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HCV after six months of combo therapy
by kmb, Jan 22, 2000 12:00AM
I just had my PCR count redone after 6 months of combo therapy. I went from 847 in the begining down to 1. The doctor said I respnded so well that I didn't need to do it for another six months and to come back in 3 months for follow-up testing. I asked him to run the test to see which genotype I had. The results came back inconclusive because I had so little HCV in my blood that they couldn't figure it out. Everything I had been reading said that if you respond well to the combo therapy that you should stay on it for 48 months. Does this sound okay that my doctor would have me stop if I'm responding so well?
Also, I have low platelets (54) and a low white cell count (2.3). My liver enzymes are as close to normal as they can be without being normal. I weigh 300 lbs. The doctor said it could be my weight that is keeping the enzyme levels slightly elevated. We are hoping that these low counts start to return to normal after the therapy (for the white cell count) and as my liver starts to return to a less stressful state with the HCV under control (platelets). I need another liver biopsy to determine how far along my liver is in regards to damage. What would be a safe minimum platelet level to have this procedure done? I also need some dental root planing and scaling done. What's the minimum level for both low counts before having this invasive teeth cleaning procedure?
One final question please. I had entered the hospital a year ago to have gastric bypass surgery for obesity. This is when the low platelets was dicovered. The surgery was cancelled until things could be brought under control. My liver doctor said I would not be a good liver transplant candidate if and when the time comes to need one if I have the surgery. I know I wouldn't even be considered at this weight also. I've tried for decades (I'm 40 yrs. old) to take off weight with no long term success. I still want the surgery. I talked with a leading bariatric doctor in the country and he said there should be no reason I can't have it (to better prepare my body for a possible transplant down the road and all the other health benefits of not being overweight). I understand all the risks of the surgery. I think my liver doctor is professional against the bypass surgery (many doctors are). What is your opinion? Who else do you suggest I talk to to decide whether to go through with the bypass or not?
Thank you for you time.
Also, I have low platelets (54) and a low white cell count (2.3). My liver enzymes are as close to normal as they can be without being normal. I weigh 300 lbs. The doctor said it could be my weight that is keeping the enzyme levels slightly elevated. We are hoping that these low counts start to return to normal after the therapy (for the white cell count) and as my liver starts to return to a less stressful state with the HCV under control (platelets). I need another liver biopsy to determine how far along my liver is in regards to damage. What would be a safe minimum platelet level to have this procedure done? I also need some dental root planing and scaling done. What's the minimum level for both low counts before having this invasive teeth cleaning procedure?
One final question please. I had entered the hospital a year ago to have gastric bypass surgery for obesity. This is when the low platelets was dicovered. The surgery was cancelled until things could be brought under control. My liver doctor said I would not be a good liver transplant candidate if and when the time comes to need one if I have the surgery. I know I wouldn't even be considered at this weight also. I've tried for decades (I'm 40 yrs. old) to take off weight with no long term success. I still want the surgery. I talked with a leading bariatric doctor in the country and he said there should be no reason I can't have it (to better prepare my body for a possible transplant down the road and all the other health benefits of not being overweight). I understand all the risks of the surgery. I think my liver doctor is professional against the bypass surgery (many doctors are). What is your opinion? Who else do you suggest I talk to to decide whether to go through with the bypass or not?
Thank you for you time.
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