Hep C and Fibroscan

[Livelife777]

Hello friends.   Since being diagnosed with Hep C and Cirrhosis I have been on a mission to reverse the damage done by the virus.  I was treated with Sovaldi/Ribavirin 12 weeks for genotype 2 and fortunately was cured.  It has
now been over a year since being declared SVR 24 and am doing my best to reverse the Cirrhosis thru healthy
living.   Recently had a Fibroscan (MRE) at Mayo Clinic and my # came back at 11.0 K. I'm wondering if anyone has info related to what that score indicates.  Some grafts say F4 (Cirrhosis) while others F3 (Fibrosis).  Any thoughts or responses would be welcomed.   Tnx
.....Kim

[patra_]

I had to use a walker for most of my treatment of Sovaldi/Ribavirin.  First I was so fatigued all the time from the Hep C, and then, on top of that, the RIBA causes (can cause) anemia, which I experienced on top of the fatigue I already had.  So I truly believe that will get better once he completes the meds in a couple of weeks.

As to the ataxia, I used to have to use my hands as 'wing flaps', if you understand my meaning, like the flaps on an airplane --- hands out from my sides a little, and tune a hand up or down on one side, ususally the left to attempt to wald anything near a straight line.  That, too, cleared up after I completed the same medication your father is on and also for 24 weeks.

I don't know that that is exactly what you Dad is experiencing, but, if so, then it might be nice to know that it should clear up anger end of treatment.

Tell him to hang in there, the meds are almost done!  I pray that you all will be seeing positive results, soon.

Blessings to both of you and your families,

Pat

[szohaib1]

Hi. My dad finished week 22 today. Upon checking viral load at week 18, it was reduced by 70% as it went down from 965 IU/ML before treatment to less than 300 IU/ML by week 18. Although, viral load should have been zero by that time but doc said that my dad is slow responder. My issue is that he cannot walk at all. Few months back, his gait resembled Parkinsons disease. However, neurologist said he has ataxia. Liver specialist said that gait ataxia is sue to liver impairmemt. Whatever it is, my dad is unable to walk and I hope that these symptoms are side effects of riba+sovaldi and I pray that he starts walking again after treatment is over.

[SurfsideGal]

It is my understanding that patients with a fibroscan score more than 7k have an 85% chance of having significant fibrosis. A score of 14k signifies a greater than 90% chance of the patient being cirrhotic.
http://hepatitiscnewdrugresearch.com/fibroscan-results-the-scoring-card.html

[robbie35547]

It sounds like he has mild encephalitis which can happen if your blood becomes too contaminated with things like bilirubin and other waste your liver normally deals with.  I had interferon ribavirin combination therapy when I had cirrhosis and they had to take me off it because my bilirubin went sky high.  They have guidelines they have to follow, what's his blood tests look like,  has he become more jaundiced?
I'm afraid that it's true cirrhosis is irreversible, a cure will only stop it deteriorating further.

[patra_]

Kim:  Thanks for the clarification and, yes, Lactoluce is what I had in mind.  something for Szohaib to talk to her Dad's Dr about.

Doing well, myself, thanks!  Hope you are too?

Pat

[Livelife777]

Pat.   I think you are referring to Lactoluce perhaps?  That is a laxative they use for HE which helps eliminate toxins from the body.  Ataxia is more related to a neurological disorder I believe although when having HE you could show the same symptoms (clumsiness, unsteady on your feet).
Ataxia is more of a brain disorder which can have multiple causes.  Stroke, tumor, drug interaction ect.  A person can appear intoxicated even when they aren't.  
Hope your doing well
....Kim

[patra_]

Kim: isn't the ataxia one of those things from HE that can be treated by, I forgot the name of it! : -/. I know that statement doesn't make a lot of sense but I'm hoping you will remember what I am trying to say a condition that sometimes effects HepC people on treatment that does have a treatment which reminds me of like a laxative, or diauratic.

Blessings,

Pat

[Livelife777]

Hi and welcome szohaib.   Unfortunately once you become Cirrhotic your chance for reversal is not as easy as it would appear.  Even tho the cause of your dads cirrhosis will be eliminated by curing his Hep C, the liver is already scarred.  You can't totally undo a scarred liver, but by following a heart healthy diet and avoiding alcohol you perhaps can keep it from getting worse.
If his liver is not to damaged you may see some rejuvenation but not from stage 4-stage 1.
Typically it/if reversal is possible it may take 2 years or more to see change.
Keep in mind that since your dad has cirrhosis he must be monitored every 6 months to check for liver cancer.  Cancer of the liver is increased in those of us that have Cirrhosis so an MRI is necessary to watch for architecture changes or lesions.
It's wonderful that your father is getting treatment and the progression of his disease will hopefully be halted.  He can still live a healthy and full life but needs to stay on top of all follow-up scans.
Best to you
.......Kim

[szohaib1]

Hi. My dad has F4 HepC genotype3a and has been on 24 week sovaldi+riba teeatment. He has finished 17 weeks so far. However, he is showing symptoms of ataxia (slurred speech+gait imbalance). I started giving him Milk Thistle as well now. Question is: can we expect reversal of cirrhosis and inprovement of Fibroscan from F4 to F0? If yes, in how much time?

