They are looking for people for new trials

[helpmeAbby]

Please check it out
http://.shosakoto.com/clinicaltrials.htm/

[Liv]

I do know of one person who was taking SST (Sho-Saik-To) and saw improvement in his liver enzymes.  I think it costs approx. $50.00/month.  I was actually given samples of it by a liver specialist who didn't think I needed to tx. at this time and suggested I try it however I never did as I didn't know much about it or it's possible side effects.

[Liv]

You can go to http://hepzone.com.  They're the people who make Sho-Saik-To (SST).  There is also a link re: a recent study I believe at http://health2.ucsd.edu/ntrials/031532.htm

[Liv]

Sorry, Honso makes SST (Sho-Saik-To), Hepzone markets it (I think).  But you can get more info. if you google either one of the companies.  I'm not great on the computer and keep having to close out of one thing and look up another.  Hope I didn't confuse anyone.

[miked]

For those who don't know me I'm a 48 year old caucasian guy, geno 1b and failed INF +RBV tx after 32 weeks because of a viral breakthrough.  Biopsy was mild damage and activity.

Because tx didn't work for me I have no option but to wait and watch.  What I decided to really wait for is a VX950 trial.

Meanwhile I'm taking Maximum Milk Thistle, eating right and excercising daily.

I've read all the information about shosaikoto but have not seen any posts here about people who have taken it.  IS anyone here taking shosaikoto?  If so what results are you seeing and are there side effects?  Also how expensive is it?

Thanks,

Mike

[timedog]

were you ever undetectable durning any phase of your treatment?

[FlGuy]

I noticed that two if the ingredients of SST are licorice and jujube. I would be very excited to see a formulation that included junior mint and milk dud.

[willows]

I also had viral breakthru at about 30 weeks, but am a stage 3 so I can't wait so long for VX-950.  Found a new doc in Seattle at Harborview, he is supposed to be wonderful and my one meeting with him was at least informative.  He believes VX-950 is the best PI out there and he and I are now in discussion about doing maintenance vs waiting for VX.  I'm ready for maintenance, but doc says there is growing concern about the virus mutating against IFN, so you are doing the right thing, stay heathy and positive for the time VX is released.

You might try the Vertex web site for info on programs for VX and non-responders, my understanding is it will be early next year before VX is tried on non-responders.  Cross your fingers.
Willow

[miked]

Never UND.  It was odd because I got an initial 3log drop and my VL gradually went down to 7,500 but at week 32 the PCR came back with like 12,000.

DoubleDose hit the nail on the head because at the time he was saying to get my doc to up the INF and/or change INF brands.  Doctor Dufus wouldn't hear of it....I since fired him.

[timedog]

Sorry not up on your treatment so if you have already posted forgive me. but since you switched docs how are you doing.

Just wondering about the more therory because there are so many instence in life where more is not necessarly better.

[Kalio1]

I know you are just trying to help by posting the articles you find and I want to thank you for taking the time to do that. One thing you might do is be sure and check the dates on the information you find before posting it as the changes in treatments and treatment strategies are rapid so information from the 90's is probably outdated and/or has been proven to be ineffective or the drugs or therapies were dropped for some reason if you cant find any new information on them dated in the last few years or so.

If you are looking for specific information for you to deal with your Hep C, this is a great place to ask because many people here have had Hep C  for a long time and many have treated for it or are currenty treating for it.

I hope some of the comments didnt scare you away, most with Hep C are very sensitive to the stigmas surrounding this illness and felt offended by the photo in the article you posted and it had nothing to do with the info in the article. I tried to research the info in the article but I couldnt find any current info on it so it is either still in research or they are not publishing info on it or it has been discontinued for some reason. Take care and I hope you are feeling ok, please continue to post if you have questions.

PS. to long time members: let's all try to remember that new folks here are just that NEW to all of this and we should treat them accordingly. Putting them down doesnt do anyone any good and you can find a nice way of saying things that wont be offensive and still get the message across. I am sure people who take the time to post info have the best intentions. Some of us could find a NICER way of letting them know how to research info and figure out what is relevant so we dont end up chasing them away when they very well could be looking for help and just not know how to go about getting it or giving it. These boards are hard for computer novices to navigate and being new to the Hep C world is difficult too.

[miked]

Really, I'm doing great.  After 32 weeks of tx I lost about 30lbs. which came back plus another 10.  I'm now off all meds with the exception of Milk Thistle and run between 15-20 miles per week which once again has me at a normal weight.

Every now and then I get like an "Interferon Hang-Over".  Last month for several days I was experiencing traces of the flu symptoms accompanied by that speedy feeling.  It's like the **** is hiding in my bones or something.

Because my liver is in good shape and I didn't respond to standard tx, I'm watching and waiting.  I'm motivated and a great candidate for the Vertex trial due out for non-responders which is my game plan.  I fired the local doc and now go to Paul Kwo at the IU Medical Center.  He invited me to get into the Schering PI trial now underway but I feel that VX950 is the way to go.  One open question for me is will IU Med. Center be selected for the Vertex non-responder trial.  If anyone has any information about what centers will be in this trial I'd like to know about it.

What's your story?

[NYgirl]

I love you. I opened the site and that was the first post I saw.....I'll be thinking of Jr. Mints all day long now.  Oh boy...I hope this is a sign of how my day will go.

Thanks.

[hippygem]

I couldnt get into the link to have a look, is the address right?