Cirrhosis

When I had my biospy yesterday the doctor said it looked like I had cirrhosis and I was wondering if that only occurs in stage four?  I was also wondering what treatment I could expect, or how long?  I am very anxious and have a really hard time waiting for my results, and the end of the month is so far away.

[jmjm530]

It can all seem overwhelming at first. Take it one step at a time and collect your information -- biopsy reports, blood tests, etc.

What you don't understand from your doctor and other sources, we'll try and help here. Keep coming back and asking questions. That's how all of us here learn.

Be well.

-- Jim

[jmjm530]

I'm assuming you have Hep C and I'll try and answer as generally as possible. Every case is diffferent.

First of all, get a copy of your biopsy report and make sure you understand it. It should have a grade and a stage on it. If the report says "stage 4", you have cirrhosis.

Unless your cirrhosis is very advanced, you can be successfully treated for Hep C. And the good news is that if you clear the virus your cirrhosis can be reversed.  

Traditional treatment these days consists of weekly injections of pegalated inteferon and taking daily anti-viral pills called Ribavirin.

Treatment length and the amount of medication depends on many variables but genotype is one of the most important. If you don't know your genotype ask your doctor. You should also find out your viral load. The test is called a PCR.

If you're like most of us (genotype 1) treatment generally is 48 weeks. Because you are stage 4, many doctors may recommend longer treatment (called extended treatment).

If you're lucky and are genotype 2, traditional treatment is only 24 weeks. Again, some doctors may recommend extended treatment because of your stage 4 status.

Good luck. Keep asking questions. And get all the information you need to make the right decision.

[oldclaire]

Hi, sorry for the lack of information.  My doctor thought my liver seemed very hard when he did the biospy and he said probably cirrhosis based on that.  I do not have results, and am just trying to prepare myself.  Thanks to both of you for explaining things more simply than the overwhelming information I have from my doctor and other sources. I am still trying to understand geneotypes and stages.  Thanks again!

[Bill1954]

Good info from Jmjm there:

I guess I

[oldclaire]

Thanks for the good advice, I really needed it.  

  Thanks to you to Bill!  This site has really helped me sort some things out and I really appreciate the support.

[BIOPHIL]

I have just had an MRI. I dont know why the Doctor ordered the MRI, but he did. The technician said, "yes indeed you certainly have "Cirrhosis"! but said he could not tell me more because the MRI has to be read by a Doctor. I wonder why they did an MRI?

[hubbyandme]

Thinking about you this week, and hope you get good news (the 27th, right?).  At least you are getting the tests over with and can move on from there. Couldn't get an appointment with the GI doctor for my husband until September 1, then I'm sure he'll be going through the battery of blood tests and possibly biopsy like you.  He doesn't know as much about this virus as I do now (since I have had the benefit of the information from the good people on this board and other sites), but I try and get as much info through to him so he, at least, on a high level, knows what to expect as far as the tests and possible treatment.  He's the type (unlike us) that doesn't worry about things until he has to. Again, hoping for the best for you, oldclaire.

[oldclaire]

Thanks for your support, tomorrow is the big day!  I am a little nervous since the doctor has suspicions of cirrhosis, but I want to start medication before school starts.  I am determined it will not ruin my life.  I also think your husband has the right attitude, I wish I were like that. Thanks for monitoring the site, you are a true friend.
  
Biophil,
     Did you have an MRI or a ct-scan?  The doctor ordered a ct-scan before my biopsy because of my high ALT levels.  He wanted to make sure there were no tumors or cysts. I also think I would not believe anything a technician told me considering that is why they aren't supposed to tell you anything, they have no clue!  I think you need someone with more experience to also respond, otherwise post a new question since this is kind of an old thread.  Ask for a biospy if the doctor hasn't already ordered it, it is the only way to know for sure.

[Josephbro]

MY PCR IS 5.81 H. WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

[hubbyandme]

How did it go yesterday, oldclaire?

[Bill1954]

Your genotype is great news! As a type 3, you have a much better

[oldclaire]

Sorry it took so long to respond, I should have told you we were going to the lake after my appointment.  It was good and bad; my genotype is a 3a which is good, (80% of people in my group (white, female) are able to clear the virus, but I do have cirrhosis.  I should get my meds on Wednesday and am anxious to get started.  I can only concentrate on drinking my water and clearing the virus, and my doctor said I may even have some regeneration.  Thanks for all your great support, I can't tell you how much you have helped.

[oldclaire]

Thanks for your support, and more importantly for your positive attitude.  I really need that!  When I feel weak or overwhelmed, I come here and immediately find strength.  This is a great place not only to find answers, but also to find friends.