Cingles Info

Hi everyone! Just wanted to send a quik note that I have been hit by the I'm
gonna make Dana sick AGAIN Fairy! Probably that Hair Fairy too, but too sick to
care. So have been neglecting post. But hope all are doing well! Miss you
guys! And (((PAM))), do you think you sent this thing through the Post??? LMAO
Okay! Should probably go back and rest! Hugs, prayers and laughter to all!
Dana in PA

March 25 Walk for Awareness in Tallahassee: We will have a Walk for Hepatitis
Awareness in front of Governor Jeb Bush's Mansion on March 25 at
2:30 PM. The Mansion is located at 700 North Adams in Tallahassee. We will be in
the park directly across from the Mansion. We will leave by bus from St.
Petersburg at 7:30 AM. Other groups from the around the state will also be
participating. Anyone wishing to participate call Steve Kersker at (727)
823-8404. The Florida Department of Management Services has issued a permit for
our Walk.
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This is the most depressing thing I have read in a long time. I'm gonna go have
a good cry, right after I beat up my cat!
*~PeachStatePam~* <figment@...
We've Got Hep C and We're Mad As Hell!
Is There A Connection Between Anger and Hepatitis C?
By Joan King
President HepCBC
I don't know about you, but I've never run into a group of "unreasonably" angry
people in my life like some of those I have encountered in Hep C support groups,
both "live" and on the internet. Don't get me wrong. Some of these people are my
best friends, but I can't but help feeling there is some sort of physiological
connection there. And to be fair, I'll even include myself. Have you felt
yourself reacting in a way that you know is illogical? I sure have, especially
before treatment. I did a search on the internet to see what I could find.
Indeed, I found several sources that linked anger with a diseased liver, and the
sources were both holistic and medical. The holistic view is that anger is a
negative emotion that can get stuck in the liver, especially a liver that isn't
functioning well.
The medical point of view is that hepatic encephalopathy, or brain and nervous
system damage caused by liver disorders, can cause changes in consciousness,
behaviour, and personality. It can even cause coma. It can also cause
forgetfulness, confusion, disorientation, delirium, dementia, loss of memory,
intellect, reasoning, changes in mood, decreased alertness, daytime sleepiness,
progressive stupor, decreased ability to care for oneself, loss of small hand
movements, muscle tremors, seizures, speech impairment, a strange musty odour to
the breath and urine, and, well, you get the idea. An EEG will show
characteristic abnormalities, and blood tests can confirm this phenomenon. No,
it's not your imagination.
No wonder we're angry! The severe symptoms are usually experienced only with
cirrhosis, but two research groups have recently reported that HCV can affect
the brain in people with less advanced disease, even with mild fibrosis. This
disorder was not just related to hepatic encephalopathy. In an Austrian test
comparing 58 healthy subjects to 58 subjects with HCV patients without
cirrhosis, all of the HCV patients showed a "subclinical neurophysiological
impairment." So maybe my observations aren't a figment of my imagination. The
other study, done in the UK, reported that those with HCV scored worse in
"physical and social functioning, energy and fatigue, and other measures," and
ruled out any effect of previous IV drug use. Interestingly, the researchers
found that patients with mild Hep C were slower in memory tests, but just as
accurate as healthy subjects. A test was done in the US on both HCV positive and
negative drug users, and those with Hep C scored higher for depression.
So what causes the anger? Is it all physiological? Maybe some of it is related
to dealing with a possibly deadly disease. It may be related to the fatigue or
depression caused by Hep C.
What is the mechanism that allows the brain to be affected in liver disease? In
the case of people with cirrhosis, the liver can no longer convert ammonia, so
it collects in the brain. Ammonia is produced by the body when protein is
digested. The blood no longer circulates through a diseased liver where it would
usually be filtered and detoxified. Toxins can damage the brain and spinal cord.
Encephalopathy can be triggered in people with stable liver disease by several
things: loss of blood, too much protein, electrolyte imbalances, especially low
potassium levels caused by vomiting or diuretics (eat your bananas!), draining
of abdominal fluid, anything that causes alkaline blood pH, low oxygen levels in
the body, medications such as barbiturates, tranquilizers, surgery, or any
illness.
There is a theory that hepatitis C virus may actually invade our central nervous
system. Some brain cells normally die and are replenished by circulating
monocytes (a type of white blood cell), as many as 30% a year. These monocytes
can possibly by infected with Hep C and make their way into the brain, attacking
the brain cells and causing neuropsychiatric symptoms. Scary! But this is just a
theory. Post-mortem tests are now being done in London on brain tissue.
Researchers also suggest that the virus may hide in the brain, where it is safe
from attack by antiviral therapy. There seems to be no relationship between the
severity of hepatitis and the cerebral symptoms.
All this sounds very discouraging. So what can we do? If we are constantly
exploding with rage, we will alienate our family members, friends,
co-workers.... First of all, when we are dealing with our friends with Hep C, we
can try to be patient. We can show this article to our significant others, and
hope they will understand better. People usually are more prone to anger than
usual when taking interferon. Information can help arm us. Then we can start to
take action.
Watch your diet:
First of all, don't drink alcohol! Watch your proteins, especially if you have
cirrhosis. A high protein diet may cause increased levels of ammonia. Try to get
your protein from vegetable rather than animal sources. Keep your blood
alkalized and blood sugar levels stable by eating a high carbohydrate, low fat
and protein diet. Eating bananas and whole grain foods promote relaxation and
sleep. Foods with soy protein and eggs lead to alertness.
Eat your biggest meal in the early part of the day to avoid restlessness and
insomnia. It's good to keep a journal to see how your eating habits relate to
your emotions, moods, and physical health. Avoid preservatives, additives,
colours and illegal drugs or legal drugs, or at least use the smallest dose
possible. Sugar is a drug which leads to fat storage. Fructose may be a better
choice. Eliminate white flour products, fried foods, processed or fast foods,
pasteurized and homogenized dairy products, antibiotic and hormone fed animals,
addictive substances of all types, and chlorinated or fluoridated water.
Alter your lifestyle:
Smoking by the patient, or even smoke in the atmosphere, will increase measured
levels of ammonia. Did you know that one cigarette smoked 1 hour before a blood
test will increase the blood ammonia?
Avoid all toxins, antacids, any medication with ammonium, and if possible,
sedatives and tranquilizers. Things like chiropractic, acupuncture, yoga,
breathing exercises, visualisation, and/or meditation can help ease your stress
levels. Just like your mother said: Get as much exercise, fresh air and sunshine
as you can.
Calming audiotapes or CDs can help, and there are some good ones with positive
self-talk. It's important to maintain a positive, happy attitude. Try
stress-reducing herbs such as chamomile, thyme, lavender, lemon balm, calendula,
marjoram, peppermint, rosemary, and St. John's Wort, (there are warnings about
taking St. John's Wort with other anti-depressants) in reasonable amounts, and
after consulting with your doctor.
Channel your anger into something positive, like letter campaigns for more
clinical trials, and volunteer work.
Get medical help. At present there is not much the medical profession will do to
help with subclinical neuropsychiatric complications of HCV, since many doctors
do not recognize them as such. If, however, you are suffering from clinical
(more serious) encephalopathy, your doctor can be of immense help. What can a
doctor do to treat encephalopathy? Lots! Blood loss can trigger brain fog. The
doctor can stop blood loss from gastrointestinal bleeds with endoscopy and
cauterization. To get rid of the toxins like ammonia that collect, the physician
can prescribe laxatives, such as Lactulose, and enemas. A reduced- or no-protein
diet may help, but this is not for everyone. Tube feedings may be necessary, and
Neomycin can reduce ammonia production by intestinal bacteria. If the Hep C is
"cured" with interferon or interferon plus ribavirin, this stops the
inflammation and fibrosis, and, of course, the brain fog. (It can even clear up
early cirrhosis.) Yes, the side effects are uncomfortable, but so is end stage
liver disease. Even if you don't get rid of the virus, the interferon can slow
the progression of cirrhosis. Brain function seems to normalize with antiviral
treatment. In the meantime, the doctor can prescribe antidepressants for those
on treatment, where absolutely necessary, since the treatment itself can cause
emotional disorders. Successful transplantation will take care of brain fog, but
the anti-rejection medications can cause mood swings and anger. Get counselling.
One last note: Please, if you notice any change in your mental state, or in any
of your neurological functions, call your doctor. Hepatic encephalopathy can
rapidly become an emergency condition!
Reprinted by permission - HepCBC - visit their website: www.hepcbc.org
References:
HEPATIC ENCEPHALOPATHY
http://members.aol.com/HCVWD/he.html
HCV and Brain Dysfunction, by Jules Levin
http://thelab.upmc.edu/UTSO/A/ammonia.htm
Hepatic Encephalopathy
http://accessatlanta.adam.com/ency/article/000302trt.htm
Healing Sounds
http://thelab.upmc.edu/UTSO/A/ammonia.htm
Healing the Liver (Anger)
http://www.theflow.org/qigong/liver.htm
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
From Martial Arts of China presents Chi Kung Issue 1, 1991, Page 17 Courtesy of
Shaolin Brand
http://infinite.org/library/pages/SBMACCK-17.html
PROMOTING HEALTH AND VITALITY THROUGH FOOD
http://community-2.webtv.net/essentialhealth/EMOTIONALHEALTH/
Your Body's Wisdom, by Teshna Beaulieu, DC
http://www.newvis.net/f99-9.htm
---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.443 / Virus Database: 248 - Release Date: 01/10/2003

