(word processor parameters LM=8, RM=75, TM=2, BM=2) Taken from KeelyNet BBS (214) 324-3501 Sponsored by Vangard Sciences PO BOX 1031 Mesquite, TX 75150 There are ABSOLUTELY NO RESTRICTIONS on duplicating, publishing or distributing the files on KeelyNet except where noted! May 15, 1992 HEPATITS.ASC -------------------------------------------------------------------- This article was from Health Counselor magazine July/August 1991 issue. This is an excellent magazine for information on nature health care and nutrition. You can usually find it, at your local health food store. They usually give it away for free. Or ask your health food store to carry it. I consider this a MUST HAVE to keep up with the latest in natural health care. If you are unable to find it, you can contact them at, Sante Publishing, P.O. Box 1914, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54305. Ronald Barker -------------------------------------------------------------------- DISCOVERING A NATURAL CURE FOR HEPATITIS `After contracting hepatitis B during surgery, here's how one physician fought back and cured himself.' By Karolyn A. Gazella Carson B. Burgstiner, M.D., was at the height of his career. He had developed a thriving practice as an obstetrician/gynecologist in Savannah, Georgia. A highly trained and skilled microsurgeon, Dr. Burgstiner was devoted to his profession. But his profession nearly cost him his life. THE ORDEAL BEGINS "In 1983, I contracted hepatitis B after I had stuck my finger while operating on an infected patient," recalled Dr. Burgstiner, who was 49 at the time. The discovery of the disease and the disasters that followed nearly devastated Dr. Burgstiner and his wife, Jacque. After his diagnosis, Dr. Burgstiner notified the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Georgia State Board of Medical Examiners. They provided guidelines for him to follow. Because he intended to cooperate fully, Dr. Burgstiner volunteered to have his patients undergo epidemiologic studies. His patients stood behind him through his ordeal, Dr. Burgstiner explained. "I was very fortunate to have such loyal patients," he said. Page 1 Unfortunately, the local media soon learned that Dr. Burgstiner's patients were being tested for hepatitis. Headlines on the front page of the morning newspaper declared: "Source of Local Hepatitis Outbreak Discovered!" A detailed account of Dr. Burgstiner's diagnosis was included in the article. Immediately, his successful practice and sterling reputation were jeopardized. "The CDC and the local health department proved that none of the 26 reported cases of hepatitis in the county were patients of mine." Dr. Burgstiner said. The newspaper subsequently published a retraction on its back page. The publicity added even more stress for the Burgstiners. "After 26 years of medical practice without a lawsuit, suddenly I had two past patients who claimed that exposure by surgery had caused their hepatitis B," said Dr. Burgstiner. As it turned out, both patients were infected by other sources. Dr. Burgstiner was forced to discontinue obstetrics and major surgery, limiting his practice to minor surgery and office gynercology. He was an aggressive, motivated physician, and it was a painful transition. "The economic and emotional impact was truly devastating," he said. DOCTOR BECOMES PATIENT Coping with the shock of local publicity as well as the frustration of having to refer all of his patients to colleagues for obstetrics and major surgery was just the beginning of Dr. Burgstiner's struggle. The devastating side effects and fear of dying from this disease began to surface. "A chronic hepatitis B carrier in the United States today has a 255 percent chance of dying of liver cancer," he said. "There is clearly an epidemic of hepatitis B, with over 300,000 new cases being diagnosed yearly." The fear also haunted Dr. Burgstiner's wife. "I remember when my husband and I attended a conference where one of the speakers was discussing hepatitis B," Mrs. Burgstiner recalled. This was when she realized the severity of her husband's condition. Their fear and concern fueled their determination to fight the disease. The devoted doctor soon became and equally devoted patient. "I've always believed strongly in the teachings of my professor of pathology, W.A.D. Anderson, M.D., who taught me that if you maintain normal physiology, you prevent disease," Dr. Burgstiner explained. Dr. Burgstiner is the first to admit that he is somewhat unique in the medical establishment. "For the past 29 years I have believed in preventative medicine, nutrition, exercise, and hormonal replacement," he said. "If a gland dries up, you need to replace it." Page 2 This philosophy virtually saved his practice and his life. Other than the hepatitis B, Dr. Burgstiner was in excellent health. He asked himself, what gland could be deficient? What gland could he support in order to combat his hepatitis: Armed with a thorough understanding of the human body, he realized the thymus gland was the key. THE CRUCIAL THYMUS GLAND "I had always been taught that the thymus gland (which is located within the upper chest) is large in infants but atrophies as we age,"" he said. "The thymus gland has always been credited with controlling the immune system." Because hepatitis B is an immune disease, Dr. Burgstiner sought a nutritional supplement containing thymus tissue extract. He visited his local health food store, Brighter Day in Savannah. Dr. Burgstiner began taking a thymus tissue extract supplement, along with 25,000 units be beta carotene and a multiple vitamin. Within three weeks, after a seven-year battle with an "incurable" disease, the E-antigen became weakly positive and the liver studies turned up normal. "After being tested every week for seven years, I almost didn't believe the test results," Dr. Burgstiner said. "Before I shared the news with Jacque, I waited until a few more tests came back." "I was so happy. My prayers had been answered," Mrs. Burgstiner said. After