Hep C Progression Worries

I'm a 56 yr. old male who discovered I was Hep C Positive in a routine checkup 6 years ago. I never drank a lot of alcohol in my life and since my diagnosis, I might have 2 glasses of wine per year at most.  No drug use and am on no prescriptions for anything. At that time I sought a prominent Gastroenterologist in my area and had all of the bloodwork & liver biopsy performed.  I was told I was Type 1, Stage 0 and thus no treatment was recommended except for yearly checkups & blood monitoring and another biopsy after 5 years.  All seemed ok and after my 5-year biopsy I was evaluated to be at Stage 1 but still all blood levels were within ranges to be expected and no treatment was recommended.  Well I just received the results of my latest checkup & bloodwork and was told that my Blood Levels were now somewhat elevated.  My AST is at 60, my ALT is at 89 and AFP has gone from 9 to 11.9 over the past year.  My Gastroenterologist has scheduled me for a CT Scan next week to look at my liver.  In your estimation, am I approaching the time for Treatment?  Do you see anything in this message that throws up a red flag in your opinion?  Are there any follow-up questions I should be asking?  Am I over-worrying?  Thanks for your help.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I agree that further workup should be considered to see if medications are indicated at this point.  

Normally, a rise in liver enzymes as well as blood tests to evaluate the hepatitis viral load can be reasons to start therapy.  I would also consider repeating the liver biopsy.  

The elevation of the AFP also can be caused by liver cancer.  

Imaging the liver and the aforementioned options should be discussed with your hepatologist.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[maaa]

I was reading Lisa 1998 and she has same symptoms as I do regarding the gallbladder. I have been diagnoses with IBS but also been told I have a gallbladder polyp.. I have gas backup, nausea, constipate and have to urinate often most of the time. Bladder was checked and is in great shape. Had a couple times of pain in upper stomach. Tired alot of the time, no stamina. So I also wonder if it's not related.

[maaa]

[angie158]

A related discussion, chronic hep c was started.