HepC and age?

Hello, I have now been diagnosed with HepC. Who new. Anyway my question is twofold: is there an age when treatment is not worth the effort and help with these blood readings. I'm 58 and was diagnosed resulting from my pre-colonoscopy interview. As soon as I mentioned the Army in 1967 and being shipped to Korea with those long shot lines and the "gun" used, my GI sent me for the tests. Came back 8500000 IU/ml and Glucose was 114 H mg/dl; Total bilirubin 1.3 H mg/dl. However, AST/SGOT was 18 IU/L and ACT/SGPT WAS 19 IU/L. Can anyone tell me how bad these are? Also, I can't even stand a little shot - how will I get thru a biopsy?? Scared -e-cat

[Tallblonde]

I've never met anyone with a bigger needle phobia than me, and I got through my liver biopsy just fine.  I used a topical anesthetic called EMLA (your doctor can prescribe it) at the injection site where they administered a sedative (this stuff is amazing; you literally won't feel the needle at all).  Once the sedative kicked in, I was in la-la land and didn't even remember the biopsy.  

I'll let others on this board address your other concerns.  I'm a newbie, like you, and not very qualified to commment.

Best wishes to you.

Susan

[Revenire]

The biopsy isn't that bad: a slight pressure and it's over.

As far as age: the younger the better chance of a successful treatment. I don't know what, or if, there is a cutoff date for treatment. I'm 46 and treatment hasn't been easy on me -- physically and emotionally -- but I did become undetectable earlier that 12 weeks into it, starting out with a viral load of 3.2 million.

Your numbers all look good.

Best,

Scott

[J-Jay]

Three things. Thanks to you both for your support and thoughts. Second, i'm a 2b if that helps. Three - I haven't seen anyone discuss working while on treatment. Is it possible to maintain high critical thought and strenuous job? Thanks

[scruffy]

I'm 55yrs old and going through Tx. I believe at your age that your general health and attitude about treating the HCV are more important than age. Most people have the biopsy before deciding whether or not to proceed with treatment. I chose to go ahead and treat without a biopsy. One big advantage of a biopsy is that if you have minimal damage you may choose to wait for improved treatment in the future.

[oldhippiechick67]

The viral load sounds like a lot, but it really doesnt matter, it just shows you have active virus in your system.  The best way to decide if you are going to take treatment (tx) is the biopsy, the more damage & inflammation the more insistant the doc would be about starting tx...Im guessing here, since I am not a doctor.  Also symptoms, if you are having anything unusual that is affecting your quality of life (QOL).  I had mild to moderate scarring and inflammation.  If it was mild I would probably wait a year.  But I was also having extreme fatigue, mind/cognitive problems (confusion, forgetfulness, memory lapses, inability to find the right words or names).
A lot of ppl (people) are able to work through tx, the PA (physicians asst) that drops in here says her practice finds about 50% of HepC ppl/patients are able to work full time with a few days off for fatigue or other symptoms, 1/4 are able to work at least part time or reduced hrs.  and 1/4 unable to work.  THATS ME, unable....I have had terrible fatigue and brain problems and my blood counts went down to a level where I needed more medicines to bring it back up so I can somewhat function!  You will have to wait to see what the biopsy shows, and like the others have said, it is EASY as pie with the right sedation and they are really quick about it.  Being a needle phobic I would tell them you INSIST on sedation.  And if you do decide to take the tx, you usually inject yourself each week but in rare cases I guess you could go to the docs and have them do it.  Or teach your spouse to give it to you.  They say an ice bag/cube over the site prior to injecting helps to numb it from the poke.  You will have to try the tx to see if it affects you adversely before knowing whether you will be able to continue working or not.  Everyone is different and side effects come and go.  Best to you!!  OHC67

[nurse12hr]

My husb was a 3a--went through treatment two times before becoming a sustained responder!  He has a very hectic job, and worked the whole time, flew all over the world, through both year-long treatments.  He ELECTED to do a year each time--really wanted to beat the virus.  
He did.