another three weeks of following his own protocol, Dr. Burgstiner became E-antigen negative and antibody positive. He was cured of hepatitis. To confirm his finding, he notified the CDC and had blood drawn at Candler Hospital, which was sent to Mass General (Harvard) and Scripps Institute in California. These prominent health facilities conducted many tests on his blood, and all of them showed there was absolutely no trace of the virus in his system. Dr. Burgstiner shared his good news with a colleague he'd been communicating with about hepatitis research. Dr. Milton G. Mutchnick, a gastroenterologist/hepatologist at Wayne State University in Detroit,, Michigan, had published controlled studies where he converted 75 percent of his patients who were hepatitis B carries. "I was planning on getting into his next treatment group," Dr. Burgstiner explained. "When I called him and told him that I converted myself, he asked what I took." When Dr. Burgstiner told him he was taking an oral thymus extract, Dr. Mutchnick explained that he was using thymus injections in his studies. After their conversation, Dr. Burgstiner sent Dr. Mutchnick a bottle of the oral thymus supplement. Dr. Mutchnick's preliminary tests with the product have him the same startling results. Today, Dr. Burgstiner is excited about the potential for helping Page 3 others. "The impact of thymic hormonal replacement has enormous potential in immune system diseases, from allergies and hay fever to rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, cancer, and AIDS," he said. "This simple glandular hormone could answer a lot of prayers." Understandably, Mrs. Burgstiner is thrilled. Her husband has regained his thriving practice, but even more importantly, he has regained his health. "I've gotten a second chance, and I want to help as many people as I can," Dr. Burgstiner said. DEALING WITH HEPATITIS Hepatitis is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis virus. Basically, there are two main strains of the hepatitis virus. Hepatitis A is more common and more contagious. The chances of complete recovery from hepatitis A are very good. Hepatitis B, on the other hand, is much more serious. With hepatitis B, the symptoms are more severe and last longer than with hepatitis A. One of the more serious outcomes of hepatitis B is chronic liver disease. TRANSMISSION: Transmission of hepatitis B is very similar to transmission of the AIDS virus. Common sources of infection include blood transfusions, intravenous drug abuse, needle punctures from acupuncture or tattooing, and sexual contact. The virus can spread through contact with infected saliva, nasal mucus, sperm and blood. Hepatitis B may also be transmitted through pregnancy from the infected mother to her unborn baby. SYMPTOMS: The symptoms of any type of hepatitis include fatigue or extreme weakness, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes), nausea, dark brownish urine, fever, and abdominal discomfort. The severity and range of symptoms vary from case to case. DIAGNOSIS: Hepatitis is suspected when the above-mentioned symptoms are present. Exact diagnosis is confirmed by specific blood tests that determine elevated liver enzymes and measure antibody activity. TREATMENT: Although there is presently no known cure for hepatitis B, a vaccination is available. Health care workers are especially encouraged to get the vaccination. Various nutritional factors should be considered in the treatment of hepatitis B. Many natural liver-supporting techniques are also recommended. The use of an oral thymic fraction supplement to convert hepatitis B carries is presently being explored in more detail. Because hepatitis A is so contagious, scrupulous sanitation is essential. Clothing and bed linen require special handling when they are visibly soiled, and should be laundered with a detergent that kills germs. Contaminated toilets and floors should be cleaned with a disinfectant. Page 4 Patients with hepatitis A are advised to get plenty of bed rest. In the first few weeks of the infection, alcohol is prohibited. After a bout with hepatitis A, patients develop an immunity to the disease. INCIDENCE OF SYMPTOMS IN HEPATITIS, ALL KINDS SYMPTOM % OF PATIENTS Dark Urine ........................ 94 Fatigue ........................... 91 Loss Of Appetite .................. 90 Nausea ............................ 87 Fever ............................. 76 Vomiting .......................... 71 Headache .......................... 70 Abdominal Discomfort .............. 65 Light Stools ...................... 52 Muscle Pain ....................... 52 Drowsiness ........................ 49 Irritability ...................... 43 Itching ........................... 42 Diarrhea .......................... 25 Joint Pain ........................ 21 (Source: Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.) AUTHOR'S NOTE: Dr. Burgstiner remains very active within his community and his profession. He is past president of the Medical Association of Georgia and presently serves as vice-chairman of the AMA's Georgia Delegation. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and of the American College of Preventative Medicine. We would like to thank the Burgstiners for sharing their inspirational story. Health Counselor has welcomed Dr. Brugstiner to our staff of contributing authors. Submitted by: Ronald Barker Vangard Sciences -------------------------------------------------------------------- If you have comments or other information relating to such topics as this paper covers, please upload to KeelyNet or send to the Vangard Sciences address as listed on the first page. Thank you for your consideration, interest and support. Jerry W. Decker.........Ron Barker...........Chuck Henderson Vangard Sciences/KeelyNet -------------------------------------------------------------------- If we can be of service, you may contact Jerry at (214) 324-8741 or Ron at (214) 242-9346 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 5