Hep C

[gatordonald]

How serious is Hep C to me after being informed that some count has risen from 50s to 250s. Found out 2 years ago positive Hep C. I have not started treatment because I am being treated for depression. I have an appointment 1-14-11 to begin treatment despite the troubles with the depression. Thanks!

[Bill1954]

Sorry, Tx usually refers to treatment, by the way; it’s listed in that acronym page linked above. Currently, the treatment consists of the injectable drug interferon, taken weekly, and the oral drug ribavirin, taken two times daily.

Other acronyms that are frequently used are:

Sx = side effects

PI = protease inhibitor, a new class of HCV drugs

BMA = Bite My Arse; often used when the drugs don’t work as planned :o).

Again, welcome to the group, and good luck with the VA and your upcoming appointment. Most of us request copies of labs and procedures, and start a little medical file to keep track of everything. This file helps you communicate more effectively in here, as well as with other specialists, should the need arise.

Take care,

--Bill

[gatordonald]

Thanks for the words of wisdom. I will get more info from the VA hospital in Orlando next month. In the meantime, my intent is to become more educated. Thanks again.
Donald

[Bill1954]

Hi Donald, welcome to the discussion group. Here’s a link to the acronyms and abbreviations we use like alphabet soup around here:

http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Hepatitis/Common-Hepatitis-C-Acronyms/show/3?cid=64

This page is also available in the right hand side of this page, down near the bottom in a box called ‘Most Viewed Health Pages’. If you have questions about any of this, please feel free to ask; most of the folks in here that have dealt with it for any time are familiar and will be happy to help if they can.

HCV *can* be serious for some of us, but it’s important to understand that only around 5% will succumb to it directly; the rest are likely to live a full life and die of other, unrelated causes. The problem that arises is that we can’t predict in advance who might be seriously affected by it at some point down the road.

A lot of us have dealt with depression and HCV too; they often go hand in hand, particularly for those that develop long term, significant issues like cirrhosis. The drug we use to manage the disease, interferon can exacerbate existing depression and anxiety in some individuals; but certainly not all. Have you been hospitalized for your depression? Often, getting balanced out with an antidepressant in advance of any treatment is all it takes.

Have you had a liver biopsy yet? Has one been discussed? Do you know what genotype, or strain of HCV you have? These are questions that are likely more important than liver enzymes at this point.

It’s not always critical to undergo treatment, either. Some patients with little liver damage (fibrosis) opt for a ‘watch and wait’ program, in the hopes of better, more patient friendly drugs in development.

Good luck to you, let us know how the appointment goes, and take care—

--Bill

[gatordonald]

I think your right with the liver enzymes, yesterday was kinda a blur. After my appointment and the shock I found myself assuring loved ones that everything is gonna be just fine. Needless to say as I attempt to gather information I think this is quiet serious which under the fake act in pretending deep down its pretty scary.

I sincerly appreciate you taking the time to write. What does the tx mean? I'm not the most well versed when it comes to pc lingo. I depend on my three adult kids to translate stuff.

Thanks again Pam,
Donald

[paen53]

It's hard to tell from the limited information but I'd wager a guess that these results might be from your liver enzymes, perhaps ALT or AST? If so, it could indicate some inflammation going on but this is a better question to ask your Dr. in a couple weeks. A handy reference site is www.labtestsonline.com for any results you have and for the ones you will be getting in the future.

When I was in your shoes a few years back, I had to make notes of questions for my Dr, or I forgot them and ended up staring at her like a deer caught in the headlights. Another set of ears never hurts either.

Good luck with your upcoming appt. and tx.  Pam