As the New Year approaches I am feeling very optimistic for the future. I am more and more convinced my decision to forego combination interferon/ribavirin therapy and instead pursue Modern Chinese Medicine was the right one for me. I continue to sustain my new found sense of well being and high energy levels since beginning Dr. Zhang's Chinese Medicine protocol. Recently I had a conversation with a nurse who happens to work in the same medical clinic as I do. Even though she underwent a successful course of interferon treatment last year she told me that if she had to do it again she would not pursue interferon treament. She said this even though she was one of the lucky ones who did acheive a negative viral response with interferon treatment. Despite this she was emphatic that she would not make the same choice again because the effects of the interferon and ribavirin were so ravaging. Why would anyone make such a statement? One factor in the decision whether or not to pursue conventional combination therapy is the consideration that one should be aware that a negative viral response after interferon treatment does not mean "total eradication" of the Hep C virus! Most of the patients after "successful" inteferon therapy will still have HCV in their liver. Relapse can, and does in some cases happen at a later time.
Please understand, I am in no way advocating just sticking one's head in the sand and ignoring their HCV infection. Rather, a comprehensive approach is needed to treat chronic viral hepatitis, including proper herbal treatment, rest, and nutrition. I do believe it's possible using Modern Chinese Medicine to halt the progression of the disease and restore general health.
Blessings to all in the New Year.
About Me
- RegentLynx
- This blog is a personal space where I can post some of my photos and talk about some of my favorite things. I have many interests, including, but not limited to: The Western Mystery Tradition, Rosicrucianism, Gnosticism, Modern Chinese Medicine, Photography, Music, Chess, Computers, ad infinitum..... I love to read, hate television, but do enjoy good movies. Newest entries are always posted on the top of page.
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Saturday, December 24, 2005
The Nativity Of The Divine Light
Christmas Eve, sometimes called Holy Night, celebrates the ageless story of the birth of Christ. As the divine light of Christ incarnates in a tiny babe in a lowly manger, to us this story represents the nativity of the divine light within the Gnostic soul, the coming of the royal light into the lowly frame and darkness of this world. When the outer world grows cold and dark it is even more necessary to keep the spark of divine light kindled and bright.
Though the light shines in the darkness, the darkness can not itself give birth to the light. The earth would be naught but cold damp clay without the life coming from the light of the Sun. Even so, the spirit which gives life comes from somewhere else, a mystical dimension beyond time and space. The alchemists assure us that “nature unaided always fails.” Without divine assistance in the Hermetic art the alchemist can not achieve the goal of the Great Work, the Philosopher’s Stone. In the same way, our human natures can not transform our ego personalities without the assistance of that spark of our Divine Self and the birth of that consciousness within us........more
Wishing you and yours all the best this Holiday Season. May the New Year bring you much Light, Love, and Health.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Happy Holidays
C’mon people can’t we all just get along? This is the one of the most ridiculous things I’ve ever read, “Religious conservatives are threatening lawsuits and boycotts to insist that store clerks and advertisements say Merry Christmas”. I myself prefer “Happy Holidays”or "Seasons Greeting's". It’s much more inclusive, what’s wrong with including the Jewish Faith, Buddhists, Moslems, Pagans or any other ism’s in one’s best wishes for the Season and New Year? “Peace on earth, goodwill towards men” should be directed to all regardless of race, color or creed.
Of course, the major mistake in the Christian conservatives line of reasoning is the assumption that the Holiday Season began with Christianity. Celebration of the Winter Solstice far predates any form of Christianity.
Perhaps maybe we should all just celebrate Festivus.
Wishing everyone Happy Holiday’s as I cue up my cd player;
Artist: Jackson Browne
Album: Rarities And Duets
Title: The Rebel Jesus
Original recording from the chieftain's album "the bells of dublin"
All the streets are filled with laughter and light
And the music of the season
And the merchants' windows are all bright
With the faces of the children
And the families hurrying to their homes
As the sky darkens and freezes
They'll be gathering around the hearths and tales
Giving thanks for all god's graces
And the birth of the rebel jesus
Well they call him by the prince of peace
And they call him by the savior
And they pray to him upon the seas
And in every bold endeavor
As they fill his churches with their pride and gold
And their faith in him increases
But they've turned the nature that i worshipped in
From a temple to a robber's den
In the words of the rebel jesus
We guard our world with locks and guns
And we guard our fine possessions
And once a year when christmas comes
We give to our relations
And perhaps we give a little to the poor
If the generosity should seize us
But if any one of us should interfere
In the business of why they are poor
They get the same as the rebel jesus
But please forgive me if i seem
To take the tone of judgement
For i've no wish to come between
This day and your enjoyment
In this life of hardship and of earthly toil
We have need for anything that frees us
So i bid you pleasure
And i bid you cheer
From a heathen and a pagan
On the side of the rebel jesus.
Of course, the major mistake in the Christian conservatives line of reasoning is the assumption that the Holiday Season began with Christianity. Celebration of the Winter Solstice far predates any form of Christianity.
Perhaps maybe we should all just celebrate Festivus.
Wishing everyone Happy Holiday’s as I cue up my cd player;
Artist: Jackson Browne
Album: Rarities And Duets
Title: The Rebel Jesus
Original recording from the chieftain's album "the bells of dublin"
All the streets are filled with laughter and light
And the music of the season
And the merchants' windows are all bright
With the faces of the children
And the families hurrying to their homes
As the sky darkens and freezes
They'll be gathering around the hearths and tales
Giving thanks for all god's graces
And the birth of the rebel jesus
Well they call him by the prince of peace
And they call him by the savior
And they pray to him upon the seas
And in every bold endeavor
As they fill his churches with their pride and gold
And their faith in him increases
But they've turned the nature that i worshipped in
From a temple to a robber's den
In the words of the rebel jesus
We guard our world with locks and guns
And we guard our fine possessions
And once a year when christmas comes
We give to our relations
And perhaps we give a little to the poor
If the generosity should seize us
But if any one of us should interfere
In the business of why they are poor
They get the same as the rebel jesus
But please forgive me if i seem
To take the tone of judgement
For i've no wish to come between
This day and your enjoyment
In this life of hardship and of earthly toil
We have need for anything that frees us
So i bid you pleasure
And i bid you cheer
From a heathen and a pagan
On the side of the rebel jesus.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Jimmy Page receives the OBE
Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page has been honored by Queen Elizabeth II - but the award was for his work with poor Brazilian children rather than his music. Page, 61, went to Buckingham Palace on Wednesday to receive an Officer of the Order of the British Empire, or OBE.Page said he was overwhelmed to be given the accolade. He recalled how he first became involved with Brazilian children in 1994 when fighting broke out among street gangs while he was in Rio de Janeiro promoting an album. "At that time in Rio, the sun wasn't shining. The army was going into the favelas (shantytowns), and I heard about the plight of the street children," he told reporters.Page joined forces with a British charity, Task Brazil, and set up a safe house, which has supported more than 300 children. Task Brazil offers medical and psychological support, food, clothing and job training. "I think when you're faced with a plight that's inescapable, and there's something you can do about it, you hope you can make a difference," Page said.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Ready For Spring
I know it’s not even Winter yet but I’m all ready for Spring. Last week I booked an itenerary online at Expedia.com for the week of March 20th to attend some San Francisco Giants Cactus League Spring Training games in Scottsdale, AZ. We’ll be there for 5 Days, 6 nights, enjoying the warm weather and the baseball rites of Spring.
Also nearby is Sedona, Az which I’ve always wanted to visit, so the plan is 3 days in Scottsdale and 2 days in Sedona which should be lovely after weathering the winter season.
Also nearby is Sedona, Az which I’ve always wanted to visit, so the plan is 3 days in Scottsdale and 2 days in Sedona which should be lovely after weathering the winter season.
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Robert Plant BBC Interview
Discovered this recent interview with Robert Plant in RealPlayer format provided by the BBC.
In this interview with BBC WM's Paul Franks, Black Country rock legend Robert Plant talks about living with the legacy of Led Zeppelin, writing with Jimmy Page, and how he's able to make sense of the past with his new band, The Strange Sensation.
He also describes one of his most treasured memories - his meeting with Elvis.
In this interview with BBC WM's Paul Franks, Black Country rock legend Robert Plant talks about living with the legacy of Led Zeppelin, writing with Jimmy Page, and how he's able to make sense of the past with his new band, The Strange Sensation.
He also describes one of his most treasured memories - his meeting with Elvis.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
For All You ZepHeads Out There
Kevin Shirley's blog is reporting:
"Rumors abound about a new release of the Led Zeppelin movie,The Song Remains The Same, with improved audio and video..."
"Rumors abound about a new release of the Led Zeppelin movie,The Song Remains The Same, with improved audio and video..."
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Herbal Protocol Update
I have been on Dr. Zhang's herbal protocol for three and a half weeks now. So far the results have far exceeded anything I had hoped for. The fatigue and achiness has all but disappeared. The first week of the protocol was life as usual, extreme fatigue and achiness 2 or 3 days that week. Since then however, I have only experienced two days of extreme fatigue and achiness. Over the last year or so I was experiencing these days 2-4 times a week. I feel human again for the first time in years. The mild problems I reported the first week of treatment, feeling jittery, extreme intestinal gas and loose stools have abated as my body has adapted to the herbal formulas .Of course it's much too early to verify any results quantitatively by lab results or liver biopsy but judging by how I feel my life has greatly improved qualitatively and I'm very optimistic for the future. Dr. Zhang has scheduled the first lab tests for three months after beginning protocol.
