Although liver disease is stereotypically linked to alcohol or drugs, the truth is that there are over 100 known forms of liver disease caused by a variety of factors and affecting everyone from infants to older adults. Below are several different types of liver disease and if you click on the disease it will tell you about it. This information is provided by the Canadian Liver Foundation.
* Alagille Syndrome
* Alpha 1 Anti-Trypsin Deficiency
* Autoimmune Hepatitis
* Biliary Atresia
* Cirrhosis
* Cystic Disease of the Liver
* Fatty Liver Disease
* Galactosemia
* Gallstones
* Gilbert’s Syndrome
* Hemochromatosis
* Liver Cancer
* Liver disease in pregnancy
* Neonatal Hepatitis
* Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
* Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
* Porphyria
* Reye’s Syndrome
* Sarcoidosis
* Toxic Hepatitis
* Type 1 Glycogen Storage Disease
* Tyrosinemia
* Viral Hepatitis A, B, C
* Wilson Disease
Liver Talk..is a Blog that talks about the Liver! Everything from nutrition to transplant! Come join us on our journey with our livers...and be sure to share your journey with us...we aim to support liver disease patients and their caregivers!
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Monday, November 11, 2013
Hep C Triple Treatment Side Effect Remedies
The long list of side effects from triple therapy in my last post makes it seem almost impossible to complete the necessary treatment plan that is required to become virus free, but there are many people that have done so and are, to this day virus free! I will try to make a similar list of ways to combat the side effects in this post and hopefully make the patient a little bit more comfortable in kicking this nasty Hep C virus!
First and foremost the most important remedy is to drink lots of water on a daily basis. Water cleanses the system and will not only help shed this virus away, it will help push the medications through it too! Remember that you are trying to cleanse your system so it is important to not put anything in it that will continue to hurt your liver or any other part of your body.
These foods should be almost entirely removed from ones diet:
* Processed Foods
* High Saturated Fat
* Sodium (salt)
* Sugar
* Caffeine
* Vegetable Oils
* Bell Peppers
* Milk
* Potatoes; French Fries & Chips
* Tomatoes
* Eggplant
Foods that are unprocessed and are natural anti-inflammatories are:
* Kelp
* Tumeric & Ginger
* Salmon
* Shiitake, Maitake, Enoki, Oyster Mushrooms
* Green Tea & Water
* Blueberries, Pineapple, Strawberries, & Raspberries
* Virgin Olive Oil & Avocado
* Broccoli & Cauliflower
* Sweet Potato & Spinach
If you need to take anti-inflammatories, in the pill form; doses of 2000mg of Tylenol & 1600mg of Ibuprofen should not be exceeded. If you take your Peg Interferon at bedtime it should help reduce side effects from the drug.
To help with mood related side effects:
* See a therapist on a regular basis
* Avoid stressful situations
* Learn relaxation techniques
* Do regular daily exercise
* Speak to your therapist &/or doctor about antidepressants
Dry, Itchy Skin or Rash symptoms & injection site reactions:
* Use Aveeno body wash & lotion to treat skin
* Wear sun screen
* Avoid tanning beds
* Take warm, not hot, bathes or showers
* Rotate injection site from week to week
Thyroid changes:
* Monitor on a regular basis during treatment
Change in taste:
* Brush your teeth regularly
* Eat small amount of dark chocolate, yogurt, or honey before meals
* Lemon in water
* Chew gum
Appetite changes:
* Eat many small meals during the day to increase weight
* Eat yogurt before or after meals to prevent nausea
* Exercise before meals
* Use nutritional supplements such as Boost, Ensure, & Glucerna (for diabetics) to gain weight
* Eat bland foods for diarrhea such as bananas, rice, applesauce, crackers, & dry toast
Hair loss &/or thinning:
* Shorter hair styles may reduce thinning or loss
* Wash hair less
* Avoid hair dryers, gels, mousses, or sprays
* Avoid dyes
* Use alcohol free hair products
These remedies should help the patient deal with the side effects from Hep C triple treatment therapy and I'm sure that I probably missed several of them...so please add them to the comment section of this post!
First and foremost the most important remedy is to drink lots of water on a daily basis. Water cleanses the system and will not only help shed this virus away, it will help push the medications through it too! Remember that you are trying to cleanse your system so it is important to not put anything in it that will continue to hurt your liver or any other part of your body.
