It says holiday but it is still *timely*........ take a moment and do this
puzzle........ it is cool!
http://www.toto-cgi.com/holiday/download/HG01/flash/toto2001.html
PEACE and LOVE!
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Viral Kinetics in Treatment-Naïve Patients with Pegasys Versus PEG-Intron
The second phase slope of HCV during interferon alfa treatment for chronic
hepatitis C is known as the best predictor of sustained viral response.
Comparison of viral kinetics using pegylated interferons (PEG-IFN) has not yet
been studied.
The objective of this randomized open label trial by Italian investigators,
presented at the 53rd AASLD meeting in Boston, was to evaluate early viral
kinetics of HCV replication during the first 12 weeks of treatment with
different PEG-IFNs in naive patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC).
A total of 22 untreated patients, with biopsy-proven CHC, HCV-RNA positive, and
persistently elevated ALT levels have been randomized to receive 180 mcg
once-weekly of Pegasys (pegylated interferon alfa-2a; n=10) or 1.0 mcg/kg
once-weekly of PEG-Intron (pegylated interferon alfa-2b; n=12).
Ribavirin was given at dosage of 1000-1200 mg/day. Patients with genotype 1 were
6/12 among PEG-Intron group and 7/10 among Pegasys group. HCV-RNA levels were
measured using Amplicor HCV v.2.0 (lower limit of sensitivity <50 IU/mL) at
baseline, 24, 48, 72, 120 and 168 hours (h) during the first week, and then
after 4 and 12 weeks of treatment. The statistical analysis was performed by
using an Anova Between-Within (B-W) two-factor mixed design.
Results: Mean baseline HCV-RNA load (log10 IU/mL) was similar in both groups
(Pegasys: 5,75 vs PEG-Intron: 5,64; P= n.s.). No significant statistical
differences between the two groups were recorded after 1 week and 4 weeks of
therapy [(1 week: Pegasys: 4,88 vs PEG-Intron: 4,95; P=n.s); (4 weeks: Pegasys:
3,32 vs PEG-Intron: 3,64; P=n.S.)].
After 12 weeks the mean viral load value was significantly lower in Pegasys
group (Pegasys: 2,81 vs PEG-Intron: 3,87; P<0,01).
Conclusions: Although the trend in viral decay was similar between the groups in
the first four weeks of treatment, Pegasys induced a more significant viral
clearance when compared to PEG-Intron after 12 weeks of therapy. This finding
may reflect a different drug exposure of the two drugs.
Reference
R Bruno and others. HEPATITIS C VIRUS DYNAMICS DURING THERAPY WITH PEGINTERFERON
ALFA-2A (PEGASYS®) COMPARED TO PEGINTERFERON ALFA-2B (PEGINTRON®) IN NAIVE
PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS C. Abstract 159. 53rd AASLD. November 1-5, 2002.
Boston, MA. Hepatology 2002: Vol 36 No 4, Pt 2 of 2.
http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/hep_c/news/012903a.html
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I have posted these many times but like to repost once in awhile in case any
*newbies* aren't aware of them......... Hope every is doing well!!!
Interesting study but I'm wondering what the genetic differences are between
asian and non-asian patients as well as the genotype difference? The reason I'm
very curious about the long-term problems is that I'm currently in treatment
with peg-inf and riba after failing high dose interferon alone (5 million units
daily for 2 months, followed by 3 million units 3 X a week for 10 months) back
in 97-98. My liver biopsies X 2 several years apart were very benign and my
liver enzymes have been only slightly elevated and otherwise I've been
asymptomatic and quite healthy. So it's been a tough call whether or not to try
the combination treatment. I'm basing my decision on the unknown potential for
complications with increasing age as I'm in my early 50's now. So any info
anyone has is welcome.
Sally Hines <shines@...
and japanese patients. I'm still
looking for the news article that addressed the aging of the HCV population,
and that with the aging more and more (percentage wise) will develop the
hepatic complications such as cirrhosis and carcinoma.
Sally
Someone from south Georgia said they were a non responder and had access to
Shands........ Sorry I can't remember who right this second so I am sending to
all my lists and hope it makes it to the right person/people :-) There are
some other *interesting studies* being done in the Atlanta area too! TTYL
CenterWatch Clinical Trial Notification Service
You registered your email address with CenterWatch to stay informed about
clinical trials. New clinical trials have been posted on the CenterWatch web
site, www.centerwatch.com, in your area(s) of interest and geographic
location(s).
CenterWatch also provides educational materials on clinical trials for patients,
care-givers and health consumers. To view a more detailed description of these
resources, please visit
www.centerwatch.com/bookstore/pubs_cons_patientresources.html.
1) Thymosin Plus PEG-Interferon in Non-Cirrhotic Hepatitis C Patients Who Did
Not Respond to Interferon or Interferon Plus Ribavirin.. This study is being
conducted in:
- Gainesville, FL (http://www.centerwatch.com/patient/studies/stu42288.html)
- Miami, FL (http://www.centerwatch.com/patient/studies/stu42289.html)
2) Thymosin Plus PEG-Interferon in Hepatitis C Patients with Cirrhosis Who Did
Not Respond to Interferon or Interferon Plus Ribavirin. This study is being
conducted in:
- Gainesville, FL (http://www.centerwatch.com/patient/studies/stu42316.html)
- Miami, FL (http://www.centerwatch.com/patient/studies/stu42317.html)
3) Thymosin Plus PEG-Interferon in Non-Cirrhotic Hepatitis C Patients Who Did
Not Respond to Interferon or Interferon Plus Ribavirin.. This study is being
conducted in:
- Atlanta, GA (http://www.centerwatch.com/patient/studies/stu42290.html)
4) Clinical research study for individuals who have difficulty sleeping.. This
study is being conducted in:
- Atlanta, GA (http://www.centerwatch.com/patient/studies/stu42348.html)
- Atlanta, GA (http://www.centerwatch.com/patient/studies/stu42349.html)
5) Clinical research study for individuals who have difficulty sleeping.. This
study is being conducted in:
- Atlanta, GA (http://www.centerwatch.com/patient/studies/stu42347.html)
- Atlanta, GA (http://www.centerwatch.com/patient/studies/stu42350.html)
6) Thymosin Plus PEG-Interferon in Non-Cirrhotic Hepatitis C Patients Who Did
Not Respond to Interferon or Interferon Plus Ribavirin.. This study is being
conducted in:
- Scottsdale, AZ (http://www.centerwatch.com/patient/studies/stu42282.html)
7) Thymosin Plus PEG-Interferon in Hepatitis C Patients with Cirrhosis Who Did
Not Respond to Interferon or Interferon Plus Ribavirin. This study is being
conducted in:
- Scottsdale, AZ (http://www.centerwatch.com/patient/studies/stu42311.html)
Subject: CD SETTELMENT
If you bought a music CD between Jan. 1, 1995 and Dec. 22, 2000 (yes, you did!
So did every member of your family, including the deceased. Yes!) then go here
and file a claim(s). Get a check for up to $20.00 in the mail sometime late
2003. (Even though this sounds like a hoax, it isn't. Check Snopes.com,
Urbanlegends.com, Newsweek magazine, many more sources, all certify that it's
true.)
http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/nothing/cdrefund.asp
Here's the site to sign up at:
http://www.musiccdsettlement.com/
Here's an Associated Press article about it:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/pop/103032_cdsettlement07.shtml
Few are lining up for their money from CD settlement
By PAUL QUEARY - THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Suppose someone was handing out $20 bills and almost nobody wanted one?
That's roughly what's happening with a massive price-fixing settlement involving
states and compact-disc companies. The deal calls for payments of as much as $20
for customers who bought CDs between 1995 and 2000. But so far, only a few
people have signed up, and officials fear the money will go begging. In
September, the five top U.S. distributors of compact discs and three large music
retailers agreed to pay $143 million in cash and CDs to settle allegations that
they cheated consumers by fixing prices. Part of the settlement -- about $44
million in cash -- is earmarked to pay customers from $5 to $20, depending on
how many people wind up
dividing the money. By the end of December, only about 30,000 people nationwide
had applied for a piece of the pie, a tiny fraction of the number the settlement
could handle. No figure was available for just Washington state. "The response
thus far has been fairly abysmal," said Washington Attorney General Christine
Gregoire, who has tried going on morning radio shows to promote the settlement.
"I just want to make sure that Washington consumers get what they're entitled to
receive." Gregoire was among the attorneys general of 41 states and
commonwealths who accused record companies of conspiring with music distributors
to boost the prices of CDs between 1995 and 2000. The companies settled rather
than endure a costly legal battle.
The settlement's Web site has been up for a month, and legal notices have been
published in TV Guide, Parade and other national magazines, but the response
rate has been very low, said Tina Kondo, a senior assistant attorney general in
Gregoire's office. "I guess people don't like to read legal notices," Kondo
said. Gregoire and other officials hope a radio advertising campaign set to
launch soon will boost interest in the settlement. Anyone who bought a CD,
cassette tape or vinyl record (remember those?)
at a retail store between 1995 and 2000 is eligible, and the window for applying
doesn't close until March 3. You don't even need a receipt. Just click to the
settlement's Web site, answer three questions and fill in your name and address.
But don't try to recoup the entire cost of your music collection -- only one
claim per customer.
Although only 41 states took on the music companies, consumers in all 50 states
are eligible for the cash. There is one catch. If more than about
8.8 million people apply, in which case the per-person share would drop below
$5, the customer part of the settlement will be canceled because
sending out such small checks would be too expensive. Instead, the money will go
to public entities and non-profit organizations in each state to promote music
programs. The settlement already calls for those organizations to receive 5.5
million CDs valued at $75.7 million. Washington state is in line for 114,000
CDs. The music distributors participating in the deal are Bertelsmann Music
Group, EMI Music Distribution, Warner-Elektra-Atlantic Corp., Sony Music
Entertainment and Universal Music Group. Also included in the deal were three
national retail chains: Trans World Entertainment, Tower Records and Musicland
Stores, a division of Best Buy Co. Inc.