November 2000's Advocate:
We've Got Hep C and We're Mad As Hell!
Is There A Connection Between Anger and Hepatitis C?
By Joan King
President HepCBC
I don't know about you, but I've never run into a group of "unreasonably" angry
people in my life like some of those I have encountered in Hep C support groups,
both "live" and on the internet. Don't get me wrong. Some of these people are my
best friends, but I can't but help feeling there is some sort of physiological
connection there. And to be fair, I'll even include myself. Have you felt
yourself reacting in a way that you know is illogical? I sure have, especially
before treatment. I did a search on the internet to see what I could find.
Indeed, I found several sources that linked anger with a diseased liver, and the
sources were both holistic and medical. The holistic view is that anger is a
negative emotion that can get stuck in the liver, especially a liver that isn't
functioning well.
The medical point of view is that hepatic encephalopathy, or brain and nervous
system damage caused by liver disorders, can cause changes in consciousness,
behaviour, and personality. It can even cause coma. It can also cause
forgetfulness, confusion, disorientation, delirium, dementia, loss of memory,
intellect, reasoning, changes in mood, decreased alertness, daytime sleepiness,
progressive stupor, decreased ability to care for oneself, loss of small hand
movements, muscle tremors, seizures, speech impairment, a strange musty odour to
the breath and urine, and, well, you get the idea. An EEG will show
characteristic abnormalities, and blood tests can confirm this phenomenon. No,
it's not your imagination.
No wonder we're angry! The severe symptoms are usually experienced only with
cirrhosis, but two research groups have recently reported that HCV can affect
the brain in people with less advanced disease, even with mild fibrosis. This
disorder was not just related to hepatic encephalopathy. In an Austrian test
comparing 58 healthy subjects to 58 subjects with HCV patients without
cirrhosis, all of the HCV patients showed a "subclinical neurophysiological
impairment." So maybe my observations aren't a figment of my imagination. The
other study, done in the UK, reported that those with HCV scored worse in
"physical and social functioning, energy and fatigue, and other measures," and
ruled out any effect of previous IV drug use. Interestingly, the researchers
found that patients with mild Hep C were slower in memory tests, but just as
accurate as healthy subjects. A test was done in the US on both HCV positive and
negative drug users, and those with Hep C scored higher for depression.
So what causes the anger? Is it all physiological? Maybe some of it is related
to dealing with a possibly deadly disease. It may be related to the fatigue or
depression caused by Hep C.
What is the mechanism that allows the brain to be affected in liver disease? In
the case of people with cirrhosis, the liver can no longer convert ammonia, so
it collects in the brain. Ammonia is produced by the body when protein is
digested. The blood no longer circulates through a diseased liver where it would
usually be filtered and detoxified. Toxins can damage the brain and spinal cord.
Encephalopathy can be triggered in people with stable liver disease by several
things: loss of blood, too much protein, electrolyte imbalances, especially low
potassium levels caused by vomiting or diuretics (eat your bananas!), draining
of abdominal fluid, anything that causes alkaline blood pH, low oxygen levels in
the body, medications such as barbiturates, tranquilizers, surgery, or any
illness.
There is a theory that hepatitis C virus may actually invade our central nervous
system. Some brain cells normally die and are replenished by circulating
monocytes (a type of white blood cell), as many as 30% a year. These monocytes
can possibly by infected with Hep C and make their way into the brain, attacking
the brain cells and causing neuropsychiatric symptoms. Scary! But this is just a
theory. Post-mortem tests are now being done in London on brain tissue.
Researchers also suggest that the virus may hide in the brain, where it is safe
from attack by antiviral therapy. There seems to be no relationship between the
severity of hepatitis and the cerebral symptoms.
All this sounds very discouraging. So what can we do? If we are constantly
exploding with rage, we will alienate our family members, friends,
co-workers.... First of all, when we are dealing with our friends with Hep C, we
can try to be patient. We can show this article to our significant others, and
hope they will understand better. People usually are more prone to anger than
usual when taking interferon. Information can help arm us. Then we can start to
take action.
Watch your diet:
First of all, don't drink alcohol! Watch your proteins, especially if you have
cirrhosis. A high protein diet may cause increased levels of ammonia. Try to get
your protein from vegetable rather than animal sources. Keep your blood
alkalized and blood sugar levels stable by eating a high carbohydrate, low fat
and protein diet. Eating bananas and whole grain foods promote relaxation and
sleep. Foods with soy protein and eggs lead to alertness.
Eat your biggest meal in the early part of the day to avoid restlessness and
insomnia. It's good to keep a journal to see how your eating habits relate to
your emotions, moods, and physical health. Avoid preservatives, additives,
colours and illegal drugs or legal drugs, or at least use the smallest dose
possible. Sugar is a drug which leads to fat storage. Fructose may be a better
choice. Eliminate white flour products, fried foods, processed or fast foods,
pasteurized and homogenized dairy products, antibiotic and hormone fed animals,
addictive substances of all types, and chlorinated or fluoridated water.
Alter your lifestyle:
Smoking by the patient, or even smoke in the atmosphere, will increase measured
levels of ammonia. Did you know that one cigarette smoked 1 hour before a blood
test will increase the blood ammonia?
Avoid all toxins, antacids, any medication with ammonium, and if possible,
sedatives and tranquilizers. Things like chiropractic, acupuncture, yoga,
breathing exercises, visualisation, and/or meditation can help ease your stress
levels. Just like your mother said: Get as much exercise, fresh air and sunshine
as you can.
Calming audiotapes or CDs can help, and there are some good ones with positive
self-talk. It's important to maintain a positive, happy attitude. Try
stress-reducing herbs such as chamomile, thyme, lavender, lemon balm, calendula,
marjoram, peppermint, rosemary, and St. John's Wort, (there are warnings about
taking St. John's Wort with other anti-depressants) in reasonable amounts, and
after consulting with your doctor.
Channel your anger into something positive, like letter campaigns for more
clinical trials, and volunteer work.
Get medical help. At present there is not much the medical profession will do to
help with subclinical neuropsychiatric complications of HCV, since many doctors
do not recognize them as such. If, however, you are suffering from clinical
(more serious) encephalopathy, your doctor can be of immense help. What can a
doctor do to treat encephalopathy? Lots! Blood loss can trigger brain fog. The
doctor can stop blood loss from gastrointestinal bleeds with endoscopy and
cauterization. To get rid of the toxins like ammonia that collect, the physician
can prescribe laxatives, such as Lactulose, and enemas. A reduced- or no-protein
diet may help, but this is not for everyone. Tube feedings may be necessary, and
Neomycin can reduce ammonia production by intestinal bacteria. If the Hep C is
"cured" with interferon or interferon plus ribavirin, this stops the
inflammation and fibrosis, and, of course, the brain fog. (It can even clear up
early cirrhosis.) Yes, the side effects are uncomfortable, but so is end stage
liver disease. Even if you don't get rid of the virus, the interferon can slow
the progression of cirrhosis. Brain function seems to normalize with antiviral
treatment. In the meantime, the doctor can prescribe antidepressants for those
on treatment, where absolutely necessary, since the treatment itself can cause
emotional disorders. Successful transplantation will take care of brain fog, but
the anti-rejection medications can cause mood swings and anger. Get counselling.
One last note: Please, if you notice any change in your mental state, or in any
of your neurological functions, call your doctor. Hepatic encephalopathy can
rapidly become an emergency condition!
Reprinted by permission - HepCBC - visit their website: www.hepcbc.org
References:
HEPATIC ENCEPHALOPATHY
http://members.aol.com/HCVWD/he.html
HCV and Brain Dysfunction, by Jules Levin
http://thelab.upmc.edu/UTSO/A/ammonia.htm
Hepatic Encephalopathy
http://accessatlanta.adam.com/ency/article/000302trt.htm
Healing Sounds
http://thelab.upmc.edu/UTSO/A/ammonia.htm
Healing the Liver (Anger)
http://www.theflow.org/qigong/liver.htm
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
From Martial Arts of China presents Chi Kung Issue 1, 1991, Page 17 Courtesy of
Shaolin Brand
http://infinite.org/library/pages/SBMACCK-17.html
PROMOTING HEALTH AND VITALITY THROUGH FOOD
http://community-2.webtv.net/essentialhealth/EMOTIONALHEALTH/
Your Body's Wisdom, by Teshna Beaulieu, DC
http://www.newvis.net/f99-9.htm
---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.443 / Virus Database: 248 - Release Date: 01/10/2003

Don't know if you have been here lately.......... it is a good read :-)
http://odp.od.nih.gov/consensus/cons/105/105_statement.htm
This part jumped out at me regarding interstitial pulmonary fibrosis (which it
caused in me) and I had never read before that there can actually be worsening
of the liver :-( It really is a *crap shoot*.
Be sure to get those labs done!

Schering-Plough's Intron A gets EU label change
27th April 2006
By Helen Marshall
The European Commission has adopted changes to the EU label for
Schering-Plough's Intron A based on long-term efficacy data from a follow-up
study to evaluate the durability of sustained virological response in chronic
hepatitis C patients.
The large five-year study confirms that sustained loss of serum hepatitis C
virus (HCV) RNA six months following the completion of treatment with
nonpegylated interferon alfa-2b (with or without ribavirin) is a strong
predictor of long-term clearance of the virus, providing resolution of the
hepatic infection and clinical 'cure' from chronic HCV. However, long-term
clearance of the virus does not preclude the occurrence of hepatic events in
patients with cirrhosis, including hepatocarcinoma.
In the study, 1,071 patients were enrolled after completing prior treatment with
nonpegylated interferon alfa-2b (with or without ribavirin). Of these, 492
patients achieved a sustained virological response (SVR) and only 12 relapsed
during the follow-up period.
"This large study involving more than 1,000 hepatitis C patients demonstrates
that, even with close follow-up over a five-year period, patients who have
achieved an SVR have essentially no evidence of clinical or virological
disease," said Dr John McHutchison, lead investigator of the study. "Recognition
of this durability of response underscores the efficacy of interferon-based
antiviral therapy. Furthermore, it may help motivate hepatitis C patients to
seek treatment and provides physicians confidence that they are giving their
patients a meaningful chance for a cure."
A similar long-term follow-up study with pegylated interferon alfa-2b
(PEG-Intron) is ongoing.
http://www.pharmaceutical-business-review.com/article_news.asp?guid=231B0796-732\
3-4E68-8400-73647EB4F190

Sure I'll go whos coming to pick me up?.....

