Hep C Fame – Steven Tyler , Anthony Kiedis , Pam Anderson , Interferon Chemotherapy, Ozone, Homeopathic or Delusional??

Posted: December 28, 2010 in Uncategorized
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Researching the three I know of, Steven Tyler, Anthony Kiedis, and Pam Anderson, I was glad to find at least Steven wasn’t babbling about some pie in the sky treatment like Ozone, but had in fact gone through 11 months of Interferon treatment and was actually free of the virus in his bloodstream, or otherwise cured. It was in this article from September 2006 in people magazine.

Steven Tyler Reveals Hepatitis C Battle

Steven Tyler Reveals Hepatitis C Battle | Steven Tyler

Steven Tyler

David “Bagel” Ungar/FilmMagic

Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler has revealed that he was diagnosed with hepatitis C three years ago, and recently went through 11 months of treatment.

“I’ve had hepatitis C for a long time, asymptomatic,” Tyler tells Access Hollywood in a new interview set to air Tuesday. “And I talked to my doctor … and he said now is the time and it’s 11 months of chemotherapy. So I went on that and it about killed me.”

Tyler, 58, says he’s much better after undergoing the treatment. “It is nonexistent in my bloodstream as we speak, so it’s one of those few miracles in doctoring where it’s like a complete cure,” says Tyler.

Hepatitis C is a liver disease spread by contact with the blood of an infected person, according to the Web site for the Centers for Disease Control. Many people who have hepatitis C show no symptoms of the disease.

Tyler also says the treatments, which included taking the drug interferon, were hard in his marriage to his wife of 17 years, Teresa, whom he split from earlier this year.

“I had a little problem at home, to say the least,” he says. “I would run upstairs at night, you know, to put the kids asleep and wake up at 3 in the morning with a nosebleed you know, just passed out from the interferon, the treatment.”

After keeping quiet about the disease for so long, Tyler says he’d like to share his knowledge about it with others.

“I may go on Oprah and talk about this,” he says. “I mean you know it’s just one of those things… it’s one of those things people don’t speak about it, but it is treatable.”

In March Tyler announced he planned to undergo surgery for an undisclosed medical condition, which forced Aerosmith to cancel its remaining tour dates. At the time, his rep said that doctors had advised the singer “not to continue performing to give his voice time to recover.”

So that was cool to find out. It made me want to find more about Anthony Kiedis and Pam Anderson. I found an excerpt from Anthony Kiedis’s book Scar Tissue, but man if I just don’t believe a word of it:

But the doorbell interrupts my reverie. A few minutes later, a beautiful young woman enters the living room carrying an exquisite leather case. She opens it and begins to set up her equipment. Her preparations complete, she dons sterile rubber gloved and then sits next to me on the coach.

Her elegant large glass syringe is handcrafted in Italy. It’s attached to a spaghetti — shaped piece of plastic that contains a small micro – filter so no impurities will pass into my blood stream. The needle is a brand new, completely sterilized microfine butterfly variant.

Today my friend has misplaced her normal medical tourniquet, so she pulls off her pink fishnet stocking and uses it to tie off my right arm. She dabs at my exposed vein with an alcohol swab, and then hits the vein with the needle. My blood come oozing up into the spaghetti – shaped tube, and then she slowly pushes the contents of the syringe into my bloodstream.

I immediately feel the familiar weight in the center of my chest, so I just lie back and relax. I used to let her inject me four times in one sitting, but now I’m down to two syringes full. After she’s refilled the syringe and given me my second shot, she withdraws the needle, opens a sterile cotton swab, and applies pressure to my puncture wound to for at least a minute to avoid bruising or marking on my arms. I’ve never had any tracks from her ministrations. Finally, she takes a little piece of medical tape and attaches the cotton to my arm.

Then we sit and talk about sobriety.