While cruising the world wide web this morning I found yet another example of a Dr. agreeing that the toxicity of conventional interferon treatment is unacceptable. The article can be found here but I have reproduced it below:
Benefit vs. harm of treatment of chronic hepatitis C
TO THE EDITOR: I am quite apprehensive that your article (1) on hepatitis C by Dr. Ward and colleagues will cause misconceptions for family physicians and may cause harm to our patients.
The article (1) trumpets the efficaciousness of treatment of chronic hepatitis C. However, no justification for the repeated assertion of treatment effectiveness is offered. Treatment of hepatitis C does lower viral RNA loads, but I fear there is no evidence showing that treatment prevents cirrhosis, cancer, disability, and death. In lieu of outcomes evidence, what do experts say? The authors cited the consensus statement from the National Institutes of Health, (2) which discusses only disease-oriented evidence regarding the benefit of hepatitis C treatment. My local gastroenterology colleagues have no patient-oriented outcome evidence to report either. Real patient benefit, such as reduced incidence of cancer, cirrhosis, disability, and death remains speculative and the topic of ongoing research.
Yet, we have plenty of patient-oriented outcome evidence showing how this supposedly effective treatment is toxic. In my own practice, I have several patients who have been harmed significantly by treatment for hepatitis C, with outcomes such as chronic sprue-like enteropathy, myopathy, and depression.
No patient would tolerate cancer chemotherapy without the confidence that it improved their chance for better health. Yet, we are poisoning thousands of our patients who have hepatitis with just such a situation of known harm and uncertain benefits from treatment.
I have stopped referring my patients who have hepatitis C to gastroenterologists unless they enter a research protocol to help achieve patient-oriented outcome evidence. Until we have patient-oriented evidence that rates of cirrhosis and cancer are reduced with treatment, I do not feel that clear harm and no clear outcome benefit is acceptable.
JOSHUA STEINBERG, M.D.
State University of New York Upstate College of Medicine Department of Family
Medicine 475 Irving Ave., Suite 200
Syracuse, NY 13210
REFERENCES
(1.) Ward RP, Kugelmas M, Libsch KD. Management of hepatitis C: evaluating suitability for drug therapy. Am Fam Physician 2004;69:1429-38.
(2.) NIH consensus statement on management of hepatitis C: 2002. NIH Consens State Sci Statements 2002;19:1-46.
IN REPLY: While I agree with Dr. Steinberg that the pegylated interferon and ribavirin used in the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C are difficult agents to use, I disagree with his assertion that there is no evidence for improved patient outcomes with treatment.
Treatment not only "lowers viral RNA loads," but, when successful, appears to eliminate viral RNA entirely. The published treatment response rate of approximately 50 percent is not measured at the end of treatment, but represents the percentage of patients in whom hepatitis C viral RNA continues to be undetectable six months after finishing medication. Follow-up of patients who are RNA negative at six months shows that only 5 to 10 percent of them have had a virologic relapse at five years, with virtually none of those recurrences occurring after year 4. (1)
Other studies (2,3) have shown slowing and even regression of hepatic fibrosis, and a few of the patients in these studies actually regressed from cirrhosis to an earlier stage of fibrosis. Furthermore, among patients receiving treatment, even those who failed to achieve viral elimination showed a cessation of progression of fibrosis while being treated. Among patients who already have cirrhosis at the time of treatment initiation, therapy has been shown to improve survival (risk reduction [RR], 0.54; confidence interval [CI], 0.33 to 0.89) and to reduce the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (RR, 0.65; CI, 0.43 to 0.97]). (4)
The National Institutes of Health consensus statement on the management of hepatitis C does not recommend that all patients with hepatitis C receive treatment, but rather states: "All patients with chronic hepatitis C are potential candidates for antiviral therapy. Treatment is recommended for patients with an increased risk of developing cirrhosis." (5) The decision to treat a patient with hepatitis C frequently is not an easy one and involves balancing the possibilities of cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death against the known side effects of the medications--side effects that, as Dr. Steinberg points out, occasionally may include serious toxicities. My own patient base includes those who have had substantial difficulties in tolerating pegylated interferon and ribavirin and those who have died from hepatitis C and its complications.
These medications are important advances in our ability to treat this illness, and I suspect that the data regarding their benefits are likely to continue to accumulate as longer-term outcome studies become available.
RAYMOND P. WARD, M.D., PH.D.
440 South Medical Drive Bountiful, UT 84010
REFERENCES
(1.) Veldt BJ, Saracco G, Boyer N, Camma C, Bellobuono A, Hopf U, et al. Long term clinical outcome of chronic hepatitis C patients with sustained virological response to interferon monotherapy. Gut 2004;53:1504-8.
(2.) Abergel A, Darcha C, Chevallier M, Ughetto S, Henquell C, Pol S, et al; French Multicentre Study Group. Histological response in patients treated by interferon plus ribavirin for hepatitis C virus-related severe fibrosis. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2004;16:1219-27.
(3.) Arif A, Levine RA, Sanderson SO, Bank L, Velu RP, Shah A, et al. Regression of fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C after therapy with interferon and ribavirin. Dig Dis Sci 2003;48:1425-30.
(4.) Shiratori Y, Ito Y, Yokosuka O, Imazeki F, Nakata R, Tanaka N, et al; Tokyo-Chiba Hepatitis Research Group. Antiviral therapy for cirrhotic hepatitis C: association with reduced hepatocellular carcinoma development and improved survival. Ann Intern Med 2005;142:105-14.
(5.) NIH consensus statement on management of hepatitis C: 2002. NIH Consens State Sci Statements 2002;19:1-46.
COPYRIGHT 2005 American Academy of Family Physicians
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group
While cruising the world wide web this morning I found yet another example of a Dr. agreeing that the toxicity of conventional interferon treatment is unacceptable. The article can be found here but I have reproduced it below:
Benefit vs. harm of treatment of chronic hepatitis C
TO THE EDITOR: I am quite apprehensive that your article (1) on hepatitis C by Dr. Ward and colleagues will cause misconceptions for family physicians and may cause harm to our patients.
The article (1) trumpets the efficaciousness of treatment of chronic hepatitis C. However, no justification for the repeated assertion of treatment effectiveness is offered. Treatment of hepatitis C does lower viral RNA loads, but I fear there is no evidence showing that treatment prevents cirrhosis, cancer, disability, and death. In lieu of outcomes evidence, what do experts say? The authors cited the consensus statement from the National Institutes of Health, (2) which discusses only disease-oriented evidence regarding the benefit of hepatitis C treatment. My local gastroenterology colleagues have no patient-oriented outcome evidence to report either. Real patient benefit, such as reduced incidence of cancer, cirrhosis, disability, and death remains speculative and the topic of ongoing research.
Yet, we have plenty of patient-oriented outcome evidence showing how this supposedly effective treatment is toxic. In my own practice, I have several patients who have been harmed significantly by treatment for hepatitis C, with outcomes such as chronic sprue-like enteropathy, myopathy, and depression.
No patient would tolerate cancer chemotherapy without the confidence that it improved their chance for better health. Yet, we are poisoning thousands of our patients who have hepatitis with just such a situation of known harm and uncertain benefits from treatment.
I have stopped referring my patients who have hepatitis C to gastroenterologists unless they enter a research protocol to help achieve patient-oriented outcome evidence. Until we have patient-oriented evidence that rates of cirrhosis and cancer are reduced with treatment, I do not feel that clear harm and no clear outcome benefit is acceptable.
JOSHUA STEINBERG, M.D.
State University of New York Upstate College of Medicine Department of Family
Medicine 475 Irving Ave., Suite 200
Syracuse, NY 13210
REFERENCES
(1.) Ward RP, Kugelmas M, Libsch KD. Management of hepatitis C: evaluating suitability for drug therapy. Am Fam Physician 2004;69:1429-38.
(2.) NIH consensus statement on management of hepatitis C: 2002. NIH Consens State Sci Statements 2002;19:1-46.
IN REPLY: While I agree with Dr. Steinberg that the pegylated interferon and ribavirin used in the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C are difficult agents to use, I disagree with his assertion that there is no evidence for improved patient outcomes with treatment.
Treatment not only "lowers viral RNA loads," but, when successful, appears to eliminate viral RNA entirely. The published treatment response rate of approximately 50 percent is not measured at the end of treatment, but represents the percentage of patients in whom hepatitis C viral RNA continues to be undetectable six months after finishing medication. Follow-up of patients who are RNA negative at six months shows that only 5 to 10 percent of them have had a virologic relapse at five years, with virtually none of those recurrences occurring after year 4. (1)
Other studies (2,3) have shown slowing and even regression of hepatic fibrosis, and a few of the patients in these studies actually regressed from cirrhosis to an earlier stage of fibrosis. Furthermore, among patients receiving treatment, even those who failed to achieve viral elimination showed a cessation of progression of fibrosis while being treated. Among patients who already have cirrhosis at the time of treatment initiation, therapy has been shown to improve survival (risk reduction [RR], 0.54; confidence interval [CI], 0.33 to 0.89) and to reduce the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (RR, 0.65; CI, 0.43 to 0.97]). (4)
The National Institutes of Health consensus statement on the management of hepatitis C does not recommend that all patients with hepatitis C receive treatment, but rather states: "All patients with chronic hepatitis C are potential candidates for antiviral therapy. Treatment is recommended for patients with an increased risk of developing cirrhosis." (5) The decision to treat a patient with hepatitis C frequently is not an easy one and involves balancing the possibilities of cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death against the known side effects of the medications--side effects that, as Dr. Steinberg points out, occasionally may include serious toxicities. My own patient base includes those who have had substantial difficulties in tolerating pegylated interferon and ribavirin and those who have died from hepatitis C and its complications.