the left or the right coast?? was that facing north or South OH! nevermind
after this winter everyone will be facing South LOL...Mykal

http://forums.delphiforums.com/march_on_dc/start
The March on DC will be May 23, 2003.......... Start making your plans to
attend! :-)
Peace and Love,
·´¨¨)) -:¦:-
¸.·´.·´¨¨))
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ -:¦:-Pam
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´*
"I have studied many philosophers and many cats. The wisdom of cats is
infinitely superior." - Hippolyte Taine
---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.443 / Virus Database: 248 - Release Date: 01/10/2003

There is another hepfest in Colorado this summer..
Colorado is centrally located for us so folks don't always have to travel as far
when they are coming in from the left or right coast.
The dates for the fest are June 10-15 If you are not able to attend all days
sure hope you can get here for some of them.
The fest will be held in Manitou Springs..Just outside Colorado Springs and it
is quite easy flying into the Colorado Springs Airport. If you prefer to fly
into Denver and need to be picked up there please let me know... I can
grab you there.
Here is the link for the lodge we are trying to fill up... and there are other
options in the area if this does not suit you
http://www.pikes-peak.com/ElColorado/
This is just blocks from one of Colorados most beautiful places for sightseeing
The Garden of the Gods..There are alot of motels in the area... as well as The
Garden of the Gods campground... and all with in blocks of each other..
If there is any additional info you need please let me know
hope to see you this summer
hugs
gail
dizzyrizzy@...
PS There is also a campground called the Garden of the Gods Campground that is
just a block from the El Colorado as well as many other Hotel/Motel
accomodations in the Garden of the Gods area... ANything you are interested in
find by using Garden of the Gods in
your web search... Everything in the immediate vicinity is close to El
Colorado.. It appears that it is filling up quickly so rooms will become harder
to come by ....just know that where ever you make your accomodations you wont be
lost from the crowd
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Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.443 / Virus Database: 248 - Release Date: 01/10/2003

The Hepatitis C Appropriations Partnership and the National Hepatitis C Advocacy
Council need your organizations support!
Below is a sign-on letter to show your support for National Hepatitis Awareness
Month 2006
WHO SHOULD RESPOND: Organizations serving people with, or at risk for, viral
hepatitis.
WHEN SHOULD YOU RESPOND: Organizations wishing to sign on should e-mail by 5 pm
EST, Wednesday, March 15, 2006
WHERE SHOULD YOU RESPOND: Send emails with your organization name, city, state
and zip code to Lorren Sandt at: lorren@...
Please help distribute this letter and encourage organizations to sign-on.
February 24, 2006
President George W. Bush
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
RE: National Hepatitis Awareness Month 2006
Dear Mr. President,
We write to you today requesting a Presidential Proclamation demonstrating your
administration's support of May 2006 as National Hepatitis Awareness Month. Our
country is in the throes of a largely unrecognized epidemic with the hepatitis C
virus (HCV). At least 5 million Americans have already been infected, with 75%
to 85% becoming chronically infected. The number of Americans with hepatitis C
now outnumbers those living with HIV/AIDS by 5-to-1.
Chronic hepatitis C is the leading indication for adult liver transplantation in
the U.S., and the demand for liver transplants for this indication has increased
by a least 12-fold since 1990. Similarly, chronic liver disease (the vast
majority of which is caused by chronic infection with hepatitis C and/or
hepatitis B) is now among the top ten causes of death for Americans age 25 years
and older and is a leading cause of death for those infected with HIV.
In 2004, the Eleventh Report on Carcinogens issued by the National Institutes of
Health added the hepatitis C and hepatitis B viruses to the list of known human
carcinogens; these viruses increase the risk of liver cancer by more than
10-fold. The incidence of liver cancer among Americans more than doubled
between 1975 and 1998. The number of new cases of liver cancer and the
associated number of liver cancer deaths are expected to double again in the
U.S. over the next 10 to 20 years.
The social and fiscal costs associated with chronic viral hepatitis are
increasing exponentially. An actuarial study conducted in 2002 estimated total
medical expenditures for people with HCV at $15 billion per year. Without
immediate intervention, the hepatitis C epidemic in the U.S. is expected to
result in 3.1 million years of life lost by 2019. The projected direct and
indirect costs of the current HCV epidemic, if left unchecked, will be over $85
billion for the years 2010 through 2019.
Despite the staggering magnitude of the social, medical, and fiscal
repercussions of chronic viral hepatitis on our citizens, many Americans are
unaware of the personal and public health threats posed by chronic viral
hepatitis. Unlike most viral illnesses, effective medical treatments are
available to limit the long-term, devastating consequences of chronic viral
hepatitis for many patients. But early diagnosis and medical management hinge
upon increased public awareness.
At least 18 states have already issued or are working on proclamations
recognizing May 2006 as Hepatitis Awareness Month. We respectfully request and
urge you to help us educate the American public and thereby begin the process of
turning the tide on chronic viral hepatitis in our country by issuing a
Presidential Proclamation recognizing May 2006 as National Hepatitis Awareness
Month.
Respectfully,

Thanks Farel,
I'm not virus free yet. Only got down to 130-140 thousand each
time. Not sorry I took the meds though. It helped. Keep the Faith,
with Love, Franni PS I like the slogan, and how are you?

Brain's Immune Response to HIV a Double-Edged Sword
By Michael Smith, MedPage Today Staff Writer
Reviewed by Zalman S. Agus, MD; Emeritus Professor at the University of
Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
April 28, 2006
Review
LA JOLLA, Calif., April 28 - An immune response in the brain to HIV infection
probably acts as a double-edged sword-holding the virus at bay for a time but
causing neurological damage in the process, according to researchers here.
The finding was based on a detailed study of the effects of simian
immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection in Rhesus macaques during the chronic
phase of infection, which is often thought to be asymptomatic both in animals
and humans, said Howard Fox, M.D., Ph.D., of the Scripps Research Institute
here.
One implication of the study is that "labeling this phase 'asymptomatic' is a
dangerous misnomer," Dr. Fox and colleagues said in the April 26 issue of the
Journal of Neuroscience.
Before end-stage disease, most people with HIV have a variably long period of
chronic infection that is often associated with aberrant central nervous system
function, including impairments in verbal memory, psychomotor speed, attention
performance, and fine motor control. Imaging studies have documented decreased
volumes in cortical, limbic, and striatal structures, as well as thinning of the
cerebral cortex.
"Although the period between acute HIV infection and overt AIDS may be
reasonably asymptomatic," Dr. Fox and colleagues reported, "the CNS undergoes
changes that could be progressive and cause additional damage as the disease
worsens."
Because studying the brains of HIV patients is difficult, the researchers turned
to animal models. Four rhesus macaques were first trained in a series of
cognitive tasks and then infected with SIV.
The researchers monitored their post-infection cognitive abilities and after
death their brains were examined for both levels of HIV infections and other
alterations.
All of the infected animals developed significant deficits in bimanual motor
skills, and three of the four had other abnormalities, including deficits in
spatial working memory and slowed reaction times, Dr. Fox and colleagues found.
Also, the investigators studied the electrophysiology of brainstem auditory
evoked potentials, both before and after SIV infection. The P3, P4, and P5 waves
were significantly delayed post-infection and analysis of the latency between
the P1 and P3 waves indicated the problem was in the CNS. The differences were
statistically significant at P<0.001.
Post-mortem analysis showed that the brains of the infected animals contained
SIV, although there was no correlation between viral RNA levels in the brain and
levels in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid. Indeed, one animal-with undetectable
virus in plasma and CSF-had a higher viral load in its frontal lobe than in any
brain structure of the other animals.
Using gene array technology, the researchers found seven genes up-regulated in
the frontal lobes of the animals, including chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5
(CCL5), or RANTES; HLA-DR-alpha; immunoglobulin heavy constant gamma-3; G1P3,
also known as interferon alpha-inducible protein 6-16; interferon-induced
transmembrane protein-1, (also known as Leu 13); HLA-A; and HLA-C.
Several of those genes have immune system functions, while others have antiviral
functions, the researchers noted.
In particular, CCL5 has direct antiviral activity, and also is able to recruit
immune cells, including cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, into the brain, the researchers
said. In turn, the enhanced immune response results over time in damage to
neurons.
The implication, Dr. Fox said in a statement, is that "as in the rest of the
body, in the brain immune cells achieve a level of control of the virus, but are
unable to clear the infection."
As the infection persists, "this immune response may act as a double-edged
sword, protecting against rampant viral replication in the brain but leading to
brain dysfunction," he said.
http://www.medpagetoday.com/InfectiousDisease/HIVAIDS/tb/3199

Hey Dana............ Pam is still sicky face :-( I can't believe this is
hanging on so long!! Haven't been here enough to look for info to pass
on........... hopefully soon again ;-) Take care!
Peace and Love,
·´¨¨)) -:¦:-
¸.·´.·´¨¨))
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ -:¦:-Pam
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´*
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened" -
Anatole France

Seattle
Slater memorial set for Sunday
A memorial service for Jack Slater, who chronicled his liver transplant in a
series of articles for The Seattle Times called "Life on the Waiting List," is
scheduled for this Sunday at Seattle's Town Hall.
Slater, 59, died March 24 of complications from hepatitis C. A former teacher,
artist, actor and gardener, Slater wrote about his experience waiting for a
liver transplant and his life afterward for two years in The Times.
The memorial service is set for 2 p.m. in the Great Hall at Town Hall, 1119
Eighth Ave.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2002958173_dige28m.html?syndicat\
ion=rss

Hi Michael,
Glad to see you made it over here. I already know you from the other
site so just wanted to welcome you hear and tell you that Pam is
loaded with all kinds of Info and links on HepC. She is our
information specialist so to speak, but is kind of sickyface at the
moment! LOL (((Pam))), Hope your feeling Better! Any ways good to
see ya.........Dana in PA

