Natural vs Modern Medicine

Hello everyone, I wanted to respond to the post about modern vs natural medicine. I was diagnosed with HCV 15 years ago and for the past 15 years the doctors have monitored my liver profile 4 times a year. I was never told that drinking alcohol would be a problem during those years. This past June I went for a second opinion to a top notch medical facility. They did a slew of labs resulting in the decision to have an ultra sound and biopsy. The results of the biopsy told me I was stage 3 for scarring, out of 4. 4 being Cirrosis. The Dr. told me I absolutely had to give up drinking ASAP. I did that day! At that point I had NO symptoms; I felt great and was/am in excellent health. He said that if I waited even 6 months to do something the tables could be irreversible. This is a silent killer and when it errupts it is too late.Liver transpalnt is the only option and they aren't easy to find. HepC is the leading cause of liver cancer. I was terrified. I didn't want to face the modern therapy approach at all. But everything I read gave it the best option for erradicating the virus. I am Genotype 2, by the way, which gives a 24 week course rather than 48. It is imperative that you get your viral GENOTYPE. Also get your QUANTITATIVE blood test for the virus to know what the viral load in your liver is. It fluctuates all the time; mine was 310,000 in August which is quite low. Sept 16th I began Peg-Intron/Ribivarin therapy consisting of one injection a week and 4 pills a day. I am now in week 12 and can honastly say it is not bad at all. I have only had minor difficulties. The first few weeks I was on the couch the day after the shot, just tired and achy. I never threw up or had all those yukky side effects. The chief complaints are that I can't expend a whole lot of energy without being out of breath and that by days end I am tired. I go to work every day, I run a sheep farm, and enjoy my hobbies and family. Each person reacts differently, of course, but with careful monitoring of blood tests,the Drs can make the therapy virtually painless. After 30 days my QUANTITATIVE was 0 and my liver profile has been normal since day 7! I never had a liver panel normal in 15 years! I have another frind who is on Pegasys combination therapy and her viral load was 5,000,000! Genotype 1, when she started and after 21 weeks she is also 0. It is worth the risk if you look at the long run. I am only 51 and I don't want to check out of life for many years to come. Keep asking questions but don't wait. HepC doesn't. I will be happy to share with anyone who has questions or needs support.