please sign the petition for the most effective cure for hep C

Please sign the petition for the most effective cure for hep C. Pass it along to friends and family. Go to this link to sign:

http://www.change.org/petitions/gilead-sciences-a-phase-iii-collabo...

from the nytimes:
"A combination of two pills proved extremely effective in treating hepatitis C in a small trial, raising hopes among researchers that the disease will be curable without an injected drug that has debilitating side effects.

But the combination might not find its way to the market because one pill is owned by Gilead Sciences and the other by Bristol-Myers Squibb. The companies have not agreed to collaborate, to the chagrin of some doctors. "
(http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/20/health/drug-collaboration-lags-on...)

Tags: C, hep, new, treatment

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Laurel on April 29, 2012 at 2:35pm

Thank you. I signed.

Permalink Reply by Frank Millard on May 15, 2012 at 1:16am

I'am going to sign in a bit but first I did not even know that I had the Hep C till 2000 and the only way I could hav got that bug was in a life and death car accident in 1984 driver died and myself and a friend lived. Both of us had major blood tranfusions. I know I will have the Hep C for life but since my tx in 2010 I have been getting better and better. I do belive there is a cure but I do have to listen to my Dr.s as of now the Dr.s give me about 25 years before I would need another tx In my 70's

Permalink Reply by Ono on May 15, 2012 at 1:41pm

I'm a bit confused by your reply.

You say you did the treatment. Was it successful ? If so, you would not need to do treatment again.

And you obtained SVR, a sustained viral response, you do not have hep C for life, although you will always show the antibodies for hep C.

If your treatment was not successful, then you should be getting regular biopsies to see how fast the virus is progressing. In the transplanted liver, hep C can progress very fast.

Try checking out these web sites for more information:

www.hepcadvocate.org

www.hepcchallenge.org

Permalink Reply by Reginald Tom Wickett on May 24, 2012 at 11:36pm

I had my liver transplant over 2 yrs. ago. I got Hep. C from my X 14 yrs. ago. A combination of hep c & too much beer. The transplant Dr. told me that it is still in me, & maybe in Jan. they will do exstensive tests, to see how bad it is. I wish there was a cure. I got my hep. c when my X got a blood transfution yrs. ago. Talk later.

Permalink Reply by Ono on May 29, 2012 at 8:54pm

It doesn't matter how you got hep C.

My doctor had me do regular biopsies after my transplant to keep track of my hep C. After over 2 years, last summer, he suggested I begin treatment, based on my biopsy.

I did and finished in March.

So far I am still undetected and believe the virus that destroyed my liver is finally gone.

Permalink Reply by Laurel on May 30, 2012 at 10:05pm

I am very happy for you.

Permalink Reply by Ono on May 31, 2012 at 12:23am

Thanks Laurel,

How are your plans for treatment coming along ?

Permalink Reply by Laurel on May 31, 2012 at 1:10pm

I have switched from prograf to cyclosporine. I am waiting for consent forms and to hear from my doctor. I should start in June. Thanks. :)

Permalink Reply by Ono on May 31, 2012 at 8:46pm

Good luck.

I hope you become undetected quickly and your tx goes smoothly.

The triple tx sounds like a bit of a rough ride but just like with SOC, some find it easier than others.

You probably don't need any advice but I'm going to offer some anyway~ the same I tell everyone doing hcv tx.

Try to do some exercise every day you can. Even if it's just a short walk to the corner and back.

Many days, I felt like napping, yet forcing myself to get out and moving, I think really helped me recover quickly.

Be sure to do some stretches and drink tons of water.

I look forward to you joining me in the SVR club !

Permalink Reply by Laurel on June 4, 2012 at 11:16pm

Thanks. Good advise. It is the same as I have done since my transplant. I try to walk every day. I have lost over 20 lbs.Yeah!!! I have been getting muscle cramps in my hands, legs and feet. Hear anything about that? I have tried drinking a lot of water. Just wondering....

Permalink Reply by Reginald Tom Wickett on June 4, 2012 at 11:30pm

Hi Laurel. I have talked to several post transplant people, & almost everybody has different situations. When it comes to exercise, you have to push yourself, even if it hurts a little bit. We walk with the dogs everyday, play slowpitch 2 times a week & in Sept. curl 3 times a week. Some days I feel like shit, but you gotta take 1 day at a time. I used to have cramps before, but not after. I drink 7 glasses of water everyday. Just keep thinking positive & things will improve. Maybe let me know whats going on. Hugs. Tom.

Permalink Reply by Laurel on June 4, 2012 at 11:56pm

Reginald Tom Wickett said:

Hi Laurel. I have talked to several post transplant people, & almost everybody has different situations. When it comes to exercise, you have to push yourself, even if it hurts a little bit. We walk with the dogs everyday, play slowpitch 2 times a week & in Sept. curl 3 times a week. Some days I feel like shit, but you gotta take 1 day at a time. I used to have cramps before, but not after. I drink 7 glasses of water everyday. Just keep thinking positive & things will improve. Maybe let me know whats going on. Hugs. Tom.