SST

[SnoWav]

I see they are running Clinical Trials for SST a herb they use in Japan.I know it will not kill the virus just wondered if anyone has used it.

[mikesimon]

If you've followed my story you know that though I have been undetectable since 2003 and stopped TX in 2004 a biopsy on June 2/06 revealed 30 IU/ml in the serum obtained with the tissue sample. A Heptimax on May 3 and another one a week afer the biopsy  were both undetectable <5 IU/ml. Last week I was with my transplant surgeon and I asked him what percentage of the non transplant SVRs he thought would show HCV on biopsy. He said 75%. I didn't quiz him on this as it was tangential to the issues that we were discussing but his response was quite casual. Before he had seen my biopsy and was looking at my labs over the last month or so he said that it looks like hepatitis. I asked him what the biopsy showed and he found the report and very casually said "yea, it's hepatitis". He wasn't the least bit fazed by this - need I say that I was stunned? Anyway, I will be very interested to hear what Schiff has to say about this stuff. In my opinion I could care less if there is a tiny bit of HCV remaining in my liver as long as my enzymes look really good. They had been consistantly in the teens or low 20s until the immunosuppressive dose reduction. Good luck Snook. Mike

[GoofyDad]

I know I speak for others too when I say this. I don't ask very often, but do know I watch for news from you and you are often in my thoughts. Take care.

[mikesimon]

I didn't get the blast thankfully. I really don't think I notice the 200 mg. ribavirin as far as how I feel. But I do notice the half dose Pegasys. My platelets dropped form 185,000 to 136,000 after 4 shots and my bilirubin has risen. I attribute the bilirubin  to red blood cell destruction resulting from the low dose ribavirin - at least I hope that's what it is. I haven't asked for a frationalized bilirubin yet to determine whether my indirect or direct bilirubin has increased but I may if this trend continues. Overall, I am doing okay. I'm not too thrilled with the situation but I remain hopeful that this will resolve favorably and quickly. Thanks so much for asking about me. How have you been doing? Mike

[FlGuy]

How's that bit of riba treating you and any after effects of the blast?

[Snookmiester]

Wow, 75% of nontransplant SVR's? Boy, I'm gonna have to double up on the supplements now!! LOL!! I'm actually content with my condition, as long as ALT's maintain normal ranges.
Yeah, I'm wondering what Schiff's take is on this, and if it has changed since my last visit. I definately have questions, and will post my findings.. Hope all is well with you!

[Xenigma]

I've been going to Schiff for 3 years now and he always uses the word "CURE" with me.  He say's I will "Cure you in 2-3 years. That was last August.
My next appt. at U of M is in August as well.  We'll see how long they say this time for the newer drugs, or something I can take. Actually last August they said I could go into a herbal study but I refused. I'm guessing it was the SST.  Personally, I use remission, not cure.  When the tests can measure down to 0 copies then I will say cure.
Good luck at your appt.
enigma