On the Web: www.musiccdsettlement.com
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I am a writer with Hepatitis Magazine and I am
doing a story on dealing with pain in hepatitis.
I was wondering if you might be able to put me
in touch with some people who have experienced
problems with pain, and have sought ways to deal with it.
I would be interested in Western medicine treatments
as well as alternative medicine.
Thanks very much.
Barbara Boughton
Freelance journalist
5619 Rosalind Ave.
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Phone: 510-233-3925
Fax: 510-237-2475
E-mail: BBoughton@...
Peace and Love,
·´¨¨)) -:¦:-
¸.·´.·´¨¨))
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ -:¦:-Pam
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´*
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened" -
Anatole France
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http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/doctor/topics/hcv1.html#012203a
This link had some good questions and since I had trouble finding my way back to
it I thought I would share the link before I lose it again :-) Hope someone
out there can benefit from at least one of the questions and answers :-) Take
care of yourselves!!
Peace and Love,
·´¨¨)) -:¦:-
¸.·´.·´¨¨))
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ -:¦:-Pam
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´*
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened" -
Anatole France
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High Response Rates Seen in Previous Interferon/Ribavirin Non Responders with
Chronic Hepatitis C Who Are Retreated with Infergen (Consensus Interferon) and
Ribavirin
Numerous studies have shown that retreatment of non-responders with standard
interferon alfa and ribavirin lead to very low sustained response rates of only
about 7%. Pilot studies using the pegylated forms of interferon have shown only
slightly increased primary response rates of 11 - 36% among non responders.
However, recent studies have shown improved response rates using Infergen
(consensus interferon; interferon alfacon-1, CIFN) even as monotherapy in
previous combination therapy non-responders.
In the present study, conducted at the University of Tuebingen in Germany, the
efficacy of Infergen induction therapy followed by Infergen/ ribavirin
combination treatment in combination therapy non-responders was evaluated. 120
patients (mean age: 46.1 yrs., 79% male) have been included.
All patients had elevated ALT-values and were viremic, with 91% having genotype
1. Histologic confirmation of chronic inflammation by liver biopsy was obtained
in all patients with grading and staging according to the Knodell-Ishak Score,
where 28% of patients showed bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis.
Patients were either treated with Infergen at a dosage of 18 mcg QD for 4 weeks,
followed by 9 mcg QD for 8 weeks or with Infergen 27 mcg QD for 4 weeks,
followed by 8 weeks of Infergen 18 mcg QD. Thereafter, treatment was continued
in all treatment groups with Infergen at a dose of 9 mcg QD with ribavirin (at
10 - 15 mg/kg/d) for another 36 weeks.
Results show that after the initial 12 weeks of Infergen monotherapy, a primary
response with undetectable serum HCV-RNA was observed in 42% of patients in the
Infergen 18/9 mcg QD group and in 57% in the Infergen 27/18 mcg group.
After 24 weeks of Infergen / ribavirin combination therapy, a negative PCR was
observed in 64% in the Infergen 18/9 mcg + ribavirin group, and in 72% of the
Infergen 27/18 mcg + ribavirin group. The subset of patients having reached
end-of-treatment (n=65) and 24 week follow-up (n=40) show response rates of
61-69% (ETR) and 39-47% (SR), respectively.
Due to side effects the Infergen dose had to be reduced in 9-18% of patients and
discontinued in 6-10% of patients. The most common cause were significant
reductions in WBC and platelet counts, especially in the 27 mcg Infergen group,
while no Neupogen was used in this study.
Infergen daily dosing/induction therapy together with subsequent ribavirin
combination therapy thus shows promising response rates in previous combination
therapy non-responders.
The data are especially interesting since almost all patients are genotype 1
non-reponders. If these primary response rates can translate into
correspondingly strong sustained response rates, an effective treatment modality
will be in place for this difficult-to-treat patient group.
01/22/03
Reference
S Kaiser and others. HIGH VIRAL RESPONSE RATES IN PREVIOUS INTERFERON /
RIBAVIRIN NONRESPONDER PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS C RETREATED WITH
CONSENSUS INTERFERON INDUCTION THERAPY AND RIBAVIRIN. Abstract 779. 53rd AASLD.
November 1-5, 2002. Boston, MA. Hepatology 2002: Vol 36 No 4, Pt 2 of 2.
http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/hep_c/news/012203c.html
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after reading that so would I
kym <kym73@...
he smoked, (gained
weight, slept, ect..) He was waiting for a transplant, but tested
postive for MJ and got kicked off the list, he had to wait another
three months to get back on, he said he wasn't feel good after he
stopped smoking.
I also know a women in CA, she was on a TP list, and tested positive
last year for MJ, she also got kicked off, she died two months ago..
Even though I am an avocate of Medical Marijuna, I would play the game
if I was waiting and in need a liver.
KYM
SPONSORED LINKS
Hepatitis c support Hepatitis c
Phase I Clinical Studies of Viramidine-A Liver-Targeting Prodrug of Ribavirin
Although ribavirin in combination with interferon has proven reasonably
effective in the treatment of chronic HCV, use of the drug is limited by its
many toxicities and side effects. There is a pressing need to develop
alternative therapies for the interferon/ribavirin combination.
Viramidine is a liver-targeting prodrug of ribavirin. It is efficiently
converted to ribavirin by adenosine deaminases and effects similar direct and
indirect anti-viral activities as ribavirin.
Pharmacokinetic (PK) studies in monkeys demonstrated that viramidine is orally
absorbed and preferentially taken up by the liver where the majority of the
prodrug is converted to ribavirin. Animal toxicology studies resulted in no
clinical side effects and minimal drop in hemoglobin in monkeys dosed at
viramidine 600 mg/kg/day for 28 days while greater proportion of animals dosed
at ribavirin 300 mg/kg/day experienced greater decrease in hemoglobin.
The aim of the current study was to characterize the safety and PK profiles of
single dosing, the effect of food, and multiple dosing of viramidine in humans.
A rising-single dose (RSD) study to evaluate the safety, tolerability and PK
profiles of viramidine at oral doses of 200, 600 and 1200 mg in male adult
healthy volunteers (N=8 on viramidine vs. 2 on placebo per dose group) was
conducted.
For the effect of food (FE), 36 adult male subjects were enrolled into 2 groups.
Eighteen received viramidine 600 mg after 10-hr fasting and 18 received
viramidine after a modified high fat breakfast. Subjects were crossed over to
receive viramidine in reverse fasting/fed condition after a 6-wk washout.
A rising multiple-dose (RMD) study to determine the safety, PK and
pharmacodynamics of viramidine at 400 mg BID, 600 mg BID and 800 mg BID for 4
weeks has been initiated in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
RSD and FE study - 57 healthy adult male subjects at mean age of 27.5 years
(19-53 yrs) and mean weight of 76.4 kg (51-100 kg) completed the study. All
doses of viramidine were safe and well tolerated.
All but one Hepseraerse events (AEs) were mild and comparable between the
different dose levels of viramidine. Viramidine was orally absorbed and
efficiently converted to ribavirin with Cmax for both compounds at Tmax of 2.5-3
hrs. Higher AUCs for viramidine-derived ribavirin compared to that of
viramidine, by 2-3 folds, at all dose levels were observed.
Both Cmax and AUCs of viramidine-derived ribavirin were proportionally higher
with increasing dose. Viramidine was not detectable in RBCs. AUC of
viramidine-derived ribavirin in RBCs was about half of that compared to
ribavirin dosing (historical data). Both viramidine and ribavirin were excreted
in urine.
Mean AUC and Cmax of viramidine-derived ribavirin were 20% and 40% higher,
respectively, after fed than fasting. RMD study is in progress with results
available for presentation at AASLD.
Conclusions:
(1) Single doses of viramidine up to 1200 mg are safe and well tolerated in
humans.
(2) Viramidine is orally absorbed and efficiently converted into ribavirin.
(3) The linear relationship between Cmax and AUC of viramidine-derived ribavirin
with viramidine dose indicates dose proportionality.
(4) The exposure of viramidine-derived ribavirin to RBC is about half that after
ribavirin dosing suggesting a lesser potential in inducing hemolytic anemia than
ribavirin.
(5) The marginal effects of food are not likely to be clinically relevant when
the treatment duration is as long as 48 weeks.
01/22/03
Reference
S Arora and others. PHASE I CLINICAL STUDIES OF VIRAMIDINE - A LIVER-TARGETING
PRODRUG OF RIBAVIRIN. Abstract 773. 53rd AASLD. November 1-5, 2002. Boston, MA.
Hepatology 2002: Vol 36 No 4, Pt 2 of 2.
http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/hep_c/news/012203b.html
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A Painful Connection: HCV, Cryo, and Neuropathy
By: Roger Smith
People with Hepatitis C who suffer numbness or tingling in their extremities
know from experience there is an association between HCV and neuropathy.
Increasingly, their claims are finding support: according to medical researchers
and clinical physicians, there is a "very strong association" between hepatitis
C virus and a blood condition called essential mixed cryoglobulinemia (EMC).
Among other symptoms, EMC can cause nervous system abnormalities. Researchers
have not yet explained the precise connection between HCV, EMC, and neuropathy,
nor have they found significantly effective treatments, but knowledge is sure to
increase as more people are diagnosed with HCV and its symptoms increasingly
studied.
Neuropathy refers to any disease of the nervous system resulting from localized
inflammation of the nerves. If symptoms appear in the body's extremities, the
condition is called "peripheral neuropathy," and most HCV-related neuropathies
are of this sort. Patients complain of numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness.
A physical examination may also reveal decreased deep tendon reflexes.
Occasionally, arm and back pain occurs. One patient has even blamed the nerve
inflammation for lost teeth.
