Re: Alternative treatment for HCV

Hi again! Yes, I had active HCV for over 26 years. Was diagnosed in 1994. Took vitamins that gave a false postitive which led the doctor I was seeing at the time to tell me I must of cleared it on my own. However, that was not the case. Further aggrivating bi-directional diseases (symptoms of HCV) led me to Dr. Glombicki.
He agrees with Milk Thistle and a couple other products, but by all means it does not really keep the virus at bay. As I stressed in the previous message to you, the virus is always active and causing damage. I've known many people to try some very strange concoctions, only to learn that the damage done by HCV alone was worsened.
(Not the case with Milk Thistle or Cordial Silver)
I have researched HCV faithfully since 2000. I've learned alot about HCV through research and of course Dr. Glombicki.
For years I suffered with Depression which no antidepressant could lift. (You cant treat a viral infection with antidepressants! lol) So recently I've made a few psych doctors very angry because for one, in less than 10 minutes they are throwing a "quick fix" your way and not only that, but some medications can further liver damage. I tell them that they need to screen persons coming through their office for viral and/or bacterial diseases first and then decide on what to do, because a "mis-fire" in the brain does not just "happen" lol. Something physical has to cause such problems. In ALL cases where Depression is concerned.
My mental problems probably began early on, but was not diagnosed until the age of 13. Some blamed a couple of concussions prior to onset, others blamed many surgeries many years after. What was happening was all the anastethsia used was backed up in my system (because my stage 2 grade 2 cirrhosis) and combined was causing more brain fog.
After only 2 months on antiviral chemotherapy, my labs came back and the virus was inactive. However, since I had had chronic HCV for 26 years (at least, if not more)Dr. G kept me on it for 48 weeks. The virus is inactive and I am post 2 years chemotherapy.
Meanwhile, I've done lots of research on herbal remedies and have found many problems associated with "concoctions". It's hard to say something is safe when there are so many bi-directional diseases, and I surely dont want or wish the death of anymore friends in my hepatitis c family! It's not fun to watch someone die because they took something that may have been good for the liver, but ended up having renal failure. (kidney failure)
I've also experienced the death of someone from varacies (internal bleeding) while taking a concoction approved by a well known herbalist. There are about 50 sub-diseases associated with HCV infection, so when a hepper comes my way, I stress the importance of eating a well balanced, low fat, low sodium diet combined with very low intake of high iron foods such as red meat.
The best thing we can do is that. Taking too many vitamins, or concoctions can be very dangerous. I tell them to stick to the basics, less is more type speech.
As for herbal concoctions, as of to date, I've not met one HCV infected person that has kept the damages from active HCV at bay using herbs. It makes me angry thats for sure, just as with non-responders with traditional medications. HCV sucks! lol and thats putting it lightly! lol....I will post later as to the diseases and complications of what is all involved in those with HCV, and maybe you can get a clearer picture as to why Im worried about concoctions!
Good health!
stephanie