Biopsy result revealed stage four

I am still waiting for approval from medicare to begin treatment, but now with my biopsy results, I'm really freaking out.  And how does medicare decide to approve or not?  I did happen to find out about this website http://www.nsrinews.com that will help build the immune system which is especially important during tx.  NSRI stands for National Science Research Institute.  One thing that is puzzling me is can treatment be as successful with stage four, genotype 1a as it would be at stage one or two?  My lab results were all in the normal range including alt and ast, except VL 1,250,000, so it just goes to show lab work doesn't reveal how much damage there is to the liver.  I'm terribly scared, but I love all the support everyone gets here, and I wish everyone the best from this wicked virus.  

[FloridaMouse]

Hey there Loosenup,

I'm not quite a stage 4 but perty dern close.  I'm a 1a, Stage 3, Grade 3 (necrosis and bridging fibrosis).  I did very well on treatment and cleared the virus at week 12.  I'll be doing my 6 month PCR on 9/20/07, sooo.... just so you know, it can be done!  A positive attitude will help.

Keep on keep'in on.

Mouse
genotype 1a, Stage 3, Grade 3
finished 49 weeks of tx on 4/13/07
hoping for SVR on 9/20/07

[sfwandwow]

congrat

[cba51]

Hey Loosenup

I am Stage 4 Grade 3 and I was udetectable at 12 weeks. Still have 22 weeks of 48 to got.

The prevailing  thought is that the more advanced the liver damage, the lower the odds of clearing.

But to answer your question yes, treatment can be effective in Stage 4.

Given you are approaching stage 4 treat now and you never become stage 4

Best wishes,
Big Al

[beckyv102]

I'm so sorry to hear that your biopsy results weren't what you were hoping for.
My husband was stage 4 genotype 1A/2B.  His alt and ast were always elevated over the years, but not too much.  We think he's had hep C since VietNam.  His viral load was about a million before he started treatment this time.  That sounds like a lot but that seems to be a pretty average viral load.  I'm telling you this because he treated last year and last week he had his one year post treatment viral load results and he is still undetectable, which pretty much means he is cured!
I want you to know that you can beat this thing.  Yes, your chances are less because of the stage four, but that is only one factor of many.  There are many stage 4 people who treat and are successful.
I hope you can find a good doctor.  My husband treated twice, the first time with a gastroenterologist who I suspect didn't see a lot of hep C patients.  That doctor never treated any of his side effects and took him off treatment because of a rash that I've since learned is common and treatable.  The second time he treated at the VA hospital where they treat many hep C patients and the quality of care was much better.  
If Medicare will let you and if there are any in your area it would be good to see a hepatologist.  They're specialists in this disease and should know how to tailor treatment to the individual.  Some gastroenterologists aren't up on the latest studies that could make a difference in the outcome of your treatment.
Anyway, try not to freak out.  You've probably had this disease for many years and you've got plenty of time to deal with it.  
I wish you the best.