Article continues at:
http://hepatitis-central.com/hcv/cryo/connection.html
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Hey Johnny, when I was using a cortisone cream, I read I think that
it does not get in to your system to much unless your wearing a
pressure bandage on top of the cream! I wonder if a Laser light would
help, like a weak laser or maybe one of different color?~~~~~~TC
Hepatitis Meeting in New York.....March 5, 2003....
Hepatitis C (HCV) & HCV/HIV Coinfection & IVDUs"
Wednesday March 5
9:30am-2pm (continental breakfast & lunch provided)
Montefiore Medical Center
Cherkasky Auditorium (Gunhill Rd entrance)
111 East 210th St, Bronx, NY 10457
Sponsors: Bronx HIV Care Network, Bronx Lebanon Hospital, Citiwide Harm
Reduction, LOLA (Latino Organization for Liver Awareness), Montefiore Medical
Center, NATAP, Promesa Systems,
TOPICS:
HCV and HCV/HIV epidemiology
The costs to society associated with HCV
HCV testing and counseling
Diagnostic testing and evaluation of patients
HCV treatment, managing side effects
Doctor-patient relationship
Special considerations and treatment for IVDUs
There will be two panel discussions
SPEAKERS:
Alain Litwin, MD, MPH
--Albert Einstein College of Medicine Methadone Maintenance Treatment Program
Frank Nelson, MD
--St Vincent's Medical Center
--NYU-Downtown Hospital
David Thomas, MD,
--Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Daliah Heller, Executive Director, Citiwide Harm Reduction
Jules Levin, Executive Director, NATAP
Debbie Vega, Executive Director, LOLA
Moderators:
Sheree Starrett, MD, Medical Director, Casa Promesa
Sanjiv Shah, MD, Bronx Lebanon Hospital
Jules Levin, NATAP
CME and CASAC credits and Certificates of Attendance will be provided
Seating is limited so please contact NATAP for advanced registration:
212 219-0106; toll free 1-888-26-NATAP
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Hey Mykal,
Thanks for the info on steriods, etc. I will check it out with my gi
doc. I may just have to try the wire brush. That will have an immediate
effect. lol. How in the hell are you doing? And what is up these days? I
am hoping things are ok or better for you.
later on, JohnnyO
In a message dated 01/19/2003 6:53:05 AM Pacific Standard Time,
Nevernilla@... writes:
Treatment Available For Hepatitis C
Early Detection May Save Lives
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Video, hard copy requests, contact information
and
more available at: http://www.prnewswire.com/broadcast/23718/consumer.html
NEW YORK, February 28 /PRNewswire/ -- THIS IS A MULTIVU SPECIAL
REPORT.
HEPATITIS C, A BLOOD-BORNE DISEASE THAT INFECTS THE LIVER, AFFECTS
APPROXIMATELY 4 MILLION AMERICANS. SINCE PEOPLE WITH THE DISEASE CAN FEEL
HEALTHY, IT OFTEN GOES UNDETECTED. IF LEFT UNTREATED, HEPATITIS C CAN LEAD
TO
CIRRHOSIS, LIVER FAILURE, AND LIVER CANCER. LESS THAN 30 PERCENT OF ALL
CASES
ARE DIAGNOSED.
DR. PAUL POCKROS:
"Hepatitis C is transmitted mostly by blood-to-blood transmission.
Blood
transfusion, until 1990 when we could eliminate the virus, IV drug use,
tattoos, body piercing without sterile conditioning - these were the major
risk factors for hepatitis C. It can be sexually transmitted, but not
readily."
BARBARA PETTINGELL WAS SUCCESSFULLY TREATED FOR THIS DISEASE:
"It's very important for people to be tested for hepatitis C and if
they
do have it they can find out about getting treated for it."
PEOPLE SHOULD EVALUATE THEIR RISK FACTORS FOR HEPATITIS C AND SPEAK
WITH
THEIR PHYSICIAN FOR MORE INFORMATION.
I'M CHRISTIANE ARBESU.
AUDIO PROVIDED BY: Roche
SOURCE Roche
Web Site: http://www.multivu.com
Audio: http://www.prnewswire.com/broadcast/23718/consumer.html
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/02-28-200\
6/0004308365&EDATE=
Hello Fsoxie, <------what is your name, anyway? :)
I am John aka johnnyo here. Yes, I have hep c and psoriasis.
The second gi doc I have seen that I now have two strikes against me as far
as treatment--bipolarity/chronic depression(if I admit it) and psoriasis. I
guess psoriasis is extremely exacerbated(rhymes with.....lol) by Interferon
due to the way both affect the autoimmune system.
As far as treatment.......my dermatologist has me use Tazorac five
times a week........gel to take off "scalish" skin, then use Protopic at
night several times a week. Then, once or twice a week max, I use Temovate,
a powerful steriod ointment. Protopic is also a steroid type ointment, but
will not affect your skin adversely. This treatment seems to help, but it
does not rid me of the stuff.
Many derm docs say absolutely not, but I am convinced that "nerves"
and "stress" play a huge role in outbreaks of psoriasis. I know there are a
few natural treatments, but I have not researched that yet. Sunshine helps
to arrest the psoriasis, but dermatologists do not recommend that too often
because they feel it is oxymoronish for them. Usually, they want you to
protect your skin from the sun.
Well that is my mouthful of words about psoriasis. lol How is it
going for you? Have any docs spoken to you about treatment and psoriasis?
Please let me know.
Warm
regards, johnnyo
In a message dated 01/18/2003 8:47:09 AM Pacific Standard Time,
fsoxie5@... writes:
Hi,
you will like it here there is a lot of info about the types of Hep
and everything.
Welcome.
anyone out there with hcv also suffering with psoriasis ?anyone know of any
treatments?
Just want to say hi to you all...
Very Good for the LIVER!!
http://www.floridaavocados.com/avocado%20nutrition.htm
Nutritional values comparing Florida's avocados with the fruit from
California......As you can clearly see, Florida's are "lighter".
The avocados grown in Florida are very different from those grown in California.
The Florida avocado, with its smooth green skin, is nicknamed "alligator pear."
Many feel they are lighter and sweeter than their California counterparts.
Florida avocados, in my opinion, are accepted more readily by non-avocado people
and kids that go "yuck".
They have a nutty taste and allot of people here cut them in slices and sprinkle
with lime, olive oil, and lemon with a little chopped onion for a salad.
Mashed with xtra lite olive oil and a bit of salt and you have the healthiest
butter replacement going on your breads.
Tuned up with a heavier olive oil, pepper, paprika and an egg white it is WAY
better on a turkey sub than mayo and obviously better for you.
For those of you that love the Haas I have an alternative for you.
The Tonnage. 10% oil, thick, pebbly skin. A cousin from Florida.
Heck, It might even be a Haas without the smog !
Go to the recipe page and look around a bit.
According to researchers at the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition, avocados rank
highest in fruits that contain the following phytochemicals:
a.. Lutein - protects against prostate cancer and eye disease such as
cataracts and macular degeneration.
b.. Vitamin E - a powerful antioxidant known to slow the aging process and
protect against heart disease and various forms of cancer.
c.. Glutathione - functions as an antioxidant like vitamin E to neutralize
free radicals that can cause cell damage and lead to disease.
d.. Beta-sitosterol - lowers blood cholesterol levels. Avocados contain four
times as much beta-sitosterol as oranges, previously reported as the highest
fruit source of this phytochemical. It actually blocks the absorption of
cholesterol in your bloodstream.
e.. Monounsaturated fats - heart-healthy fats proven to help lower LDL (bad)
cholesterol and boost HDL (good) cholesterol.
f.. Folate - promotes healthy cell and tissue development. Folate is
especially important for women of childbearing age as it helps protect against
birth defects.
g.. Potassium - helps balance the body's electrolytes. Avocados contain 60
percent more potassium than bananas.
h.. Magnesium - helps produce energy and is important for muscle contraction
and relaxation.
i.. Fiber - lowers cholesterol and reduces risk of heart attack.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size, 2 ounces, sliced
good luck, but the treatment doesnt work!!!!!!!!!!!!! its all just
The Hepatitis C Caring Ambassadors Program Announces the Release of the Second
Edition of a Comprehensive Book on Treatment Choices for People with Chronic
Hepatitis C
PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 15, 2003--
Hepatitis C Choices:
Distinctive Viewpoints on Choices for Your Hepatitis C Journey
The Hepatitis C Caring Ambassadors Program announced the Internet
release of the second edition of Hepatitis C Choices: Distinctive Viewpoints on
Choices for Your Hepatitis C Journey.
Hepatitis C Choices is a unique patient-oriented text that presents options from
a number of medical disciplines for use by people with chronic hepatitis C. The
text includes information about allopathic,
Ayurvedic, homeopathic, naturopathic, and Chinese medicine treatments for
hepatitis C. Mind:body medicine, and spirituality are also discussed. In
addition, there is important information about the
detrimental effects of alcohol with hepatitis C, the role of nutrition, signs
and symptoms associated with the disease, and a review of the indications and
meaning of laboratory tests used to monitor people
with hepatitis C. Special sections on the unique needs of military veterans and
people coinfected with HIV and hepatitis C are also included.
The second edition of Hepatitis C Choices is an updated, revised version of the
original text which was released in January 2002. Advances in state-of-the-art
treatment and recently released research
information have been added to the new edition. The text is authored by the
Caring Ambassadors Brainstorming Team, a multi-disciplinary team of medical
experts and patient advocates, and invited contributors.
Hepatitis C Choices is a one-of-a kind resource for both people with chronic
hepatitis C and their health care providers. The Hepatitis C Caring Ambassadors
Program believes the text provides vital information to health care providers
whose patients are using
treatments from multiple medical disciplines.
Hepatitis C Choices can be accessed at www.hepcchallenge.org.
Individual chapters and the entire text are available for download, free of
charge. Printed copies of Hepatitis C Choices will be available beginning March
2003.
More than 4 million people in the United States have been infected with the
hepatitis C virus. Treatment options for people with hepatitis C are currently
limited because of cost, and are not effective for all who are treated. In
addition, the side effects from pharmacological treatments can be serious.