These foods should be almost entirely removed from ones diet:
* Processed Foods
* High Saturated Fat
* Sodium (salt)
* Sugar
* Caffeine
* Vegetable Oils
* Bell Peppers
* Milk
* Potatoes; French Fries & Chips
* Tomatoes
* Eggplant
Foods that are unprocessed and are natural anti-inflammatories are:
* Kelp
* Tumeric & Ginger
* Salmon
* Shiitake, Maitake, Enoki, Oyster Mushrooms
* Green Tea & Water
* Blueberries, Pineapple, Strawberries, & Raspberries
* Virgin Olive Oil & Avocado
* Broccoli & Cauliflower
* Sweet Potato & Spinach
If you need to take anti-inflammatories, in the pill form; doses of 2000mg of Tylenol & 1600mg of Ibuprofen should not be exceeded. If you take your Peg Interferon at bedtime it should help reduce side effects from the drug.
To help with mood related side effects:
* See a therapist on a regular basis
* Avoid stressful situations
* Learn relaxation techniques
* Do regular daily exercise
* Speak to your therapist &/or doctor about antidepressants
Dry, Itchy Skin or Rash symptoms & injection site reactions:
* Use Aveeno body wash & lotion to treat skin
* Wear sun screen
* Avoid tanning beds
* Take warm, not hot, bathes or showers
* Rotate injection site from week to week
Thyroid changes:
* Monitor on a regular basis during treatment
Change in taste:
* Brush your teeth regularly
* Eat small amount of dark chocolate, yogurt, or honey before meals
* Lemon in water
* Chew gum
Appetite changes:
* Eat many small meals during the day to increase weight
* Eat yogurt before or after meals to prevent nausea
* Exercise before meals
* Use nutritional supplements such as Boost, Ensure, & Glucerna (for diabetics) to gain weight
* Eat bland foods for diarrhea such as bananas, rice, applesauce, crackers, & dry toast
Hair loss &/or thinning:
* Shorter hair styles may reduce thinning or loss
* Wash hair less
* Avoid hair dryers, gels, mousses, or sprays
* Avoid dyes
* Use alcohol free hair products
These remedies should help the patient deal with the side effects from Hep C triple treatment therapy and I'm sure that I probably missed several of them...so please add them to the comment section of this post!
Side Effects - Triple Hep C Treatment
I thought I would try to cover some of the side effects caused by Hepatitic C triple treatment. The triple treatment includes Incivek, Peginterferon, & Ribavirin:
Flu Like Symptoms including:
* Fever
* Chills
* Fatigue
* Headache
* Nausea or Vomiting
* Aches & Pains in Muscles, Joints, Back, & Legs
A decrease in the Complete Blood Count of White Blood Cells, Platelets, &/or Red Blood Cells:
* Anemia (red blood cells), Neutropenia (white blood cells), Thrombocytopenia (platelets)
* Fatigue
* Dizziness &/or Fainting
* Feeling Tired
* Difficulty Sleeping
* Difficulty Thinking Clearly
* Headache
* Coldness
* Paleness
* Increased Infections
Mood Related; Depression, Irritability, Anxiety, Insomnia:
* Sadness
* Hopelessness
* Crying
* Major Changes in Mood
* Loss of interest in things you enjoyed
* Irritability
* Trouble Sleeping
* Trouble Concentrating
* Appetite Reduction &/or Stimulation
* Suicidal Thoughts
* Homicidal Thoughts
Dry, Itchy, &/or Rash on Skin caused by Incivek &/or Ribavirin:
* Fever
* Facial Swelling
* Sores in Mouth, Eyes &/or Mouth
* Severe Itching
* Skin Sores &/or Blisters
Skin Irritation at the Peginterferon Injection Site:
* Painless Irritation &/or Bruising
Change in Taste:
* Metallic Taste from Incivek
Appetite:
* Decreased Appetite
* Weight Loss
* Weight Gain
Thyroid Changes:
* Underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism)
* Overactive Thyroid (Hyperthyroidism)
Hair:
* Thinning
* Loss
Vision Changes:
* Decrease &/or Loss of Vision
* Blurred Vision
* Vein Thrombosis (blood clots)
* Ischemia (decrease of blood supply to the eye)
Infections:
* Prolonged Fevers
* Persistent Coughs
* Trouble Breathing
* Sinus Draining
These side effects were provided by the Charlotte, NC's, Center for Liver Disease's, training manual for Hep C's triple treatment.
Other side effects (Peginterferon & Ribavirin) include:
* Dry mouth
* Dryness of the Throat
* Shortness of Breath
* Sore throat
* Voice Changes
* Wheezing
* Husky Voice
* Coughing
* Difficulty with Speaking
* Drug Addition
* Drug Overdose
* Hemorrhoids
* Diarrhea
* Constipation
These side effects provided by Drugs.com.