[OkieJim]

I'm 51  male type 2B Viral load was 1,080,000 and just did shot #9 last Friday night. I'm using Pegasys/Copegus. I only had to do Neupogen for two weeks 1/2CC shot on Monday and Wedsday to boost my white blood cell count. I'm am working Tues-Fri. I take the Monday off so I can get the extra sleep and a few thing done around the place. I'm not up to my usual abilities with the decision and code writing but I have an understanding boss and I do get things done, it just takes longer. My biopsy came back stage 4 mininal chirossis that is why I chose treatment. It's not easy but doable. Today I feel:
<B><I>YUCKY></I></B> and <B><I>SICK BELLIED</I></B>

[MajNeni]

I don't remember who was asking most recently about this, but check some of the websites in my comment to "What...Next"/ Oct.22.  The "Janis" site is especially broad and comprehensive.
Bookmark sites you find that you like; they can be great references.  Maj Neni

[landfill]

The Red Cross told me I had it when they started screening blood donations around 1990 when I was 48 years old.  My Dr thinks I got it in 1972 from a transfusion.  Between then and 1990 I gave blood 50 times.  I thought I was helping people.

Anyway, in 1991 I want to a gastroenterologist who said there wasn't any cure but it didn't matter much because my liver enzymes were normal.  He thought that by the time I got cirrhosis I'd be too old to care.  Last year I decided to try the inf/riba combo.  Here are some of the factors that I thought about.
1.  The rate of liver damage is supposed to speed up as you age.
2.  You have a good idea at 12 weeks if it's going to work or not so you can quit then.
3.  The older you get the lower the chance of getting rid of it.
4.  The worse your liver is the lower the chance of it working.  Mine has only inflammation, no fibrosis.

I'm 61 now and I finished the drugs 3 months ago. It was undetectable one month after that and my 3 month test is tomorrow.  My side effects were fatigue and a very bad state of mind - anger, depression, obsession with a 22 year old divorce.  I kept on working but if I didn't have a desk job I wouldn't have been able to.

Gen 2 responds better than gen 1 (mine) and you only take the drugs for 6 months instead of 11.  The biopsy sounds worse than it is.  I didn't feel it.  I'd say go for it.  You can always stop if you have to.

[lackalustre]

sounds like youve been thru a lot with your hepc.   was anxiety an issue for u before or during tx?   ive really had issue with that.  will u treat for a whole year?   keep up the good work all of u!

[layla]

I am on tx and I work full time plus. My work is in sales and I travel extensively driving and flying and I often have a lot of physical work carrying around products or setting up trade shows. This is my 36th week as I am a G1. Some days are harder than others that's for sure but I'm glad I am working. Keeping busy doesn't give me time to think about this whole HCV thing too much. It's different for each of us. Others have a harder time. Being positive and exercising helps me the most. I'm 44 and I want to do this before this disease gets a chance to attack my liver and or make me sick. I belive being healthier helps your chances of getting rid of this and it progresses faster with age. I also don't like being contagious. I thought the biopsy was a piece of cake when done right. To get through a biopsy just ask for meds. That shouldn't be a problem. It's a tough decision and very personal. Welcome to the board. LL

[J-Jay]

Thanks to all. Guess i'll have to have the biopsy and go from there. Again, thanks.

[Steve']

Hi there I'm a 3a also christie & on week 13 peg+riba. I was wondering which Tx did your husband do 1st that failed ?? & then which one was a success ??
Was there any talk from his Dr about why they think the Tx failed ??? Please It's very important for me to find this out if you don't mind christie ... I heard someone say here on forum they've only ever heard of 1 person that was a 3a that failed Tx ... Thanks in advance & Goods Luck...</font>
<br><hr><P><marquee direction="left"><Font face="Brush Script MT"size=+3<b>Steve</b></font></marquee><br>

[DonL]

My experience with both liver biopsies was OK. The first, in 1994, the dr said "You'll hear a snap and feel like you can't breathe." I heard the snap and was about to say "I can still breathe" when it felt like I couldn't. It lasted about 15 seconds and there was no other pain. Little soreness. Dr there the whole time so I did not panic.

Second biopsy, 2002, I was prepared. The Dr (a different one) said, "Let's just practice. When I count 3 hold your breath." Of course, he did the biospy during the "practice" 3. No problems breathing this time and except for a moderate annoyance at being duped, no side effects.

I'd say go for it. Ask for whatever drugs you need. They say it's the only way to know for sure.