CONTACT:
The Hepatitis C Caring Ambassadors Program
Lorren Sandt, 877/737-4372
lorren@...
SOURCE: The Hepatitis C Caring Ambassadors Program
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I will take my first shot in the evening. I am not afraid, but I must
admit I have some anxieties about it. I will be so happy to be rid of
the virus and know its worth the trial I will go through. I have
been reading the posts and have been researching ever since I was
diagnosed a year ago. I was on the list for seven months and have had
a number for five. I was told that the manufacture made a big
improvement of the Interferon Alpha 2b. If that's true, its most
likely worth the wait. Considering, the infection has been trace to
vaccinations in the military twenty years ago few months more didn't
hurt. I also learned to keep the virus level down by using 100% pure
cranberry juice (European treatment) and beet juice. Both very
powerful as is cucumber juice.
Prayer is the best treatment of all,
Cliff
((((((((((((((((((((((Pam))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) johnnyo
In a message dated 01/14/2003 10:20:51 PM Pacific Standard Time,
figment@... writes:
Well its not really a death sentence at this time! Ive had it for
30years or more and Im still kickin on occasion LOL just do as the doc says
more or less and you should have a long life expectancy plus they are learning
all the time so who knows they may find a cure for it...Good Luck!...Mykal
Hi everyone.......... I can only write this once so I am having to blind
copy again........ I apologize.........I just wanted you to know that I lost
my precious Mr. Figment at 1pm today. The vet called me at 11a and said
that he was continuing to vomit and that it was time. This has been really
hard on me because it happened *relatively* fast. He was doing quite well
up until last week. I had promised him that he would be home tonight
without the IV catheter in his arm that he kept trying to shake loose last
night. I wanted so badly to have a few days (or weeks) with him back at
home and some quality time but it wasn't meant to be. The ironic thing is
that while I was in Florida the vets office had called to ask for copies of
the poetry I had been collecting since losing Ms. Widdy about how they rely
on us to know when it is time and help to ease their transition. I had gone
in last week (before Figment got so sick) and taken some poetry in and they
showed me the room and were still painting blue skies with clouds and trees
on it. I commented that I hoped I wouldn't be the first person to use it.
Well it turns out that I was. It was finished yesterday. He is in a
beautiful pillow case with his favorite toy. Mark will dig a hole tomorrow
near my Ms. Widdy and Mark's Homer. Suddenly we have a pet cemetery.
Thank you everyone for being so supportive and listening to me through all
of this. My eyes hurt to much to spend much time on here so I just wanted
you all to know! Take care!
Peace and Love,
·´¨¨)) -:¦:-
¸.·´.·´¨¨))
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ -:¦:-Pam - Angel Figment's Mom
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´*
"No heaven will not ever Heaven be; Unless my cats are there to welcome
me." - Unknown
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened" -
Anatole France
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http://www.all-about-hepatitisc.com/about/what_is/index.jsp
Here is a site I ran across........ I think it is one of Scherings many :-)
Peace and Love,
·´¨¨)) -:¦:-
¸.·´.·´¨¨))
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ -:¦:-Pam
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´*
"No heaven will not ever Heaven be; Unless my cats are there to welcome me." -
Unknown
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This letter came from a very good friend of mine. If anyone has an leftover
Ribaviran here is a good *home* for it......... please either let me know or
contact Darlene directly......... thank you for your help!
Hi everyone, Just recieved the news I have hepC, type 1a, viral ct
220,000 but none of my liver #'s are elevated according to the Doc.
I guess he was trying to say little inflamination of the liver. I've
been refered to a specialist but don't know what to expect! What am
I looking at here? Is this a death sentence? This seems to be a
great site, Lots of info but some of the lingo about this disease I
don't understand yet, I guess I'tt come to me soon! Thanks
Obtaining Social Security Disability:Do I Qualify For Disability Benefits?
03-10-2000
A comment frequently made to me is "I don't want a government hand out and I
don't want to live off the system." If you share the same sentiment, please
continue reading as I dispel this popular myth and provide a compelling reason
to file your disability claim.
For a general discussion of social security disability insurance benefits (SSDI)
and supplemental security income (SSI) please see questions 1 through 7 in the
"Frequently Asked Questions" section.
1. Is Social Security Disability Insurance an Insurance Policy with SSA? SSDI,
also referred to as disability insurance benefits, is the program that covers
wage earners who have worked a minimum of five (5) out of the prior ten (10)
years before they became disabled. If you have worked most of your life, you are
most likely covered for SSDI.
It is critical to understand that SSDI is in fact disability insurance coverage
and not a government handout! Think of SSDI as a disability insurance policy you
have with the Social Security Administration. You may not know it but SSA made a
promise to you when you were required to pay in all those federal withholding
and self-employment taxes. SSA promised that if you paid those taxes it would
provide disability insurance. Notice I did not say you would automatically
receive disability benefits.only that you would have insurance and be eligible
for benefits. You must still file a claim and have it approved by SSA before you
receive any disability benefits.
Many wage earners mistakenly assume their withholding and/or self-employment
taxes go only to pay for retirement benefits. However, as you now know, those
taxes also go to pay for disability insurance coverage. Certainly you would file
a claim if your house burned down and was a total loss. think of SSDI as exactly
the same type of insurance. To not file a disability claim when you have paid
for the insurance all those years would be foolish.
2. How do I become Insured for SSDI?
In order to obtain coverage for SSDI, wage-earners over the age of 31 must have
worked five (5) out of ten (10) years in the period before they became disabled.
For example, if you were to file a claim alleging disability as of March 2000,
SSA would look at your work history only for the past ten (10) years (back to
March 1990) before you became disabled. The five years of work do not have to be
consecutive as long as you have 5 out of 10.you don't have to work full time,
part time work will suffice as long as your income is sufficient.
It is important to note that only the ten (10) year period prior to your
disability is relevant. Thus, it is possible for a wage-earner to work most of
their adult life but not be covered for SSDI if they did not meet the 5 of 10
year requirement. This tragic scenario happened to a 60 year old woman who
called me last week to discuss her case.she had worked her entire life but not
much in the past ten years.SSA told her she was not insured.don't let this
happen to you!
This unfortunate situation happens frequently to working women who become
homemakers and stop working. The best advice is to file a claim for disability
benefits once you believe you will be unable to work for a minimum of twelve
months (12).
3. How Much Income Must I have per Year to obtain SSDI Coverage?
Fortunately, you do not need to make much. For the year 2000, your gross income
only needs to be $780.00 per calendar quarter or $3,120.00 per year to obtain
coverage. The minimum amount increases each year.
4. How is my monthly SSDI benefit Calculated?
The monthly payment is based solely on the amount of withholding and/or
self-employment taxes you have paid in to SSA. SSA uses a very complicated
formula that only a mathematician could understand.simply put, the more you have
paid in, the more your monthly SSDI payment will be.
5. Are my Dependents Entitled to Benefits based on my Earnings Record?
In general, your spouse and children are eligible for SSDI benefits based on
your earnings record. The amount of their monthly benefit is usually 50% of your
monthly benefit. For example, if you are married, have children and your monthly
benefit is $800.00, your dependents will receive an additional $400.00 for a
total family benefit of $1,200.00 per month. SSA sets a maximum benefit your
family can be paid regardless of the number of dependents.
6. Am I eligible for Medicare if I am approved for SSDI?
Yes. You will be eligible for Medicare twenty-four (24) months after you have
been receiving SSDI benefits. Medicare is a real bargain, the monthly premium is
only $45.50. Even if you are a recently minted Internet multimillionaire and
don't need the monthly benefit payment, you should file for SSDI to obtain the
Medicare coverage. 7. How do I learn if I am insured for SSDI and the amount of
my Monthly Benefit?
The easiest way is to call SSA toll free at (800) 772-1213. This information is
also contained on your personal earnings and benefit statement; obtain one by
visiting SSA on line at www.ssa.gov or stop by a local office.
8. How do I qualify for Supplemental Security Income?
In general, people who are not insured for SSDI may still qualify for disability
benefits thanks to SSI. SSI is a federal program to provide disability benefits
for individuals who are not insured for SSDI because they have not met the five
of ten-year earnings requirement discussed above. The monthly benefit amount is
not based on either your personal earnings or having dependents and is instead
set annually by federal law. Although the monthly benefit may vary state to
state, the federal amount for the year 2000 is $512.00.
Best of luck in your pursuit of disability benefits and remember never to quit!
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The Mind and the Brain
By SHARON BEGLEY
The Associated Press
1/10/03
The Wall Street Journal
It's only the second week of the new year and already that whole resolution
thing is falling apart
for some of you, isn't it? Maybe you haven't aimed high enough. Forget the vows
to quit smoking,
lose weight and other picayune promises. Start 2003 off right -- with a new
brain.
Last October, when this column excerpted a book I co-wrote, "The Mind and the
Brain," many readers
asked whether the kinds of alterations in brain wiring described there could be
induced by meditation. Practicing the violin, for instance, or exercising a
stroke-impaired arm both alter connections among brain neurons, producing
exceptional musical skill or a return of mobility. But no one had systematically
examined whether meditation can kick-start such "neuroplastic" changes.
For neuroscientist Richard Davidson, the idea of doing so took shape at a
meeting with the Dalai
Lama in 2000. Over five days in Dharamsala, India, he and other invited
scientists and philosophers
briefed the Dalai Lama on the latest understanding of destructive emotions. (A
book in stores this week, "Destructive Emotions: How Can We Overcome Them?" by
Daniel Goleman, recounts that meeting.)
Out of the dialogue in Dharamsala came the idea of exploring how meditation,
Buddhist or otherwise,
might change the brain and, in particular, its emotional circuitry.
