Why is everyone so worried ?

[nobear]

I am in my 39th. year of having HCV genotype 1A the most deadliest of all the 22 known genotypes of the Hep. C Virus. I read some and most of the questions concerning the virus and the medication taken for it. I have only had a liver biopsy done to test for the genotype. In the 39 years I have taken no medication for HCV it has been all natural foods and most important certain natural liquids. I only have blood work done evey 2 years to check liver functions and an ultra sound every 3 years to check for scaring. So my question is since I have survived this long without medication and knowing exactly what foods and liquids to have and not to have, Why? have you people not tried the natural way to live with and treat the HEP. C VIRUS. There are a few ways to make the liver happy and work better naturally and a few ways to clean the blood naturally and flush your system out. Why have you not tired them or do you not know them?

[copyman]

Why is everyone so worried ?

My answer to that is if you ever saw anyone die from liver disease you would understand why some would be worried. It is perhaps one of the most horrible ways to die.

If you are doing good on supplements and/or diet good for you. Keep doing what you are doing.

But I have to say you are very foolish to rely on blood work every 2 years and ultrasound every 3 years to track this disease. I personally would see a hepatologist and have blood work every 6 months, ultrasounds at least yearly and biopsies every 3-5 years.

HCV is a very sneaky disease and has a strange way of sneaking up on you and biting you in the butt.

[adamben101]

It's evident that Nobear is ill-informed on some aspects of the disease, as shown above.  I have no doubt that some people DO actually cure Hep C through natural alternatives, but these people are a minute percentage of those infected.  The facts remain that on average, people chronically infected with Hep C have NO better chance of clearing than going on standard treatment (SOC, PI's, etc.), not alternative medicines.

[orphanedhawk]

Everyone is worried because we live in a society that encourages fear.

Supposedly 20% of those with HCV will develop cirrhosis. 20 % can live with it and never have any liver problems.
Its not about eating well, though that can't hurt.
The research says drinking at least 3 cups of coffee and eating chocolate can help protect your liver. Alcohol isvery damaging.

You are lucky to be healthy and not have liver damage from hcv. Its not about what you eat. I wish it were that simple.
I ate well (organic, home grown etc) exercised and was floored when I learned I had HCV and decompensated cirrhosis. Probably because I was otherwise healthy, I survived a liver transplant and am now doing well.

Good luck to you and welcome to the forum.

[eureka254]

"I have just overcome Stage 4 Liver Cancer that took 2 years on chemo..."

That is quite phenomenal, my sincerest congratulations.
I would very much like to know what chemo you treated with, and exactly what you mean by "overcome"... is the hepatoma completely gone? Any details you could provide about your treatment would be much appreciated, as my husband has Stage 2 Liver Cancer.  Thank you. ~eureka

[tashka]

It is great that you seem to be one of those in whom this disease doesn't progress. But you should remember that hepatitis C is VERY unpredictable, the course of the disease can change at any time, and it happens very rapidly. That is why most people with this disease worry about what is going to happen. There is a reason why hepatitis C is called a silent killer. You feel great and wonderful, nothing bothers you for decades, and then it suddenly gets worse and kills you.

You have to remember that no matter what you do, you have virus in your blood and liver, which means you are seriously ill. Doing blood work once in 2 years is not wise at all. You have to be under close supervision of a doctor and to have frequent blood tests at least. I am not trying to convince you to treat today, but you need to monitor your condition at regular intervals.

I know that you said good buy, but really hope that you read this. People here speak from their personal experience. And if you want everyone to listen to what you have to say, shouldn't you also listen to others' opinions, even if they differ from yours?

[phonefixer]

You could not be more right. Alternative methods should be left up to each personal wishes alone. I have had Hep-C 1a for the past 42 years and have tried three treatments and all failed. All three was a living hell, but a chance to clear the Hep-C , it would be worth it. Clean living is on what you eat, drink and do, is a factor in living a full life with Hep-C. I have just overcome stage 4 Liver Cancer that took 2 years on chemo. Now that the Cancer is gone they checked the viral load. Back in 2001 while on interfron treatment it was at 4 millon, today its at 740,000. Alternative methods  along with the correct meds is a plus in fighting the Hep-C virus.