[LvdByGod]

YOU HAVE A GOOD CHANCE AT CLEARING WITH GENO 2. ONLY 6MTH. TX AND AFTER 12 WEEKS YOU CAN SEE IF IT IS WORKING  AND STOP IF NOT. MY SIDE EFFECTS ARE VERY TOLERABLE, SO FAR. I AM ON PEGYSYS. I'M 42. I ONLY HAVE TO DO 6 MONTHS TOO.(GENO 3A) BUT, I THINK I WILL ASK FOR LONGER. I ACTUALLY FEEL WORSE WHEN LYING DOWN (ALL MY BODY ACHES), BUT, AM MUCH BETTER WHEN ACTIVE. THERE ARE DEFINATLY SOME "SICK DAYS". BUT, IF I WERE YOU I WOULD TRY IT. DON'T JUDGE IT ON THE FIRST FEW WEEKS THEY ARE NASTY.(TAKE A VACATION FOR THOSE) BUT, NOW I SEEM TO BE STABLEIZING (SP). IF YOU GET THE SEDITIVE (VERSED AND DARVASET) YOU WILL DO GREAT WITH THE BIOPSY. WONT REMEMBER A THING.WHEN I WOKE UP I JUST WANTED MORE OF THE DRUGS ;O). I  WAS SO PHOBIC ABOUT THE NEEDLE THING THAT I INSISTED ON THE IV MEDS. I ALSO HAVE ADJUSTED TO THE WEEKLY NEEDLE THING. I GO IN MY STOMACH WHERE I HAVE MUCH FAT. I DO IT VERY SLOWLY AND DONT EVEN FEEL IT SLIP IN, IT'S SO TINY. YOU WILL BE A FINE CANDIDATE, GOD BLESS,SANDI

[susan400]

I've treated many times.  Presently, I'm on high dose treatment because I've been a chronic non-responder.  I'm unable to work x 2 years.  I've had 2 biopsies.  The first one was very hard because I had a jerky doctor who gave me nothing for the pain other than the local, which didn't do much.  5 years later, I had a nice doctor who gave me enough drugs beforehand that I didn't even feel the biopsy.  Ask for pre-biopsy drugs!  Susan400

[oldhippiechick67]

I dont have anxiety that I am aware of, I had it before tx worrying about work and money and the whole HepC thing. After I saturated myself with reading about it, I am pretty kicked back, it helps me to help others here. I use Zoloft, I started that back a year ago, and a sleeping pill, and ibuprophen or tylenol for aches, etc.  I am planning on going the 11 months on tx, the doc hasnt said anything about going longer.  I see him in Dec.  I feel crappy today, had the Neupogen and Procrit this AM.  Last week I felt really good for 4 days, hope same happens this week.

[Steve']

Thanks so much for encouraging me, I need a bit of a lift sometimes, this Tx gets to you at times .... I do shot # 14 tonight pegasys & I'm on Ribavirin 800mgs .... I am in Australia & for some reason they don't give me a pcr test until week 23 ... I think its because I'm geno 3 (not sure why) but I'd like to know now hahaa... oh well if I have to wait, I will wait ... <b>Thanks Again</b> Lets kick this dragons butt ...</font>
<br><hr><P><marquee behavior="alternate"><Font face="Comic Sans MS"size=+3<b>Steve</b></font></marquee><br>

[hopiangel]

I'm 60 yrs. old and I did it.  The biopsy is not as big thing as I thought it was going to be.  You'll be able to do it.  I did 6 months of Peg-Intron from Oct. 2002 to April 2003.  This week I go for my 6 month labs to see if I'm still "undetectable".  My husband went through it 3 years ago and is still "undetectable." Take one step at a time in this process and try to stay as calm as possible.  You'd be surprised at what you will be able to cope with.  Remember, ask your doctor for anything you need to make the biopsy more comfortable.  My husband did it with nothing, but I opted for 2 injections of Valium. (I'm the weaker of us)  I'll be thinking about you and wishing you well. Take care...***Hopiangel***

[mumovsix]

sorry that was genotype 3a in reference to the post above

[mumovsix]

i am due to see my liver specialist tommorrow for the first time what i would like to know is can i make the decision to start treatment or is it up to the specialist when i start and can he refuse i am 26yr old female genotype a if he refuses or suggests waiting can i still ask to start treatment immediatly

[Revenire]

If he refuses see another doctor or INSIST you want treatment. My doctor wanted me to get another biopsy in a year and then see ... right, at Stage 3? Sure thing doc. He was a GP and not a specialist.

The specialist took a look at my biopsy and said you're doing 48 weeks BUT he said Peg-Intron ... I had been researching and told them I wanted Pegasys and to my suprise they said OK.

One thing I've learned is we have to manage our own tx to some degree.

Good luck,

Scott

[jonihs]

My G.I. says that for 2's they (pegasyus) don't even recommend a 12 wweek test. She says she will do one for both our peace of mind. Will ins. pay if it's not recomennded, even if Dr. requests it?               Joni