Three years ago, the might have been China white heroin in that syringe. For year and years, I filled syringes and injected myself with cocaine, speed, Black Tar heroin, Persian heroin, and once even LSD. But today I get my injections from my beautiful nurse, whose name it Sat Hari. And the substance that she injects into my bloodstream is ozone , a wonderful – smelling gas that has been legally used in Europe to treat everything from strokes to cancer.
I’m taking ozone intravenously because somewhere along the line, I contracted hepatitis C from my drug experimentation. When I found out that I had it, sometime in the early ‘90s, I immediately researched the topic and found a herbal regimen that would cleanse my liver and eradicate the hepatitis. And it worked. My doctor was shocked when my second blood test came up negative. So the ozone is a preventative step to make sure that pesky hep C virus stays away.

I took years and years of experience and introspection and insight to get to the point where I could stick a needle into my arm to remove toxins from my system as opposed to introducing them. But I don’t regret any of my youthful indiscretions. I spend most of my life looking for the quick fix and the deep kick. I shot drugs under freeway off- ramps with Mexican gangbangers and in thousand – dollar – a – day hotel suites. Now I sip vitamin – infused – water and seek out wild, as opposed to farm raised, salmon.

For twenty years now, I’ve been able to channel my love for music and writing, and tab into the universal slipstream of creativity and spirituality, while writing and performing our own unique sonic stew with my brothers, both present and departed, in the Red Hot Chili Peppers. This is my account of those times, as well as the story of how a kid was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, migrated to Hollywood and found more than he could handle at the end of the rainbow. This is my story, scar tissue and all.”

“Scar Tissue” is an heartrending story of the life of Anthony Kiedis and the Red Hot Chili Peppers and is an inspiring movement for the spiritual creating of making music and finding the ride tunes and the struggles of a rock band in the music industry.
So yeah, I just have a hard time accepting that Anthony Kiedis has this European cure all, but Steven Tyler had to do a tough as nails 11 month long Interferon regimen that took it’s toll on his marriage, and not to mention the hellish side effects of headaches, exhaustion, and feeling about 50 IQ points lower than where we started. I mean couldn’t Steven Tyler have afforded the same treatment? Yes, of course he could, and he must have researched it, and probably even talked to Anthony about it, only he didn’t go down that road….probably because Anthony read him a horoscope or something fruity and Steven decided to go with something more clinical proven…lets see what I can find a bout Pamela Anderson and her Hep C battle.

“Playboy girl Pamela Anderson has taken up the cause to promote awareness about Hepatitis.

The former ‘Baywatch’ star was diagnosed with liver disorder way back in 2001 after she contracted it through a shared tattoo needle but feels there is nothing to feel ‘embarrassed’ about the condition, The People reported.

The 43-year-old star controls the infection with medical help but personally wants to raise awareness so that other Hepatitis victims do not endure it.

“I’ve had liver biopsies. I get checked every single year, my doctor told me just keep doing what you are doing. I also have the kind that’s easiest to control. There is no cure for it, so the important thing is to encourage people to get tested and not be ashamed. People get embarrassed as you get it from blood-to-blood contact, but it is not just junkies who have it,” said Pamela Anderson.”

Well, I don’t know what I expected. Poor Pam, she is just a blonde bimbo out of Hollywood with her best years behind her. Lol, she’s dead wrong though, it is curable, and her Gastreoentologist has outdated information. Of these three Steven Tyler seemed to have his eye on the ball the most. You know what is intriguing though, is the fact that 3 heavy weight celebrities all received different medical advice. I mean you would think, paying top dollar out west in LA, these three would receive the same fucking consensus but no, all three get different advice, and then of course Anthony called the psychic hotline for a consultation, but still. Nobody laid it out for them in no uncertain terms, what is they have, what they are dealing with, and what is the best way to cure it and/or treat it. Goes to show you that you have to do your own research and take everything with a grain of salt. I’m glad my Doc here in Atlanta, Dr. Hersch, told me it was curable, through Interferon, and that the young do better than the old. I mean, poor Pam sounds like she’s being told to wait to treat it until it’s a problem, but my understanding from Dr. Hutchinson out of Duke, was that the young seem to be on the better side of the 50/50 early responders side, so then, that advice for Pam would be terrible. Sure, maybe they come up with something more effective and less harmful long term than Interferon, but hell, maybe they don’t, and she begins treatment after cirrhosis has set in, and then bam, bad luck Pam, you’re on the wrong side of the 50/50, you don’t respond to treatment, you have a year to live. Wow, that would really suck, and it would all be due to the different kinds of medical advice being offered to these three medically insured celebrities. Jesus, I mean, if these A listers (maybe B) all get different varying medical advice, what a fucking miracle I got good advice, without health insurance as a no name kid out of Atlanta. I must remember to count my many blessings… and pray that Anthony and Pam don’t realize they were wrong way to late.

