Hello all,
I would like to hear from someone whose had Hep C for years, went through treatment, and well today. I have had Hep C for nearly 41 years, still feeling well. Although at one point for two years ( at 18 years old) I was extremely ill. Doctors did not have a name for it until the 90's. I was a patient at a well know institute. I was just told to stay away from things such as alcohol etc. eat right, and sleep until my body awoke on it's own and not from an alarm clock. Since that time, I am basicly a health addict. I have been sent to several Liver specialist, all knowing I have been a natural health addict with herbs and such for years, all who tell me the treatments available are not a cure, and they simply slow down the disease. I've also been told, there's no sense taking the bioptsy if I don't believe in the treatments. But I must tell you, I have not come across a doctor that has even suggested I begin the treatments. My enzyme counts are 60 to 90 depending on the day and how much rest I've had. I've also been frieghtened by the pros and cons presented to me about a liver biopsy. It's as though the doctors feel the treatments are not an issue in my case. Can this be because my body has kept it somewhat under control? I don't drink or anything, however, I do drink coffee and I comsume many natural herb antitoxans and 8 ounces of aloe vera juice everyday. Today, I am 58 years old. Contacted Hep C at 17. So what's up with doctors not even wanting to discus treatment with me? Could it be my insurance? Most do not even recommend it. Is it because I seem to be doing well? Perhaps it's my age, and they figure I've lived this long without treat. Has this happened to anyone else? The liver specialist I have come in contact with don't seem to have alot of faith in the treatments available, and I been led to believe it is just another form of chemotherapy treatment which destroys the immune system, which I am totally against. Any advise?
First of all I would like to express my disapointment in any health care professional that would discourage a patient from treatment unless there is an underlying health related reason. The Doctor that told you that treatment for hep c is just another chemo. is absolutly right, and yes it can weaken your immune system temporarily. So I guess if one of his patients were dying from liver cancer he would discourage treatment for this also because it may weaken their immune system?? This is ludicrous. You have to ask yourself "do I want to live longer or not??
Even if the current treatment only knocks the virus down for a couple years, you do realize that this is 2 years that hep c cannot attack your liver and further its damage. Look at it as buying time(worse case)but it may prove to be a permanent cure, they just dont know yet.I wont kid you, the first few weeks of treatment sucked and I felt terrible but now I am at week 16 and I am Non- Detectable foe hep c. Keep your chin up , get a new liver doctor and give yourself the advantage of a second or even third opinion.
I would just like to add that you determining whether or not you do treatment should be determined by what number you are ,1A ,1B,2A,2B,Etc.If you are a 1A or 1B then yes I would wait until they come out with a treatment that has proven to help 1A & 1B.I am a 1B & I have been treating myself naturally for the last 2 years since I was diagnosed.The reason I chose the natural way is mainly because I was raised on herbs my whole life,My parents really only took us to the doctor if something was broken or needed stitches.Most things they just overdosed us on herbs,supplements fresh garlic,etc.We were always really healthy kids.Ihe other reason I refuse treatment is because being a 1B ,I am the most resistant to treatment.1A & 1B usually do not respond to treatment.So why should I subject myself to all of the hidious side effects if at the end I will not be cured?If they said I would be cured from this with treatment I would definitly take it,But until they can tell me that I refuse to suffer from the side effects.You have to remember that more people die with this disease than from it.So as long as you live a healthy life ,eat healthy (stay away from red meat ,processed foods,sugar,etc.),exercize,you can live a long healthy life.By following these things myself I have managed to keep my alts & asts at normal range for 2 years& I got my viral load down from 727,000(thousand)to 199,000(thousand)I have been very fortunate that my numbers have done nothing but gone down ,I have been very lucky that they have never flucuated.So I do practice what I preach.Just do what is best for yourself,Stay strong ,Stay positive & you can live a long healthy life & beat this dragon! Take Care!Cudagirl
Hi Torry - I applaud the fact that you have taken care of your body well for so many years. I was only diagnosed almost 2 years ago, and at that time started paying attention to my health. I have been infected for probably 25 years and am 56 years old. My feeling is that I am a pretty healthy individual for the way I treated my body most of my life. I did have a biopsy; and as of Jan. '02, have stage 1 fibrosis, which I think is pretty damn good. My bloodwork is all normal as of June.
I am treating myself alternatively with the doctors only providing lab orders. At least your doctors haven't tried to push treatment down your throat. My gastro did, and I dropped him like a hot potato.
I do believe that a biopsy is a good idea. However, there is now the Fibrospect test, which is a simple blood test. I don't know my genotype, but at least I know what shape my liver is in.
I am not in the least worried about this whole thing and feel most positive that I will die from something totally different, like old age at 100! LOL I go with my gut. What does your gut tell you? It surely wouldn't hurt to try another doctor if you can.
Doctor says No cure 
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