Back in his lab at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Prof. Davidson and his
team recruited
employees of a local biotech firm. A randomly selected 23 received meditation
training once a week,
for two-to-three-hours, for eight weeks. Jon Kabat-Zinn, professor emeritus of
the University of
Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester, taught them the technique called
mindfulness, in which
the meditator views passing thoughts as an impartial and nonjudgmental observer.
Sixteen employees
received no such training.
The resulting brain differences were clear, as the UW researchers will report in
an upcoming issue
of the journal Psychosomatic Medicine. After the eight weeks, and again 16 weeks
later, EEG
measurements showed that activity in the frontal cortices of the meditators had
shifted: There were
now more neuronal firings in left than right regions nestled just behind the
forehead. That pattern
is associated with positive feelings such as joy, happiness and low levels of
anxiety, Prof.
Davidson and others had found in earlier studies. The control group showed no
such right-to-left shift.
The results are still preliminary, and the number of subjects is relatively
small. Earlier claims for the power of mindfulness were called into question
last year, when a review by Scott Bishop of the University of Toronto found that
many of the studies were "rife with methodological problems." Although "the
available evidence does not support a strong endorsement" of mindfulness, he
concluded, "there is some evidence it may hold some promise."
The UW research avoids the worst of the methodological pitfalls, such as lack of
a control group, and also fits with a long line of neuroplasticity studies on
animals and people. These show that
paying attention is a sine qua non for neuroplastic changes, and that just
thinking about repeated
movements can in some cases change the brain as extensively as the movements
themselves. Focused
attention is a hallmark of mindfulness meditation.
EEGs don't have fine enough spatial resolution to reveal what synaptic changes
caused the shift in
frontal cortex activity from right to left. For that, the UW researchers are
using other neuro-gadgets.
Through MRI, they're examining whether meditation strengthens connections
between a region of the
prefrontal cortex and a brain structure called the amygdala. A little
almond-shaped center deep in
the brain, the amygdala is involved in such negative emotions as fear, anger,
anxiety and depression. Inhibitory signals from the prefrontal cortex appear to
rein in the amygdala like a good yank on a kite string. The stronger or more
numerous those "stop firing!" signals, the stronger the inhibition.
"It appears that the inhibitory signal reaching the amygdala can be modulated
voluntarily," says
Prof. Davidson.
A newer technique, called diffusion tensor imaging, will show whether meditation
induces actual
structural changes in the connections between the frontal lobes and amygdala.
The plasticity of connections between the thinking and feeling regions of the
brain casts doubt on
the belief that each of us has a "set point" for happiness, and that neither a
Powerball win nor a
Sept. 11 tragedy budges it for long. If inhibitory connections between the
frontal lobes and the
amygdala can be strengthened in an enduring way, then perhaps you can
voluntarily shift that
not-so-set-point.
"I suspect that the set point is more moveable than we think, and that
meditation can move it," says
Prof. Davidson. "The idea that our brains are the result of the unfolding of a
fixed genetic program
is just shattered by the data on neuroplasticity."
Not a bad thought for the new year.
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Roche Dramatically Reduces Cost of Combination Therapy for Millions of Americans
Chronically Infected with Hepatitis C
Copegus, used in combination with Pegasys, rolls ribavirin cost per milligram
back 43 percent to 1998 price
NUTLEY, N.J., Jan. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Roche today announced that Copegus(TM)
(ribavirin, USP), the medication used in combination with Pegasys(R)
(peginterferon alfa-2a) for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, is being
introduced with a list price or wholesale acquisition cost that is 43 percent
less per milligram than the other available brand of ribavirin. Copegus will be
available in U.S. pharmacies beginning the week of January 13. The list price or
wholesale acquisition cost for Copegus is $5.06 per 200mg tablet.
Pegasys and Copegus combination therapy was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (F.D.A.) on December 3, 2002, for adults who have compensated
liver disease and have not previously been treated with interferon alpha. An
estimated 2.7 million Americans are chronically infected with hepatitis C.
"Roche is very proud of the steps the company has taken to drastically reduce
the cost of combination therapy for the millions of Americans chronically
infected with hepatitis C," said George B. Abercrombie, Roche President and
Chief Executive Officer. "With Pegasys and Copegus, physicians and patients can
have confidence knowing that this therapy is backed by an unprecedented
development program -- the most extensive ever conducted in hepatitis C."
A Visible Difference in Price
Roche has rolled back the list price or wholesale acquisition cost of Copegus to
that of branded ribavirin in August 1998.* For patients prescribed 1200mg of
ribavirin per day, there is a list price or wholesale acquisition cost savings
with Copegus of approximately $7,600 for 48 weeks of therapy.
Backed By Most Extensive Development Program
Pegasys is backed by the most extensive development program ever undertaken in
hepatitis C. As part of its clinical development program, Roche conducted five
pivotal studies (three for the Pegasys monotherapy indication and two for the
Pegasys and Copegus combination therapy indication). Included was a study to
evaluate Pegasys monotherapy in patients with cirrhosis and a study to evaluate
shorter durations of therapy and lower doses of Copegus for patients with
certain genotypes (strains) of the hepatitis C virus. As a result of the
combination therapy study, the following dosing regimens are recommended for
Pegasys and Copegus combination therapy:
* Genotype 1 and 4: 48 week duration with 180mcg Pegasys weekly and 1000 -
1200mg of Copegus daily
* Genotype 2 and 3: 24 week duration with 180mcg Pegasys weekly and 800mg
Copegus daily
Pegasys is available as a premixed solution and administered as a subcutaneous
injection once a week. Copegus is available as a 200mg tablet, and is
administered orally two times a day as a split dose.
Please see attached Facts About Pegasys in Combination with Copegus.
About Roche
Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. (Roche), based in Nutley, N.J., is the U.S. prescription
drug unit of the Roche Group, a leading research-based health care enterprise
that ranks among the world's leaders in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics.
Roche discovers, develops, manufactures and markets numerous important
prescription drugs that enhance people's health, well-being and quality of life.
Among the company's areas of therapeutic interest are: dermatology;
genitourinary disease; infectious diseases, including influenza; inflammation,
including arthritis and osteoporosis; metabolic diseases, including obesity and
diabetes; neurology; oncology; transplantation; vascular diseases; and virology,
including HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C. For more information on the Roche
pharmaceuticals business in the United States, visit the company's website at:
http://www.rocheusa.com.
* In August 1998, branded ribavirin (Rebetol) was only available in combination
with Intron A, packaged as Rebetron. To extrapolate the August 1998 price of
branded ribavirin, the following calculation was performed on a comparable
1200mg pack: 1998 Rebetron price ($1,200 for 4 weeks of treatment with 1200mg
daily ribavirin and Intron A 3 times per week) minus the 1998 Intron A price
($349.30 for 4 weeks of treatment with Intron A 3 times per week) = $850.70 for
4 weeks of treatment with 1200mg per day of branded ribavirin. Pricing is based
on published wholesale acquisition costs by First Data Bank in August 1998.
The current price of Rebetol was obtained from First Data Bank on January 6,
2003.
Facts About Pegasys in Combination with Copegus
Indication
* Pegasys, a pegylated interferon, in combination with Copegus is indicated for
the treatment of adults with chronic hepatitis C who have compensated liver
disease and have not previously been treated with interferon alpha. Patients in
whom efficacy was demonstrated included patients with compensated liver disease
and histological evidence of cirrhosis (Child-Pugh class A).
Dosing and Administration
* Pegasys, a premixed solution, is dosed at 180mcg as a subcutaneous injection
once a week. Copegus, available as a 200mg tablet, is administered at 800 to
1200mg taken twice daily as a split dose. The two products are sold separately.
Combination Therapy Clinical Studies
* The two combination therapy pivotal study findings:
* Study 5, including 1,284 patients receiving medication, showed that patients
with certain genotypes (strains) of the hepatitis C virus should be treated with
different dosing regimens of Pegasys and
Copegus. The treatment regimens and resulting sustained virological response
rates for these groups treated with Pegasys and Copegus therapy were:
* Genotype 1: 48 week duration with 1000 - 1200mg Copegus: 51 percent
* Genotype non-1: 24 week duration with 800mg Copegus: 82 percent
* Study 4, published in the September 26, 2002 New England Journal of Medicine,
including 1,121 patients receiving medication, showed that Pegasys and Copegus
combination therapy is a more effective treatment for chronic hepatitis C than
interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin. The sustained virological response rate in
the Pegasys and Copegus treated patients was 53 percent compared to 44 percent
in the interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin group. Sustained virological response
refers to a patient's continued undetectable serum hepatitis C RNA levels 24
weeks after finishing a course of treatment.
The Future - Special Populations, HIV/HCV Co-infection
* Pegasys and Copegus studies are underway to evaluate the therapy for the
treatment of African-Americans, who have a substantially higher prevalence of
hepatitis C infection and typically have lower response rates to hepatitis C
therapy than Caucasian Americans.
* Trials also are being conducted to evaluate Pegasys and Copegus treatment in
patients co-infected with hepatitis C and HIV and in patients with hepatitis C
who failed to achieve a sustained virological response to standard interferon
and ribavirin.
Adverse Events
* Alpha interferons, including Pegasys, may cause or aggravate fatal or
life-threatening neuropsychiatric, autoimmune, ischemic, and infectious
disorders. Patients should be monitored closely with periodic clinical and
laboratory evaluations. Therapy should be withdrawn in patients with
persistently severe or worsening signs or symptoms of these conditions. In
many, but not all cases, these disorders resolve after
stopping Pegasys therapy (see CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS and
ADVERSE EVENTS in complete product information).
* USE with Ribavirin. Ribavirin, including Copegus may cause birth defects
and/or death of the fetus. Extreme care must be taken to avoid pregnancy in
female patients and in female partners of male patients.
Ribavirin causes hemolytic anemia. The anemia associated with ribavirin therapy
may result in worsening of cardiac disease.
Ribavirin is genotoxic, mutagenic, and should be considered a potential
carcinogen (see CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS and ADVERSE EVENTS in
complete product information).