These medications are important advances in our ability to treat this illness, and I suspect that the data regarding their benefits are likely to continue to accumulate as longer-term outcome studies become available.
RAYMOND P. WARD, M.D., PH.D.
440 South Medical Drive Bountiful, UT 84010
REFERENCES
(1.) Veldt BJ, Saracco G, Boyer N, Camma C, Bellobuono A, Hopf U, et al. Long term clinical outcome of chronic hepatitis C patients with sustained virological response to interferon monotherapy. Gut 2004;53:1504-8.
(2.) Abergel A, Darcha C, Chevallier M, Ughetto S, Henquell C, Pol S, et al; French Multicentre Study Group. Histological response in patients treated by interferon plus ribavirin for hepatitis C virus-related severe fibrosis. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2004;16:1219-27.
(3.) Arif A, Levine RA, Sanderson SO, Bank L, Velu RP, Shah A, et al. Regression of fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C after therapy with interferon and ribavirin. Dig Dis Sci 2003;48:1425-30.
(4.) Shiratori Y, Ito Y, Yokosuka O, Imazeki F, Nakata R, Tanaka N, et al; Tokyo-Chiba Hepatitis Research Group. Antiviral therapy for cirrhotic hepatitis C: association with reduced hepatocellular carcinoma development and improved survival. Ann Intern Med 2005;142:105-14.
(5.) NIH consensus statement on management of hepatitis C: 2002. NIH Consens State Sci Statements 2002;19:1-46.
COPYRIGHT 2005 American Academy of Family Physicians
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Voted Sacramento's Best Moroccan Restaurant
Last night my Lady and I experienced some authentic, delicious Moroccan food at Marrakech Restaurant in Sacramento. The atmosphere was great, very opulent, complete with belly dancing for entertainment. The food was excellent, especially the Pastilla Classique. Highly recommended, you can check out the menu here.
Friday, November 25, 2005
MozBackup
Why anyone would continue to use Internet Explorer instead of the far superior Firefox browser is beyond me. Though I immediately fell in love with Firefox when I first used it I never liked the profile system it uses. Searching for an easy bookmark backup solution for Firefox last night I found MozBackup, truly a simple utility for creating backups of Firefox profiles.
I May Have To Revise My Opinion
It’s been awhile since I gave a listen to Jonny Lang’s cd “Wander This World” which I gave a spin this morning. I’ve always said that Greg Allman is the only white guy who can authentically sing the blues. Don’t get me wrong I love the white boy blues as performed by Clapton, Page, Johnny Winter and others but they are more to be admired as blues guitarists. Even Clapton himself has said he doesn’t really consider himself a vocalist. Lang’s vocal talents are incredibly showcased on the above-mentioned cd, which though not as popular as his first couple of albums far surpasses them in range and depth. Don’t believe me, just give it a listen some time.
Friday, November 18, 2005
Hanging Out With Jimmy Page
Ross Halfin’s entertaining blog had a post on November 14th on which he says, “…Go to see Jamie Cullum with Jimmy (Page) at the Albert Hall….I get Jimmy to sign my hardback copy of Hammer Of The Gods (I think it's the only copy he's ever signed). He signed it "Maleus Malificarum".….”
Cool insight into Jimmy’s subtle sense of humor here. "Malleus Maleficarum (1486) is the best known (i.e., the most infamous) of the witch-hunt manuals. Written in Latin, the Malleus was first submitted to the University of Cologne on May 9th, 1487. The title is translated as "The Hammer of Witches". Written by James Sprenger and Henry Kramer (of which little is known), the Malleus remained in use for three hundred years. It had tremendous influence in the witch trials in England and on the continent." It’s good to see that Jimmy hasn’t lost his sense of humor. He could be forgiven a bit of animosity towards the above-mentioned infamous book by Stephen Davis but it’s evident he’s able to shine the light of humor instead…cool.
Cool insight into Jimmy’s subtle sense of humor here. "Malleus Maleficarum (1486) is the best known (i.e., the most infamous) of the witch-hunt manuals. Written in Latin, the Malleus was first submitted to the University of Cologne on May 9th, 1487. The title is translated as "The Hammer of Witches". Written by James Sprenger and Henry Kramer (of which little is known), the Malleus remained in use for three hundred years. It had tremendous influence in the witch trials in England and on the continent." It’s good to see that Jimmy hasn’t lost his sense of humor. He could be forgiven a bit of animosity towards the above-mentioned infamous book by Stephen Davis but it’s evident he’s able to shine the light of humor instead…cool.
Thursday, November 17, 2005
First Week of Herbal Treatment
Have been on Dr. Zhang's herbal protocol for 5 days now. Immediately noticed a definite stimulant effect, kind of like the feeling some antihistamines can give you. It has also increased my appetite, caused quite a bit of intestinal gas and loose stools as well. Other than that no other side effects to report. Of course, it's way too early to get any accurate idea of the efficacy of the treatment but to date; the side effects certainly are negligible.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Consultation With Dr. Zhang
Have felt better since Sat. afternoon. Managed to work yesterday and today. Consultation with Dr. Zhang today. He reviewed my labs, biopsy, CT Scan and Ultrasound results. He stated that 85% of all Hep C patients are either no progression or slow progression patients. He said that since I've had the viral infection for at least 20 years or more I was in this category and a good candidate for Chinese Medical treatment.
I ordered the herbs today, they said shipping only takes two days so I should be able to start the protocol by the end of this week. Dr Zhang wants me to follow this protocol for the next 3 months and then have labs drawn again, after which, he will consult with me again.
He prescribed four herbal products.
HepaPro Group 1
HerbLipido
HerbSom
OliveEssence
1. HepaPro Group 1 Protocol, which consists of:
Hepa No. 2 Forumula-Herbal Composition:
Alismatis Rhizoma Ze xie Artemisiae capillaris Herba Yin chen Atractylodes Rhizoma Bai zhu Cinnamomi Ramulus Gui zhi Citri Pericarpium Chen pi Glycyrrhizae Radix (licorice) Gan cao Magnoliae Cortex Hou pu Polyporus Zhu ling Poria (hoelen) Fu ling Schizandrae Fructus Wu wei zi Zingiberis Rhizoma (ginger) Sheng jiang
Pharmacology:
Schizandrae Fructus is the major ingredient. The pharmacological effects of its active ingredients have been studied extensively.
Animal studies have shown that alcohol extracts of the kernel of the fruit of schizandra (AEKFS) have many pharmacological activities such as:
Lowering the ALT elevation caused by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage.
Reducing CCl4-induced fat deposits in liver cells.
Reducing CCl4-induced histological damage of liver cells.
Promoting glycogen and serum protein synthesis in the liver.
Promoting regeneration after partial removal of the liver.
Increasing metabolic enzymes in the liver.
Clinical trials using capsules made from AEKFS, conducted in three hospitals in China, found that, in 107 chronic viral hepatitis cases, 73 cases' ALT levels normalized and clinical symptoms improved following treatment with Schizandrae Fructus. No serious side effects were reported.
From the fruit of schizandra, seven active liver-enzyme-lowering ingredients have been isolated. Schizandrin B and C can enhance the detoxification function of the liver and promote protein and liver glycogen synthesis. A precursor of synthesized schizandrin C can effectively normalize liver function. The effectiveness rate of schizandrins in lowering liver enzymes is around 80%. The enzyme level may rebound in about 60% of the patients a half month to six months after treatment is stopped. Clinical observation found that schizandra was better in lowering ALT than AST, and has no effect in turning HBsAg to negative.
Schizandra can improve the function of the liver cell membrane and reduce its leakage. Animal studies found that extract of schizandra can suppress the activity of ALT, but there was no effect on AST or LDH.
At the Sixth National Hepatitis Conference of China (1990), it was reported that in the carbon tetrachloride toxic model of human liver embryo cell culture, extracts of schizandra significantly reduced cell damage and kept cell membranes intact. The report concluded that schizandra can protect the liver cell membrane.
The pharmacological actions of Artemisiae capillaris Herba, Glycyrrhizae Radix, and Polyporus are discussed below in regards to other herbal formulas and single herbs.
Ligustrin Capsules-Original Herb:
Ligustrum Fructus (Ligustrum lucidum Ait)
Traditional Use:
Traditional Chinese Medicine uses ligustrum as a tonic for the liver and kidneys, principally as a treatment of symptoms associated with "yin deficiencies," such as dizziness, blurred vision, tinnitus, premature graying of hair, and low-back ache.
Chemical Composition:
Ligustrin is a highly purified extract of Ligustrum lucidum Fructus. Its major chemical component is oleanolic acid. Other components include acetyloleanolic acid, betulin, lupeol, salidroside, mannitol, oleic acid, linolenic acid, and palmitic acid.
