain alcohol. ANY amount of alcohol further damages our livers. This is what Dr. Zhang says on the subject and he's an expert in livers and herbs.

I lowered my viral load a great deal with colloidal silver in 6 months, but I got stiff fingers. It's just getting better now after two years. BE CAREFUL.

My doctor said the only permanent damage from the side effects will be to the thyroid.