One of the super expensive alternative health centers I looked into told me that HCV isn't really a virus, and neither is HIV (I read Duesberg's articles on this 20 years ago; they've been proven wrong). But they told me to look it up for myself, and I found this on the internet. It seems to make sense, but I don't have enough grast of science and medicine to know if it's bull. Any ideas?
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/01/02/hepatitis-c-reconsidered.aspx
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/01/02/hepatitis-c-reconsidered.aspx
The article goes on to mention the terrible cure rates in the treatments of HCV with conventional medicine and the terrible and long lasting side effects of such treatments. And then it offers support and encouragement for us here in this little group of people, people who are eager to learn all they can about the virus and about preventing the damage it can do by making certain changes in diet and habits that will certainly kill over a long period of time, virus or not.
Toward the end of the article: "I would stop at nothing to get a good fix on the virus because that knowledge would certainly affect how I live my life, how I would assess my chances of becoming ill and which treatments I might deem appropriate.
Strength in Numbers
I would try to associate with others affected by the disease who also had a burning desire to raise questions about the virus. I would make an effort to acquaint myself with the fundamental science and I would be particularly interested in following up any challenges to that science. I would consider it foolhardy to automatically accept the conventional wisdom.
What is considered mainstream today in science might well be built on the basis of medical politics and corrupted research. I would take special care not to associate with organizations or support groups that would insist on following the Conventional Wisdom and which would be immediately antagonistic to non-conventional thinking about the disease.
And I would be particularly cautious about joining up with any patient group that was supported by pharmaceutical funds or led by lay people and doctors alike who appeared to be toeing some official line, or, for that matter, using the vehicle of a support group or voluntary association to enlarge their egos. I would much rather seek the support of independent spirits who gave me the empowered feeling that I was free to pursue any and all information about the disease.
I am writing this because of the nature of many of the letters that I have been flooded with in response to my first two columns on this issue. Most have come from patients or patient support groups that lambasted me for questioning the mainstream view on non-A non-B hepatitis.
Rather than raise questions or indicate that they were interested in knowing more about my views, they settled for name-calling and, in some cases, threats to my well-being. Well, I don't care much if people call me names and I can either live with threats or refer them to police authorities if they get out of hand. What I find very disturbing is the fact that so many people would be unwilling to further explore the nature of their disease.
Rather than pummel me, these patients and support groups should delve into the questions being raised about non-A non-B, not only by me but by others, including some prominent scientists. One would think that taking this route might become an empowering experience. In any case, to those patients and support group members who did write that they would look into the issues that I raised, I can only applaud your willingness to have an open mind.
This is what it will take to get to the bottom of what this disease is all about. And please stay tuned. In the weeks and months ahead, I'll occasionally update you on my own burning desire to make scientists working on non-A non-B accountable for their claims. I'll also let you know if anyone involved in the discovery of the so-called hepatitis C virus has the guts to take up my challenge to publicly debate me on the scientific issues.
Eur J Clin Chem Clin Biochem 1997 Dec;35(12):899-905
This is what I experienced when I raised questions on the main discussion board. There are people there who still see me as some kind of enemy, because I questioned conventional treatments and the side effects, so I was urged by McKenzie to start this group.
I also joined a local support group before I found DS. They were supported by main-stream medicine and I was yelled at for my differing opinions and ideas. At one point, I was simply not allowed to speak anymore, in a group where everyone was supposed to be allowed their turn. This was a group run by a nurse working at the Community Health, who, incidentally, was an alcoholic. Ironic.....and every meeting was interrupted for a smoke break. LOL
It's not the dr's and researchers that are the problem, any more than it is the tellers at the bank who are the problem. Most of the dr's and nurses are genuinely there because they want to help.
Since you don't disclose your age or even have a photo, it's hard to know anything about you.
I think most of us would do any treatment in a minute that would have good results. When I started this group, my chances of clearing on SOC were about 15%, based on age, gender, genotype, viral load and other lab results.
I think that attitude is a big factor as well, if we allow ourselves to be dragged down by despair, it isn't going to be a positive health enhancing experience.
It's not the dr's and researchers that are the problem, any more than it is the tellers at the bank who are the problem. Most of the dr's and nurses are genuinely there because they want to help.
Since you don't disclose your age or even have a photo, it's hard to know anything about you.
I think most of us would do any treatment in a minute that would have good results. When I started this group, my chances of clearing on SOC were about 15%, based on age, gender, genotype, viral load and other lab results.
I think that attitude is a big factor as well, if we allow ourselves to be dragged down by despair, it isn't going to be a positive health enhancing experience.
what are they measuring then if it's not a virus? what are the entities in our blood that they are measuring?
I hope we do find a way to clear this completely. For years I've tried so many things to make my body stronger, but now that doesn't feel like enough (Maybe it's having young children). NOw I am determined to get the virus out of my body completely and not have to worry about it anymore. BTW, someone I loved lived with AIDS for almost 20 years before the coctail. He didn't eat healthy or take care of himself at all physically, but he had a beautiful heart and did alot for other PWA's. Sometimes I get so caught up in the physical, I forget that.
Has anyone read Carolyn Myss's new book? It's about people who heal completely from major illnesses. I find her judgemental and even mean, but I may read it. I flipped through it in a store; it may have some answers.
As far as what's important, having a beautiful heart is really important! You can either let this virus get you down, or you can live as if it doesn't matter and be happy and joyful and love with all your heart. That boosts your immune system. How old are the children? Personally, I didn't have symptoms until menopause and until something happened in my relationship with my hubby that was detrimental. Until that time, I was totally fine. When the estrogen went away. I got sick, but I'm not sure it was the estrogen going away, or if it was the feelings of hopelessness. maybe a little of both.
HCV - we are taking HIV drugs - IDK Protease Inhibitors. We've come a long way from "Philadelphia". Same stuff.
Don't get mad at me - look at the similar science. I will take whatever to get cured.......I am 4 months SVR and proud, Label me or don't - I don't give a flying cow. CURE me Cure Me Cure Them Cure US Cure the World!!!