casperclaudee - Hepatitis Message Board

askherjohn82 · 04-17-2003, 06:37 AM

i did a 7 month test on myself regarding my enzymes.i started to take liv-tone with milk thistle etc.i monitor my enzymes as my blood work results,every month are faxed over to me.i really think that by taking the liv-tone has helped alot.my results came in yesterday. ast/50 alt/47.have this 20+years and haven't done treatment.your oppinion would be greatly appreciated.take care.
keep the faith, bless you............mj

casperclaudee · 04-19-2003, 12:27 AM

mj,

I think Kackles would probably in a better position to comment than I. She has a lot of experience treating naturally and has been monitoring her situation for a long time. She also reports a big drop in her viral load count from natural treatments (liv-tone, etc). But I must say your AST and ALT tests are really encouraging, since normal range from AST is 0-40 and normal range for ALT is 30-65, according to my lab. I'd say that's pretty good. Course, these tests are not the end-all, but are a decent indicator of how well your liver was functioning at the time of your bloodwork.

My understanding is those tests can readily fluctuate. I think it was Kackles who posted once one of her ALT tests came back something like 101, but she said she was painting and the like (was breathing around some nasty chemicals) just prior to her test. How have your tests been coming back -- is this a substantial drop? If so, that's really good news!

I've been toying with the idea of taking liv-tone but right now I am only taking the Milk Thystle and Vit e sups to help this. I take lots of other vits/sups, but already was prior to my diagnosis. I would like to add some other items known to be beneficial, so I still have to work on that.

Hope this helps, mj. Am interested in where these numbers came in from past numbers. Please do let me know!

Kackles - can you add here?

Keep your spirits and attitude HIGH (and Happy Easter!)

Diane

askherjohn82 · 04-22-2003, 09:48 AM

hi Casperclaudee
thank you for your reply.regarding the enzymes, it wasn't a big drop.the alt (in my oppinion)is the one that can give us a better idea of where things stand regarding stages or state that the liver is in.the highest alt has been with me was 125,and ast was 98.so it seemed to have not dropped all at once (in which was great news for me)but yes they have gradually been dropping and now they are at the lowest ever, so i must be doing something right.i'm just curiouse and would like to learn more about (alternatives).and would like to study that field a bit for my own piece of mind.the liv-tone that i take has the milk thistle in it.thank's again for your reply!
keep the faith, bless you...................mj

Jemah · 04-22-2003, 10:07 AM

Hi Mj, you haven't been on the board much lately. How have you been? Are you feeling well? Are you all unpacked from the move?

Taking the liv-tone can't be hurting you and like I told you before I took supplements (herbs & vitamins) for 2 years and my levels remained the same. Same ALT/AST, viral load. What ingredients are in the liv-tone? Be sure they are all natural with no preservatives or additives.

The big indicator is your biopsy results. What were yours and when is your next one?

Treatment is such a personal decision. Don't feel like you "have" too and don't feel like you "don't have too". You'll know IF OR when its the right time for you. Listen to your body and follow what it tells you.

I am treating strictly because it felt right for me at this time. I don't want to live the rest of my life with HCV even though I probably can. I wasn't feeling great anyway and I have minimal fibrosis from years of drugs and alcohol. I got tired of keeping up with all the supplements and it was more expensive than treatment. I'm just starting into it and it hasn't been bad. I try to stay away from negative posts about tx because I don't want to be influenced in anyway. I guess I'm afraid if I read about someones nightmare tx, just thinking about it will make mine the same......I know the Lord is looking out for me and I know that He is healing me but that comes from my faith.

You just keep doing what you're doing, get a biospy every three years and be comfortable with whatever decision you make. You'll know when and if. I have faith in you!!! Sorry didn't mean to butt in

Take care and TTS
Jeannie

[This message has been edited by Jemah (edited 04-22-2003).]

askherjohn82 · 04-22-2003, 02:10 PM

thanks so much for your reply Jemah
we are all settled in here, but have been busy with decorating the place.it's comming along just fine.i don't have my file on hand it's in the filing cabinet in our bedroom, and the comp. is in the basement best as i recall i had my biopsy done 3 years ago,and things weren't bad considering how long that i've had this. however my new gp wants me to have another biopsy, i agreed. but my liv doc says that there is no need,and to wait another 2 years.however i am amazed at my enzymes at this point in time, i did the booze, drugs trip back in my (other life) as i like to reffer to it.my faith has been a great impact on me when i first found out about having hep.and people like yourself as well as all of our fellow heps are a great inspiration and help to me.i have alot of r/a also a deterioration which the r/a has decided to set in there also.along time ago the doc gave me some meds for the r/a.then i developed a hyhetis hurnea (no doubt spelled it wrong)so i can't take those meds for pain, do you know of anything that might be of help that i could read up on for the r/a with a person who has hep.your reply will be greatly appreciated.take care
keep the faith, bless you................mj