HELP WANT SHOULD BE DONE!!!!!!!!

[mbaez1953]

Hi I have a freind that had a biopsy of the liver they found a grade level of between 1-2, but they also found something they did not expect, and it is called Sarcoidosis doctor says he won't give treatment until they investigate this further he refuses to treat her for hep c. has anyone ever heard of this
and can it be treated .  Also should she even treat she is 47yrs old over weight but not wants to get rid of hep c, any advice
apreciated. thanks

[GrandOak]

Biopsy results consists of two parts, 1) Grade - level of inflamation of liver and 2) Stage - level of damage to liver

The Stage is probably the more important of the two as inflamation (swelling) can come and go whereas the damage is often times permanent, although because the liver is one of two organs which can regenerate itself pre-cirrhotic (Stages 0-3) have been observed to improve over time.

I've heard/read that Stage 4 (Cirrhosis) has been observed in rare cases, but that recorded evidence of this is sparse enough that most in  the medical profession consider this to be an irreversible damage.

For more info on liver blood tests and biopsies see:

http://www.liverdoctor.com/Section2/09_livertest.asp

[willows]

"SOMEONE WITH SOME KNOWLEDGE WOULD RESPOND"    Wow, it does sound like you are screaming at us.  Which knowledge are you asking us about?  I don't believe anyone here has treated for sarcoidosis, none that I remember anyway.

It would be irresponsible of us to offer too much advice, except that your friend see a good doctor for each condition and follow their instructions.  We do hope for the best for your friend, but also, please do not be offended if we ask you to be clear and informative, there is so much information beyond genotype that is needed.  

I think everyone that has responded did an excellent job with offering the research each one of us has done.

It does not say anywhere that we are "compelled" to answer each and every question posted to us, it is done because we all share a common threat to our health and happiness and want to help others.  But usually, we will always offer the prerequisite action of seeing a good doctor first.  

I believe most of us here with Hep C has made the decision and done the work to find a good doctor and will share anything WE learned, but none here are doctors.  I like to think we have some darn good "librarians" here and a "bank" of information, but your friend still needs a doctor.  

[FlGuy]

The only knowledge of it comes from  a relative (woman, age 70) who was diagnosed with it.  She was on steriods for quite a while (few months, at least) and it was resolved (completely eliminated, who knows) but it was farily recent, so the jury is still out. One of the problems with hcv is that it seems to complicate other health issues (and vice versa) sometimes and the various masks of symptons probably throw docs off quite a bit.  But, with the biopsy results you reported I would guess that it would be prudent to deal with other stuff before the hcv.  If the person pursues treatment for hcv she should consider getting in better general condition, including weight loss.  I seem to recognize your moniker, have you hcv and treated yourself?

[GrandOak]

Please keep in mind that no-one here is a doctor, only patients dealing with various liver related issues.

Sounds like a similar predicament AIH patients find themselves in so perhaps someone familiar with that might provide some suggestions.  One suggestion though is to not scream, (which is what all caps in a post suggests) if you want to increase your chances of getting a response.

You may need to have your friend get on-line so they can post more pertinent information on their illness so others can provide opinions and suggestions. Things like Genotype, Viral Load, Stage of liver from biopsy, etc. are the kinds of information others may be looking for.

Also, what type of doctor is your friend seeing?  Chances are they may need to find a doctor who specializes more in these liver diseases, especially since they appear to have opposing methods of treatment.

[mbaez1953]

Thanks for your reply, Great link lots of Info.

[mbaez1953]

I believe I just stated her biopsy grade, Just thought Someone with some  
Knowledge  on the subject would respond !!!!!!!!!!!!.

[mbaez1953]

SO WHAT DOES SHE DO CAN SHE TREAT BOTH OR ONE AT A TIME AND IN WHAT ORDER,THIS DOES NOT SOUND GOOD.THANKS

[FlGuy]

I do this at work all the time...
And now the link:
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/sarc/sar_whatis.html

[FlGuy]

Here's an interesting and easy read.  Seems like the treatment for each is opposite. For sarcidosis, immune supress.  For hep, supercharge the immune system.