news item

[mycoldfeet]

I read that Pamala Anderson stated she has the Hep C virus but would fight it using holistic healing. I wonder if the virus believes in it, I hope that celibrities like her do not sway people from getting the tx they need by listening to that kind of garbage. Does anyone out there belive she hasnt got a high priced private Dr. for tx in between her "holistic healing" sessions. If she hadnt come out and stated it in the paper I wouldnt mention it, but there is a lot of scared people out there that take these celebrities too seriously.

[fullofhope]

Thanks for your repsponses and comments...as always - you are a great stress relieving tool...

[mikesimon]

The blood brain barrier thing and the theory that this may account for or at least contribute to cognitive impairment does not mean that you will be unable to function. The research has revealed a subclinical neurophysiological impairment. Short and long term memory are not affected. If I recall right it may have been evidenced in attention span tests. At any rate the study I saw said that this impairment resolved with tx. I think it took 4 weeks. Some of these facts may be off a bit but, believe me, I do know that the impairment was not severe and that it should not preclude you from working. Most of us have had this virus for a long time and worked productively throughout. I had it and went to law school and practiced law and ran a company. Now some may argue that I could have done better but I did okay. So relax and you will be fine. Good luck again. Mike

[fullofhope]

Thanks.  I hope you are right.  As long as I keep busy I am ok. We had an issue with one of our web page forms not displaying a variable correctly - so that took a little time investigating (wound up being a mispelled variable in the code) and after it was fixed I realized I didn't think about this at all...of course then reality rushed back.

I am so worried about that blood-brain thing now.  My day-job and my business rely heavily on my brain power and clear thinking - if that goes ... it all goes.

I guess it is a good thing I like working outdoors and gardening - If everything else goes down the tubes maybe I could start my own lawn care business and hire only women who will wear barely there clothing while cutting grass, trimming hedges and mulching.  I am sure that would attract attention and money (from single men anyway).

[mikesimon]

I very much doubt that the change was owing to any urgency in your treatment. It was in all likelihood a matter of convenience for the office. Try to relax a little. I know the mind plays these games and I know it is hard to stop it at times like these. But do try. I think getting acclimated to the stress of waiting is central to dealing with this disease while maintaining a modicum of sanity. You'll be fine. Good luck. Mike

[fullofhope]

Ok - didn't want to take up a new thread - but had to get my feelings out.  I am sitting here at work watching the clock and I only just got here.  I think I looked about 5 times already - that is once a minute.  I have my "viral load" and "alt" meeting with my doctor today.  It was originally for Friday, but I called him (in my newly developed psycho manner) and requested that if he had the results - that he call me and give them to me - that I couldn't take the wait anymore.  They called yesterday and said they wanted to put a new patient in the hour slot on Friday - and asked if I could come in today.

I am just really nervous right now.  I was grateful for the change in the appointment - but then my worry-wart mentality took over - "Is it that bad that they moved everyone around for me?" "No - maybe they were just being nice cause they knew I was stressing" "Or maybe he never saw results like that in his life and needs to get me on meds now...or on a transplant list - I could have had this for 30 years".

Anyway - I know all of you know what the brain does during times like this - I am trying to make myself laugh about how ridiculous I sound - but it AIN'T WORKIN'.  I know I will be on this forum until the minute I have to leave for the appointment - and of course "working".  AAHHHHHHH - My last really stressful moment was waiting for the + sign (which never happened) on the pregnancy test.  Now...if I ever thought waiting for that stupid pregnancy test to turn took forever and was stressful - this beats it a billion-trillion-gazillion times over.  Amazing how fast things come into perspective after finding something like this out huh?  I mean - the week before this I was starting to worry about giving myself IVF shots for 3-4 weeks...now I am facing a years worth of shots and drugs and feeling sick.

Hmmmm...guess I am learning exactly what the "small stuff" is - and what not to "sweat".

[fullofhope]

Thanks for telling me about why you didn't get on TX right away...I am learning everyday.  I appreciate your responses - everyone.