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Ad No. 6 SWM Age: 48. HT: 5ft. 11in. WT. 185. BR eyes, NS/ND/No drugs. Loyal, trustworthy, honest, affectionate, attentive, caring, romantic,very big heart. Easy going. Enjoys: Candlelight dinners, walks, beach, MC riding, photography, travel and NASCAR. Ladies I would like to meet: Age 39-50. 5ft 6in, 100-130 lbs. Must have same interests and be willing to learn new things.
Editors note:The following is an excerpt from a letter by one of our Victoria members written to Joy McPhail, BC Minister of Health, and to our Prime Minister. Hopefully, it will provide an example for those of you who wish to follow suit:
I contracted the Hep C virus during a routine surgery in 1981. During that surgery I received 7 units of blood, one or possibly all of them containing the Hep C virus. I may never know, since I have been informed that all medical records from that period have been destroyed. My husband and I are hotel managers, a job we enjoy immensely. Our future hangs in the balance since this devastating disease has entered our lives.This job is high stress and requires extreme dedication at all hours of the day and night. My husband has had to take on more than his share of the responsibility since my health has deteriorated over the last little while.
I cannot stress enough the devastation and the impact this has put upon my personal life, not to mention my marriage or my children's or friends' lives. At first, being told you are infected with this virus is like being handed a virtual death sentence.You must be able to overcome anger, fear and frustration at hearing such a verdict. At first you believe you are having a bad dream and that somehow things will right themselves by morning. Not so! Then comes the struggle of accepting the condition and beginning to learn how to live with it. It creates almost insurmountable obstacles in your life, beginning with extreme fatigue at doing the simplest of things.
My housework has become a thing of the past. My husband does not understand the virus and seems to think that if he doesn't think about it, everything will go back to the way it used to be before we found out. Our sex life has dwindled to almost nothing, what with doctors and the worrying each day of what to do next. My children and family have tried to be very supportive during the past few months, since we found out, but I know there is a lot of stress for everyone concerned. I was supposed to have corrective surgery this past July, but when doctors learned I had Hep C, they declined due to my own medical problems (being a bleeder and a poor clotter). I would need transfusions and, in doing so, would be putting the medical professionals at risk.
Needless to say the surgery was not performed, so not only do I still suffer from that medical problem, I now deal with Hep C. I don't know what our government proposes to do about the situation, but compensation should be given. I also think there should be no guidelines or cut-off dates for those who are infected. Just because I was infected before 1986 shouldn't matter.The fact is I WAS infected through a blood transfusion. There seems to be some confusion as to who should be compensated. Should we compensate the victims after 1986 and not those prior, even though we know this is how they contracted the disease? What about those of us before that time? We still have the same virus, problems, stress and complications as those people infected after 1986. Saying that those transfused prior to 1986 won't be compensated is somewhat like saying if you were born black before the slave trade was abolished you won't be allowed to sit at the dinner table. Transfusions were designed to save lives, not take them! Not only did I contract Hep C, but also Hep B through this blood transfusion. I think the Red Cross Society of Canada should take responsibility for what has happened. By singling out certain individuals by sector (date contracted), not only are they being discriminatory, they are certainly leaving the majority of Canadians wondering if, in fact, we should support the Red Cross, and, if we did, whether we could trust them to make responsible decisions concerning our lives.
I have joined several support groups, and although they are helpful, it does not change the way my family and I have had to change our day-to-day lives. From now until the end of my life I will have to live with Hep C.
THERE IS NO CURE!! Peggy Daisley
Natalie Rock RN, BS; Hepatology Clinical Research Nurse; Dept of Medicine, UBC Vancouver Hospital, Div. Gastroenterology.
Q: I have hepatitis C. Where has my libido gone?
A: Libido can very simply be defined as "sexual desire."A more encompassing definition might define libido as "the psychic energy of sexual desire derived from instinctive biological drives."(I will not go into detail of how Freud and Jung define libido).Humans are very sexual beings and because of this it plays a very significant role in our lives.
Many things affect sexual desire, even in those who consider themselves "healthy." These factors are numerous and multidimensional such as stress, fatigue, body image, lack of interest, etc. In those who also have a chronic illness these factors may be even more heightened beyond what the general population experiences. Thus the issue of the effects of a chronic illness on libido is a very complicated one.