* Pegasys is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to Pegasys or any
of its components, autoimmune hepatitis, and decompensated hepatic disease
(Child-Pugh class B and C) before or during treatment with Pegasys. Pegasys is
also contraindicated in neonates and infants because it contains benzyl alcohol.
Benzyl alcohol has been reported to be associated with an increased incidence of
neurological and other complications in neonates and infants, which are
sometimes fatal.
Pegasys and Copegus therapy is additionally contraindicated in patients with a
hypersensitivity to Copegus or any of its components, women who
are pregnant, men whose female partners are pregnant, and patients with
hemoglobinopathies (eg, thalassemia major, sickle-cell anemia).
* COPEGUS THERAPY SHOULD NOT BE STARTED UNLESS A REPORT OF A NEGATIVE
PREGNANCY TEST HAS BEEN OBTAINED IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO INITIATION OF
THERAPY. Women of childbearing potential and men must use two forms of
effective contraception during treatment and during the six months after
treatment has concluded. Routine monthly pregnancy test must be performed
during this time. If pregnancy should occur during treatment or during six
months post-therapy, the patient must be advised of the significant teratogenic
risk of Copegus therapy to the fetus. To monitor maternal-fetal outcomes of
pregnant women exposed to Copegus, the Copegus Pregnancy Registry has been
established. Physicians and patients are strongly encouraged to register by
calling 1-800-526-6367.
* The most common adverse events reported for Pegasys and Copegus combination
therapy, observed in clinical trials (n=451), were fatigue/asthenia (65%),
headache (43%), pyrexia (41%), myalgia (40%), irritability/anxiety/nervousness
(33%), insomnia (30%), alopecia (28%), neutropenia (27%), nausea/vomiting (25%),
rigors (25%), anorexia (24%), injection site reaction (23%), arthralgia (22%),
depression (20%), pruritus (19%) and dermatitis (16%).
* Serious adverse events include neuropsychiatric disorders (suicidal ideation
and suicide attempt), serious and severe bacterial infections, bone marrow
toxicity (cytopenia and rarely, aplastic anemia), cardiovascular disorders
(hypertension, arrhythmias and myocardial infarction), hypersensitivity
(including anaphylaxis), endocrine disorders (including thyroid disorders and
diabetes mellitus),
autoimmune disorders (including psoriasis and lupus), pulmonary disorders
(dyspnea, pneumonia, bronchiolitis obliterans, interstitial pneumonitis and
sarcoidosis), colitis (ulcerative and hemorrhagic/ischemiccolitis),
pancreatitis, and opthalmologic disorders (decrease or loss of vision,
retinopathy including macular edema and retinal thrombosis/hemorrhages, optic
neuritis and papilledema).
* The complete package inserts for Pegasys and Copegus are available at
http://www.pegasys.com , or by calling 1-877-PEGASYS.
SOURCE: Roche
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Hi All - Last week I meet with Alan Holmer, the President of the Pharmaceutical
And Research Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). Below is a story I wrote about
our meeting.
The Pharmaceutical Industry: Help and Hope!
In just 15 years my life has seen dramatic changes: with help, I have recovered
from multiple disabilities. During that time, I faced one battle after another,
as I conquered disability after disability. But just when my life finally
seemed in order, a new life-threatening illness developed. I found out last
year that I had Hepatitis C and cirrhosis of the liver. But in this latest
battle, I had formidable allies -- new Hepatitis medications developed by
America's innovative pharmaceutical industry.
Just last week I had the opportunity to meet and thank a man who continues to
work hard for the industry that saved my life. Alan Holmer is President of the
trade association for the most innovative drug companies on the planet: PhRMA,
the Pharmaceutical Research Manufacturers of America.
For me it was a personal honor to spend time with this man. He speaks for the
consortium of companies whose products make my new life possible. It was their
state-of-the-art treatments that gave me a reprieve from my Hep C and cirrhosis.
And it was their modern anti-inflammatory medications (they don't make my
stomach bleed!) that have given me the ability to walk with ruptured disks.
I know that many of my friends complain about the high cost of modern
medications. But in my talk with Alan, I learned that, on average, to research,
test and validate a single new medication and get it to market, it costs $800
million!
And of 5,000 compounds developed, only five are ever tested on humans. And of
those five, only one will ever make it to market!
Last year the pharmaceutical industry spent more than 30 billion dollars on
research. Considering that many drug company researchers spend their entire
careers and never see one of their drugs get governmental approval, this is
truly a gargantuan investment.
But Alan Holmer isn't all facts and figures. He and his family have experienced,
just like many of us, what it means to live with disease. Alan has two children
with cystic fibrosis. At birth his kids were given a heart-breaking life
expectancy of 18 years. But because of advances in medication therapies, both
girls are still alive today at 20 and 23, respectively. They can now expect to
live into their 40s.
If Alan's children had been limited to out-dated, generic medications - those
drugs that were available at their births - it's unlikely their prognosis would
be so positive!
Oh yes, the pharmaceutical companies are huge businesses. And yes, they make
money and are driven to return profits to their shareholders. Yet, Alan says,
that's the way capitalism works -- and why it's so successful in making new
discoveries and in finding ever more innovative, life-saving and life-enhancing
medications!
Now, it seems to me, monetary incentives don't just drive corporations.
Incentives cause each of us in America to get up every day and go to work. We're
all mini-corporations - driven by the same needs as big businesses: make money
or face the streets! Most of us take our paychecks for granted. And a few even
take that paycheck and give a little of it back to the communities that make
their lives comfortable.
By contrast, America's pharmaceutical companies gave out, 350 million
prescriptions to needy people last year, gratis! And under pharmaceutical
patient assistance programs, last year 232,000 Floridians received their
medications for free. In fact, one company alone, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, gave
1.4 million Americans free medications last year-- at an expense to that company
of 350 million dollars.
So as far as charitable giving is concerned, it seems to me that America's
pharmaceutical companies are in the vanguard.
And charity is where Alan and my life intersected. Alan read one of my handouts
about my many advocacy activities and remarked that he too volunteers at a soup
kitchen. We hit it off and became friends and he gave me his personal e-mail
address so we could correspond about our mutual interests - helping people who
are homeless, poor or mentally ill.
During our talk I mentioned to Alan that many of my indigent friends -- friends
who are homeless or mentally ill -- receive their modern, life-saving
medications through the pharmaceutical companies' charitable patient assistance
programs. And that if it were up to the government and insurance companies,
these friends of Alan's and mine would be given only outdated and often
ineffective generic medications (like cystic fibrosis drugs of 20 years ago).
To save a few dollars, the government and insurance industry would rather see
the poor and indigent receive substandard care.
The lesson here seems plain: we should check out the facts. We must not succumb
to all the cost-saving hype of government and insurance companies. We must not
buy into their tricks, like substituting cheap and often obsolete generic
medications, as if there's no difference. To those of us who suffer life's
all-to-real afflictions, the newer medications, and those coming down the pike,
are mini-miracles! Written by Steve Kersker
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way to go sheila!! I am so glad to hear you cleared the virus :-)
WOOHOO!!!
Peace and Love,
·´¨¨)) -:¦:-
¸.·´.·´¨¨))
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ -:¦:-Pam
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´*
"No heaven will not ever Heaven be; Unless my cats are there to welcome
me." - Unknown
Blood Transfusions Could Transmit Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob
By Neil Osterweil, Senior Associate Editor, MedPage Today
Reviewed by Robert Jasmer, MD; Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of
California, San Francisco
March 27, 2006
Also covered by: BBC News, Forbes
Review
EDINBURGH, Scotland, March 27 - Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), better
known as mad cow disease, is apparently not easily transmitted from cattle to
humans. That's the good news.
The bad news is that once BSE makes the jump into people in the form of variant
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, or vCJD, it may readily spread from one person to the
next through the British blood supply, reported researchers in an early online
release from The Lancet Neurology.
Studies of transgenic mice bred to express the human prion protein gene in its
most common human variants indicate that while there appears to be good
protection against BSE transmission to humans, human-to-human transmission of
vCJD may readily occur in all but about 10% of the population, according to Jean
C. Manson, Ph.D., and colleagues of the Institute for Animal Health here.
Variant CJD may also have a very long incubation period, and there may be a
significant level of subclinical disease, the investigators suggested.
"Although the cattle BSE epidemic in the United Kingdom has amounted to more
than 180,000 cases since the 1980s, the extent of the human vCJD epidemic has so
far remained limited, with the total number of cases worldwide currently at
190," Dr. Manson and colleagues wrote.
"One explanation for this apparent discrepancy is that there exists a
significant species barrier between cattle and human beings, which limits the
susceptibility of the human population to BSE.," they added. "However, once BSE
has passed through human beings in the form of vCJD, the transmissibility of
this transmissible spongiform encephalopathy strain is altered for the human
population."
A specific polymorphism, or variant, in the prion protein gene in humans has
been shown to be a major determinant of susceptibility to prion diseases. The
polymorphism, which occurs at codon 129 of the gene, determines whether the
amino acids methionine or valine are present at that location.
About 40% of Caucasians are homozygous for methionine, and an additional 50% of
Caucasians are heterozygous (i.e., have one valine and one methionine allele),
and another 10% are homozygous for valine.
"All cases of human vCJD have been in patients with the methionine-methionine
genotype, which suggests that the methionine-valine and valine-valine genotypes
are protective," wrote Corinne Ida Lasmezas, Ph.D., a professor of biomedical
research at the Scripps Research Institute in Jupiter, Fla., in an accompanying
editorial.
But as Dr. Manson and colleagues found in their study, "all individuals,
irrespective of codon-129 genotype, could be susceptible to secondary
transmission of vCJD through routes such as blood transfusion."
They determined this by using transgenic mice as surrogates for humans. The mice
were bred to express either the human or bovine forms of the prion protein gene.
For the mice with the human gene, the investigators bred three genetically
identical populations that expressed the gene in the three human variants
(methionine homozygous, heterozygous, or valine homozygous).