Pharmacological Actions:
Ligustrin protects the liver from chemical and biological injuries through the following actions. · Ligustrin helpe lower the liver enzyme ALT (SGPT) level. In experimental cirrhosis studies, ligustrin inhibited degeneration and reduced necrosis of liver cells. It can increase glycogen in the liver, accelerate repair of necrosed tissue, and promote regeneration of liver cells. It can also inhibit inflammation and collagen formation. · Ligustin raises the WBC count and is used to treat leukopenia caused by radiation and chemotherapy. · In clinical trials for treating acute or chronic hepatitis, it can rapidly reduce ALT, AST, and jaundice; it has a 90% clinical cure rate for acute icterohepatitis and a 70% effectiveness rate for chronic hepatitis. · Ligustrin has immune-regulatory effects, specifically, it promotes lymphoblast cell transformation, suppresses Ts cells, increases Th cells, and promotes phagocytosis of macrophages. · Ligustrin can increase coronary blood flow. · Acute and chronic toxicity tests have shown that ligustrin has very low toxicity. After injecting dogs with 50mg/kg IV and mice with 5mg/20g IV, 24 hours of observation found no adverse reactions. After injecting rabbits with 50mg/kg IP daily for 6 to 12 weeks, no heart, liver, or kidney disorders were found.
Glycyrrhizin Capsules-Glycyrrhizin (GL) is an important herbal remedy for treating viral hepatitis, since it acts on several pathological aspects of the disease.
Original Herb:
Glycyrrhizae uralensis Fisch (licorice root)
Chemical Composition:
GL consists of triterpenes glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid, usually as salts of glycyrrhizic acid and ammonia, calcium, potassium, iron, or barium. The glycyrrhizin capsule we use is a potassium salt of glycyrrhizic acid.
Traditional Use:
Licorice is the most frequently used herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and has been extensively studied. TCM classifies licorice as a sweet, mild herb and uses it to supplement the body, clear "latent heat," regulate stomach functions, expectorate the lungs, and invigorate the spleen. It has been used as an antipyretic, detoxicant, and anti-inflammatory. Many TCM formulas use licorice as a corrective adjutant and harmonizing ingredient. Clinically, it is used for cough, palpitation, stomachache, peptic ulcer, phyogenic infection, and skin rashes.
Pharmacology:
GL has the following pharmacological actions that can be used in treating hepatitis C.
· Anti-viral effects: GL induces the generation of interferon-gamma in test animals and in humans. It can prolong the survival of mice following injection with hepatitis virus MHV. In rabbits, it can inhibit virus proliferation. Seventeen hospitals in China have studied the therapeutic effects of GL on 300 cases of hepatitis B. The clinical curative rate was 44% and the effectiveness rate was 77%, with 41% of the patients seeing their HBeAg serum positive status convert to negative. Treating viral hepatitis with GL can significantly shorten the disease course, accelerate recovery of liver function, normalize ALT and AST, and turn HBeAg to negative in about 40% of patients. Studies in Japan have confirmed these effects.
·
· Protecting and healing liver cells from chemical and biological injuries: GL can alleviate histological disorder due to inflammation and restore liver structure and function from damage due to carbon tetrachloride. The effects include lowering ALT (SGPT): 64% with normalized ALT following administration in a Japanese study and 87% in a study conducted in China. GL can reduce degeneration and necrosis, and recover glycogen and RNA of liver cells. Experimental hepatitis and cirrhosis studies on rats found that GL can promote the regeneration of liver cells and inhibit fibrosis. It can also reduce gamma-globulin and interstitial inflammation in the liver.
·
· Other pharmacological effects: Anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying activities are all important for its use in treating viral hepatitis. Its anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory activities resemble the activities of glucocorticoid, since GL maintains the level of active corticoid in the blood and increases endogenous corticoid by inhibiting deactivation of glucocorticoid in the liver. Further, GL promotes the regeneration of inflammatory tissue in contrast with glucocorticoid, which inhibits regeneration. GL also inhibits the release of histamine from mast cells.
Circulation P Capsule- improves blood circulation, especially microcirculation and blood rheology, thereby ensuring that improved or normalized liver function will be sustained. It promotes liver cell regeneration, suppresses fibrosis, and improves overall health.
Herbal Composition:
Safflower flower, peach kernel, dong-quai root, cnidium root, raw rehmannia root, Paeonia lactiflora PALL root, achyranthes root, Chinese thoroughwax root, Chinese licorice root and balloon-flower root.
Pharmacology:
· Circulation P Capsule improves microcirculation: this formula can noticeably ameliorate acute microcirculation disorder induced by macromolecular dextran in rats. It dilated micro-capillaries, accelerates blood flow, and opens more micro-capillary networks. As a result, it increases blood infusion to the tissues and halts the pathology caused by microcirculation disorder. It can promote phagocytosis of macrophages (Kupffer cells) in the liver. It can clear clotting factors in DIC (diffused intravenous clotting) and stop the progress of DIC. ·
·
· Circulation P Capsule does not prolong PTT or prothrombo time, though it can suppress the clustering of platelets and improve various blood rheological parameters.
·
· Circulation P Capsule. improves phagocytosis of macrophages. It can also regulate cellular and humeral immunity.
·
· Circulation P Capsule can noticeably suppress granuloma (fibrosis activities) formation.
·
Traditional Application:
Circulation P Capsule is modified from the traditional TCM formulas Persica & Achyranthes Combination and Persica & Cnidium Combination. Traditionally, these formulas were used for blood stagnancy (also called blood stasis), with the typical symptoms of dark or purplish tongue, cold hands and feet, dark rings around the eyes, liver palm, spider moles, dry and itchy skin, rashes, lumps, pain, and upper abdominal discomfort.
2. HerbLipido Capsules:
A. Herbal and Supplement Composition:
Hu Zhang (Polygoni Cuspidati Rhizoma), Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix), Yu Jin (Radix Curcumae), Yin Chen Hao (Herba Artemisiae Scopariae), He Shou wu (Radix Polygoni Multiflori), Ze Xie (Rhizoma Alismatis), Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae alba), Pu Huang (Pollen Typhae), Shan Zha (Crataegi Fructus), Jue Ming Zi (Semen Cassiae), He Ye (Folium Nelumbins), Hong qu (Monascus purpureus Went), Tea polyphenol, and Hexanicotol.
B. Pharmacology of Main Ingredients
Hu Zhang contains polydatin, which can obviously reduce serum cholesterol in animal model experiments. Huang Qin extract can reduce cholesterol level in hyperlipidemia animals. [4]
Yin Chen Hao has lowering serum cholesterol level effects. It also dilates the coronary artery and has fibrinolytic effects. It can specifically lower the level of beta-lipoprotein and reduce arteriosclerosis. [5] The above two herbs were used in TCM to treat chronic liver inflammations.
He Shou Wu reduced cholesterol levels and arteriosclerotic lesions found in animal studies [6,7]. In intestinal tracts of rabbits, the herb reduced the absorption of cholesterol [8]. The lecithin content of the herb could prevent the accumulation of cholesterol in the liver, prevent retention of lipids in the blood stream, and penetration of lipids into the arterial endothelium, thereby reducing the arteriosclerosis [6,9]. Its anti-fibrinolytic activity can prevent arteriosclerosis [9]. When given extracts of Shan Zha to rabbits, it was found that the TG and cholesterol levels were significantly lower than the control group, and the average thickness of atheromatous plaques as well as the number of the vascular lesions were smaller and milder than those of the control group. It facilitated the clearance of cholesterol but did not prevent its absorption [10].
Pu Huang has strong anti-arteriosclerosis and serum lipids reduction effects. Animal studies found that after the hyperlipidemia animals were treated with this herb, their cholesterol and TG levels were much lower than the control group and their arteriosclerosis was much milder than the control group. The cholesterol contents of the stool samples of the treated group were much higher than the control group. It was considered that the anti-hyperlipidemia effect is based on its ability to lower cholesterol absorption from the intestine and also block re-absorption of the cholesterol and bile acid from the bile in the intestine. [11,12]
Ze Xie has been studied both in China and Japan as an anti-hyperlipidemia and fatty liver therapy. It has obvious hypocholeserolemia and anti- arteriosclerosis effects in the rabbit model. It can also reduce the TG content in the liver of rabbits, which were fed high-cholesterol foods in laboratory studies. [13,14] The same effects have been seen in rat models. [15]
Hexanicotol metabolizes in the body becomes nicotinic acid and inositol. Both have gentle and lasting blood lipid reduction actions. Nicotinic acid belongs to the vitamin B family. When used in larger doses, it has blood lipid regulatory effects. It can suppress free fatty acid release from fat tissue and affects the liver's function in absorption of free fatty acid and synthesis of triglyceride (TG). It can dramatically reduce the synthesis of very low-density lipid (VLDL) in the liver and hence reduce the level of VLDL in the blood. It can also lower the level of low-density lipid (LDL). VLDL and LDL are considered as “bad” cholesterol. Its main action is to lower the level of TG. After use, TG can usually be reduced 20 to 30% from original levels. Total cholesterol can be reduced by 10% and high-density lipid (HDL) can increase slightly because it also promotes the synthesis of prostacyclin, which can suppress the clustering of platelets and dilation of small blood vessels. These effects are beneficial for treating arteriosclerosis. Inositol can reduce the fragility of the micro-capillaries and prevent fat deposits in the liver. It can help regulate blood vessel dilation and is an anti-blood vessel spasm agent. [16]
Tea polyphenol is a strong anti-oxidant that can stabilize the product; it has also an important effect in preventing liver cell membrane damage caused by steatohepatitis.
