Aa
Got my Biopsy results
I actually had it done in June of '07, but I called and asked for my results on paper to keep for reference.
After I had it done my Dr said everything looked perfect.
This is printout says:
Benign needle biopsy of liver with no evidence of Steatosis.
Rare focus of liver cell necrosis is identified.
Stainable Iron is focally present.
There is no focal evidence of Intranuclear Glycogen Depostion.
No evidence of Zone III Fibrosis.
Portal Triads demonstrate no significant inflammatory component, either of an acute or chronic nature.
No evidence of ascending Cholangitis.
No evidence of Bile Stasis.
Fibrosis is Distinctly Absent.
Final Diagnosis: Chronic Hepatitis, Grade 0 In flammation, Grade 0 Fibrosis.
Iron index is 2+
Now my Dr said if he was to take a Biopsy from another angle of my liver that it could possibly read different. Is that true? He also said even though I have a grade 0 that I should still start treatment, I told him I'd rather hold out until better drugs are out. But he thinks differently.
Since my Biopsy looked like this 6 months ago, could there be any dramatic changes as of now?
A month before my Biopsy I did drink beers while on Vacation in Vegas. I mentioned it to him before I went and he said a beer with dinner out there isn't gonna hurt. But he said not to sit out and binge drink the entire time.
After I had it done my Dr said everything looked perfect.
This is printout says:
Benign needle biopsy of liver with no evidence of Steatosis.
Rare focus of liver cell necrosis is identified.
Stainable Iron is focally present.
There is no focal evidence of Intranuclear Glycogen Depostion.
No evidence of Zone III Fibrosis.
Portal Triads demonstrate no significant inflammatory component, either of an acute or chronic nature.
No evidence of ascending Cholangitis.
No evidence of Bile Stasis.
Fibrosis is Distinctly Absent.
Final Diagnosis: Chronic Hepatitis, Grade 0 In flammation, Grade 0 Fibrosis.
Iron index is 2+
Now my Dr said if he was to take a Biopsy from another angle of my liver that it could possibly read different. Is that true? He also said even though I have a grade 0 that I should still start treatment, I told him I'd rather hold out until better drugs are out. But he thinks differently.
Since my Biopsy looked like this 6 months ago, could there be any dramatic changes as of now?
A month before my Biopsy I did drink beers while on Vacation in Vegas. I mentioned it to him before I went and he said a beer with dinner out there isn't gonna hurt. But he said not to sit out and binge drink the entire time.
Other than that, I've never felt ill from any of it, a bit tired from time to time, but I work alot (Electrician) and go to the gym 5 times a week, so I always thought I just drain myself out, plus the holidays were just here and I was constantly busy.
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Ah, to be young again! I just could possibly be that maybe when you feel tired you reall are tired!! What a novel concept! Also,you are on the cusp of where age starts to nudge us trying to get us to notice. Growth hormone output drops severly around 30. No matter.
Genotype 1A's are currently the most difficult to treat group but with your non-existent liver damage, young age and excellent stats, I wouldn't be in a rush to jump into treatment, yet, unless your Dr. is doing the more aggressive shorter duration 1A treatment.
I would want to know my VL.
Good luck,
wyntre
I would want to know my VL.
Good luck,
wyntre
I forgot to mention that I am a 1a Genotype, but I never found out what my VL load was.
Thanks for the replies guys!
I'm a 28 y/o male. I found out I had it in Sept. 2006, it was caught through a yearly routine check-up. My ALT level was around 60 so my PCP took me in for more blood work, that's when I found out I had it. I believe I may have caught it through a tattoo, considering I've never touched drugs and been in a loving relationship for the past 5 years with the same woman.
I had an ultrasound done a couple times and everytime showed a normal size liver or anything abnormal. I've tested 1 gene for hemachromatosis, so that's why why Iron levels have been a bit high, but I've changed my diet without high iron type foods and cut red meat to once a week.
Other than that, I've never felt ill from any of it, a bit tired from time to time, but I work alot (Electrician) and go to the gym 5 times a week, so I always thought I just drain myself out, plus the holidays were just here and I was constantly busy.
But I seem to be in great health, I never had any problems that kept me from work, I usually stay pretty active when not working, so, I dunno, I always wonder if maybe I was misdiagnosed :) But don''t we all wish that lol.
I'm a 28 y/o male. I found out I had it in Sept. 2006, it was caught through a yearly routine check-up. My ALT level was around 60 so my PCP took me in for more blood work, that's when I found out I had it. I believe I may have caught it through a tattoo, considering I've never touched drugs and been in a loving relationship for the past 5 years with the same woman.