Health - Reuters
House Committee Wants Info from Oxycontin Maker
Fri Feb 28, 5:27 PM ET
By Doug Macron
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - As part of an investigation into
pharmaceutical abuse and diversion, the US House of Representatives' Energy and
Commerce Committee said this week that it has asked drugmaker Purdue Pharma LLP
to turn over records relating to the painkillers Oxycontin (oxycodone) and
Palladone (hydromorphone).
Oxycontin is an oral painkiller that, when used properly, provides about 12
hours of relief. The drug has made headlines in recent years for its potential
for abuse; Oxycontin tablets can be crushed and snorted or injected, which
bypasses the pills' controlled-release mechanism and provides a powerful,
heroin-like high. Such misuse has been implicated in hundreds of deaths.
Palladone is also a powerful narcotic analgesic whose active ingredient has been
available for years. Purdue Pharma's branded version of the drug is still under
review by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), although the exact
indication being sought remains undisclosed.
In a letter to Purdue Pharma, Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Rep. Billy
Tauzin (R-LA) noted that the committee has been examining Oxycontin misuse, and
its role in more than 400 overdose-related deaths, since mid-2001.
During this ongoing inquiry, "we learned that the...FDA...is in the process of
evaluating Palladone," the letter reads, adding that a US Drug Enforcement
Agency (DEA) official recently indicated that "it is highly likely that this
particular drug molecule with a past history of widespread abuse and diversion
may cause a larger public health hazard than that of Oxycontin."
In light of these concerns, the letter requests privately held Purdue Pharma
provide the committee with a number of documents and answers to questions
including all records relating to discussions with the FDA over the risk profile
of Palladone and an analysis of the potential sales for the drug.
The letter also requests all records relating to and copies of studies regarding
the abuse potential of Palladone, all records comparing the addictive properties
of the drug with Oxycontin, the names of all pain management organizations
funded in part or wholly by Purdue Pharma, and ways in which the company
compensates or has compensated its sales representatives who promote Oxycontin
to individual doctors in the years between 2000 and 2002.
Tauzin colleagues Rep. John Dingell (D-MI), Rep. James Greenwood (R-PA) and Rep.
Peter Deutsch (D-FL) also signed the letter.
A spokesman for Stamford, Connecticut-based Purdue Pharma told Reuters Health
that his company has not received the Energy and Commerce Committee letter, but
intends to cooperate with the committee.

Well I am slowly on the mend......... still under the weather but up long enough
to eat and dash off a few quick emails........... I want to welcome all the new
people that have joined in the last few weeks........ and Frannie!!.......... it
is so good to see you here! ;-) I hope that you make some new friends and get
alot of support and hope that all is well on your end ;-) I am so far out of
the loop with all these mails that it will take me quite some time to catch
up.......... but I did want to say welcome to all the new people and I will
peruse and catch up soon ;-) Take care of yourselves!
Peace and Love,
·´¨¨)) -:¦:-
¸.·´.·´¨¨))
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ -:¦:-Pam
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´*
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened" -
Anatole France
---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.443 / Virus Database: 248 - Release Date: 01/10/2003

Alejandro Escovedo Making Music Again
By DAVID BAUDER, AP Entertainment Writer Thu Apr 27, 5:32 PM ET
NEW YORK - It was meant to help pay his medical bills. A tribute album with
musicians performing Alejandro Escovedo's songs arguably helped his health, too.
The Austin singer-songwriter was trying to recover from a near-deadly bout with
hepatitis C when the discs from his peers started arriving - Lucinda Williams,
the Jayhawks, Son Volt, Cowboy Junkies, Calexico, John Cale, Ian Hunter, his
niece Sheila E.,
Steve Earle.
Thirty-one artists in all, enough to make a double set when "Por Vida: The Songs
of Alejandro Escovedo" came out in 2004.
Escovedo sobbed as he listened to many of them.
"Not only was it making me feel good, it was making them feel good to be able to
help me," he recalled. "From all those years of traveling around the country and
meeting these wonderful people and admiring these wonderful people, it was
really just overwhelming."
The emotional boost - and some new doctors - nudged Escovedo toward recovery.
Eventually, he returned to making music.
His first new recording since 2001, "The Boxing Mirror," will come out Tuesday
and offers a thorough overview of his abilities. Escovedo has three cult bands
(the Nuns, Rank & File, True Believers) on his resume and has been a solo artist
since 1992. What makes him distinctive is his ability to incorporate non-rock
instruments into his music, as seen in a recent New York show that featured two
cellos, a violin and two acoustic guitars.
"We love to make noise," he said. "We love to rock hard, we love ballads and we
love atmospherics. I think all of those things came to play in this record."
His quieter songs pack the biggest emotional wallop. "Arizona," the first song
written after his illness, has two meanings. The state was where he collapsed
onstage in 2002 and had to be rushed to the emergency room, clinging to life.
It's also where he met his wife, poet Kim Christoff, who contributed lyrics to
two new songs.
Both of those life events are referenced as well in "I Died a Little Today" and
"Looking For Love."
Escovedo has written frequently through the years about his musician-father. On
the poignant "Evita's Lullaby," he writes about his mother trying to regain her
footing after his father died, following 60 years of marriage.
His mother is always asking Escovedo for cassettes of him playing the guitar, he
said.
"She loves the way I play guitar, for some reason," he said. "It's the kind of
guitar playing only a mother would love."
A huge fan of the Velvet Underground, Escovedo realized a dream by employing
that band's John Cale as his producer. Cale played a key role, totally reshaping
the music and giving the songs more focus, Escovedo said.
With his wife, Escovedo has become interested in Buddhism and non-Western
medicine. It was through an acupuncturist, he said, that he learned his
treatment for hepatitis was slowly killing him by eating away at his bone
marrow. It also took a toll on his personality, causing mood swings and making
him difficult to live with.
"All of the things you enjoyed prior to taking this medicine, you didn't enjoy
while you were on it," he said. "It was a pretty hellish experience. I'm glad
it's over."
He kept being sent to rock 'n' roll doctors who seemed more interested in
talking about their own guitars or songs than his health. They kept promising to
get him back on the road quickly.
Since the excesses of the road had nearly killed him, that wasn't high on his
list of priorities. What Escovedo, 55, really wanted was to spend more time with
his seven children - ranging in age from 3 to 33.
He had met Christoff not too long before his collapse. She was a creative
writing teacher at the University of Arizona at Phoenix and someone brought her
to one of his shows.
"She had no idea who I was," he said. "She didn't even know how to pronounce my
name. We met and it just changed my life."
While working on music with a spouse can be problematic (see Ono, Yoko),
Christoff only helped with lyrics. They have a mutual insecurity society, both
admiring the others' writing ability more than their own.
Escovedo said his health is good now. He feels strong.
Music means more to him now because he's not spending time on the road
medicating himself, although that may have its drawbacks.
"I feel like I'm not as much fun," he said. "I kind of knew that but I
understand it's going to seem that way for a while. But I notice the band
doesn't hang out with me as much as they did."
___
On the Net:
http://www.alejandroescovedo.com/

Franni,
I new their was a reason I decided against the 4th! LOL Think I will wait for,
hmm, A Mirical! LOL I had to go off the 3rd. Was bedridden and could do
nothing! Hugs......Dana
"Fran Shaughnessy <catfeathers@...
Dana in PA. Thanks for the nice welcome. My 4th t put me in the hospital
towards the end of it. Thought it was going to kill me. Well. I'm still here,
but have a whole knew conception of brain fog duh.... My hgb was barely 8 and
the pain unbearable. I did get a kick out of almost fainting every time I
turned around ha ha. Felt like a real southern lady instead of a New york broad.
Glad we're both still here to talk about it. Some aren't.

Hi Dana in PA. Thanks for the nice welcome. My 4th t put me in
the hospital towards the end of it. Thought it was going to kill me.
Well. I'm still here, but have a whole knew conception of brain fog
duh.... My hgb was barely 8 and the pain unbearable. I did get a
kick out of almost fainting every time I turned around ha ha. Felt
like a real southern lady instead of a New york broad. Glad we're
both still here to talk about it. Some aren't.

I never went undetectable, but close. 1a, ya know. I am,
however, not sorry. The progression has been stunted and even turned
around some in the past 5 years. Nice to meet you too! Franni

Hi Franni,
Nice to meet you. I am one of the "Johns" in Washington state in this
forum....aka
Johnny O. Hope the treatment worked for you. johnny o
In a message dated 02/25/2003 10:23:04 AM Pacific Standard Time,
catfeathers@... writes:

Hi Frani,
Welcome back! I think I may be new to you! LOL You went through 4 treatments?
I did 3. How was the 4th and how did it turn out? ...........Dana in PA
"Fran Shaughnessy <catfeathers@...
All, I'm so old I'm new. Feeling pretty good sometimes and even great once in
awhile. Recovering from my 4th treatment sloooowly. Some of you may remember
me. I'm in Florida after burning out in LA Still, Keeping the Faith, with
Love, Franni

Hi everyone! Just passing through........ I have just downloaded over 700
emails and I don't want anyone to think I am ignoring them. Suzanne, Mark and
I wound up spending the afternoon at the docs and it is *official* We are
sicker than dogs! :-( Mark brought it home but having better lungs and
having not just completed one year of Pegasys his has remained a sinus
infection. Suzanne and I have bronchitis! Anyway, we now have antiB's and
cough syrups, etc and I HOPE that I am feeling better soon. Of course I was the
only one with a 101 temp :-( Anyway, I love all of you and promised to catch
back up when I can. Hope everyone has a had a good week and I hope that I am
WELL by the end of the week :-) Take care!
Peace and Love,
·´¨¨)) -:¦:-
¸.·´.·´¨¨))
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ -:¦:-Pam
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´*
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened" -
Anatole France
---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.443 / Virus Database: 248 - Release Date: 01/10/2003

Hi All, I'm so old I'm new. Feeling pretty good sometimes and even
great once in awhile. Recovering from my 4th treatment sloooowly.
Some of you may remember me. I'm in Florida after burning out in LA
Still, Keeping the Faith, with Love, Franni

Hey Tricia
have you ever had any tests for Cholesterol. It sounds like a
circulation problem, like hardening of the arteries and really bad
arthiritis. I know a couple of people with Cryo, but not as bad as
what you say. I ain't know Doc. Of course some people can get really
bad Fibromyalgia. Yea, watch those drugs they prescribe for you, a
lot of Docs. forget about your liver and just go ahead and prescribe
something that is liver dangerous. At least your doing better
now.~~~~~~TC