C. Clinical Studies done in China
The herbal formulas based on above herbal contents have been used for treating coronary disease and hyperlipidemia in China. The effects are lowering the serum cholesterol level, decreasing platelet adhesion, and symptom-relief of coronary disease. The effective rate was approximately 70 to 80%. It also lowers the level of TG in the serum. While used for coronary disease, the EKG improvement rate was 48.8%. [8,9,14] Formula contents in the above herbs have been successfully used for treating NASH. Its effects were not only seen in reducing the serum lipid levels but also demonstrated decreased the serum endotoxin and tumor necrosis factor. [18] Zexie has been used as a single herb remedy for hyperlipidemia and fatty liver, and its potency was found to be similar to Atromide-S but without the side effects. [19,20] In a study of 181 cases treated with Zixie tablet for a one to three months course, 154 of the patients showed a marked decrease of blood cholesterol and TG in 89.6% and 74.7% respectively. Cholesterol was lowered by a mean of 44.84mg and TG by 32.5mg. The efficacy of this tablet was generally similar to that of clofibrate. Patients experienced improvement of symptoms, such as dizziness, disorientating sensations in the head, and chest discomfort. [21,22]
D. Dose and Suggested use:
Every capsule contains 500mg of the extracts of the formula. Take 2 capsules three times a day.
Package: Each bottle contains 90 capsules, 15-day supply.
References
1. Li YM, About Non-alcoholic Lipoidal Liver Disease, Chin J Integra Trad & West Med, 2004, 24(1):11
2. Hu YY, To Strengthen Further Study on Treatment of Lipoidal Liver Diseases by Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chin J Integra Trad & West Med, 2004, 24(1):12
3. Ji Guang, et al., Clinical Study on Treatment of Alcoholic Liver Disease by Qinggan Huoxue Recipe, Chin J Integra Trad & West Med, 2004, 24(1):13-17
4. Qing ZF et al., Pharmaceutics Journal, 77:1303, 1957
5. Zhejiang Medical University, Second Teaching Hospital Cardiovascular Research Department, Treating Coronary Heart Diseases with Yin Chen Hao. Proceedings National Conference on Coronary Heart Diseases, Shanghai, 1979
6. Tongren Hospital of Beijing, References on medicine and health, 1963. p.1
7. Neimenggu Autonomous Region Hospital, Proceedings of the symposium on geriatrics, 1964
8. Beijing Region Coordinating Research Group on Prevention and Treatment of Coronary Diseases, Annual Research Report, 1971
9. Information Department of Hunan Institute of Medical and pharmaceutical Industry. Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs Communications, 1977(4):48.
10. Pharmacology, Pathology, and Combined Western and Traditional Chinese medicine Research Units, Jiangsu College of New Medicine, Compiled Information, 1975(1):16
11. Ding T et al., Experimental Atherosclerosis of Rabbits Treated with Typha Pollen, Shanghai Medical Journal, 1980, (8):53
12. Shanghai Second Medical College, Trends on the Studies of the Blood-Stimulant and Stasis-Eliminative Actions of Typha Pollen, Development in Scientific Research, Vol. 5, 1975
13. Koboyashi T., Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan (Tokyo) 1960, 80(10):1460
14. Koboyashi T. Journal of Parmaceutical Society of Japan (Tokyo) 1960,80(11):1617
15. Tadakazu M. Chem Pharm Bull, 18:1347, & 1369, 1970
16. YC, Practical Manual of Medication, Chunghwa Book, Hong Kong, 2002, p.232
17. Clinical Research Dept, Hunan Institute of TCM, Hunan Information on Science and Technology, 1979 (3):5
18. Qi XH et al., Experimental Study of Chitosan with TCM compound Reducing Hepatic-Lipid in Rats, Chin J Inter Tradi & Western Med on Liver Diseases, 2003, 13(5):275-277
19. Wang LW, et al., Acdemica of Dalian Medical College, (1):40,1965
20. Zhongshan Hospital of Shanghai First Medical College, Chinese J of Medicine, (11):693, 1976
21. Wang LW et al., Acta Academiae Medicinae Dalian 1965 (1):40
22. Zhongshan Teaching Hospital of Shanghai First Medical College, National Medical J of China, 1976 (11):693
3. HerbSom:
HerbSom Capsule is made from the extracts of an herbal formula traditionally used for improving sleep, which has been used in China for hundreds of years.
Herbal Composition:
Corydalis Yanhusao Rhizoma, Zizyphus Spinosi Semen, and Schizandrae Fructus.
Clinical Pharmacology:
The formula has been studied in teaching hospitals in China. Randomized, insomnia-drug-controlled clinical trials have shown that this formula has definite sleep-inducing effects and improves the quality of sleep as well. In a 374 patient study, improvement in sleep was found to be statistically equivalent to that of methaqualone, an insomnia drug. HerbSom formula has much less adverse reactions. It is not habit forming and has no hangover effect. The pharmacological data of these herbs show that they have many beneficial effects on the cardiovascular and neurological systems of the body. These herbs have no harmful effects on the liver. They were used in TCM for liver diseases.
4. Olivessence Capsules:
Original Herb:
Canarium album (Lour.) Raeusch and the leaf of this plant are used.
Chemical Composition of Active Ingredients:
Oleuopein is the extract of the olive leaf, which is a phenolic compound. Its active ingredient is elenolic acid. The extract used in this capsule contains 18% oleuopein, which is for professional use and is the highest concentration available.
Pharmacology:
¨ In TCM, it is considered to have a bitter, sour taste and mild property. It is used for clearing the lungs and detoxification.
¨ Pharmacological studies found that it has powerful antibacterial, anti-viral, and antiprotozoal effects. In vitro experiments with calcium elenolate, a salt of elenolic acid, demonstrated an effect against viruses, bacteria, and protozoans. When tested with viral cultures, it suppressed the following viruses: herpes, vaccinia, peseudorabies, Newcastle, Coxsacloe A21, polio 1, 2, and 3, vesicular stomititus, Moloney Murine leukemia, influenza, and common cold.
¨ Animal experiments showed that the compound was tolerated very well, with no serious adverse reactions. Clinically, this herbal remedy has been used for HIV infections.
I ordered the herbs today, they said shipping only takes two days so I should be able to start the protocol by the end of this week. Dr Zhang wants me to follow this protocol for the next 3 months and then have labs drawn again, after which, he will consult with me again.
He prescribed four herbal products.
HepaPro Group 1
HerbLipido
HerbSom
OliveEssence
1. HepaPro Group 1 Protocol, which consists of:
Hepa No. 2 Forumula-Herbal Composition:
Alismatis Rhizoma Ze xie Artemisiae capillaris Herba Yin chen Atractylodes Rhizoma Bai zhu Cinnamomi Ramulus Gui zhi Citri Pericarpium Chen pi Glycyrrhizae Radix (licorice) Gan cao Magnoliae Cortex Hou pu Polyporus Zhu ling Poria (hoelen) Fu ling Schizandrae Fructus Wu wei zi Zingiberis Rhizoma (ginger) Sheng jiang
Pharmacology:
Schizandrae Fructus is the major ingredient. The pharmacological effects of its active ingredients have been studied extensively.
Animal studies have shown that alcohol extracts of the kernel of the fruit of schizandra (AEKFS) have many pharmacological activities such as:
Lowering the ALT elevation caused by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage.
Reducing CCl4-induced fat deposits in liver cells.
Reducing CCl4-induced histological damage of liver cells.
Promoting glycogen and serum protein synthesis in the liver.
Promoting regeneration after partial removal of the liver.
Increasing metabolic enzymes in the liver.
Clinical trials using capsules made from AEKFS, conducted in three hospitals in China, found that, in 107 chronic viral hepatitis cases, 73 cases' ALT levels normalized and clinical symptoms improved following treatment with Schizandrae Fructus. No serious side effects were reported.
From the fruit of schizandra, seven active liver-enzyme-lowering ingredients have been isolated. Schizandrin B and C can enhance the detoxification function of the liver and promote protein and liver glycogen synthesis. A precursor of synthesized schizandrin C can effectively normalize liver function. The effectiveness rate of schizandrins in lowering liver enzymes is around 80%. The enzyme level may rebound in about 60% of the patients a half month to six months after treatment is stopped. Clinical observation found that schizandra was better in lowering ALT than AST, and has no effect in turning HBsAg to negative.
Schizandra can improve the function of the liver cell membrane and reduce its leakage. Animal studies found that extract of schizandra can suppress the activity of ALT, but there was no effect on AST or LDH.
At the Sixth National Hepatitis Conference of China (1990), it was reported that in the carbon tetrachloride toxic model of human liver embryo cell culture, extracts of schizandra significantly reduced cell damage and kept cell membranes intact. The report concluded that schizandra can protect the liver cell membrane.
The pharmacological actions of Artemisiae capillaris Herba, Glycyrrhizae Radix, and Polyporus are discussed below in regards to other herbal formulas and single herbs.
Ligustrin Capsules-Original Herb:
Ligustrum Fructus (Ligustrum lucidum Ait)
Traditional Use:
Traditional Chinese Medicine uses ligustrum as a tonic for the liver and kidneys, principally as a treatment of symptoms associated with "yin deficiencies," such as dizziness, blurred vision, tinnitus, premature graying of hair, and low-back ache.
Chemical Composition:
Ligustrin is a highly purified extract of Ligustrum lucidum Fructus. Its major chemical component is oleanolic acid. Other components include acetyloleanolic acid, betulin, lupeol, salidroside, mannitol, oleic acid, linolenic acid, and palmitic acid.