I had an ultrasound done a couple times and everytime showed a normal size liver or anything abnormal. I've tested 1 gene for hemachromatosis, so that's why why Iron levels have been a bit high, but I've changed my diet without high iron type foods and cut red meat to once a week.
Other than that, I've never felt ill from any of it, a bit tired from time to time, but I work alot (Electrician) and go to the gym 5 times a week, so I always thought I just drain myself out, plus the holidays were just here and I was constantly busy.
But I seem to be in great health, I never had any problems that kept me from work, I usually stay pretty active when not working, so, I dunno, I always wonder if maybe I was misdiagnosed :) But don''t we all wish that lol.
Your liver probably looks better than your doctors. Maybe he should be the one treating since he's all for it :)
But all kidding aside, I wouldn't treat if I had your liver, regardless of genotype -- but especially if I was genotype 1a or 1b.
Like you say, one option is to wait for better drugs. But if you don't develop much liver damage, I'd even wait beyond the next generation of drugs now in trial -- for even better treatments that we'll hopefully see within 8-10 years. Meanwhile, monitor your liver functions and have another biopsy in 3-5 years. Hopefully, before that time, the Fibroscan device will become more readily available and you'll be able to get those more frequently as they are totally non-evasive.
Of course this is a general recommendation because really don't know much about you and your other stats -- but given what you posted, and the fact that you don't seem in a rush to treat -- I'd I'd tell your doctor that you'd rather wait. And frankly, any doctor who would not respect that decision (that doesnt' mean he has to agree) in someone with stage 0 Fibrosis, is in my book an ex-doctor.
As to a different result in a different part of the liver -- yes, it might be off a little, or not -- but even if off a stage you'd still only be stage 1, and biopsy is still considered the gold standard. So, unless you had a substandard sized biopsy sample (and I'd assume that would be noted) I think you should be real happy with the results.
-- Jim
But all kidding aside, I wouldn't treat if I had your liver, regardless of genotype -- but especially if I was genotype 1a or 1b.
Like you say, one option is to wait for better drugs. But if you don't develop much liver damage, I'd even wait beyond the next generation of drugs now in trial -- for even better treatments that we'll hopefully see within 8-10 years. Meanwhile, monitor your liver functions and have another biopsy in 3-5 years. Hopefully, before that time, the Fibroscan device will become more readily available and you'll be able to get those more frequently as they are totally non-evasive.
Of course this is a general recommendation because really don't know much about you and your other stats -- but given what you posted, and the fact that you don't seem in a rush to treat -- I'd I'd tell your doctor that you'd rather wait. And frankly, any doctor who would not respect that decision (that doesnt' mean he has to agree) in someone with stage 0 Fibrosis, is in my book an ex-doctor.
As to a different result in a different part of the liver -- yes, it might be off a little, or not -- but even if off a stage you'd still only be stage 1, and biopsy is still considered the gold standard. So, unless you had a substandard sized biopsy sample (and I'd assume that would be noted) I think you should be real happy with the results.
-- Jim
Is the disease causing you any quality of life changes? What geno type?Job status,no other insurance will cover you now, don't over look this real big issue.
Personally I'd wait until my life was negativley effected and check out insurance for the future if you switch jobs or are let go for mysterious reasons, cover your butt.
Harry
Personally I'd wait until my life was negativley effected and check out insurance for the future if you switch jobs or are let go for mysterious reasons, cover your butt.
Harry
Your biopsy results are great. What is your genotype and VL? Also, what's your age range and how are you feeling?
It is possible that another biopsy could show different results. Have you had an ultrasound? And what about the fibroscan test? Jim knows about that. I believe it's similar to biopsy but is non-invasive.
wyntre
It is possible that another biopsy could show different results. Have you had an ultrasound? And what about the fibroscan test? Jim knows about that. I believe it's similar to biopsy but is non-invasive.
wyntre
And watch the iron levels.
If you take Vit C take it away from foods and avoid iron enriched products and iron supplements
If you take Vit C take it away from foods and avoid iron enriched products and iron supplements
I would strongly suggest that, based on these biopsy results, you could could surely delay treatment for at least another few years until something more effective & of shorter duration becomes available.
How long have you had the virus?
Of course it is still essential that you look after your liver through diet and minimal alcohol consumption.
How long have you had the virus?
Of course it is still essential that you look after your liver through diet and minimal alcohol consumption.
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