Blood Lite - By: Marc S. Botts
Summary:
Anemia can cause serious problems for HCV patients in treatment
Story:
The most significant advancement in the treatment of hepatitis C in recent
years is the antiviral drug ribavirin. The combination of pegylated interferon
and ribavirin has reduced relapse rates to 20 percent from 50 percent (see "Two
Ribavirin Advances," Hepatitis, January - March 2006). But like most choices in
life, the decision to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) with interferon and
ribavirin is one of risk versus reward. In addition to the possible side effects
of interferon - including flu-like symptoms, fatigue, nausea, depression,
anxiety, insomnia and mental confusion - patients who take ribavirin run the
risk of becoming anemic.
As many as 10 percent to 15 percent of patients treated with
interferon/ribavirin therapy become anemic, a condition that can be life
threatening and typically requires adjustments to the medication. A complete
blood count (CBC) can be used to diagnose anemia because the test includes
counts of red blood cells and of hemoglobin, the iron-containing protein in red
blood cells that transports oxygen. The World Health Organization defines anemia
as hemoglobin levels less than 13 grams per deciliter (g/dL) in men and less
than 12 g/dL in nonpregnant women.
Hemolytic anemia is a disorder in which the red blood cells are destroyed
faster than the bone marrow can produce them. There are two types of hemolytic
anemia: intrinsic, which is the destruction of red blood cells due to a defect
within the cells themselves, and extrinsic, which occurs when red blood cells
are produced healthy but are later destroyed by infection or drugs.
Dr. Mark Sulkowski, associate professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins
University School of Medicine and medical director of the Viral Hepatitis Center
in Baltimore, Md., says that in general, hepatitis C infection is not associated
with anemia in and of itself. "However, anemia may be found in persons with
advanced liver disease and those with HIV/HCV coinfection," he says. "In
addition, the current standard of care for the treatment of HCV, peginterferon
alfa and ribavirin, is commonly associated with significant reductions in
hemoglobin and, in some patients, anemia.
"This is primarily due to the effect of ribavirin, which causes an
extravascular hemolytic anemia, and to a lesser extent, due to bone marrow
suppression with interferon," says Dr. Sulkowski, who notes that the
differential diagnosis for anemia is very broad and may be caused by many
conditions both benign and serious.
"One of the most common types of anemia in the developed world is iron
deficiency anemia," he says. "However, this is quite different than what is
observed in the treatment of hepatitis C, in which iron stores are typically
adequate."
In most cases, he says, the anemia subsides once the treatment is stopped.
"This type of anemia is reversible following the discontinuation of these
medications and is not typically a long-term problem," Dr. Sulkowski says.
Hard to handle
Sara T. Welch of Versailles, Ky., became anemic while participating in a
clinical trial for HCV treatment at the University of Louisville School of
Medicine. The trial was blind, meaning she was not told whether she was
receiving ribavirin or a placebo. "The clinical trial I participated in began
late in 2004," she says. "After being on medication for two months, my
hemoglobin dropped from around 15 (g/dL) to around 10 (g/dL). I believe it
rapidly dropped further to around 8 (g/dL), which is when it was decided to dose
down one of the medications."
To combat the anemia, the research coordinator cut the oral dosage
(ostensibly the ribavirin) by half, leaving the injected dosage (interferon) at
full strength. Welch says that although the trial was blind, she is pretty sure
she was given the ribavirin rather than a placebo because of the anemia she
experienced. She says the anemia left her extremely fatigued and made it
difficult for her to maintain her livelihood.
Don Lyons of Gaston, Ore., knows about the fatigue. A veteran of treatment
for his HCV, Lyons experienced his first bout with anemia when he went on a
regimen of daily injections of interferon over the course of six months in 1992.
He says his doctor monitored it closely and he kept up the treatment, although
the anemia took its toll on him physically.
"I could not walk up a flight of stairs without resting," he recalls.
"Everything was tiring and I would have to stop and catch my breath often during
any physical exertion. It would take me hours to do jobs that normally take
minutes."
While Lyons acknowledges that he experienced other side effects and cannot
say with complete certainty that the anemia caused all of the fatigue, it was
nevertheless debilitating. "I had to ask to be relieved of my management
position at work until the treatment was complete. I completed the treatment
(but) it failed to kill the virus," he says.
When the first combination therapy was approved using ribavirin and
interferon, Lyons started another regimen of treatment. Again, the side effects
were debilitating.
"That caused the worst anemia by far," he says. "I was lethargic, slept 12
to 14 hours a day and could not do physical activity without losing my breath
and having to rest." While his red blood cell count never got low enough to
alter the treatment, he did suspend it after 10 months because his liver
function tests and viral count spiked. "At that point, my doctor and I decided
it was not worth the side effects if it was not working," he says.
A biopsy showed that the damage to his liver had been abated somewhat by
the treatments he endured. Determined to fight the virus, Lyons would resume
treatments over the years as new drugs and protocols were introduced. In 2002,
he started a short-lived regimen of pegylated interferon and ribavirin. "When
Pegasys came out, my doctor and I decided to try combo treatment again. I had
not ever used (pegylated interferon) so we thought it might have a different
effect," he says. "I only lasted two months. My body could no longer take the
side effects as well as I had when I was younger. I had had enough."
Serious business
In some cases, anemia can be a much more serious matter that requires
close supervision by doctors. "In subjects with underlying heart disease, anemia
can be life threatening and induce a heart attack," says Dr. Howard J. Worman,
an associate professor of medicine, anatomy and cell biology at the Columbia
University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City. "For this
reason, people with risk factors for coronary artery disease are recommended to
be evaluated before receiving interferon alpha and ribavirin for hepatitis C."
Because of this risk, he advises that complete blood counts be obtained at
baseline and at weeks two and four of therapy, or more frequently if clinically
indicated.
Dee Jones of Memphis, Tenn., says the anemia she developed two months into
the combo treatment not only left her tired, but made her prone to bruising as
well. "That was my first suspicion," she says. "I told the docs and they said
'Yes, you have been anemic the whole time.'"
Jones says her doctors decided not to alter her treatment during the
year-long regimen, although to battle the anemia they did suggest that she take
injections of epoetin alfa (Epogen, Procrit) - a drug that has the same
biological effects as endogenous erythropoietin, a glycoprotein produced in the
kidneys that stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow.
"I refused," she says. "It would have meant another shot." Jones says she
is a sustained responder to the treatment since April 2005 but that her anemia
persists.
A shot in the arm
Like many, Alisha Ford of New Jersey battled the fatigue associated with
anemia while on the combination therapy. "I felt like my life was out of
control," she says. "I couldn't do basic things like folding clothes without
becoming exhausted."
Rather than cut back on the medication, her doctor chose to put her on
Procrit, which is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of
anemia in patients undergoing chemotherapy, those with chronic kidney disease,
HIV/AIDS patients being treated with the antiviral drug AZT, and select surgery
patients. As a specific treatment for HCV patients, however, there has not been
enough study to prove its efficacy. That, however, may change.
"The standard approach to the management of HCV-treatment-associated
anemia is to reduce the dose of ribavirin," says Dr. Sulkowski. "There are no
adjuvant medications approved by the FDA for the treatment of anemia in this
setting. However, several clinical trials support the use of recombinant human
erythropoietin for the treatment of anemic HCV-infected patients receiving
peginterferon plus ribavirin. Although little data is available, it is
anticipated that a similar medication, darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp), will also be
effective in this setting."
The effectiveness of the Procrit was a blessing for Ford, but she was
battling other side effects that ultimately forced her to stop treatment.
"Procrit actually helped tremendously. It gave me motivation to continue the
treatment. I started to feel like myself again," she says. "The reason I stopped
the treatment is because I was losing too much weight and I was severely
depressed."
Despite the debilitating side effects, Ford doesn't think others should be
discouraged by her experience. To fight the disease, she says, they should take
advantage of the treatment options available, but they should keep close tabs on
what the powerful drugs are doing to their bodies.
"I would tell people to be prepared for what anemia really means. It means
that you may get tired very easily; you may not be able to function as usual.
Walking up a flight of stairs or across the room can be extremely exhausting,"
she says. "A person has to make arrangements to have others help with regular
activities. I think it is worth the pain for a few months, if you get the
results you want from the treatment."
Lyons says he has to look no farther than the loved ones around him for
the source of his perseverance. "All the interferon I have taken over the years
has at least bought me time. Even though the quality of life was pretty poor, I
was given enough time to raise all my children to adults, and that was worth it
even though the treatment was not successful at killing the virus," he says. "I
would do it all again - without a second thought - for the chance to raise my
children."
http://www.hepatitismag.com/storydetail.asp?storyid=151

Cherie "glad I left" may be a bit of an understatement. I hope all goes well for
you and you get the treatments you need and all. See Ya Mykal