Pharmacological Actions:
Ligustrin protects the liver from chemical and biological injuries through the following actions. · Ligustrin helpe lower the liver enzyme ALT (SGPT) level. In experimental cirrhosis studies, ligustrin inhibited degeneration and reduced necrosis of liver cells. It can increase glycogen in the liver, accelerate repair of necrosed tissue, and promote regeneration of liver cells. It can also inhibit inflammation and collagen formation. · Ligustin raises the WBC count and is used to treat leukopenia caused by radiation and chemotherapy. · In clinical trials for treating acute or chronic hepatitis, it can rapidly reduce ALT, AST, and jaundice; it has a 90% clinical cure rate for acute icterohepatitis and a 70% effectiveness rate for chronic hepatitis. · Ligustrin has immune-regulatory effects, specifically, it promotes lymphoblast cell transformation, suppresses Ts cells, increases Th cells, and promotes phagocytosis of macrophages. · Ligustrin can increase coronary blood flow. · Acute and chronic toxicity tests have shown that ligustrin has very low toxicity. After injecting dogs with 50mg/kg IV and mice with 5mg/20g IV, 24 hours of observation found no adverse reactions. After injecting rabbits with 50mg/kg IP daily for 6 to 12 weeks, no heart, liver, or kidney disorders were found.
Glycyrrhizin Capsules-Glycyrrhizin (GL) is an important herbal remedy for treating viral hepatitis, since it acts on several pathological aspects of the disease.
Original Herb:
Glycyrrhizae uralensis Fisch (licorice root)
Chemical Composition:
GL consists of triterpenes glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid, usually as salts of glycyrrhizic acid and ammonia, calcium, potassium, iron, or barium. The glycyrrhizin capsule we use is a potassium salt of glycyrrhizic acid.
Traditional Use:
Licorice is the most frequently used herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and has been extensively studied. TCM classifies licorice as a sweet, mild herb and uses it to supplement the body, clear "latent heat," regulate stomach functions, expectorate the lungs, and invigorate the spleen. It has been used as an antipyretic, detoxicant, and anti-inflammatory. Many TCM formulas use licorice as a corrective adjutant and harmonizing ingredient. Clinically, it is used for cough, palpitation, stomachache, peptic ulcer, phyogenic infection, and skin rashes.
Pharmacology:
GL has the following pharmacological actions that can be used in treating hepatitis C.
· Anti-viral effects: GL induces the generation of interferon-gamma in test animals and in humans. It can prolong the survival of mice following injection with hepatitis virus MHV. In rabbits, it can inhibit virus proliferation. Seventeen hospitals in China have studied the therapeutic effects of GL on 300 cases of hepatitis B. The clinical curative rate was 44% and the effectiveness rate was 77%, with 41% of the patients seeing their HBeAg serum positive status convert to negative. Treating viral hepatitis with GL can significantly shorten the disease course, accelerate recovery of liver function, normalize ALT and AST, and turn HBeAg to negative in about 40% of patients. Studies in Japan have confirmed these effects.
·
· Protecting and healing liver cells from chemical and biological injuries: GL can alleviate histological disorder due to inflammation and restore liver structure and function from damage due to carbon tetrachloride. The effects include lowering ALT (SGPT): 64% with normalized ALT following administration in a Japanese study and 87% in a study conducted in China. GL can reduce degeneration and necrosis, and recover glycogen and RNA of liver cells. Experimental hepatitis and cirrhosis studies on rats found that GL can promote the regeneration of liver cells and inhibit fibrosis. It can also reduce gamma-globulin and interstitial inflammation in the liver.
·
· Other pharmacological effects: Anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying activities are all important for its use in treating viral hepatitis. Its anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory activities resemble the activities of glucocorticoid, since GL maintains the level of active corticoid in the blood and increases endogenous corticoid by inhibiting deactivation of glucocorticoid in the liver. Further, GL promotes the regeneration of inflammatory tissue in contrast with glucocorticoid, which inhibits regeneration. GL also inhibits the release of histamine from mast cells.
Circulation P Capsule- improves blood circulation, especially microcirculation and blood rheology, thereby ensuring that improved or normalized liver function will be sustained. It promotes liver cell regeneration, suppresses fibrosis, and improves overall health.
Herbal Composition:
Safflower flower, peach kernel, dong-quai root, cnidium root, raw rehmannia root, Paeonia lactiflora PALL root, achyranthes root, Chinese thoroughwax root, Chinese licorice root and balloon-flower root.
Pharmacology:
· Circulation P Capsule improves microcirculation: this formula can noticeably ameliorate acute microcirculation disorder induced by macromolecular dextran in rats. It dilated micro-capillaries, accelerates blood flow, and opens more micro-capillary networks. As a result, it increases blood infusion to the tissues and halts the pathology caused by microcirculation disorder. It can promote phagocytosis of macrophages (Kupffer cells) in the liver. It can clear clotting factors in DIC (diffused intravenous clotting) and stop the progress of DIC. ·
·
· Circulation P Capsule does not prolong PTT or prothrombo time, though it can suppress the clustering of platelets and improve various blood rheological parameters.
·
· Circulation P Capsule. improves phagocytosis of macrophages. It can also regulate cellular and humeral immunity.
·
· Circulation P Capsule can noticeably suppress granuloma (fibrosis activities) formation.
·
Traditional Application:
Circulation P Capsule is modified from the traditional TCM formulas Persica & Achyranthes Combination and Persica & Cnidium Combination. Traditionally, these formulas were used for blood stagnancy (also called blood stasis), with the typical symptoms of dark or purplish tongue, cold hands and feet, dark rings around the eyes, liver palm, spider moles, dry and itchy skin, rashes, lumps, pain, and upper abdominal discomfort.
2. HerbLipido Capsules:
A. Herbal and Supplement Composition:
Hu Zhang (Polygoni Cuspidati Rhizoma), Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix), Yu Jin (Radix Curcumae), Yin Chen Hao (Herba Artemisiae Scopariae), He Shou wu (Radix Polygoni Multiflori), Ze Xie (Rhizoma Alismatis), Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae alba), Pu Huang (Pollen Typhae), Shan Zha (Crataegi Fructus), Jue Ming Zi (Semen Cassiae), He Ye (Folium Nelumbins), Hong qu (Monascus purpureus Went), Tea polyphenol, and Hexanicotol.
B. Pharmacology of Main Ingredients
Hu Zhang contains polydatin, which can obviously reduce serum cholesterol in animal model experiments. Huang Qin extract can reduce cholesterol level in hyperlipidemia animals. [4]
Yin Chen Hao has lowering serum cholesterol level effects. It also dilates the coronary artery and has fibrinolytic effects. It can specifically lower the level of beta-lipoprotein and reduce arteriosclerosis. [5] The above two herbs were used in TCM to treat chronic liver inflammations.
He Shou Wu reduced cholesterol levels and arteriosclerotic lesions found in animal studies [6,7]. In intestinal tracts of rabbits, the herb reduced the absorption of cholesterol [8]. The lecithin content of the herb could prevent the accumulation of cholesterol in the liver, prevent retention of lipids in the blood stream, and penetration of lipids into the arterial endothelium, thereby reducing the arteriosclerosis [6,9]. Its anti-fibrinolytic activity can prevent arteriosclerosis [9]. When given extracts of Shan Zha to rabbits, it was found that the TG and cholesterol levels were significantly lower than the control group, and the average thickness of atheromatous plaques as well as the number of the vascular lesions were smaller and milder than those of the control group. It facilitated the clearance of cholesterol but did not prevent its absorption [10].
Pu Huang has strong anti-arteriosclerosis and serum lipids reduction effects. Animal studies found that after the hyperlipidemia animals were treated with this herb, their cholesterol and TG levels were much lower than the control group and their arteriosclerosis was much milder than the control group. The cholesterol contents of the stool samples of the treated group were much higher than the control group. It was considered that the anti-hyperlipidemia effect is based on its ability to lower cholesterol absorption from the intestine and also block re-absorption of the cholesterol and bile acid from the bile in the intestine. [11,12]
Ze Xie has been studied both in China and Japan as an anti-hyperlipidemia and fatty liver therapy. It has obvious hypocholeserolemia and anti- arteriosclerosis effects in the rabbit model. It can also reduce the TG content in the liver of rabbits, which were fed high-cholesterol foods in laboratory studies. [13,14] The same effects have been seen in rat models. [15]
Hexanicotol metabolizes in the body becomes nicotinic acid and inositol. Both have gentle and lasting blood lipid reduction actions. Nicotinic acid belongs to the vitamin B family. When used in larger doses, it has blood lipid regulatory effects. It can suppress free fatty acid release from fat tissue and affects the liver's function in absorption of free fatty acid and synthesis of triglyceride (TG). It can dramatically reduce the synthesis of very low-density lipid (VLDL) in the liver and hence reduce the level of VLDL in the blood. It can also lower the level of low-density lipid (LDL). VLDL and LDL are considered as “bad” cholesterol. Its main action is to lower the level of TG. After use, TG can usually be reduced 20 to 30% from original levels. Total cholesterol can be reduced by 10% and high-density lipid (HDL) can increase slightly because it also promotes the synthesis of prostacyclin, which can suppress the clustering of platelets and dilation of small blood vessels. These effects are beneficial for treating arteriosclerosis. Inositol can reduce the fragility of the micro-capillaries and prevent fat deposits in the liver. It can help regulate blood vessel dilation and is an anti-blood vessel spasm agent. [16]
Tea polyphenol is a strong anti-oxidant that can stabilize the product; it has also an important effect in preventing liver cell membrane damage caused by steatohepatitis.
