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Hep C Discussion Forum -> Nutrition and Hydration -> Going to start treatment within a year
Post Info TOPIC: Going to start treatment within a year
Grace


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RE: Going to start treatment within a year
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Thank you so very much.

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Moocow


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Grace,

It sounds as if you are going to a very good Medical Center (Chapel Hill is rated as one of the top places to go) and your candidness is going to help you immensely when you do get to the treatment phase.

I personally feel you have a better handle on this than you believe- you're pro-active and not sitting under a blanket of denial, which is a huge plus on your side!!!

At any rate, here is a LINK to the The Dept. of Health and Human services site with information about Milk Thistle.

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Pillage before you burn.
Grace


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Thank you for such a heart felt response.  

I was taking paxal.  They also tried other anti-depressants but I had a  reverse reaction from them and got even more depressed - almost suicidal.

I am seeing a physcologist at UNC HOspital in Chapel Hill, NC  They have a liver program here.  I'm not on a transplant list, thank goodness.

According to my physchologist, right now, I seem to be doing ok with one on one thereapy AND along side other group meetings that I belong to at the hospital itself.

Do you know anyone who has had any success taking Milk Thistle?  I've been taking it for a few years  - about 1200 mg. a day.  My liver is functioning but scarred by virus.


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Moocow


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Hello Grace and welcome,

It sounds as though you have been put through an emotional trial by fire of recent and your depression issues are certainly understandable.

You haven't mentioned if you are on anything to help with your depression and there are medications for that, it's a matter of finding a doctor that is willing to work with you and perhaps some counseling would help you also- of course, that is all a personal choice.

As far as "herbal remedies", I'm the last person here that would advocate using any types of herbs or other alternative diets- one can still eat "healthy", just remember that food is important as much as a balanced diet.

Proteins are essential, red meat (pork and beef) contain more iron, which does make the liver work a bit harder to process- at one time, I was told by a registered dietitian that the best source of protein for a compensated liver was legumes (beans). One can derive enough protein from lentils or other legumes to compensate for the daily needs we require for protein intake.

Fatty foods are difficult to digest also- which is a contradiction in itself, because when one is on treatment, fatty foods are suggested to help the anti-viral Ribavirin to bind to the fat, to help it metabolize within the digestive system. But, considering you aren't on tx at this time, fried foods or other products high in fat you might consider eating in moderation- remember, you don't have to starve yourself!

And, I will disagree to a point when it comes to doctors not having a clue- yes, we do have some doctors out there that are less than desirable when it comes to treating people for this disease- the treatment warrants consistent monitoring of the patients physiological, mental and emotional state while taking the drugs.

Some of us get very good care when we decide to treat, some do not- they're handed the drugs and left on their own, with minimal appointments and a general apathy towards them. But, for the better part, if you can get to a University Hospital or a decent specialist, you will be provided with up to date information and a treatment plan.

I will be honest with you- in consideration you have depression issues at this time, getting that under control and your mood elevated is essential to getting you on the road to treatment.

The virus itself is causing part of your depression, this is very common- you're ill, it's working on you- then add in the events in your life and you're in a double whammy.

My suggestion to you is, start addressing the depression first- then, move on to focusing on treatment- but, don't starve yourself, stay away from alcohol/drugs and you'll be healthier in the long run.

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Remember.......
Pillage before you burn.
Grace


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Posts: 6
Date:
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Good moring

I've known for a few years that I have Hep C.  The problem is my mental stability isn't up to par yet.  I've had many traumatic things happen to me over the past 3 years.  My daughter passed away, Lost my job, my son moved to California, battling massive depression and found out I had Hep C.  Not good.

However, I'm not giving up and I want to know which is the best Milk Thistle I can buy.  What other suppliments I should be taking and what foods to leave OUT of my life.

If someone could give me some info that would be great.  I've read too many articles, talked to too many doctors.  I want to talk to people who've gone through it and came out the other side healthier or NOT>  I need info from people.  Real people.  I don't think the doctors have a clue because they aren't the ones who have it.

Thank you
Grace


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