ALF Leader Shares Goals, Vision - By: Tamra B. Orr
Summary:
New CEO says hepatitis to remain main focus
Story:
It may seem like a huge leap to go from protecting chimpanzees to helping
prevent liver disease, but for Frederick G. Thompson, the new president and CEO
of the American Liver Foundation, it was just a small step. "Anyway you cut it,"
he says with a warm chuckle, "I am still working with primates."
Thompson goes on to point out that the two organizations - the Jane
Goodall Institute and the ALF - really do have a lot in common. "The issues
within most nonprofit organizations tend to be the same: raising the resources
we need to carry out our mission," he explains. "It takes a great deal of
passion on both landscapes and people who are truly dedicated to their goal."
It is clear that not only does Thompson have the necessary passion, he
also has the savvy and experience in fund raising and public relations to make
the ALF's mission stronger and more possible than ever. In addition to being a
strong leader, he is a father of one son, grandfather of twin grandsons and an
amateur guitar player. Not too surprisingly, he spends his few moments of "spare
time" reading liver research literature, going to more than a few public events
and traveling.
Chapter by chapter
Since 1976, the ALF has focused on helping people keep their livers
healthy and strong, either through prevention or treatment. It accomplishes this
goal primarily through 26 chapter offices scattered throughout the country,
which sponsor local programs and work on legislative issues at the state and
national level. A great deal of the ALF's emphasis is specifically on hepatitis
- a focus that Thompson supports. "It is certainly safe to say that at least
half of our work focuses on hepatitis," he says. "It takes significant amounts
of our time and resources and figures prominently in our mission statement.
"Our chapters are the means by which we fulfill our mission," says
Thompson. These chapters are the lifeblood of the organization and they are
gaining in number and strength. In 2000, they covered approximately 60 percent
of the U.S. population. The goal of covering 75 percent now has been met and
surpassed. "We are at a little over 80 percent right now," says Thompson, "and
although we want to continue to grow, we want to do it strategically. We do not
want to be in a geographical area just to be there, but (we want) to find the
way to most effectively serve the population of the region. In the meantime, we
are focusing strongly on strengthening the chapters we already have."
With an exceptionally strong background in fund raising, Thompson may well
be just the person the foundation needs in order to get the financial resources
that will allow it to accomplish its goals. His marketing experience won't hurt,
either. "Liver disease is vastly underrepresented and misunderstood by the
public," he says. "A recent survey we sent out told us that half of the
population did not even realize hepatitis was a liver disease. It is a major
public relations and marketing job to truly raise the public's awareness about
symptoms, treatments and cures. Communication is a key part of that. We simply
must continue to get liver disease into the public health agenda and to educate
people on the importance of livers."
Recently, the ALF has launched a new public relations initiative focused
on doing just this: teaching people about the factors surrounding hepatitis and
other liver problems. This program includes all new public service
announcements, a new logo and a "brand-new look and feel," as Thompson describes
it.
"We are re-energizing and updating everything," adds Thompson. "The board
feels strongly that we need to redouble our efforts to bring liver health to the
public's attention. That is the only way we can attract the resources we need to
truly fulfill our mission. We have a continually increasing need for money to
expand and develop our efforts on behalf of all kinds of liver disease. We also
need to attract money for research from both individuals and the federal
government."
Like with any other nonprofit organization, money is always an issue. In
2000, the ALF stated that it would be asking the government for a substantial
increase in funding. In fact, they planned to receive $404 million between then
and 2007. How did they do? "Well . we have been extremely successful in asking,"
says Thompson with a smile. "We are continually getting the language into the
appropriation reports, but getting the money itself has been a real challenge.
Each year we have achieved modest raises, but there is a lot of competition for
funds out there."
Think again
Another focus the ALF described in 2000 was one in which a specific group
at high risk for HCV would be targeted and then used as a model for the
education and treatment of other groups within the general population. The
effort began with veterans. "That project was very successful," says Thompson.
"It showed that you can focus on a finite population and get significant
results. Now we plan to replicate this with other high-risk groups."
Through its new program THINK B (The Hepatitis Information you Need to
Know), launched in November, the ALF is focusing on Asian-Americans. Without a
doubt, this group is the most severely affected by hepatitis B and is at the
highest risk for contracting the disease. The latest statistics show that as
many as one out of every 10 Asian and Pacific Islanders (APIs) are chronically
infected with hepatitis B. San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York will be
targeted first because of their high Asian-American populations, according to
Thompson.
"We, along with our partners Idenix-Novartis, Bristol Myers Squibb and
Gilead, also plan to work with Chinese-Americans and Vietnamese-Americans," he
says. The program includes a partnership with local community organizations for
holding the largest hepatitis screening program in history, as well as educating
a specific group about the risk associated with the virus. "Screening is the
first step in stopping the spread of this deadly virus," says Thompson. "Because
two-thirds of the people with hepatitis B have no symptoms, many people are
unaware they have the disease and may be passing it on to their families, loved
ones and sexual partners."
The next group to be targeted for the THINK program is African-Americans
(not just those born in the United States but also African immigrants) as they
have a high incidence of both hepatitis B and C. A third group Thompson wants to
zero in on is the incarcerated. "Some statistics show that the incidence of
hepatitis C in prisons is between 30 percent and 35 percent," says Thompson.
Other goals, other issues
One of the ALF's major goals is coming up with a specific liver health
number that can let people better understand how their livers are doing. "The
country's interest in health care is certainly going in the direction of disease
prevention," says Thompson. "We redid our strategy plan in 2004 and put an
emphasis on liver wellness. We want to be able to define that for people and to
teach them how to evaluate it through a key number. It would be similar to how
certain cholesterol numbers indicate a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
Liver disease doesn't present in any obvious fashion, so the key has to be
earlier detection and assessment."
Thompson is involved in many of the issues that face those who care about
liver health today. He says that the ALF is currently in favor of pending
legislation concerning viral hepatitis screening and vaccinations.
Thompson and his organization strongly oppose the concept of directed
organ donation, an activity that exploded in popularity following a Houston
man's effort to procure a new liver through billboard advertising and the
internet. "While there are many variables that contribute to one person's
ranking on any organ wait list, with liver transplants, simply put, the sickest
patients are at the top of the list," says Thompson. "The ALF believes that the
current mechanism for donation is the best one. Improvements and refinements
could be made, but we are not in favor of this Wild West approach. It brings up
all kinds of medical and ethical issues.
"We get calls from people seeking livers all the time," he continues.
"They want to know if we can put them at the top of the list and, of course,
they offer a generous donation to go with it. I do believe that we need to do a
better job in the area of organ donation, but to do this, we have to renew our
efforts to create an awareness of donation options."
The ALF's chairman, Dr. James Boyer, agrees. As he puts it, "It is a sad
state of affairs when organ donation levels are so low that desperate and
improper measures are undertaken to secure a transplant, which is why the ALF
and its medical community firmly stand behind the MELD/PELD system that's in
place, and while we recognize that the process for the allocation of livers is
not perfect, it is a system that strives for fairness and equability."
As a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people stay healthy and
live longer, the ALF has numerous challenges ahead of it. The foundation needs
to increase liver health awareness, increase hepatitis B and C screening in
high-risk populations, continue to provide research for effective treatments and
cures, keep revising and improving the donation process, and, of course, raise
the money to do all of the above. With Thompson at the helm, it looks like the
foundation's chances of achieving these goals are improving.
Other ALF survey results showed that:
. A majority of U.S. adults (84 percent) know that they cannot survive
without their liver
. Two-thirds of U.S. adults (67 percent) realize that a living person can
donate a part of their liver to someone else
. More than one in four U.S. adults (27 percent) did not identify the
liver as the organ that is primarily affected by hepatitis
. The majority of U.S. adults (86 percent) are not aware that the
incidence of liver cancer is on the rise in the United States
. More than half (60 percent) of U.S. adults did not know that hepatitis
B can lead to liver cancer
. Only 42 percent of U.S. adults know that vaccination is one of the best
ways to prevent contraction of hepatitis B
. Four in five U.S. adults (80 percent) believe that alcohol abuse is the
leading cause of liver disease
http://www.hepatitismag.com/storydetail.asp?storyid=152

Hey Cherie
It's the same in Michigan, except for the viral load bloodtest,
medicaid payed for mine. Each state runs the medicaid program their
way. Maybe if more Mormons had hepc it would be different.~~~~~~~~TC