There still other side effects related to Hepatitis C treatment, all of which may vary with each patient.
I will now try to give some remedies to relieve some of these side effects. It is very important to let your doctor know of any side effects that you experience, not only because he/she may be able to prescribe a remedy, but your life may be in danger!
If you have any additional side effects to add to this post, please do, in the comments section...
Flu Like Symptoms including:
* Fever
* Chills
* Fatigue
* Headache
* Nausea or Vomiting
* Aches & Pains in Muscles, Joints, Back, & Legs
A decrease in the Complete Blood Count of White Blood Cells, Platelets, &/or Red Blood Cells:
* Anemia (red blood cells), Neutropenia (white blood cells), Thrombocytopenia (platelets)
* Fatigue
* Dizziness &/or Fainting
* Feeling Tired
* Difficulty Sleeping
* Difficulty Thinking Clearly
* Headache
* Coldness
* Paleness
* Increased Infections
Mood Related; Depression, Irritability, Anxiety, Insomnia:
* Sadness
* Hopelessness
* Crying
* Major Changes in Mood
* Loss of interest in things you enjoyed
* Irritability
* Trouble Sleeping
* Trouble Concentrating
* Appetite Reduction &/or Stimulation
* Suicidal Thoughts
* Homicidal Thoughts
Dry, Itchy, &/or Rash on Skin caused by Incivek &/or Ribavirin:
* Fever
* Facial Swelling
* Sores in Mouth, Eyes &/or Mouth
* Severe Itching
* Skin Sores &/or Blisters
Skin Irritation at the Peginterferon Injection Site:
* Painless Irritation &/or Bruising
Change in Taste:
* Metallic Taste from Incivek
Appetite:
* Decreased Appetite
* Weight Loss
* Weight Gain
Thyroid Changes:
* Underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism)
* Overactive Thyroid (Hyperthyroidism)
Hair:
* Thinning
* Loss
Vision Changes:
* Decrease &/or Loss of Vision
* Blurred Vision
* Vein Thrombosis (blood clots)
* Ischemia (decrease of blood supply to the eye)
Infections:
* Prolonged Fevers
* Persistent Coughs
* Trouble Breathing
* Sinus Draining
These side effects were provided by the Charlotte, NC's, Center for Liver Disease's, training manual for Hep C's triple treatment.
Other side effects (Peginterferon & Ribavirin) include:
* Dry mouth
* Dryness of the Throat
* Shortness of Breath
* Sore throat
* Voice Changes
* Wheezing
* Husky Voice
* Coughing
* Difficulty with Speaking
* Drug Addition
* Drug Overdose
* Hemorrhoids
* Diarrhea
* Constipation
These side effects provided by Drugs.com.
There still other side effects related to Hepatitis C treatment, all of which may vary with each patient.
I will now try to give some remedies to relieve some of these side effects. It is very important to let your doctor know of any side effects that you experience, not only because he/she may be able to prescribe a remedy, but your life may be in danger!
If you have any additional side effects to add to this post, please do, in the comments section...
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Treatment
I am in my 7th month of triple treatment for Hepatitis C, Type A, and I can see now why so many people don't finish the treatment. The first three months included Incivek, Peginterferon, & Ribavirin.
I developed a pretty bad allergic reaction to the Incivek and despite this, I continued the whole three months of this drug. I then continued the Ribavirin & Peginterferon and my platelets, white blood count, & red blood count continued to drop...determined to kick this terrible virus...I trudged on. I became virus negative in my 4th month of treatment and because of this late negative result, my treatment end date was moved from 24 weeks (6 months) to 48 weeks (1 year).
My doctor lowered my Peginterferon to a lower dose because my white blood count went into dangerous levels. Being a single person, I have had to continue to work through my treatment, which is rather a blessing in disguise. It has given me less time to think about how terrible I feel both mentally and physically.
The side effects of this triple treatment have been the worst part of it. Most people have thinning of hair, mine is almost completely gone, at seven months. I cry at a glance and ache really bad most of the time. It seems that I have gone through phases during this treatment. One side effect will be really bad for several months and then go away, then another one surfaces. I have had acid reflux for many years and it has damaged my vocal chords. The treatment has made my voice worse to the point that I can hardly talk, yet I still see the light at the end of the tunnel!
