Cirrhosis

[smiles and giggles]

In the last 6 months, I have been diagnosed with chronic HBV. Th biopsy showed cirrohis. I have only had this complication for 4 years max. Has anyone else progessed this quickly and do you know why? My Dr. recomended lamivudine. I chose herbs. My HBV DNA is at 422,000,000. AST 85 and ALT 72 theses have continously dropped since the first test 6 months ago, starting at AST 194 and ALT 242. These dropped prior to the herbs. Please share any knowledge you might have. The Doctor that I had was unreliable in his information to say the least and that is why I didn't chose to follow his suggestion for tx. The fact that I know I passed HBV to a friend with a friendly kiss (lips closed) tells me that I am highly contagious, my doctor didn't agree. Talk to me

[Xenigma]

Although the association of alcohol and liver disease has been known since antiquity, the precise mechanism of alcoholic liver disease remains in dispute. Genetic, environmental, nutritional, metabolic, and, more recently, immunologic factors and cytokines have been invoked.

Ethanol is found in many products, not just alcoholic drinks. From fuel to skin care products. Shampoos, conditioners etc...Maybe it was something he/she came in contact with frequently. That'd be my best guess.
Enigma

[matchstich]

question, ive a friend who just died from alcoholic hep, and he never drank a drop in his life, how is this possible

[LvdByGod]

YOU'RE RIGHT!!!  WE NEED AN SVR CRUISE SHIP (VIRGIN ISLANDS WOULD BE NICE)....BUT INDI WILL NEED TO SELL HIS BUS...OR WE CAN TAKE THE BUS DOWN TO FLORIDA TO CATCH THE CRUISE SHIP...I'M MAKING MY PLANS...WOULDN'T THAT REALLY BE AWSOME YOU GUYS...???? WHAT DO YOU THINK???? sandi

[honey1616]

I would like to echo what everyone else is posting about how you both are appreciated! Your continued support and help is so GREAT!  I for one....feel I get much better information from you all then my own dr and I know so many others are in same boat.  

Willing,,,I know you have probably said but what week are you on?  Also,,,I would like to know what you both think estimate SVR odds for 1's that clear at 12 weeks, and of course finish the meds.....I was thinking 60 something percent but not sure....

[derail]

Im amazed at the absolute hell the Americam health sstem operates Even withthe woes with our canuck system we dont pay  for bloodworks office visits telephone consults etc. the only drawback is a reluctance of the docs. to supply us with allthe info we really need to stay on top of. thank god my meds. are 100% covered except for a 6.95 dispensing fee . procit cost for 1 month is over 3500$ of course that is in hudson bay pesos. it looks like tx restart for me in sept. and will be pegysis  imagine that my second dragon dance this year.  If its like the last time I too become another friday night rambler
.........best to all  daryl

[TnHepGuy_]

Thank you very much for your kind words. And thank you for all of the help, participation and support you offer here.

In willing's post of May 18th (thank you!) under the thread of May 17th titled 'News Stories & Other Posts' - reference was made to two studies <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12939591">Davis</a> and <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12324553">Fried</a> that would put the odds at between 75%-83% for geno 1's who are clear (<100) at week #12 - and remain clear until week #48. It's possible that with the more sensitive tests that can look all the way down to <5, the SVR odds would be even higher - since those who showed viral levels of between 5 and 100 would not be considered EVR's and therefore not included in the final statistics. The <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=14999598">Drusano</a> statistical model (not an actual study of patients - but based upon data from previous patient studies) would estimate the odds at 90%.

As far as our doctors - we all rely upon them - most frequently to our betterment, but occasionally to our detriment. They are hemmed in by regulations, lawsuit fears, insurance companies, FDA, time constraints, knowledge contraints - the litinay goes on and on. And, given all of that (and more) - the vast majority do an exceptional job. I think patients can try and help themselves the most by gaining as much relevant information as they can - turning that information into pertinent ideas and questions - and working with the caregivers to reach qualified decision making.


TnHepGuy

(URL's for the above papers):

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12939591

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12324553

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=14999598

[lost and confussed]

You hit the nail on the head we need to abandon the train and all go on a cruise when we are all well and hopefully we can all stay on the same boat. the svr boat. lol

I heard from the insurance company today and they said that late yesterday afternoon they received the request from my docs office. he has changed his request from peginterferion to pegasys and I haven't even seen him yet.
That was one of the things that I was wanting him to do along with the full dose of riba. like you said it may only be 5% but us geno 1s need all the help we can get.

Maybe his nurse told him what I said to him on the phone earlier this week. now we just have to talk about the vioxx and procrit etc to stabilize the bloodwork.

I will be seeing him on the 7th, hopefully he will cooperate so I don't have to go on a doc hunt.

[TnHepGuy_]

Beautifully said.

I keep coming to the forum and finding amazing strength and perseverance in the people here. Those on tx and those not on. Those who are SVR and those who weren't able to. I've been truly blessed to be able to find such a wonderful support group - filled with so many knowledgeable, caring, kind and supportive folks. They keep me on track - lift me up - carry me forward - and help me to my next step.

And you are already a part of this forum. One who is helping others - both seen and unseen. You're struggles, thoughts and questions help the many people who come here with like concerns. So many of us are in such similar boats that we can empathize strongly with one another.


TnHepGuy

[gonagetbetr]

I want to also agree with the above comment.
You guys took me from feeling so "lost and confussed" to feeling informed and courageous enough to make an addl appt to meet with my doc and not just listen to what he had to say but to also see if he is willing to listen to what I have to say.

This is my life and I want to be taken care of in the best way for me. you are all so courageous to open yourselves up to strangers to help them with what everyone seems to fear.

After only being on this forum for a little over a month I see that there are new people joining everyday with the same questions that I had. And everyday you all answer them in the same friendly way you welcomed me.

I hope that one day soon you will all be clear and free of the Dragon, but until that day I am so glad to have you in my life.

All of us newbies need to try and become as informed as you so that one day we can help the newbies and you can relax and enjoy your lifes. Then they can step in for us.

hope you all have a great weekend with no sx

[smiles and giggles]

Thanks All I'll take your advice

[willing]

lamivudine is one of the standard drugs for HBV. Progression to cirrhosis in 4 years is very quick. I'd strongly recommend finding a Dr. in whom you have confidence and, as cuteus suggests, finding a group that can give you  HBV-specific guidance, something which unfortunately you're not likely to get here. Living a healthy, liver-friendly lifestyle can help mitigate liver damage caused by an aggressive viral infection but it won't stop or reverse it. A VL of 422,000,000 iu/ml seems very high (actually outside the range of  some tests). You need a Dr. who can help you understand your options and make good choices.

[cuteus]

hepatitis.about.com/od/supportgroupsforhepb;    
www.hepprograms.org/hepcoord/2003/W28Jan30ContiM.ppt  
I did a search for hep b support groups and found those listed above. They seem to be specific to hep b chronic infection,
best to you

[cuteus]

Hello, I just posted a suggestion to you under your first question, we can mostly refer you to reputable sites that deal with hep b, since our collective experience here is mostly with hep c, and we are patients or relatives of patients.  Please read the post below the first one you posted, it has a list of sites you can check.