I recently checked in with my ENT about getting a liver function test since I am taking Valacyclovir, and it has been over a year since I had a test. She replied that Dr. Gacek's protocol does not require test if the first two tests are fine (as mine were)--though since I've been on a high dose for such a long time she said she'd put an order in, but that it was no rush, and I should do it when I'm getting blood drawn for something else. First, I want to note how remarkable it is that she was quoting Dr. Gacek's protocol to me. When I first met with her she did not even mention anti-virals among the many possible MM treatments she listed. When I mentioned them. she had heard of them, but was skeptical. She has since had a real turnaround (I believe due to the success she's seen in me and other patients) and become a leader in her department on this treatment, as I understand it. That right there is a hopeful story. And now she's telling me things about Dr. Gacek I wasn't aware of! So I'm partly telling this for the hopeful story, but I'm also curious where that protocol about testing comes from. Has anyone else heard of that? I just did a search through the article I originally gave her and that we so often reference here (http://www.mm3admin.co.za/documents/docmanager/6e64f7e1-715e-4fd6-8315-424683839664/00056616.pdf), and I don't see it mentioned there.
It's not his invention. It is standard procedure for anyone taking high dose antivirals, including patients with shingles, HIV, etc.
Btw, it's great that your doctor is tuned in! It seems like more and more doctors are starting to see the light.
I do a kidney and liver test every 6 months, But that's overkill according to my doc. Once a year is apparently fine. If there's damage, it takes a long time.
She's saying it's Dr. Gacek's prorocol to do the liver test twice and if they are both fine not do it again.