The mice were then inoculated with either BSE or vCJD delivered directly into
the brain, and all mice were assessed for clinical and pathological signs of
prion disease.
They found that while BSE was transmitted via inoculation to those mice
expressing the bovine form of the prion protein gene, the mice with the human
forms of the gene did not develop transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.
In contrast, vCJD was transmitted to all three mouse lines expressing the human
gene variants, with different pathological characteristics for each genotype.
For example, mice with the methionine-methionine polymorphism had evidence of
disease at a relatively early stage, 370 days after inoculation, whereas as the
heterozygous animals had evidence of disease that was restricted to only a few
brain areas beginning at around 581 days, and remained limited at least 700 days
after inoculation.
In addition, the authors found that there was a gradation of transmission
efficiency, with the methionine-methionine genotype being the most susceptible
(11 of 17 mice infected) to methionine-valine (11 or 16 infected) to
valine-valine (1 of 16 infected).
There findings suggest that "transmission of BSE to human beings is probably
restricted by the presence of a significant species barrier. However, there
seems to be a substantially reduced barrier for human-to-human transmission of
vCJD," the authors wrote.
"Moreover, all individuals, irrespective of codon-129 genotype, could be
susceptible to secondary transmission of vCJD through routes such as blood
transfusion. A lengthy preclinical disease is predicted by these models, which
may represent a risk for further disease transmission and thus a significant
public-health issue," they concluded.
http://www.medpagetoday.com/Neurology/GeneralNeurology/dh/2933
Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of HepCingles2
Chat reminder!
Wednesday March 1, 2006
9:30 pm - 1:30 am
This event repeats every week.
The next reminder for this event will be sent in 18 hours, 4 minutes.
Event Location: Chat Room at HepCingles2
LOL.......I had a lot of depression during treatment, i think i was way over the
recommend dose of wellbutrin......keep your head high and remember your
goal....you'll get threw it. sheila
Dontpanic99@... wrote:Hey there, dont give up on the treatment. I've had a
lot of depression at
times too, possibly treatment related. Well keep at it.
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
thanks pam for writing back. i know i have talked to you before.so far so
good. i took my first shot this afternoon, so we'll see!? do have a question
for ya. i finally found out my viral load, it's the first time a # has been
mentioned to me. how does 1,680,000 look?! was just wondering where i stood,
and i know you're the one with all the info. thanks again for all the support
and advice. rebecca
I get my Pegintron shot on a friday too now that i've just gone back to
school. Sometimes I get really flu-like with cold, muscle stiffness about
five hours after the shot. Sometimes it comes the next day, sometimes not at
all. Maybe where they inject it makes a difference. It would be nice to sleep
through the side effects.
The worst side effects for me have been concentration lapse and getting mad
at family members sometimes. Thats one ive been working on to try and beat.
How is everyone else doing with treatment? How are the side effects?
Wish you the best
Hello S G
I am definitely not close to Santa Rosa..........I am in Washington
state...north of you. Thought I would say hello though. :) J O
johnnyo
n a message dated 01/12/2003 4:23:48 PM Pacific Standard Time,
sggonzo2003@... writes:
Tom,
My sympathies are with you and are with you and your family. I am truly sorry
to hear she has left, but one thing for certain life is eternal and your mother
has stepped into her new life. She was very blessed to have you and your family
there for her. My prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Nancy
"Marcus <marcuscal@...
My deepest of sympathies to your entire family. You have been so good
for your Mother for sometime now. You will be blessed! She will
suffer no longer! Hang in there! Peace be with you, Marcus
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
Great! Just there to Share! Once youve been thru this the bond grows
bigger!!! Write me anytime!!! Marcus
Tom!!
My deepest of sympathies to your entire family. You have been so good
for your Mother for sometime now. You will be blessed! She will
suffer no longer! Hang in there! Peace be with you, Marcus
Hi Rebecca......... I think that most people that work find that taking the
shot on Friday nights and having the weekend to *recoup* was really the best
for them. You will figure out what day and time works for YOU I am sure.
Most people take theirs at night. I always took mine in the mornings (I was
on the old three a week shots) because I discovered I had two rounds of
sides........... the first at 6 hours after the shot and the second at 10
hours after. So the shot would awaken me *sickly* six hours after I took
it. By taking it in the morning (I wasn't working though!) I could get my
first round gone by the afternoon and the second around dinner time so I
could actually sleep a little at night......... for me that was a plus as I
had so much trouble sleeping. The nice part is you can *play* with the day
and times until you find what works best. Good luck!
Peace and Love,
·´¨¨)) -:¦:-
¸.·´.·´¨¨))
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ -:¦:-Pam
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´*
"No heaven will not ever Heaven be; Unless my cats are there to welcome
me." - Unknown
If Your in the Santa Rosa area and want to talk, please E-Mail.
I'm 38, Caucasian and very new to this "singles" thing.
What I'm looking for is someone to write to and maybe more if things
are right.
Stay healthy, positive,
and God bless.
S.G.
wow! now, that's a letter! lol i appreciate u writing back so quick.you said
a lot of things in ur letter, that i did not know ie, the tylenol,and the
timing of the shots. you were exactly right about having to do it there in
the dr's office. said they wanted to monitor the first one. i will have to
ask about changing the days though. not sure i wan't to start my week out
like that! haha monday's belong in a group all by themselves, much less
adding that to it!! i will write back in a couple of days, and let everyone
know how it goes- am sure most of you know anyway. thanks for the advice, and
the info. hope to hear from u again soon. rebecca
Straight Talk About Herbal Supplements
New Web site discusses their safety, effectiveness
By Jennifer Thomas
HealthScoutNews Reporter
FRIDAY, Jan. 10 (HealthScoutNews) -- If you have high blood pressure, did you
know you probably shouldn't take ginseng? Or that St. John's wort can interfere
with chemotherapy?
Or that garlic capsules and gingko biloba can hinder blood coagulation, a
potentially major problem if you had to undergo surgery?
A new Web site created by experts at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in
New York City provides up-to-date information on the safety and efficacy of 135
of the most popular herbal remedies and dietary supplements, from bee pollen to
shark cartilage and skullcap to milk thistle.
Each entry includes a summary and a critique of all the known medical studies on
the supplement, as well as a link to the original research on the National
Institutes of Health's Medline.
In the past decade, use of alternative treatments has skyrocketed, says Barrie
Cassileth, chief of integrative medicine at Memorial Sloan-Kettering,
who started the site. "But until now there was no easy access to current,
comprehensive information about these agents," she adds.
Research is under way around the globe to scientifically document the effects of
hundreds of herbs and other dietary supplements.
Some studies have proven that certain herbs do have benefits, though in nearly
all cases research is mixed. Zinc, for example, has shown promise in lessening
the duration of a cold by making it difficult for the rhinovirus to replicate.
And some research shows St. Johns wort can help ease depression.
But that means the converse is also true -- herbs can be dangerous.
"Herbs are powerful, biologically active products that do have important
biological effects," Cassileth says. "Those effects can be useful at some times
and harmful under other circumstances."
"Herbs should not be used in a casual fashion because they are serious
medicines," she adds.
For instance, ginseng can cause low blood sugar in diabetics. And valerian and
kava can lessen the effectiveness of prescription drugs by interfering
with the liver's ability to process the medicines, Cassileth says.
Another thing to keep in mind: While much is known about the effects of herbs on
the body, much more is not known.
Dietary supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration,
or any government agency. That means the potency in one bottle of St. Johns
wort, for example, can -- and often does -- vary
dramatically from that in another bottle, Cassileth says.
And you can't even be sure you're getting St. Johns Wort.
"Anybody can put anything on a bottle and put it on a health food store shelf,"
she says. "Some of the herbal remedies have virtually none of what is assumed to
be the active ingredient, some have much higher levels and some are contaminated
with other substances."
On the new Web site, the 135 supplements are listed in alphabetical order by
scientific name. The common name is below it. (Acanthopanax Senticosus is
better known as ginseng. Allium Sativun is better known as garlic).
Each entry includes the brand names the herb is sold under, its purported uses,
its chemical properties, and what's known about how the herb works on
the body.
Each entry also includes a summary and a critique of all the known published
medical studies, instances of adverse reactions, and warnings about potentially
dangerous drug interactions.
Each critique is fully cited and linked to Medline, so that doctors or patients
can retrieve the original research and read further if they wish.
The site will be continually updated, Cassileth says. In a few weeks, Cassileth
and her colleagues are planning to launch a second Web site that will be less
technical and more easily understood by patients.
Dr. David Rosenthal, past president of the American Cancer Society, endorses the
Web site.
"This resource is an invaluable tool for both doctors and patients looking for
comprehensive information about dietary supplements," Rosenthal says.
More information
To visit the Sloan-Kettering site go to
http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/11570.cfm . For more on herbal medicine, visit
the National Institutes of Health.
Copyright © 2003 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.
Last updated 1/10/2003
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http://www.medicare.gov/Physician/Home.asp
Welcome to Medicare's national participating physician directory. This directory
contains names, addresses, and specialties of Medicare participating physicians
who have agreed to accept assignment on all Medicare claims and covered
services. Assignment only works with the Original Medicare Plan. It does not
apply if you are in a Medicare managed care plan or Private Fee-For-Service
plan. You can learn more about assignment by reading Does your doctor or
supplier accept "assignment?"
Please note: The Participating Physician Directory provides a listing of
physicians who participate in the Medicare program in your area. However, some
participating physicians may not be accepting new Medicare patients at this
time. Please contact the physicians you are interested in to see if they are
accepting new Medicare patients.
Peace and Love,
·´¨¨)) -:¦:-
¸.·´.·´¨¨))
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ -:¦:-Pam
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´*
"No heaven will not ever Heaven be; Unless my cats are there to welcome me." -
Unknown
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http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/2002conf/aasld53/pdf/AASLD.pdf
53rd Annual Meeting of the American Association For The Study Of Liver Diseases
This is in PDF format so you will need acrobat reader.