Please take a moment to read about my average man’s journey through insanity, addiction, Hep C, Interferon, and AA on http://www.books4free.com and check out the strong reviews on amazon at:

-Jared Bryan Smith

Comments
  1. Katy's avatar Katy says:

    Curious. Other than your persinal biases, what exactly makes you think that Anthony’s treatment isn’t working for him? There was nothing in his writings that indicated he wasn’t having success.

    Like

    • books4freedotcom's avatar books4freedotcom says:

      Primarily because Ozone hasn’t been approved in the United States, he doesn’t have a Dr verify anything at all, and when Steven Tyler came to the same crossroads he for some reason chose to go the Interferon route, rather than the homeopathic, unproven Ozone path. Katy, my father used to tell me, believe nothing of what you hear, and half of what you see. It boils down to me just not believing Anthony Kiedis quite frankly. If there was a sliver of truth to the Ozone effectiveness why on Earth would all the experts at Duke still be refining the Interferon treatments with Telaprevir and other medications? I love a good conspiracy theory as much as the next guy, but one of the top Duke researchers is actually also a Hep C survivor and had to go through treatment twice to get to cured status. I assure you, if there was a magical gas you could inhale, this PhD would have gone that route rather than 2.5 years of chemotherapy that leaves you with permanent side effects, that even 3 years later are still felt on a daily basis. I’m all for Anthony coming forward with his blood work, but until I see it with a Dr’s signature, I’m not going to believe it… hell, I barely believe he didn’t have a ghostwriter put his whole book together.

      Like

      • Mabel's avatar Mabel says:

        I just wanted to stress an important point. The ozone during an ozone treatment should not be inhaled. The treatment entails mixing the ozone gas with the blood and a chemical and injecting it into the subject. Ozone is not exposed to the atmosphere. It is a toxic gas and should not be inhaled. Although I have not researched ozone treatment, Anthony Kiedis in Scar Tissue claims it helped him. However, his reference in the book on ozone that it’s a pleasant or sweet smelling gas gives a false impression that the treatment is administered as an inhalant when it really isn’t.

        Like

      • books4freedotcom's avatar books4freedotcom says:

        I didn’t realize that and it is enlightening, thanks for your comment!

        Like

  2. Katy's avatar Katy says:

    Interesting. Not scientifically based. People’s choices do not necessarily indicate efficacy. Sometimes they indicate a comfort-level. Not arguing that Anthony’s treatment is at all the right way to go, just interested in how your biases are formed.

    Like

  3. Vicki's avatar Vicki says:

    I was diagnosed with Hep C about 6 years ago. I had been asymptomatic for 30 years before I experienced symptoms. I underwent a liver biopsy and discovered I was stage 4 with cirrhosis of the liver. I went on interferon therapy with Ribovirin as well and am now “cured.” In other words my virus is undetectable. This is the most difficult treatment, with so many side effects that many people who are infected can’t endure the treatment. Interferon can and does work for many people with this disease. I feel much less alone in my battle knowing that this disease can touch anyone’s life. To Steven Tyler I want to say I know what you went through and I know how important it is to have a strong support system. I wish you many years of good health.

    Like

    • books4freedotcom's avatar books4freedotcom says:

      Vicki,
      Thanks for the reply and I’m very glad you have been cleared of the virus! Many people still suffer all the post treatment side effects and still have to suffer with having the disease. There is a movement that seems to be growing reporting the side effects after interferon and please stay tuned in my blog as I’m following it closely and would like to be able to stay in touch with those affected. Again, I’m glad you cleared the virus, but do you experience any of the joint issues, or brain fog typically associated with post interferon. I’m 33 years old and used to have a photographic memory and do all kinds of math and computations in my mind, that I’m completely incapable of doing now. I have a constant low grade head ache and live on advil, taking 4 right when i wake up every morning. It’s better than dying of liver disease yes, but if I could have gotten 30 years without any adverse side effects, I may have chose that route instead. Chronic pain is no fun, would love to hear if you are experiencing any of the same.
      I WOULD REALLY LOVE TO HEAR IF STEVEN TYLER IS…. Anyway, thanks for reading the blog, and remember the book is free chronicling my journey through Interferon and sobriety on http://www.books4free.com . Thanks again Vicki and do stay in touch!

