Don,
Thanks for the info on the conference. That must be it, since it was
recent.

We did decide to treat with the Pegasys/Riba - what a joy he is in
for.

His doctor was referring to some factors to predict what the damage is
and when to treat, aside from the biopsy. He indicated that if he knew
how my BF got the disease, he could better predict the progression. My
BF had 5 surgeries in his teens, and dental operations, so it could be
anything.

This contradicts what Thomas said and what I thought was basic
accepted knowledge of the disease.  His MD at University of
Pittsburgh, and previously 2 other locations has been a hepatologist
for years. Maybe I misunderstood. I wish I taped the conversation.
Anyhow, seems the clinic is so big, you deal with a nurse practioner
most of the time, and it takes her a day or so to reply to your call.
This really sucks if you need help. They will not return your call
even if it is an emergency. Too bad there seems to be such a shortage
of hepatologists, otherwise, we'd have more choices. And there's the
worry that the University will dictate some of the treatment methods
to an extent, because perhaps you will be part of a longitudinal
study. I'm very paranoid, so don't mind me.  Well, enough of my
running at the mouth for now. Hope my hyperness isn't making everyone
as crazy as I feel.  Wendy

Russ,
If you could look through your computer, you would see me cracking up
over the "BCLD" reference. Larry's doctor is probably the chief also.
I talked with his regular doctor today who is less than enthusiastic
about having to pick up the slack for his BCLD. Also, I found out it
was the nurse practitioner who is encouraging him to treat now. I'm
sorry but I've had horrible experiences with "certified nurse
practitioners". (CNP) Should be "see not patients" I've seen 2
unnecessary deaths occur as the result of their lack of any real
medical expertise. because  An exception to this would be for a couple
I've seen at a dermatologists office who were very good at what they
did as far as I could tell. Otherwise, I normally insist that I see
the doctor. Making matters worse the CNP just recently got her job
there. Oh vey! Really gives you that warm feeing. Anyhow, Larry's
regular doctor said he hasn't treated patients taking Intereron/Riba
before, and he'll need to contact the BCLD to explain to him what to
look for. Wonder if he'll wait 20 minutes on the phone with the
message "call your emergency department if this is an emergency or
leave a message with the doctor's CNP".

Anyhow, sorry you have had to suffer with the Chemo treatment at the
same time. So, are you free of the virus??  You said 3 months and you
stopped working...did you stop for the other 9 too? Are you okay now?

I'll review the board and see what your situation is. As for the
narcotic type of medicine, this is my specialty as I've suffered with
depressions and anxiety for years and now with Chronic Fatigue.  If I
had to take any meds, I try the Provigal (spell?) or Wellbutrin and
the Klonopin. I could not take the SSRIs though.

Well, can't say I'm in the exact situation, but good luck fellow
sufferers. One day, or one hour at a time as they say in the 12 step
programs.