immune compromised??

[fishdoc]

So many finishers..gads!!  I feel like a freshman with senior envy!!!  I hope each and every one of you NEVER has to poke yourself again!!  I have a couple of issues/questions.  First, thanks for the support, my mom is fine, looks a little like bride of frankenstein (carotid surgery) but at least thats all they did to her.  I survived, got so tired I was a little weepy sunday, but I AM NOT GOING TO COMPLAIN!!! My sx are so minimal, if thats the worst my hubby has to deal with, we'll just count our proverbial blessings.  BTW, so far no riba rage.  And trust me, spending a week in a hospital, MANY opportunities arise to lose your temper.  OK, my question.  As can-do-man remembers, I am spayed, so each spring I must quench my maternal lusts with a surragote... and this spring I am running low on chickens.  However, the catalog (hah, bet NYgirl didn't know there were chicken catalogs!) says because of salmonella, immune compromised individuals should not have birds...  So, are we immune compromised from start to finish, or only if our white cells drop?  Interesting question, no?  Also, am I the only one that has a little of, shall we tactfully say spring fever?  Is there a sx related to baser urges that isn't discussed?  Please be discreet in your responses...

[can-do-man]

I agree with the 4 week pcr for geno 2 and 3's, As for geno 1 im not much for it unless you have little damage and might go the 24 week course. My doctor left it up to me on it. I didn't have it done because as a stage 4 theres no short cut. And it would not have changed the way we were treating so i figured why have the added stress when nothing was going to change. Plus i just don't enjoy being stuck anymore then i have to.

[fishdoc]

What the doc told me: the four week and 12 week is essentially for the other than 1's, specifically to determine length of treatment.  He said he likes to do a 12 week, but the alt was indicative enough for the short term response.  Not sure I agree, my MD trumps PhD at least when it comes medicine.

[azgrl]

From my docs perspective the 4 week is essential in determining length of tx.  At least for her 3a's if you aren't ud by week 4 then you go 48 weeks.  So that test is an important one.  I don't know how it is with her 1's though.

We are back to the same debate on 24 vs 48 again.  She has changed her protocol for her 3a's with fatty liver to 48weeks.  I'm still not sure I'm convinced just yet. But will continue the discussion with her.

deb in az

[GoofyDad]

IIRC, back in the old days, they used to use AST/ALT as *the* marker during tx - back before they could quantify the VL. So yeah, its an excellent indicator of reaction to the meds. You are ROCKIN'!!!

There's controversy, but I sure do like the 4 week PCR. They are treating some geno 1's for 24 weeks now, and who knows what new studies will emerge down the road. That 4 week measurement is one you can't go back and get later.

[fishdoc]

Yes, you are so right!!  Grown ones don't do anything for the maternal instincts either...  and at least they don't paste up....  

My doc said "greater than normal caution in cleanliness" so thats oK.  Also, he was very pleased.. after 2.5 weeks (three shots) my ALT is lower than it has been in three years (35).  He said that indicates to him that their is a virulogic response... anyone else had that happen?  Does a lowering alt correlate to drop in PCR at the next stage?  We are going to do a 12 week, but not a 4 week.  Anyway any positive is ok with me, I'll take it.

cheers,
c.

[goldyn]

i have 5 backyard chickens, and enjoy thier fresh eggs almost everyday , i cook with them and bake with them you can really taste and see the diff when you bake with fresh egg... i due shot 12 on fri and have been running on  boarder line white count since week 2 and have not had any infections so i wouldnt worry once you get past the cute fuzzy stage you wont feel like kissin em much anyway....