DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have hepatitis C. I don’t clearly understand what is the best treatment for me. The doctor put me on PEG-Intron and Copegus. I am worried about what these medications might do to my healthy organs. My last blood test, PCR, was 50. The test before that one was more than 6 million. What does this mean? – T.W.

ANSWER: The virus that causes hepatitis C stays with 80 percent of infected people for the rest of their lives. Around 3.9 million Americans are infected with this virus, so more than 3 million will have to contend with the virus forever.

Liver destruction, however, doesn’t occur to all the infected. Only about 20 percent will develop liver cirrhosis, and that takes about 20 years to happen. All the same, hepatitis C is the prime reason for liver transplantation in the U.S. and Canada.

Treatment of the infected who are headed for liver destruction consists of two medicines taken simultaneously: PEG-Intron and Copegus. PEG-Intron is interferon, a product that body cells make to stop the multiplication of viruses – in this case, the hepatitis-C virus. Copegus (ribavirin) is a drug designed to stop viral replication. The combination of both is quite effective against the hepatitis-C virus.

“PCR” is shorthand for polymerase chain reaction, a lab test used, in your case, to detect how much hepatitis-C virus is in your blood. Your numbers are very encouraging. The virus numbers have dropped from the millions to 50. The goal of treatment is to eliminate the virus at the culmination of therapy and to find no virus six months after therapy has ended.

Both drugs can have serious side effects. Depression, hallucinations, interference with thyroid-hormone production, and damage to liver, lungs, pancreas and heart are possible. Anemia is another complication. Apparently, none of these has happened to you. It is well worth the chance of facing one of these complications, rare as they are, to eliminate the hepatitis-C virus from the body.

The hepatitis pamphlet tells the story of hepatitis A, B and C. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue – No. 503, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6.75 Can. with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am 68 and had a hernia operation six weeks ago. I have been careful since the operation. Now I am told that I can move gradually into more normal activity. What can I do, and what can I do to ensure that this hernia does not return? – J.M.

ANSWER: Collagen is a protein that constitutes the stuff that scars are made of. A few weeks after surgery or any injury, collagen production plateaus. It diminishes after six weeks following the surgery or injury. The surgical scar continues to strengthen, however, for long after that – as long as a year.

For the first few weeks after hernia surgery, a person should avoid anything that stretches or pulls the abdominal muscles. Most can resume an active lifestyle in four to eight weeks. You are right on target. Your doctor has to give you specific instructions, but most hernia patients are not allowed to play contact sports for six weeks after the operation. Contact sports can be played again after eight to 10 weeks.

There is nothing you can do to ensure that the hernia does not return. The odds are in your favor that it will not.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I came down with shingles that left me with lingering pain. After consulting seven doctors, I went to a pain clinic. The doctor prescribed a cream that contains five medicines in a gel. A friend’s son, who is a doctor, says none is absorbed through the skin. All I know is it works. Please comment. – L.T.

ANSWER: I would list all five medicines, but I don’t want to get readers’ hopes up about a treatment that doesn’t have universal approval. However, I side with you. One of those five medicines can be absorbed through the skin. The other four are not commonly prescribed in that manner. If it works for you, go for it. It’s not hurting you.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: For more than a year, I have had an elevation of the amylase enzyme. I feel fine. What effect is this having on my system? – V.N.

ANSWER: The amylase enzyme is found in the pancreas and the salivary glands. I am sure your doctor has investigated both of those organs to see if there is any trouble there.

If, after a thorough search, no problem is found, the elevated blood amylase is not doing any harm to your body.

Perhaps you have the innocent condition called macroamylasemia. As much as 1.5 percent of the population has it. It’s an elevation of a peculiar form of amylase that causes a high reading but does not indicate organ trouble or cause any body damage.

Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Readers may also order health newsletters from www.rbmamall.com.