[Carlhcv]

I believe that I've cleared hep C after 30+ years. I won't know for sure for another month. I'd be interested in a post SVR section even though I have no measurable liver damage. I have gained weight and really enjoy an occasional beer as I seem to metabolize the alcohol better now. For those with cirrhosis, I wish you well. My understanding is that the liver can heal itself to some degree but it is a slow process.  

[patra_]

Kim, then my best suggestions are what I just posted to Stronglady:

Did you touch the  '+'  button first and then post a question when the green button came up?

That is what I had to do.  After that I could post new, or respond.

If that doesn't work, I suggest you go to the bottom of this Community and select the 'Contact Us' thingy (as you can see, I am highly technical here.  lol), and post your question to the Moderators.  They are extremely helpful and will guide you through whatever the problem is.

Pat

[Livelife777]

I'm going to give it another try Pat.  When I try to reply it won't accept my response.  Maybe there's a place where I have to join.
Hmmm

[patra_]

Kim:  Do you mean to a specific comment by an individual or not allowing you to post, period?  Pat

[Livelife777]

Found the group but can't reply.  When I try to reply it won't allow access.

[patra_]

Welcome to my world!  It took Amber severals tries over a couple of days to help me get to the site.

First, go to the top of the threads and look for the word 'Communities' , usually shows up above the Tree of Helping Hands.

Next click that tab.

Then, just go to the very bottom of the drop down box, and there should be a Box, separate fromthe ones containing the Communities list, but touching them. mI believe it says 'Groups'.  

In that box, there are two ways to get to the Beyond SVR Group, either by clicking on the statement on the bottom right of that box that says 'See All', then going to Page 6, the last lIsting, or

By selecting the 'Search' tiny box at the sort of top left.  If you do that and type in Beyond SVR a listing will come up saying ....Improving Liver Health.

Click on that and there you are.

Someone may be able to give you the link, but I don't know how to do that and these two ways, gets you there.

Good luck!  See you there,

[Livelife777]

I'm sorry guys still can't find you.  Am not computer savvy.  Where do you find groups?

[patra_]

Go to page 6 in the groups (first select see all groups, then page through to page 6).  It is listed near the bottom of that page.  

[Livelife777]

Hi Sarah.  As with any new forum it does take some time to go thru the "Construction" phase.  I'm sure Hepcandme is getting the groundwork in
place.
......Kim

[Sarah1949]

I don't see the new forum listed on the side with all the other groups.

[Sarah1949]

KOKO, since leaving my last comment, I got back my most recent labs and am so very pleased and happy. All my numbers are those of a healthy person and even my platelets have gone up. They were 65 for at least the last year but are now 90. My neuropathy pain has lessened and I've quit taking the oxycodone. I continue to take 90 mg of codeine a day but am weaning myself off of them.

From barely being able to walk 4 blocks, I'm now walking a mile daily. I believe the acupuncture has helped a lot. I think you're on the right path with Chinese medicine.

[patra_]

You are welcome.  Sounds like you have been down the road on this treatment thing!  I'm glad you are on the 24 week course.  We are hearing great things about Harvoni.  

Good luck, good treating and on to SVR!  You are closer than you have ever been before, and on the down hill side of treatment.

Blessings!

Pat

[Pitomba]

  I had been treated twice with interferon a lower dosage then a higher dosage then later with interferon and ribavarion was considered a nonresponder with all three treatments. Now am being treated with harvoni alone which has been so much easier than previous treatments and with a far greater response. It's good to speak out at times , I did hear you and what you explained was important. Thank you

[patra_]

Well, then, you are pretty close to that!  Hang around, can't hurt.  You are on 24 weeks, w/Riba.  Because of multiple prior tx, or genotype.

Since you have been told you have cirrhosis, you will probably find lots to interest you!

Again, welcome to the Forum!  if you read through all the threads, you will find much of interest.  And don't let loud mouths like me frighten you off.

Pat

[Pitomba]

   Yes I agree, I am curently taking harvoni for 24 weeks and have 5 weeks untill finished. At 12 weeks the virus was undetected and was told technically I am cured. I have too been told I have cirrhosis of the liver and was looking for help after treatment to help in recovery of liver to live a more normal life. Sorry if I was misunderstood. Thank you for your reply the information was helpful.