Hello Lloyd
My name is Ros. I am 31 years old and live in Worcestershire in
the UK.
I have Type III von Willebrands disorder - a bleeding disorder very
similar to haemophilia. I've been treated with blood products ever
since I was a baby and during the course of this treatment was infected
with Hepatitis C.
I've had two lots of conventional treatment
for it - a 12 month course of interferon 3 times a week, this cleared
the virus whilst I was on it but it returned when I came off it.
The second course was six months of peg interferon and ribavirin.
Six months after this second course of therapy I was pronounced
cured of Hep C - hooray. I know that is rare so I kind of appreciate
it.
Whilst on the treatment I had a lot of the
side effects I see described on your website - which I discovered
today - I was exhausted, in pain, disorientated and fuzzy in the
head, violently angry (and I'm a placid, positive person generally)
and depressed. It took me nine months to recover from the second
lot of treatment to the extent to which I could return to work.
This was 18 months ago and I know that I am still having problems
from the treatment today. I would say and I'm sure you've heard
this before, that for someone relatively mildly affected by the
Hep C the treatment I had for it has caused more long term damage
and impacted more hugely on my life.
My main problem is recurrent chronic fatigue - I do have a very
good homeopath who provides me with certain supplements that can
boost my energy levels for a number of days. But I do find that
even the smallest thing - generally a virus or infection of some
kind can have me flat on my back for weeks after. I have managed
to stay in my job as a computer developer by being sometimes able
to work from home and by changing jobs regularly but I'm wondering
how long I can continue having days and weeks off and feeling so
crap.
The reason I'm looking on the internet for some kind of reassurance
that I'm not alone today is because I've developed a kidney problem.
I say developed but it looks as if this was caused by the Hep C
or Interferon. My GP initially thought that I'd got an acute kidney
problem from pharyngitis that I had recently but on investigation
discovered that this is a common complaint from those with Hep C
- although funnily enough not one my doctors ever mentioned.
I am again off work with complete exhaustion,
I am feeling pretty fed up that this disease - cured or otherwise
- and treatment can still have so much impact on my life and I want
to do what I can to get better. I do not want to go back on the
anti-depressants. I have the violent anger rising up in me again
that I had on the interferon and I hate feeling so out of control.
I am just waiting for my homoepathic remedies in the hope they can
lift me up and for my appointment with the renal specialist to find
out what is in store for me there
What I'd like to know is can I access the medicines you used to
combat the disease in the UK?
What approach would you recommend for someone who has 'cleared'
the disease but is still reeling from the side effects of the treatment?
Even tho my doctors insist on telling me it left my system within
three months of my completing the course!!
I apologise for mouthing off in your direction but I so often am
'fine' on for those around me who've seen me go though this and
are fed up of hearing me moan and seeing me still being ill.
I have been inspired by your positive approach and it does give
me hope that I can get better and get my life back.....
I've ordered your book.
Thank you in anticipation,
Ros
Hi Ros:
Interferon does everything you mention.
I have a study that says that interferon can cause the destruction
of some protein that causes the CFS.
(From
Skepticism to Science by Dorthy Wall)
The anger problem is definitely related to interferon.
I am not sure how to stop it as interferon damages the neuro transmitters
in the brain stem, 15 billion brain cells there. This is where interferon
causes the most and worst damage. It is usually not reversible.
Interferon is referred to as the treatment that is worse than the
disease and you are a good example of why.
Doctors are not going to admit it. You can read it in the literature
published
by schering plough. I am very sorry that you were put
thru this as hep c can be dealt with very successfully with diet
and nutrition. Damaging peoples brains for the sake of money is
modern medicine's way.
I know of no successful treatment for damage caused by interferon.
If I did, I would have successfully treated all the damage it caused
me.
I do feel that many of the problems one still has after being so
called cured are still the result of a damaged liver.
Therefore, taking the following usually is
beneficial:
Milk Thistle
400 mg 3 x day
Lipoic acid 300 mg 3 x day
Selenium 400 mcg per day
Dandelion root tea, 1 quart
per day
If you can do more:
Properly prepared
Aloe, 4 oz 3 or more times a day
Natcell Thymus
1 vial every other day or TLM
Vitamin C to tolerance
Pure Synergy as directed
on the bottle
Liver Formula, this is better
than most any other pill I know of for liver problems.
I do ship to the UK all the time and it seems to be safe.
In good health
Lloyd
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