Peace and Love,
·´¨¨)) -:¦:-
¸.·´.·´¨¨))
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ -:¦:-Pam
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´*
"No heaven will not ever Heaven be; Unless my cats are there to welcome me." -
Unknown
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Hey Cherie and David.......... that is good advice to drink TONS of
water......flushes it through your system...... but I would take Tylenol
instead of Ibuprofen.........it has been debated for years but all the
reports I have read say that the Tylenol is the lesser of the two evils.
Peace and Love,
·´¨¨)) -:¦:-
¸.·´.·´¨¨))
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ -:¦:-Pam
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´*
"No heaven will not ever Heaven be; Unless my cats are there to welcome
me." - Unknown
Hi Rebecca,
I am John O from Washington. Welcome. There are lots of us here to
support you in you efforts and trevail with tx. I may soon be starting soon,
myself. Please do not hesitate to contact all or any of us in this
neighborhood. johnnyo
In a message dated 01/11/2003 6:56:27 PM Pacific Standard Time,
NURRAP1@... writes:
Pam, this was a very good post. About 15 years ago, when it seem that
my whole life was a wreck I was blessed with a great therpist who was
able to guide me through this maze of seminly unrelated thing to see
how they all tied together to prepare me for my wife dieing and my
having to raise three young girls. how I wish that everyone at some
time would be blessed into seeing this maze and getting to see what
is at the end.
Bill
Hi David,
I am John from Washington.......aka johnnyo. I have not taken tx yet,
but am all too familiar with depression as I am bipolar(still dont agree with
the dx, lol). I cannot deny the depressions, which I am going through one
of right now. You hang in there with your treatment. Soon, when you are not
looking, the right woman will come rolling into your life. :) Keep on
keepin on, David. Regards, johnnyo
n a message dated 01/11/2003 11:01:30 AM Pacific Standard Time,
davedog5005@... writes:
David,
Yes You can do this! Butttt, You must be Committed to Making it No
matter What. There is only two other things that will get you thru
this: 1. The constant remembering that it is only time, and
eventually the time it will take you to complete TX will finally be
over. The 2nd is that whatever Meds you need to get thru TX, you must
be honest and share ALL sides with your Dr. and get the necessary
AD's, Tranqs, and Sleep Aids, or whatever you need to get thru this.
You deserve to be comfortable on a chemo-like TX like this. Do you
have a Psychologist/Psychiatrist team that works with your Gastro? I
was lucky that my Gastro is part of a complete Liver team, so each
handled their end of the meds separately, and did everything they
could to get me what I needed to keep going. Consequently, being a
1A, I finished the 1 year of Peg & Riba TX, 3+ months ago, and the
Virus has been undetectable since week 12! Yeah I questioned if I
could really do this early on, but I fought and I fought and I
BELIEVED I Could do it, AND I DID, and SO CAN YOU!!! Ooops, I mean,
SO WILL YOU!!!
What shot number is this for you? Are you on Peg or Pegasys & Riba?
What Genotype are you? What was your Pre-TX Viral Load & Biopsy
results?
Call on Me anytime! I also made it cuz I had a ton of Web Support
early on, and now I am here to GIVE BACK, for all the Great Support &
Info I got!! HERES TO YOUR SUCCESS!! C YA at the Finish Line!!!
"WHEN YOU WANT TO QUIT, LOOK FOR THE DEEPER REASON TO STICK!"
Marcus
hey guys. ok, let me start too. i, too, am new to this group, as well as the
hep c. found out last sept, and finally, i start my tx mon. i will be on
pegasys and reb. i am 1a too.marcus, i can't tell you what an uplifting
letter was that u wrote. it sure helped me. i have been seeing all the
support out there, and in here...and hope i will be able to call on somebody
when the time comes. i think we can never have enough friends to begin with.
and david, if u need a buddy to go thru it with ya, i'm here.and thanks to
everyone else for all the support and advice. prayers to all. rebecca
dear new freinds:
well i did another shot last night. the side affects are terrible
the depression that this brings you is something iwould wish on no
one. since my lady left me i've been so alone. there are times that
i don't know what to do or who to turn to. i pray i meditate and
continue to look for anwsers. this the most difficult thing i've
ever done in my life. my freinds have started to avoid me they just
don't understand or believe how difficult this is. i turn to ya'll
for support. i don't know what else to do.
thanks for listening
love and hope for all
david
Hi David, I'm so sorry you're having such a hard time on tx. I've been through
two txs and didn't respond to either. Are you drinking lots of water it helps
with the side affects. Did the dr put you on any antidepression meds? If not
ask him/her the next time you go in or call and ask for them. We are here for
you and to help you through the tx........So just hang in there and keep posting
and we'll be here for you. If you want you can email me privately
too.......reemae@... or reemae@... Please take care and hang in
there........Sheree
"david traylor <davedog5005@...
freinds:
well i did another shot last night. the side affects are terrible
the depression that this brings you is something iwould wish on no
one. since my lady left me i've been so alone. there are times that
i don't know what to do or who to turn to. i pray i meditate and
continue to look for anwsers. this the most difficult thing i've
ever done in my life. my freinds have started to avoid me they just
don't understand or believe how difficult this is. i turn to ya'll
for support. i don't know what else to do.
thanks for listening
love and hope for all
david
Okay everyone......... I had every intention of doing alot of emails tonight
(last night now) but here is my story and I am sticking to it! As most of you
know I am dealing with a CRF (chronic renal failure) kitty. My precious Mr.
Figment. Well things have been going pretty good for the past few months. He
even did really well while I was off seeing about my father. We check his
hematocrit every 1-2 weeks and when he drops too low we do Procrit and I can
usually tell within ONE what his level has dropped to. My guess three days ago
was 19 and then for the past few days he has been more and more lethargic and so
when we went to the vet at 5p (friday/yesterday now i guess) i decided probably
17. Well it came back at 20 (I was shocked as I never *miss*!) and we have
started the Procrit again but I was devastated that he had dropped a WHOLE POUND
in the past two weeks. From 9.1 to 8.1. (I should have known that since the
count wasn't within my ONE that something else was wrong along with ALL that
weight loss!!) Anyway, I mentioned this several times to the tech and kept
sending her to ask the vet questions (we usually just see the tech for these
labs) and she went back and forth a few times but then told me that the vet was
officially off the clock, to just restart the Procrit, toss him on some
Cyproheptadine to increase the appetite, continue Pepcid, sub q fluids, and
start Reglan if he was vomiting (which he had also coincidentally started doing
two nights ago). Well I came home a little downhearted and was just praying
the Procrit would kick in, that his appetite would increase soon, and things
would be better quickly. Instead at about 10p he started acting really strange.
Screaming out like he was in pain, didn't want anyone to touch him, was getting
very wobbly when he walked and was acting like he wanted to fall down and pass
out with his eyes rolling back in his head. I ran all the meds through my head
and couldn't see how one of them could be causing this. By 1a I was starting to
get panicky and called my vets office and there wasn't an answer nor an
emergency phone number. (Guess I am glad I know this now for future!) We got
in the car and took him to the clinic where he had seen an internist at the
start of all this CRF stuff which also has an ER and found out his blood sugar
was 547!! Geez louise!! He was practically in a diabetic coma!! So now I am
sitting trying to stay awake to take him back to my regular vet to recheck the
blood sugar at 8a when they open. The bad part for me is that we have tickets
to *Stomp* at 5p and I have no idea how I am going to do this without any sleep
:-( (Those of you on my hep c lists will understand). For those of you on my
CRF lists his BUN is 85.4 and Creatnine is 3.8. Not great but not terrible
either and definitely *doable* They were similar two weeks ago so I couldn't
figure out how he was going into kidney failure overnight like this. He has
been diabetic before and *cleared it* and I absolutely never thought of that as
he was doing *opposite things* this time. Instead of alot of water drinking he
has done LESS for the past few days. I could kick myself for not figuring it
out sooner. I should have never left the first vets office today without more
clear cut answers. So here I sit $300. poorer, have made my FIRST ever middle
of the night vet run, have to stay awake to follow through with glucose at 8a,
panicky that my lack of sleep will not only hinder my enjoyment of the concert
but be bad for my health, wishing my kitty could just get back to *normal* and
*healthier* and wondering WHEN DOES THIS ROLLERCOASTER RIDE STOP for all of us??
Am I rambling yet??? Anyway, this whole post started simply because I wanted
to let you guys know that I have not been ignoring all the posts that I WANT to
answer....... I just don't EVER seem to have the time anymore........... the old
*if it's not one thing it's another*. Please bear with me....... I WILL get
this all under control soon and my Mr. Figment WILL be with me for quite awhile
despite the vet being doom and gloom many months ago when he was diagnosed. We
have already come a long way and I know that we can make it a long while more!!
Thank you CRF list for all the knowledge and support you guys give us and thank
you Hep C lists for all the support that you give me AND my cat!! You guys are
the greatest!! Anyway, i have to go find the Insulin that I hid in the fridge
when we stopped using it months ago and I didn't want it to get confused with
the Procrit and get ready to go back out again........ I hope everyone is having
a better day than I am LOL Mine is WAY TOO LONG and is going to get
longer. My thoughts and prayers are always with everyone and hope to talk one
on one again soon and quit sending these *bulk* emails that encompass groups of
different types. (Hey.... at least I am remembering to blind copy!! LOL)
Well I just looked beside my computer and I hadn't taken my 2am pills.....I put
them there around midnight I think.......So many things to remember!! I am
outta here....... take care!
Peace and Love,
·´¨¨)) -:¦:-
¸.·´.·´¨¨))
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ -:¦:-Pam
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´*
"No heaven will not ever Heaven be; Unless my cats are there to welcome me." -
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One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class was
walking home from school. His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all
of his
books. I thought to myself, "Why would anyone bring
home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a
nerd."
I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends
tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on.
As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward
him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so
he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass
about ten feet from him. He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his
e