      -JB Smith

      Like

      • JeremyRonald's avatar JeremyRonald says:

        The chronic pain of the aftermath of treatments, even though cured my hep c, has led me to an oxy contin addiction, ahhhhh i think i have come full circle again! But im above ground the treatment works.

        Like

      • books4freedotcom's avatar books4freedotcom says:

        Yes, I thought about returning to pain meds many times in the years following Interferon treatment, however I’m glad I didn’t and ultimately Celexa seems to have finally managed the job. I really don’t know why I was having such massive headaches post interferon, but it really helped getting on anti-depressants, specifically for the pain, so I would highly suggest that than going back to addiction. No matter what for me to drink or drug is a path towards death, slow suicide, and I have a feeling I’ve used up all the aces up my sleeve.

        Like

  4. books4freedotcom's avatar books4freedotcom says:

    Its JB… I’m open to your conference call.

    Like

  5. myhepcdiary's avatar myhepcdiary says:

    Great post. Another celebrity who successfully treated Hepatitis C with interferon therapy is Naomi Judd. I am currently being treated by the doctor who cured her and documenting my experiences in my blog, if you are interested.

    Like

  6. Sandra's avatar Sandra says:

    I am from San Antonio, tx and scared to death of getting the interferon treatment. I’m shaking as I type this. But, I think to myself of all the times I put a needle in my arm to hurt my body. Why I should poke my arm some more to better my body. I am a diabetic and have hyper tension. Kidneys are not doing to well. My little sister pasted away last year and I have to keep going for my 9 year old nephew. Could this treatment kill me? Or should I go for broke and get cured? I would love to get cured and finish raising my nephew. My lil sis was only 47 yrs. and died of (cirrossis)? of the liver. I need input,please. I’m 50 yrs old. I feel okay, but I know that my liver is inflamed already from the hep C.

    Like

    • books4freedotcom's avatar books4freedotcom says:

      Sandy, I am no doctor and shouldn’t be counted on for an expert opinion because I simply am not an expert. Interferon is different for everyone. It was hard for me, but manageable, and I know several people your age who went through it and beat it. It is normal to be scared. I recommend if you are this anxious and frightened that you get multiple opinions from multiple doctors, including your gastreoentologist, whomever has looked over you diabetes, and maybe even a psychiatrist or even a minister or sponsor who knows your state of mind better than I could possibly know just from one comment over the internet. Beware of people who are not Doctors offering you advice and suggestions and steer clear of people who claim all Western medicine is evil and the like. The reality is that Hep C is curable and though Interferon is tough, it’s been gone from my bloodstream for over 3 years now and though it was a TOUGH year, with prayer and my AA network and a lot of meetings love and prayer I was able to get through it and live a normal happy life. I pray that you can too, but I would shy away from the negative, and find some people who believe in miracles because they happen, I am a walking miracle, I paid ZERO for my Interferon directly from Roche, and God took care of me every step of the journey… am I still paying medical bills from that tough year, sure, but they can’t kill you for debt, and there is no debtors prison. I am glad I did it, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right call for you, my best advice, is to get a lot of advice, FROM EXPERTS, Doctors, not soothesayers, or gurus, or people trying to sell books on homeopathic remedies, steer clear of the snake oil salesman and get Dr’s opinions ok. I will pray for your speedy recovery and feel free to write me anytime you like at jb@books4free.com. Good luck and Godspeed.

      Like

  7. I did interferon & ribovirin also for 9 months.I’ve been in remission for 4 years & also still deal with side effects such as joint pain,headaches,brain fog & have hot flashes horrible. I am so glad that I did the treatments even though my life was miserable during the process. I’ve been in recovery from drug abuse for 11 years now & am just blessed to be happy & healthy!

    Like

Leave a reply to books4freedotcom Cancel reply