Hep c

[lynnyphopho]

I was recently diagnosed with Hep C ,I just found out I'm genotype 1a or 1b and I have stage 1 portal fibrosis at A3 severe activity level What does this mean? When should I expect to start treatment?

[SurfsideGal]

That makes sense. Glad to hear you have such little liver damage. You will do great.

[lynnyphopho]

Thanks . they say it's stage 1 portal fibrosis and activity level is A3

[SurfsideGal]

Mild peri portal fibrosis happens in Stage 1 liver disease.

[keepingOnkeepingOn]

Amazingly my daily glass of coconut milk (Trader Joe's brand preferably) helps get rid of that "basketball" in the stomach area. The inflammation goes way down and it's nearly normal with no swelling. I guess it works on reducing inflammation in my spleen too. Why the liver responds so well to coconut milk is a mystery to me, but I still use it. I'd be drinking carrot juice too if I didn't mind the clean-up from juicing it myself. It sounds to me that you need to be treated asap. The portal vein damage doesn't match the stage 1. Usually that kind of portal vein damage is when it's stage 3 but everyone is different. I'd get a second opinion and get all your labs done. Viral load and fibroscan to recheck the stage of liver damage. I hope I didn't miss anything. I don't have all the facts about your particular stage of damage.

[patra_]

Then just keep on keeping on.  You can do this, one step at a time!

And good luck!

Blessings,

Pat

[lynnyphopho]

Thanks for all the information it really helps

[lynnyphopho]

My Dr. didn't say anything about fatty liver. I drink about 72 oz. of water a day eat healthy and run yet it feels like a ball in my right side it's just a constant discomfort. He says it's due to my liver

[SurfsideGal]

Everyone with hepatitis C has varying amounts of inflammation. So, your liver is inflammed because you are fighting a virus that is attacking the liver. There is no reason to be particularly frightened. There are really good drugs available for genotype 1 patients and with some persistence you should be able to access them if your doctor believes you should treat now or if you just don't want to wait.

[patra_]

Hi and welcome to the Forum!  That could be why your liver is so inflamed, but it could be that there are other things also contributing.

Did your Dr mention fatty liver at all?  Ou diets contribute, a lot, to that.

To begin helping your liver  - even before you begin treatment - I suggest you start eating a 'liver friendly' diet, drinking an ounce of water per pound of weight, up to 1/2'your body weight, stop drinking alcohol, if you do drink, stop illegal drugs (and even stop abusing legal ones, if you do.  Some people misuse their meds - or even other people's.).  Not saying you do..just want to say IF you do.... many people don't even think about meds when thinking about helping their livers.  Also exercise - don't overdo - just do what you can, reasonably.

Those things will help your liver by its not having to process the hard to proscess those unnecessary products - just about everything goes through the liver!  Also, CUT OUT sugar and sodium.  There is enough of those products found in foods, naturally, without all the stuff we add!

Those steps should help your liver get rid of the fatty part, if you have it (I do/did) and with less strain from those things, be better able to do its job - thus, giving the meds a better shot at doing theirs, when you begin treatment.

As for being scared, relax, just start helping your liver and don't worry.  If you are Stage 1, you have time to corrct these things - and to get treatment!  Just go ahead and be proactive now.

You have come to a wonderful site to get help- questions answered, caring, support, etc.  Again, welcome, anf go get that Dragon!  Life is better Hep C Free : -)

Blessings,  Pat

[lynnyphopho]

Thanks that helps some. Is that why my liver is so inflamed? I've been pretty scared every since I was diagnosed

[SurfsideGal]

My guess is that you are a grade 3 which means the virus is quite active. I wouldn't worry too much about that at all. If your insurance will pay you can start treatment immediately. If they give you trouble, you need to appeal the decision and if they still won't pay, you need to contact mysupportpath.com and apply for patient assistance. With Stage 1 diusease you likely have years before you need to worry too much.