It was at my 3 month mark, of treatment, that I decided to quit smoking cigarettes...to help the my body become virus negative and to become unreliant on any form of crutch as I had for so many years. At this time I could see the light at the end of the tunnel because I thought that I was going to be finished with treatment at 24 weeks, 6 months, not...I had to go another 6 months after the 6 month mark. This crushed me and my plans, but instead of turning to a life of escape, as I had for so many years, I turned to my doctor's and my sister for advice and support...and here I am, still virus negative in my 7th month.
The message here is that there is a way to deal with everyday pressures and stress without turning to unhealthy escapes. One should find faith and a purpose in life and use that as a way to deal with the obstacles that life and oneself puts in the way...one step at a time!
I developed a pretty bad allergic reaction to the Incivek and despite this, I continued the whole three months of this drug. I then continued the Ribavirin & Peginterferon and my platelets, white blood count, & red blood count continued to drop...determined to kick this terrible virus...I trudged on. I became virus negative in my 4th month of treatment and because of this late negative result, my treatment end date was moved from 24 weeks (6 months) to 48 weeks (1 year).
My doctor lowered my Peginterferon to a lower dose because my white blood count went into dangerous levels. Being a single person, I have had to continue to work through my treatment, which is rather a blessing in disguise. It has given me less time to think about how terrible I feel both mentally and physically.
The side effects of this triple treatment have been the worst part of it. Most people have thinning of hair, mine is almost completely gone, at seven months. I cry at a glance and ache really bad most of the time. It seems that I have gone through phases during this treatment. One side effect will be really bad for several months and then go away, then another one surfaces. I have had acid reflux for many years and it has damaged my vocal chords. The treatment has made my voice worse to the point that I can hardly talk, yet I still see the light at the end of the tunnel!
It was at my 3 month mark, of treatment, that I decided to quit smoking cigarettes...to help the my body become virus negative and to become unreliant on any form of crutch as I had for so many years. At this time I could see the light at the end of the tunnel because I thought that I was going to be finished with treatment at 24 weeks, 6 months, not...I had to go another 6 months after the 6 month mark. This crushed me and my plans, but instead of turning to a life of escape, as I had for so many years, I turned to my doctor's and my sister for advice and support...and here I am, still virus negative in my 7th month.
The message here is that there is a way to deal with everyday pressures and stress without turning to unhealthy escapes. One should find faith and a purpose in life and use that as a way to deal with the obstacles that life and oneself puts in the way...one step at a time!
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Baby Boomer
It has been awhile since I created this blog and I have been hemming and hawing about what to write in this blog...when all I have to do is write about my experience and hopefully you will do the same. If you don't, I should still feel better because I have had the chance to express my thoughts about liver disease and how it has effected me mentally and physically. So here goes!
I am a product of the "Baby Boomers"generation...a time when some people, including me, rejected the traditional ways that things were done. "I am untouchable and can do anything because nothing will harm me!" A "not me" kind of attitude and as a result peace and love were in the air, but so were the many evils of disease and viruses. Many people abused alcohol and drugs, had unprotected sex, and are now paying for it.
According to Genetech, the company that makes Interferon, a drug used to hopefully cure Hepatitis C, 3 to 4 million people are infected with Hepatitis C and 80% don't even know they have it because they have no symptoms. Hepatitis C is chronic and may lead to liver failure and death, if not treated. Many chronic patients have chosen or not had a choice, to have a liver transplant, and now rely on drugs to help their bodies adapt to a liver that was not intended to be in their bodies. In both cases, treatment or liver transplant, ones immune system is effected causing the patient to be sensitive to infection.
I'm done writing for today and I hope that this info helps you understand a little bit about Hepatitis C and the liver and the importance of taking precautions throughout your life, to keep it healthy!
I am a product of the "Baby Boomers"generation...a time when some people, including me, rejected the traditional ways that things were done. "I am untouchable and can do anything because nothing will harm me!" A "not me" kind of attitude and as a result peace and love were in the air, but so were the many evils of disease and viruses. Many people abused alcohol and drugs, had unprotected sex, and are now paying for it.
According to Genetech, the company that makes Interferon, a drug used to hopefully cure Hepatitis C, 3 to 4 million people are infected with Hepatitis C and 80% don't even know they have it because they have no symptoms. Hepatitis C is chronic and may lead to liver failure and death, if not treated. Many chronic patients have chosen or not had a choice, to have a liver transplant, and now rely on drugs to help their bodies adapt to a liver that was not intended to be in their bodies. In both cases, treatment or liver transplant, ones immune system is effected causing the patient to be sensitive to infection.
I'm done writing for today and I hope that this info helps you understand a little bit about Hepatitis C and the liver and the importance of taking precautions throughout your life, to keep it healthy!
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