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.

[Pdilly]

Let us know if you hear anything more about the VX trials for 2's at a later date.

Pat

[headsrtails]

I am about to do my 2nd sht tomorrow and it'll be 1 week on Rib. as well. It may be too early for me to chime about the very bearable effects of tx. 1st shot produced flu symptoms for about 2 hours...they were just annoying since I was expecting to be hit with a sledgehammer: slight lower back ache, and slight chills...the following days nothing, really. Ditto with Ribivarin. (I am knocking so hard on wood you must be able to hear it)I, too, was very concerned about side x to the level of not doing tx. I also was on naturopaths..milk thistle, SAMe, L-Acid, NAC, vit. C, E, plus green drinks, Wheat Grass, gluten free and dairy free diet(feel great to boot)etc. That, and quiting drinkning altogether, no more social cigerette-smoking either, and exercising, and my counts dropped: my AST's and everything else are normal, and ALTs went from 120 to 51. I guess I could have waited for "better" treatment because I am G3 stage 1, level 2 VL is >7 X 10^5,.... I became infected either in 82, or 92, either way 24 or 14 years, it has not progressed that fast; and I was drinking heavily before I met my wife five years ago. However, I DO NOT want to live with HCV inside of me and realized that I have a higher chance of gettig rid of it to undected levels  if I undergo treatment NOW. I do not want to infect anyone and am tired of watching everything I do: razors need to be away from kid, etc. Especially, and if you will excuse me for being so vulgar, I cannot love my wife the way I used to, we miss the intimacy, canot kiss if she has cut, etc. and we do not like to  practice safe sex..Headrtails

[kstar]

Thanks so much...I am newly married and I can tell you this has put a stain on the relationship...my husband would support your choose in a hot minute.

[FlGuy]

Yup, that's the name.  All I had to do was put on my glasses so I could read my notes. The guy's a keeper.

[FlGuy]

I'm doing well.  I re-start tx in a few weeks.  The doc suggested that I treat sooner than the vx stuff I might be eligible for in a few months.  The next phase of trials for vx will start in the the next few months - around Jan, and some of the criteria may change since it will be with a bigger population. So you may qualify if the criteria changes.  Stay close to those guys, it could be your ticket out.

[doglover28]

I did spell it wrong. It's McHutchison.    I am also working with Dr. Patel who is with his group.  McHutchison runs the show for the group.  Great man