C. Clinical Studies done in China
The herbal formulas based on above herbal contents have been used for treating coronary disease and hyperlipidemia in China. The effects are lowering the serum cholesterol level, decreasing platelet adhesion, and symptom-relief of coronary disease. The effective rate was approximately 70 to 80%. It also lowers the level of TG in the serum. While used for coronary disease, the EKG improvement rate was 48.8%. [8,9,14] Formula contents in the above herbs have been successfully used for treating NASH. Its effects were not only seen in reducing the serum lipid levels but also demonstrated decreased the serum endotoxin and tumor necrosis factor. [18] Zexie has been used as a single herb remedy for hyperlipidemia and fatty liver, and its potency was found to be similar to Atromide-S but without the side effects. [19,20] In a study of 181 cases treated with Zixie tablet for a one to three months course, 154 of the patients showed a marked decrease of blood cholesterol and TG in 89.6% and 74.7% respectively. Cholesterol was lowered by a mean of 44.84mg and TG by 32.5mg. The efficacy of this tablet was generally similar to that of clofibrate. Patients experienced improvement of symptoms, such as dizziness, disorientating sensations in the head, and chest discomfort. [21,22]
D. Dose and Suggested use:
Every capsule contains 500mg of the extracts of the formula. Take 2 capsules three times a day.
Package: Each bottle contains 90 capsules, 15-day supply.
References
1. Li YM, About Non-alcoholic Lipoidal Liver Disease, Chin J Integra Trad & West Med, 2004, 24(1):11
2. Hu YY, To Strengthen Further Study on Treatment of Lipoidal Liver Diseases by Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chin J Integra Trad & West Med, 2004, 24(1):12
3. Ji Guang, et al., Clinical Study on Treatment of Alcoholic Liver Disease by Qinggan Huoxue Recipe, Chin J Integra Trad & West Med, 2004, 24(1):13-17
4. Qing ZF et al., Pharmaceutics Journal, 77:1303, 1957
5. Zhejiang Medical University, Second Teaching Hospital Cardiovascular Research Department, Treating Coronary Heart Diseases with Yin Chen Hao. Proceedings National Conference on Coronary Heart Diseases, Shanghai, 1979
6. Tongren Hospital of Beijing, References on medicine and health, 1963. p.1
7. Neimenggu Autonomous Region Hospital, Proceedings of the symposium on geriatrics, 1964
8. Beijing Region Coordinating Research Group on Prevention and Treatment of Coronary Diseases, Annual Research Report, 1971
9. Information Department of Hunan Institute of Medical and pharmaceutical Industry. Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs Communications, 1977(4):48.
10. Pharmacology, Pathology, and Combined Western and Traditional Chinese medicine Research Units, Jiangsu College of New Medicine, Compiled Information, 1975(1):16
11. Ding T et al., Experimental Atherosclerosis of Rabbits Treated with Typha Pollen, Shanghai Medical Journal, 1980, (8):53
12. Shanghai Second Medical College, Trends on the Studies of the Blood-Stimulant and Stasis-Eliminative Actions of Typha Pollen, Development in Scientific Research, Vol. 5, 1975
13. Koboyashi T., Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan (Tokyo) 1960, 80(10):1460
14. Koboyashi T. Journal of Parmaceutical Society of Japan (Tokyo) 1960,80(11):1617
15. Tadakazu M. Chem Pharm Bull, 18:1347, & 1369, 1970
16. YC, Practical Manual of Medication, Chunghwa Book, Hong Kong, 2002, p.232
17. Clinical Research Dept, Hunan Institute of TCM, Hunan Information on Science and Technology, 1979 (3):5
18. Qi XH et al., Experimental Study of Chitosan with TCM compound Reducing Hepatic-Lipid in Rats, Chin J Inter Tradi & Western Med on Liver Diseases, 2003, 13(5):275-277
19. Wang LW, et al., Acdemica of Dalian Medical College, (1):40,1965
20. Zhongshan Hospital of Shanghai First Medical College, Chinese J of Medicine, (11):693, 1976
21. Wang LW et al., Acta Academiae Medicinae Dalian 1965 (1):40
22. Zhongshan Teaching Hospital of Shanghai First Medical College, National Medical J of China, 1976 (11):693
3. HerbSom:
HerbSom Capsule is made from the extracts of an herbal formula traditionally used for improving sleep, which has been used in China for hundreds of years.
Herbal Composition:
Corydalis Yanhusao Rhizoma, Zizyphus Spinosi Semen, and Schizandrae Fructus.
Clinical Pharmacology:
The formula has been studied in teaching hospitals in China. Randomized, insomnia-drug-controlled clinical trials have shown that this formula has definite sleep-inducing effects and improves the quality of sleep as well. In a 374 patient study, improvement in sleep was found to be statistically equivalent to that of methaqualone, an insomnia drug. HerbSom formula has much less adverse reactions. It is not habit forming and has no hangover effect. The pharmacological data of these herbs show that they have many beneficial effects on the cardiovascular and neurological systems of the body. These herbs have no harmful effects on the liver. They were used in TCM for liver diseases.
4. Olivessence Capsules:
Original Herb:
Canarium album (Lour.) Raeusch and the leaf of this plant are used.
Chemical Composition of Active Ingredients:
Oleuopein is the extract of the olive leaf, which is a phenolic compound. Its active ingredient is elenolic acid. The extract used in this capsule contains 18% oleuopein, which is for professional use and is the highest concentration available.
Pharmacology:
¨ In TCM, it is considered to have a bitter, sour taste and mild property. It is used for clearing the lungs and detoxification.
¨ Pharmacological studies found that it has powerful antibacterial, anti-viral, and antiprotozoal effects. In vitro experiments with calcium elenolate, a salt of elenolic acid, demonstrated an effect against viruses, bacteria, and protozoans. When tested with viral cultures, it suppressed the following viruses: herpes, vaccinia, peseudorabies, Newcastle, Coxsacloe A21, polio 1, 2, and 3, vesicular stomititus, Moloney Murine leukemia, influenza, and common cold.
¨ Animal experiments showed that the compound was tolerated very well, with no serious adverse reactions. Clinically, this herbal remedy has been used for HIV infections.
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Need To Stay Positive
Trying to stay positive though was extremely disappointed this week. I went back to work this week and felt fairly well, except for being tired at times, for the first three days. Then, come Thursday, I once again was too sick to go to work, missed Friday as well. Finally starting to feel better again today. One bright spot is my upcoming appt. to consult with Dr. Zhang this coming Tue. Then hopefully, I can start an herbal protocol which will help.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
A Bit Of A Flareup Today
Feeling rough again today, very achy, fatigued. Overall though I’m much better than I was during the volcanic flare up of the viral symptoms, which began about 6 weeks ago when I experienced marked RUQ abdomen pain and tenderness, nausea, vomiting as well as episodes of unexplained vertigo, which lasted for about 10 days. I still have good days and bad days but the RUQ pain and vertigo have almost all but disappeared. I received an appointment today for my first consultation with Dr. Zhang, scheduled for Tue., November 8th.
Monday, October 24, 2005
Percy Takes Stage For Hurricane Relief
On October 5 at the Chicago House of Blues club Robert Plant and The Strange Sensation joined Pearl Jam for a benefit show for the victims of Hurricane Katrina - with tickets at $1000. Alongside a 45 minute opening set, Robert joined Eddie Vedder and Pearl Jam for versions of Going To California ,Little Sister, Money, Thank You and Neil Young's Rockin' In The Freeworld. Vedder and Plant also offered up a unique duet performing Led Zeppelin's Fool In The Rain - a number never ever performed live before. Videos are available online, the quality is not great, looks to be shot by a member of the audience with perhaps a cell phone camera. Going To California can be seen here and Fool in the Rain here.
Friday, October 21, 2005
Possible Alternative Treatment For Hepatitis C
I have spent the last couple of days studying the book, “Healing Hepatitis C with Modern Chinese Medicine” by Qingcai Zhang, M.D. Dr. Zhang graduated from Shanghai Second Medical University in 1962, he then worked as a physician at Reijing Hospital in Shanghai, conducting clinical and research work to integrate Chinese and Western Medicine.
In 1980, he was awarded a scholarship, which supported a two-year fellowship at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. In 1984 he worked in research at the Wakai Clinic in Nagoya, Japan. A year later, he received a one-year appointment from the University of California at Davis as a professor.
Beginning in 1986, Dr. Zhang was the primary researcher at the Oriental Healing Arts Institute, where he conducted research on treating AIDS with Chinese medicine, designed herbal formulas for AIDS patients, and wrote two books on AIDS and Chinese medicine.
He started his private practice in 1990, first in Cypress, CA, and then in New York City. He is the founder of the Zhang Clinic in New York. Since 1987, his focus has been viral hepatitis, AIDS, Lyme disease, and autoimmune diseases.
Why use Chinese medicine to treat hepatitis C?
A third of all hepatitis cases worldwide are found in China. Chinese doctors treat most of the world’s hepatitis patients. A survey was done in China to compare Western and Chinese medicine for treating chronic viral hepatitis. It questioned 188 doctors. Among them, 88 were Western medicine practitioners, 80 were Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners, and 20 were like Dr. Zhang, practitioners of integrative Chinese and Western medicine. All 188 doctors agreed that Traditional Chinese Medicine and Integrative Chinese/Western Medicine produce better therapeutic results in treating chronic viral hepatitis than does Western medicine.
What are the clinical outcomes of Dr. Zhang’s protocols?
As of 2000 when he wrote this book Dr. Zhang had treated more than 600 hepatitis C patients. More than 80% have seen their conditions improve. Patients usually see their liver enzyme levels-especially ALT-improve or normalize in about two to three months. After two or three months, biopsies usually showed a reduction of inflammation. All of these things are quantifiable by Western medical lab results. All of this without the side effects produced by Western medicine’s protocol of interferon and ribavirin. Subjective symptoms, such as fatigue, achiness, nausea, and poor appetite, improve within three to four weeks.