What is Cryoglobulinemia?
http://www.mayo.edu/mmgrg/rst/cryo.htm#1
Cryoglobulins are proteins that precipitate (or clump together) in the cold. For
most people this may be solely an abnormal laboratory finding, and they will
have no symptoms because of their cryoglobulins. For others, however, these
cryoglobulins can cause disease that affects any or all organs. When there are
symptoms secondary to the cryoglobulins, the disease is called
"Cryoglobulinemia."
The proteins that comprise cryoglobulins are called antibodies or
immunoglobulins. The normal role for these immunoglobulins or antibodies is to
help the body fight infection. Unfortunately, in the disease
cryoglobulinemia, these immunoglobulins may clump together, causing organ damage
and illness.
Cryoglobulinemia may or may not be associated with other diseases (like liver
disease, infection, a connective tissue disease, multiple myeloma, or lymphoma).
What are the symptoms of cryoglobulinemia?
Cryoglobulinemia is a syndrome comprised of many possible symptoms. The most
common symptoms are those of weakness, arthralgia (joint ache), and
purpura (purple bruises, most commonly of the lower extremities). Besides the
skin and joints, the other organs commonly involved include nerves, kidneys, and
liver. Symptoms and signs may include:
Weakness
Joint aches (arthralgias)
Purple/red spots on the extremities
Raynaud's phenomenon
Fever
Weight loss
High blood pressure
Swelling of ankles and legs
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hands or feet
Skin ulcers and gangrene
Enlarged liver or spleen
Abdominal pain
Kidney damage
The course of the disease will vary. Symptoms may come and go seemingly without
explanation. For some, but not all, cold temperatures will cause
flare-ups.
Who is affected by cryoglobulinemia?
Cryoglobulinemia is very rare. Its cause is not known, but there is an
association with certain diseases as well as the hepatitis C virus. It can
affect anyone, but the majority of people with cryoglobulinemia are
in their 40s to 50s. Twice as many women as men have this disorder.
Cryoglobulinemia is not inherited. It is not known how many people have
this disease.
How is cryoglobulinemia diagnosed?
The diagnosis is made by combining the information from a thorough history and
physical examination and from blood and urine tests. At times, biopsies (small
samples of tissue) are also required. Potential biopsy sites include the skin,
kidney, bone marrow, liver, and a peripheral nerve.
How is cryoglobulinemia treated?
There are few standard treatments for symptomatic cryoglobulinemia. Important
questions before deciding upon treatment options include the
following: 1) Am I having symptoms related to my cryoglobulins? 2) How severe
are my symptoms and which of my organs appear to be affected? 3) Do I have an
underlying disease related to my cryoglobulinemia? 4) Am I infected with the
hepatitis C virus?
The goal of treatment is to limit further organ damage. Because cryoglobulinemia
is so rare, very few clinical trials have been completed to address questions
about the best treatment strategies. In
general, all patients should: avoid the cold, if it seems to aggravate their
symptoms; consume an adequate well-balanced diet; and maintain their strength
with adequate rest and exercise. You may need to follow a
special diet based on your symptoms and affected organs. For example, if your
kidneys are affected, you may be asked to follow a low salt diet.
The typical treatment strategy is to treat those patients with cryoglobulinemia
"secondary" to another disease with the preferred treatment for that particular
disease. For example, if you have multiple myeloma and cryoglobulinemia, your
doctor (hematologist/oncologist) should use the standard treatment strategies
for patients with multiple
myeloma. If you have cryoglobulins secondary to rheumatoid arthritis, your
doctor (rheumatologist) should use the drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
In contrast, if you have "primary" or "essential" cryoglobulinemia, your doctor
must look very hard for the presence of a hepatitis virus. If there is hepatitis
virus, a medicine called interferon-alpha may be recommended. This medicine has
a number of side effects, but can control the hepatitis C and the symptoms of
cryoglobulinemia for a proportion of
patients. Unfortunately, not all patients will tolerate this medication; others
will not derive any benefit; and still others will relapse once the medication
has been discontinued.
Your doctor may advise no therapy, but rather only careful monitoring.
Alternatively, s/he may prescribe corticosteroids (prednisone),
anti-inflammatory medicines, immunosuppressive medicines and sometimes low-dose
chemotherapy to control the symptoms. If there is a severe illness related to
the cryoglobulinemia, your doctor may suggest a
procedure called plasmapheresis, whereby your blood plasma (which contains much
of your cryoglobulins) is exchanged for either someone else's plasma or some
other type of replacement fluid.
Does cryoglobulinemia make me more susceptible to infections?
You may experience more infections. Whether the infections are related to the
cryoglobulinemia directly or to many of the treatments doctors use to control
the symptoms of cryoglobulinemia is unclear. If possible, you should avoid
direct exposure to people with known viral or bacterial infections (i.e. cold or
flu).
Dealing with the stress of cryoglobulinemia
Cryoglobulinemia can be a stressful disease. You may worry about how the disease
will affect you and your family. While these fears and worries are normal, they
may not always be understood by relatives or friends. Talking with a physician,
nurse or other health professional may help you deal with these fears. The more
cryoglobulinemia is understood, the less frightening it is.
Who can I call if I have further questions?
If you have any further questions about your diagnosis or treatment, call the
Mayo Clinic location where you are a patient.
Mayo Clinic Jacksonville
(904) 953-2000 (ask for your physician)
Mayo Clinic Rochester
(507) 284-2511 (ask for your physician)
Mayo Clinic Scottsdale
(602) 301-8000 (ask for your physician)
This material does not provide all available information about Cryoglobulinemia
and is not intended as a substitute for seeking
professional medical care and advice.
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For those who knew Sheree but didn't know about the guest book you can click on
this link and I know that Frank would appreciate hearing from all of us.
http://www.legacy.com/york/Guestbook.asp?Page=GuestBook&PersonID=17297314

Other useful Links, the first one is very good starting point for conditions
that are directly caused by the HCV infection:
http://www.hepccalifornia.org/glossaryofcommonconditions.html
http://hepatitis-central.com/hcv/cryo/associated.html
http://vasculitis.med.jhu.edu/cryo.htm
http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/7563/cardio10.html
http://www.cpmc.org/liver/topic_cryo.htm
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Current Treat Options Oncol 2000 Jun;1(2):105-18
Symptomatic cryoglobulinemia.
Dispenzieri A.
Mayo Clinic, Division of Hematology, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905,
USA.
Treatment of symptomatic cryoglobulinemia is exceedingly challenging due to the
multisystemic nature of its presentation, the variability of its course, and the
paucity of effective therapeutic options supported by randomized controlled
clinical trials. Patients with mild, relatively asymptomatic disease should be
observed without introduction of systemic therapy. Patients with symptomatic
type I secondary cryoglobulinemia should be treated as appropriate for their
underlying lymphoproliferative or plasmaproliferative disorder. Patients with
secondary type II or type III cryoglobulinemia should be treated for their
underlying connective tissue, lymphoproliferative, or liver disorder or
infection. First line treatment for symptomatic, essential type II or type III
cryoglobulinemia associated with hepatitis C should include interferon
(IFN)-alpha. Depending on the severity of clinical presentation, adjuvant
corticosteroids or plasmapheresis should be considered. Life-threatening or
acute organ-threatening presentations should be managed with combined modality
therapy, which should include high-dose corticosteroid, plasmapheresis, or
alkylator-based therapy. Many chemotherapeutic and immunosuppressive strategies
have been tried but not systematically tested; their value is therefore unknown.
Challenges for the future of treating symptomatic cryoglobulinemia include
devising better therapies and more systematic evaluation of existing therapies.
PMID: 12057048 [PubMed - in process]
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Source: Hepatits C Awareness Project
<snip, from a larger article on Hep C conditions
Essential Mixed Cryoglobulinemia - Essential mixed cryoglobulinemia is a rare
autoimmune disorder that may involve the blood and various other
tissues and organs. The major symptoms include unusual response to cold, skin
abnormalities, blood disorders and generalized weakness. There may also be joint
pain, inflamed blood vessels, and kidney problems.
The exact cause of the essential mixed cryoglobulinemia is not known. However,
it is considered to be an autoimmune disorder. (Autoimmune disorders are caused
when the body's immune system, which is meant to defend the body against
bacteria, viruses, and any other foreign product, malfunctions and produces
antibodies against health tissue, cells and organs.) In this condition, the
immune system appears to be triggered by cold temperatures.
Cryoglobulins are proteins in the blood that become apparent when the blood is
cooled. These cryoglobulins can affect many different bodily systems, causing
pain and dysfunction. It is important to note that a link between
cryoglobulinemia and Hepatitis B infection is possible.
The most effective treatment for cryoglobulinemia associated with hepatitis C
has not yet been determined. Brief use of prednisone followed by 6 months of
interferon alfa has produced clinical and liver function test improvement, but
relapse of the liver disease and vasculitis often occurs when interferon alfa is
stopped.
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Hi group,
Haven't posted much.Sorry about that.Lots of bad news in Utah for
Medicare and Medicaid.No eyeglasses,No teeth for adults and
eyeglasses,also the worst thing of all ....No viral load blood test.
I went in for one and was told they wouldn't pay for it.
This is Cherie from Ogden Utah.By the way Hi Mykal!Aren't you glad
you left here after your tire was fixed?
Sorry to be a bummer,just needed to let off some steam.
I hope to get to know some of you better.
Have a great day!
Cherie

Dear Laura, sorry to inform you but I dont even think I can even say
cryoglobulinanemia Good luck though (what is that...like batmans bloody
buddy or what????)...Mykal

OOOH Pam thank you for this valueable info I am printing it as we.......
Mykal

Mykal, don't feel bad even Florida is cold this year. Of course no snow and sun
shining now and then but not what is normal either. My son is in DC and every
time they show it on the news I am praying he is not caught out in that snow
there. My daughter cried to see snow all her life and she is in Hawaii and my
poor son who never missed it is stuck in it. I just pray he has been smart
enought to stay in doors. Anyway I enjoy your cheery funny posts too. I just got
back from an ultrasound. Had to leave at 6:30 am for 7:30 appt. Now I hate the
couple days they say I have to wait for the doctor to call me with what is next.
He said drain if the ultrasound shows free flowing rivers. It makes me nervous
watching those things wondering what the black holes and spots are and the way
the tech kept heading for the radioligist. Guess just stay positive and stay in
the hurry up and wait line of hep hey. Pam heeeeeeelllllllllp! He had the
nerve to talk peg to me. I tried my most emphatically to describe my 4 years of
treatment torture and he said we could start right out with procrit along with
it. NOOOOOOOOO. I feel like a soap opera; next saga will continue whenever doc
decides hey? Best to all, Tricia
PS A week of predisone has me breathing and feeling better but will only allow
7 days of it so bout over with. Too bad can't keep it up long term I could turn
back into a human maybe. LOL

Thanks all for your great reception! This does seem like a very friendly group
and I am looking forward to getting to know you folks!
I have a question: does anyone here have any experience or knowledge about
cryoglobulinanemia? Possible treatment? Things to do that can help?
Hope everyone is doing good today,
Best wishes,
Laura
P.S. Sorry about the re-post, I forgot to change the Subject line.

I just received my latest edition of LiverHope's Newsletter and realized that
some of you that are newer to these boards might not know about it. You can
to go:
http://www.liverhope.com/
and then click on Newsletter on the left and ALL the previous editions are
listed there. Happy reading!