Specifically, let's look at the effects of having hepatitis C on one's libido. When first diagnosed with HCV there may be questions or concerns and anxiety regarding sexual transmission. If not dealt with immediately, or if you are not provided with accurate information, fear of passing the virus to your partner may create a barrier between you and your partner. The longer it is not addressed, the harder this barrier is to overcome.
Having liver disease itself can also play a big part in deterring an active sex life. Studies measuring sexual hormones in patients with mild liver disease showed that the level of sex hormones was normal. In cirrhosis, however, the liver may not properly metabolize sex hormones and there may be an estrogen/testosterone imbalance, particularly in men. In men with cirrhosis there is an increase in estrogens with resulting effects such as shrinking of the testicles, enlargement of the breasts, loss of body hair, and certainly loss of libido. The effect in women is not as apparent, but many women with liver disease stop having menstrual periods, also an indication of estrogen/progesterone imbalance, and this may contribute to the loss of libido. Other studies have shown that chronic infection will activate the immune system with production of cytokines (agents which initiate or inhibit the body's inflammatory processes). In animals it has been shown that cytokines decrease libido, cause fatigue, and anorexia, and it has been suggested that these effects may occur in humans as well.
Relationships also play a large role in your ability to have an active sex life. Openness, honesty, and communication are important aspects to any relationship and are necessary if a sense of closeness and sexual intimacy are to be maintained. With the diagnosis of hepatitis C there may be a feeling of separation due to the chronic disease, a sense of guilt that one has the disease, a sense of frustration, and these emotions may cause a sense of separation and isolation. The desire for sexual intimacy may thus decrease. Chronic anxiety also has a major effect in decreasing sexual desire. The anger, fear, guilt or grief about the disease, the uncertainty about the course of the disease, the uncertainty about the treatment may all cause anxiety such that sexual desire is significantly lessened.
Interferon, the drug used to treat hepatitis C may have a significant effect on libido. Some of the commoner effects of interferon are fatigue, headache, insomnia, muscle aches and feeling down, all symptoms that will decrease the desire for sex. The decreased libido from treatment affects males and females equally. A recent study of 18 males treated for 12 months with interferon showed that 22% of them complained of sexual dysfunction (defined as impaired libido erectile failure, and impaired ejaculation) which was unrelated to any significant hormonal change and which resolved after interferon therapy was stopped.
In summary, decreased libido in patients with chronic hepatitis C is fairly common and has many causes.Some causes are from the disease condition itself, some from the emotional and psychological reactions to the disease, and some from the drugs used to treat the disease. A recognition of this is a starting point to a better understanding. Certainly, accepting the reality, discussing the problem, and assessing the contributing factors will assist in coping and dealing with the condition.
On February 16, 1998, the Chiron Corporation announced that it has begun a Phase I trial of its Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) vaccine. The company plans to test how safe and tolerable two different doses of the vaccine are, and will investigate the immune response in the subjects.
Chiron discovered the hepatitis C virus in 1987. Their vaccine consists of a recombinant HCV antigen combined with their MF59 adjuvant to induce antibodies and other possibly protective immune responses.
The study uses patients randomly chosen to be placed into two groups.One group receives the vaccine, and the other receives a placebo.This a double-blind, dose-escalating study, given to forty-eight healthy adult volunteers who will receive three immunizations over a 6-month period. Chiron estimates that the trial and data analysis will be finished by 1999. The company believes that this product has potential both as prevention of the disease and therapy for the disease.
Source:Business Wire. 1998
The root of disease is Ama. Ama, the accumulation of toxins, develops for many different reasons. For example, whenever incompatible foods are ingested, Agni, life energy or body fire, will be directly affected as a result of the toxins, or Ama, created from these poorly digested foods. If the tongue has a white coating, this indicates the presence of Ama in the large intestines, small intestines and stomach. This depends on which part of the tongue is coated. Ama develops when Agni's function is retarded, although, over active Agni is also harmful and will eventually lead to a weakened immune function.
Toxins are also created by emotional factors. Repressed anger aggravates Pitta, causing inflammation throughout the digestive system. Repressed fear and anxiety can cause bloating and gas. Imbalances will occur and affect all the tridoshas if emotions are repressed long term. Agni is weakened, which in turn weakens the immune system, causing allergies and particularly, intolerances to the foods which would normally aggravate each Dosha. For example a person born with a Pitta constitution will naturally be sensitive to hot, spicy foods which aggravate Pitta. In the same way, repressed Pitta emotions, such as hate and anger, may also increase the hypersensitivity to foods which aggravate this constitution. Ayurveda recommends that emotions be observed with detachment and then allowed to dissipate. When emotions are repressed, that repression will cause disturbances in the mind and eventually in the functioning of the body.