In a newsletter written by Dr. Andrew Weil he wrote;
“Doctors in China have a great deal of experience treating hepatitis with Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Chinese studies show that their herbal regime has a much higher sustained response rate than the Western drug interferon, and has no serious side effects…”
This from an M.D. from America trained in Western Medicine.
Dr. Zhang’s book carefully spells out the protocol to be used for each patient’s set of symptoms and severity of abnormal lab results. He doesn’t ignore Western approaches; he uses Western medicine’s diagnostics (lab results, biopsies) together with Chinese medicines herbal treatments. I am willing to give this a try at this point. The only major drawback is the price of the herbs used in his protocols. The protocol I will be using to start this program will have a cost of slightly over $200.00 per month. But after my last bout of illness I now realize more than ever the truth of the old adage, you can’t put a price on your health.
In 1980, he was awarded a scholarship, which supported a two-year fellowship at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. In 1984 he worked in research at the Wakai Clinic in Nagoya, Japan. A year later, he received a one-year appointment from the University of California at Davis as a professor.
Beginning in 1986, Dr. Zhang was the primary researcher at the Oriental Healing Arts Institute, where he conducted research on treating AIDS with Chinese medicine, designed herbal formulas for AIDS patients, and wrote two books on AIDS and Chinese medicine.
He started his private practice in 1990, first in Cypress, CA, and then in New York City. He is the founder of the Zhang Clinic in New York. Since 1987, his focus has been viral hepatitis, AIDS, Lyme disease, and autoimmune diseases.
Why use Chinese medicine to treat hepatitis C?
A third of all hepatitis cases worldwide are found in China. Chinese doctors treat most of the world’s hepatitis patients. A survey was done in China to compare Western and Chinese medicine for treating chronic viral hepatitis. It questioned 188 doctors. Among them, 88 were Western medicine practitioners, 80 were Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners, and 20 were like Dr. Zhang, practitioners of integrative Chinese and Western medicine. All 188 doctors agreed that Traditional Chinese Medicine and Integrative Chinese/Western Medicine produce better therapeutic results in treating chronic viral hepatitis than does Western medicine.
What are the clinical outcomes of Dr. Zhang’s protocols?
As of 2000 when he wrote this book Dr. Zhang had treated more than 600 hepatitis C patients. More than 80% have seen their conditions improve. Patients usually see their liver enzyme levels-especially ALT-improve or normalize in about two to three months. After two or three months, biopsies usually showed a reduction of inflammation. All of these things are quantifiable by Western medical lab results. All of this without the side effects produced by Western medicine’s protocol of interferon and ribavirin. Subjective symptoms, such as fatigue, achiness, nausea, and poor appetite, improve within three to four weeks.
In a newsletter written by Dr. Andrew Weil he wrote;
“Doctors in China have a great deal of experience treating hepatitis with Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Chinese studies show that their herbal regime has a much higher sustained response rate than the Western drug interferon, and has no serious side effects…”
This from an M.D. from America trained in Western Medicine.
Dr. Zhang’s book carefully spells out the protocol to be used for each patient’s set of symptoms and severity of abnormal lab results. He doesn’t ignore Western approaches; he uses Western medicine’s diagnostics (lab results, biopsies) together with Chinese medicines herbal treatments. I am willing to give this a try at this point. The only major drawback is the price of the herbs used in his protocols. The protocol I will be using to start this program will have a cost of slightly over $200.00 per month. But after my last bout of illness I now realize more than ever the truth of the old adage, you can’t put a price on your health.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
RSS Feed
As I said, this blogging thing has opened up a whole new world and I’m constantly learning as I go. For those of you who blog and would like to add an RSS feed to your blog you should really check out FeedBurner.
As I said this is all new to me but after exploring it I wanted to give a news aggregator a try. After reading several reviews I settled on BlogExpress. So far I really like it. BlogExpress is so easy to use. Lockergnome praises it as "BlogExpress stands out as an invaluable tool for those getting started with RSS. " And the price is right (free).
By the way, this blog now has an RSS feed. Anyone wishing to subscribe can use the orange XML button on the left hand side over there, underneath “Links”.
As I said this is all new to me but after exploring it I wanted to give a news aggregator a try. After reading several reviews I settled on BlogExpress. So far I really like it. BlogExpress is so easy to use. Lockergnome praises it as "BlogExpress stands out as an invaluable tool for those getting started with RSS. " And the price is right (free).
By the way, this blog now has an RSS feed. Anyone wishing to subscribe can use the orange XML button on the left hand side over there, underneath “Links”.
Have felt a bit better today.
Have spent a good part of the day trying to get caught up on my school work. I’m currently taking an online college course to obtain my Radiological Technologist Fluoroscopy Permit. Have found it difficult to concentrate and study the last few weeks due to illness, thus, have fallen behind in this course work. Oh well, study, study, study.
While searching for information online yesterday I remembered a website by Dr. Andrew Weil which I use to frequent. Dr. Weil’s books have been invaluable to me for a few years and have helped me with several different health problems. I visited his site and did a search for Hepatitis C which uncovered among other things, Looking for a Liver Cure? One of the things he says in this article, is, I quote directly;
“I’ve known a number of patients who have reversed hepatitis C using milk thistle in conjunction with another natural remedy, Schizandra (Schisandra chinensis), the fruit of a Chinese plant. Schizandra berries, like milk thistle, are nontoxic and support healthy liver function. I usually recommend them as part of a natural treatment protocol developed by Dr. Qingcai Zhang in New York.”
Needless to say, this definitely piqued my interest so I immediately googled Dr. Qingcai Zhang and uncovered the following book which he authored, Healing Hepatitis C with Modern Chinese Medicine.
Needless to say I immediately ordered a copy.
While searching for information online yesterday I remembered a website by Dr. Andrew Weil which I use to frequent. Dr. Weil’s books have been invaluable to me for a few years and have helped me with several different health problems. I visited his site and did a search for Hepatitis C which uncovered among other things, Looking for a Liver Cure? One of the things he says in this article, is, I quote directly;
“I’ve known a number of patients who have reversed hepatitis C using milk thistle in conjunction with another natural remedy, Schizandra (Schisandra chinensis), the fruit of a Chinese plant. Schizandra berries, like milk thistle, are nontoxic and support healthy liver function. I usually recommend them as part of a natural treatment protocol developed by Dr. Qingcai Zhang in New York.”
Needless to say, this definitely piqued my interest so I immediately googled Dr. Qingcai Zhang and uncovered the following book which he authored, Healing Hepatitis C with Modern Chinese Medicine.
Needless to say I immediately ordered a copy.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Rough Night
Rough night last night, symptoms returned, flu like achiness, insomnia. Very tired this morning. Don't let anyone tell you that Hep C is a symptomless disease. This common misperception is a myth, as can be attested to by the posts in the following discussion;
Why Do I Keep Hearing This?
Why Do I Keep Hearing This?
BBC NEWS | Health | Websites bolster chronically ill
BBC NEWS | Health | Websites bolster chronically ill: "Websites bolster chronically ill"
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
JustBlogIt with a simple right-click.
JustBlogIt with a simple right-click.: This blogging has opened up a whole new world to explore. Just discovered this nifty little tool;
"What is JustBlogIt? JustBlogIt is a Mozilla / Firefox extension to allow easy right-click posting to a weblog. From any website your new blog post is only a right-click away."
"What is JustBlogIt? JustBlogIt is a Mozilla / Firefox extension to allow easy right-click posting to a weblog. From any website your new blog post is only a right-click away."
Book Recommendation
Currently reading a book my Lady found for me several days ago;
Living with Hepatitis C: A Survivor's Guide, Third Revised Edition by Gregory T. Everson, Hedy Weinberg
I highly recommend this book, it covers many of the aspects involved in dealing with this disease in an easy to read understandable language. It answered many of my questions. If your interested check your local bookseller or I know it’s available online at Amazon.com
Living with Hepatitis C: A Survivor's Guide, Third Revised Edition by Gregory T. Everson, Hedy Weinberg
I highly recommend this book, it covers many of the aspects involved in dealing with this disease in an easy to read understandable language. It answered many of my questions. If your interested check your local bookseller or I know it’s available online at Amazon.com
Helpful Links
Over the last few days have discovered some very helpful resources on dealing with Hepatitis C. I have added these to the Links section to the left, under Recent Posts and Archives. I will continue to add to these links as I go along.
A Dark Lens
Unfortunately right now my lens onto the world is a bit dark. I was diagnosed with Hepatitis C around 6-7 years ago. Have had two liver biopsies in the interim the last one almost 3 yrs ago. At that time I was told the biopsy scored a one, on a scale of one to four. Was told that since the damage was minimal it would be ok to postpone interferon treatment in the hopes of the development of other drugs that may be more tolerable and effective. This I readily agreed to since I did briefly try interferon when initially diagnosed around 1998 or 1999. I only gave the treatment about a two week trial and then discontinued it since I found I was unable to work while admininistering the interferon injections. Over the last 5 years I have experienced periods of extreme fatigue, achiness (almost feels like the flu but different) and even RUQ abdomen pain. These symptoms have increased in severity and frequency, so much so that my Doctor has taken me off work for several weeks this past month. This last bout has been so severe I am seriously now considering requesting interferon treatment. I am waiting for a referral to a hepatologist in a metropolitan area near where I live, should be seeing him in the next couple of weeks.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)