Hi Vee........ you aren't the only one that is behind in emails :-) Sorry
I didn't get back to yours sooner. When do you have your biopsy scheduled
for? Please let us know and we will all be with you in spirit :-) Holding
your hand in space so to speak. I have to agree with you that cats are
great people!! Mine have always been the best people I have ever known. I
have lost two in this past year and it has been very hard on me. My
precious Mr. Figment was just a month ago and so I am still very depressed
and that is another reason I haven't been keeping up with all this mail. I
will be back into the swing of things soon....... but had to pop on and say
hey to a fellow kitty person ;-) Take care of yourself!
Peace and Love,
·´¨¨)) -:¦:-
¸.·´.·´¨¨))
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ -:¦:-Pam
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´*
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened" -
Anatole France

Repost :-)
http://www.numedx.com/readstory.phtml?story=v3n2nutrition
Nutrition and cirrhosis
Cirrhosis, fibrotic (thickened and hardened) liver tissue, occurs in the later
stages of hepatitis C in chronically infected patients.3-5 Complications of
cirrhosis include portal hypertension (high blood pressure in the liver's
circulatory system). Portal hypertension can result in ascites (fluid retention
in the belly area) and varices (enlarged veins in the digestive tract). As with
the hepatitis diet described above, people with cirrhosis need a high-calorie,
high-protein diet. In addition, with cirrhosis, foods that are high in sodium
and ammonia need to be avoided. Table 2 identifies ammonia- and
sodium-containing foods.
TABLE 2. FOODS HIGH IN AMMONIA AND SODIUM
Foods High in Ammonia Aged cheeses, Salami, Bacon, Ham, Ground beef,
Gelatin
Foods High in Sodium Salt, Garlic salt, onion salt, season salt, Soy
sauce, Monosodium glutamate (MSG), Canned soups, Canned vegetables & meats,
Cured meats (bacon, sausage, ham, lunchmeats), Processed cheeses, Frozen meals,
Salty snacks (chips, pretzels, popcorn), Pickled foods (sauerkraut, pickles,
olives)
Generally, no more than 2000 mg to 3000 mg of sodium should be ingested each day
to minimize water retention and facilitate blood-pressure control. In addition
to avoiding salty foods, salt in cooking, and salt at the table, it is necessary
to select low-sodium foods in order to maintain sodium intake below 3000 mg per
day. If varices are present in the esophagus or stomach, a soft diet should be
consumed, and the patient should avoid any rough foods such as pretzels or nuts
that could scratch those blood vessels and cause bleeding. Blood potassium
levels need to be monitored, but potassium supplementation should only occur
with a prescription and regular monitoring from your physician. Many cirrhosis
patients need supplementation with the B-complex vitamins: zinc, magnesium, and
phosphorous.
http://216.239.51.100/search?q=cache:EVXdc963JHAC:www.breining.edu/ce3222.pdf+he\
patic+encephalopathy+nutrition+ammonia+gelatin&hl=en&ie=UTF-8
Peace and Love,
·´¨¨)) -:¦:-
¸.·´.·´¨¨))
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ -:¦:-Pam
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´*
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened" -
Anatole France
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This goes to all my groups....... I apologize if you get it more than
once.......... LOVE THAT DELETE KEY! :-)

Hi Ray, I am Dana in Pa! Where do you live in TX? I was born and raised in the
Dallas area?..............Dana
"delangel <delangel2011@...
remember you from about 3 yrs ago..think you were in Fla. then. And hello to
everyone else. I just thought I'd check in and say hi. To bring you up to
date...HepC+ in 2000. Infected in 87. Still no viral load to date but ALT's
slowly climbing (probably about 100). Working as a subtitute teacher and in
school full-time studying electrical engineering. Hopefully done in two years.
House is finally done with what tight resources could provide. And since this is
a singles sight, I'm 34, no children, looking for the same. Female of course and
HCV+ quality very much welcomed.
Ciao baby,
Ray in Tex

Hepperwocky
A Hepatitis C Jabberwocky Parody
By Bill Buckels
With Apologies to Lewis Carroll
'Twas sweatig, and the intron foads
Did throb and pound the brain;
All heppy were the riba-vibes,
And the side-effects insane.
"Beware the Hepatitis C!
The viral burn, the skin that itches!
Beware the rebe-rash, and shun
The furious combo-bitchiness!"
He took his hypo-derm in hand:
Long time the uncalloused flesh he sought--
So rested he in the kitchen seat,
And sat awhile in thought.
And, as in muddled thought he sat,
The HCV, with eyes of flame,
Came roaring through infected blood,
And boiled as it came!
One two! One two! And through and through
The needle went flag and whack!
He thought it dead, and with clear head
He went a-livering back.
"And hast thou slain the HCV?
Come to my arms, my heppish man!
O vireless day! Callooh! Callay!"
She chortled with remission.
'Twas sweatig, and the intron foads
Did throb and pound the brain;
All heppy were the riba-vibes,
And the side-effects insane.
(C) Copyright 2000 Bill Buckels.
All Rights Reserved.
Copy Freely but Not For Profit
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Hi Pam, I remember you from about 3 yrs ago..think you were in Fla.
then. And hello to everyone else. I just thought I'd check in and say
hi. To bring you up to date...HepC+ in 2000. Infected in 87. Still no
viral load to date but ALT's slowly climbing (probably about 100).
Working as a subtitute teacher and in school full-time studying
electrical engineering. Hopefully done in two years. House is finally
done with what tight resources could provide. And since this is a
singles sight, I'm 34, no children, looking for the same. Female of
course and HCV+ quality very much welcomed.
Ciao baby,
Ray in Tex

VEE,
I hope everything goes well for you. And yes, I think those animals
really take care of us more than we do them. I wonder what the heck
I am doing on this Iceberg too! LOL I keep hoping my daughter will
decide to go to college in a warmer State! LOL Well, have one more
year to work on that! If I have brought a smile to your face, then
that makes me feel great. Everyone needs to smile and laugh! Great
therapy! And Mykal, well he always makes you smile or laugh! (Shhh,
don't tell him that, but I think it is his brain fog!) LOL I am
trying to take the lighter side of things these days! Like that is
easy, huh?? I am no good at the chat's either, my reply is usually
after they have changed the subject ten Times! LOL But hugs and
prayers to you and post more often so we know what is going
on!!.......Dana in PA

Thanks everyone! I really felt good after reading the response from all
of you who did write. I am very sorry for taking so long to come back
on. Hope I'm forgiven:) But before I forget, in answer to
one of the questions asked. I am a single male, my name can throw you
off a bit. But it is a man's name.
Mykel, I must say that you, and I think it's Dana. Bring a smile to my
face most of the time I read your messages. Well! Here
it is 1:30am. I can't sleep. It's 20 below and really cold here in
Vermont. I keep asking myself. What in the hell am I doing on this ice
berg? And then my son and daughter come to mind. I'll tell you, they are
the only reason why I'm still up north here. Because I would be in some
sunny state where it doesn't get below 69 degrees. And I would be
basking in the sun. Not that I need to get any more darker. But it sure
would feel good. This coming Wednesday I have an
appointment with a gastro doc. supposably to talk about a liver biopsy.
I guess that will be when I find out how much damage is done...Believe
me when I tell you, I'm not bugging out on it. The biopsy itself doesn't
scare me. I'm sure you all know what does.
Just to change the subject a bit. I am so glad that this is not a chat
line. Because I type so slow. I would never be able to keep up with
anyone lol. My two cats are sitting here next to me sleeping. I'm sure
their waiting for me to go to bed, so they call raise hell. They do
every night. Both are females. Loca & Taz. Sometimes I think they take
care of me more then I do them... Cats are great people:) Well I guess
I'll end this now. I wish everyone the best. And I will write more
often..
BLESSINGS TO ALL Valerian
"VEE"

Have Hepatitis C? Want to talk? Please meet us at the HepCat Hideout Chat at
http://forums.delphiforums.com/HepCingles
on Saturday nights at 7pm PST which is 10pm EST. You do NOT have to be single
to attend!! EVERYONE with Hep C or interested in Hep C is encouraged to attend.
If someone is not there PLEASE hang out for a few and they will show up shortly
:-) Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and I am sorry I didn't get this out
in a more timely manner........ Take care all!!
(To those of you that get this more than once I apologize. Use that delete key
please :-)
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Happy Valentines all! The hospital had a cute gimmick today red bandaging. It
took an IV thing to get enough blood out of and I am covered from wrist to elbow
in red bandages. The lab techs had on red valentines pants. By the way Pam if
you get your email straight. I have finally found a doc that seems smart and
nice. I have been to doc's 4 out of five days and go in Tuesday for ultra sound
and possible drain. He says he has worked with Mayo, Shands, Ochners, and
Birmingham and I can have my choice which to go to so I need your expert opinion
which to pick. Right now they are repeating all the blood work to send to them.
He is trying to get this asthma, pulminary thing straightened out cause he says
that can hurt you on transplant eval. I think if it is asthma it is stress with
3 kids in Navy and all this war thing cause I have not had asthma for years and
years. I think it is the fluid shoving my lungs but guess the ultrasound will
show which. Anyway at least this guy seems to have a brain and when I started
talking my ideas and what I have read etc. he actually said he likes to have
patients who do research and take part in the choices so that puts him way ahead
of those ones who resent the net and think you don't need to be informed at all.
Anyway hope it can last this time and maybe I will finally be finished with the
doctor hop I have been on for the past couple years. Well hope all are well.
Take care, Tricia

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY EVERYONE!! HOPE YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONE'S HAVE A WONDERFUL
DAY, EVENING AND/OR WEEKEND! Hugs and Sugars to all!!!!...........Dana in PA

Hiiiiiiiiiiiii gwen long time no see see ya Mykal(Michael)

PAID HEP-C INTERVIEWS SEEK PARTICIPANTS IN 4 U.S. CITIES
Executive Solutions, a marketing research firm, has been asked by a
pharmaceutical company which manufactures a popular drug that treats
Hepatitis C to conduct paid, one-hour, in-person interviews with 20
Hepatitis C patients in each of four cities:
Boston February 18 & 19
Chicago February 24 & 25
Seattle February 27 & 28
Tampa March 4 & 5
These interviews will take place at centrally-located marketing
research facilities.
The purpose of the research is to help the pharmaceutical company
gain a deeper understanding of the challenges of the lives of
Hepatitis C patients, including experiences with their medications.
Patients will receive $100 cash for their time at the conclusion of
the interview.
Here are the qualifications for taking part:
Respondent:
Is taking either Pegasys or Peg-Intron
Is between the ages of 18-60
Is not taking part in a clinical trial of any medication for his/her
Hepatitis C
Has not participated in any marketing research study in the past
three months
Has a minimum education level of high school graduate
Does not work for and/or has no one in their household working in the
following fields:
marketing or marketing research; ad agency; advertising or marketing
department of any company; a pharmaceutical or health care company;
doctor, nurse, nurse's ad; a radio or TV station or newspaper
You can reach me at: 772-220-1230 (Florida) or e-mail me at:
gwenc@....
You can learn more about our company at: www.executive-solutions.com.
Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Gwen Carden

Hi everyone I will hang out!!... :) .
I have been and will be swamped with work but all is fine.Edgy and
alot of mood swings but getting better with time.I get my 3 month post
TX PCR next week and Ill let ya all know how it gos.l hope all are
well and talk later.
Charlie

Mykal,
Save everything you want to keep on