Incidentally, in Chinese medicine, each organ has an emotion linked to it. The emotion connected with the liver is anger. So it is assumed that any liver problem would be associated with anger being stored in the organ, and therefore, anger release work would be an important adjunct to any therapy.
Ayurveda states that the taste of a herb is not incidental, but is an indication of its properties. Different tastes possess different effects. We do not usually connect taste with therapeutic properties, but rather whether they are enjoyable or not.
The Sanskrit word for taste, Rasa , has many meanings, all of which help us to understand the importance of taste in Ayurveda. Rasa means 'essence', the essence and prime factor, of a plant. It means 'sap', the invigorating part of plants. It means 'appreciation', 'artistic delight', 'a musical note'. Thus taste evokes feelings, which is again the essence of the plant. Rasa means 'circulation', 'to feel lively', 'to dance', all of which reflect the energising power of taste.
Taste directly affects the nervous system through Prana. Taste stimulates nerves, awakens the mind and senses to make us feel alive. Thus taste sets our own Rasa or essence in motion. Through stimulating Prana, particularly the gastric nerves, taste affects Agni and enhances the power of digestion. It is the good taste of food that is necessary to awaken our Agni for proper digestion.
For this reason, bland food may not be nourishing in spite of its vitamin or mineral content. Without stimulating Agni, there is no real power of digestion. Ayurvedic medicine has, therefore, always included the science of cooking with the right spices.
When we are sick, we lose our sense of taste and our appetite. Taste, appetite, and the power of digestion are related. Lack of taste indicates fever, disease, low Agni and high Ama, the accumulation of toxins. To improve Agni and eliminate disease, it is necessary to improve our sense of taste. This is why spices are such important Ayurvedic herbs. Ayurveda recognizes six tastes: sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent. These derive from five elements each taste is composed of two elements. Sweet taste is composed of earth and water; sour of earth and fire; salty of water and fire; pungent of fire and air; bitter of air and ether; and astringent of earth and air. Many herbs and foods will have more than one taste or flavour.
The essence of nourishment, the sweet taste, is used for general debility, weakness, symptoms of aging, lack of semen and impotence. The sweet flavour is cooling, nutritive (tonic), pleasant and softening. It is contraindicated for Kapha (water) disorders, including obesity, mucous diseases like cough and asthma, diabetes. Herbs useful for hepatitis C include Astragalus, Licorice, Siberian Ginseng, Marshmallow, Slippery Elm. Foods: Sesame seeds, peas and beans, rice, barley, millet, oats and yams. Yogurt is both sweet and sour.
The sour taste is heating, and causes salivation, increases secretions, cleans the mouth, possesses stimulating and digestion-promoting properties and is thirst relieving, induces sweating and causes burning in the mouth and throat. It is used for loss of appetite, dyspepsia, and Vata disorders or diseases of the nervous system. It is contraindicated for disorders of Pitta and blood, gastritis, internal bleeding and jaundice, and therefore should be kept to a minimum with Hep C or combined with cooling, bitter herbs. Foods/herbs:citrus, yogurt, green grapes and hawthorn berries.
The salty taste is heating, is easily soluble, water-retaining, softening, and causes a burning sensation in the mouth and throat. It is used for loss of appetite and dyspepsia, as an expectorant for coughs, as a diuretic, and for neurological (Vata) disorders. It is contraindicated for disorders of Pitta (fire) and blood, skin diseases, swelling hypertension, hemorrhage and gastritis. Hepatitis would be considered a fire disorder. Epson salt and seaweeds are salty flavour.
The spicy or pungent taste is heating, counteracts congestion and stagnation, stimulates the nervous system, warms, stimulates digestion, causes tears, headaches and tingling sensations. Spicy taste is effective in treating loss of appetite and indigestion, and as an anthehnintic for dysentery. It also is helpful for coughs, colds, asthma, obesity, skin diseases and as a dentifrice. It reduces excess Kapha (water) and Vata (air). Hot, spicy-tasting herbs and foods are contraindicated in disorders of Pitta (fire) and blood, eruptive skin diseases and semen disorders. Some spicy or pungent flavour substances are peppers, cinnamon, asafoetida, garlic, aconite, and prickly ash. Spicy or pungent herbs should not be used with Hep C to reduce aggravation of the liver unless they are combined with cooling herbs such as peppermint, dandelion and other bitter herbs. The bitter taste is cooling, overwhelms all the other flavours, and is clearing, drying and cleansing to the mouth. It is antipyretic, clears fevers, is detoxifying, removes pus, is anthelmintic, anti-parasitical, inhibits bleeding, relieves burning sensations, promotes digestion and relieves constipation, treats skin diseases and also is useful in anorexia. Bitter taste in excess is contraindicated in nervous disorders, as it would further aggravate Vata (air). It also is not recommended for semen disorders. Bitter herbs include Milk Thistle, Turmeric, Boldo, Dandelion, Burdock, Barberry or Oregon grape (all helpful for clearing, detoxifying and/or strengthening the liver), Cascara, Turkey Rhubarb, Sarsaparilla, Blessed Thistle, Golden seal, Red Clover, Gentian, Centaury, and Passionflower.
The astringent taste is cooling, contracting, cleaning, drying, and causes stiffness, mouth dryness, heart pains and feelings of heaviness. It also promotes healing, stops bleeding, is anti-diuretic, stops diarrhea, is absorbent, and normalizes skin pigmentation. Astringent herbs are contraindicated in conditions of general debility and weakness, anorexia and loss appetite, and disorders of Vata (air) or neurological disorders. Oak bark, cranesbill, alum, witch hazel, red root and bayberry are astringent taste.
Hepatitis is treated with herbs that improve bile flow. These herbs are usually bitter in taste. Blessed thistle is an excellent and gentle liver and blood detoxifier. In Ayurveda, turmeric is considered helpful as an herb especially when used with barberry. Milk thistle is prized for its powerfully regenerative effects on the liver cells, as is the Ayurvedic herb Picorhiza, which can be found combined with milk thistle. Liv-52 is a popular Ayurvedic liver formula.
Constipation can be quite a problem with Hep C. The safest and best known laxative formula in Ayurveda is Triphala. This is a mild-acting, internal cleansing combination of three nutritive fruits called 'myrobalans', including amla fruit, the highest known source of vitamin C.
Neem (bitter and pungent taste), a little known tonic herb in North America, is used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine. It is one of the most powerful blood purifiers and detoxifies. In addition to building up the body and immune system (equal to Astralagus) it appears to have merit as an anti-viral herb. Although not an Ayurvedic herb, but worth mentioning, Olive Leaf extract seems to equal Neem in its action. Both herbs are worth considering as supplements for improving immune function, with the added bonus of having anti-viral properties. Ashwaganda (bitter, sweet and astringent taste) is another tonic herb and is India's equivalent to Ginseng.
Finding out your constitution, Dosha,and using the appropriate foods/herbs to promote healing and balance could be very helpful in controlling Hepatitis C. Certainly energetic medicine makes a lot of sense.If you have a hot condition with excess fire, as with most liver disorders, it makes sense to use cooling herbs or foods which will help to eliminate the heat. This is the basis of both Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese medicines. There are many good books and practitioners available who can support your healing process.
As a healing guide, I would encourage everyone with Hep C to take a wholistic (body, mind, spirit) approach to support their condition, and ultimately improve your quality of life. It is everyone's right to not have to struggle with life. Claim it!!!
Reference:
[1] AYURVEDA The Science of Self-healing, Dr Vasant Lad, Lotus Press, 1984
[2] The YOGA of HERBS, Dr David Frawley &Dr Vasant Lad, Lotus Press, 1986
[3] Planetary Herbology, Michael Tierra,CA,ND, Lotus Press,1988.
Mishel Rees MH, WT, RM, BDiv. is a Healing Guide and Master Herbalist, using many different healing modalities to support her clients. She is co-owner and the operator of:
Quantum Life Energy Natural Dispensary & Clinic,
1050 Marine Drive, North Vancouver B.C.
Ph 604-986-7908, Fax 604-986-7925, Email blairt@wimsey.com
Reminder: Any change of address, phone number or postal code, please let your phone contact (in Victoria) or your chapter secretary know A.S.A.P.
HeCSC Victoria: Tel. (250) 388-4311 Email: hepcvic@pacificcoast.net