Hepatic Parameters too high for interferon

[fogster51]

Several days ago my doctor told me I couldn't take the interferon sitting in my fridge because my alt/ast spiked from
the 120's to 200/210.  I have cirrohsis and HCV 2a; viral load is 137,000. I don't smoke or drink anymore since diagnosis June 2003.
    I am being sent to Hepatology Dept at UW for transplant evaluation and/or clearance to begin interferon; this takes til Feb 2005.
    Has anybody else been told not ot begin interferon with similar hepatic parameters?  Can I fast track a decision on the interferon only?
    

[jonihs]

I also have cirrhosis and my ALT?AST were in the 2 & 3 hundreds all the time after I had liver failure. Also my viral load was 5 million. I was 2b, and treated successfully. I have no idea why they wouldn't let you treat.

[harley dude]

Hello everyone, sorry for the break in, just wanted to let you'll know- ANOTHER DRAGON SLAYED!!!!! CLEARED 6 months post TX. Sorry about vanishing from the forum, I just needed a break "from everything". I just want to say THANK"S SO VERY MUCH for helping me through this nightmare, without you'll it would have been a whole lot harder to stay focused on the seriousness of this virus. I sure hope everyone is doing just fine (considering). A special thank's to the ones that really made a difference in my TX when I first found out that I had HCV - Indy, Galen, Comdude, Chev xx, AK, OHC, Maj, Kennedge, New Sojourn, LVDBYGOD, Downthisroad, and all the old friends I might have forgotten. Once again THANK YOU'LL SO VERY VERY MUCH.
                                         Your friend always,
                                        Harley Dude

[new-sojourn]

Well, alright!!!  I'm now 2yrs post and still cl and feeling 20yrs younger and looking it.  It just keeps getting better.Keep up the good habits...and ride ride ride

[new-sojourn]

My #'s were similar to jonis'.  I also had a major esophagael bleed that was nearly unstoppable due to low platletts.  This was after I had lost an eye to an unstoppable bleed the yr before.  I also went into liver failure.

Then I was dx w/hep c 2b, entered tx, cl'd in 18days-a 37yr transfused infection-fin 24wks tx   and that was all 2yrs ago.

A friend who transplanted @ Uof WA a few mo's ago has a series in the Seattle Times-Jack Slater.

I went to Virginia Mason, Dr L Rosoff, Jr, who tx'd me w/#'s close to yours.

Personally, I would choose tx over transplant.  To each his own.

[jonihs]

CONGRATULATIONS BUD!!!!! I also recieved that news last week so I know how wonderful you are feeling! Joni

[scruffy]

Good news man!

[DRAGON SLAYER]

Harley Dude

GREAT news friend & Stay well!

Ben

[mikesimon]

Congratulations! Wonderful news. Mike

[Honey15637]

Hi There!  Great News and glad you made it to the other side!

[kennedge]

get on your  bad motor scooter and ride...you don't need no stinkin bus..

[doll face]

I've been wondering lately how you were doing. What a treat to see your name here today and better yet the news you bring.

CONGRATULATIONS !!! Now go enjoy yourself and your family.

[lollymart]

My husband's Alt was 1096 and Ast was 474.  Also with a 16 million viral load.  He started tx despite the odds and was cleared at 12 weeks.  I have yet to see anyone with higher numbers.  We are also in Washington.  His doctor never hesitated once putting him on tx.  

Lori

[cuteus]

it is 'bout time that little intruder got kicked out of your life, enjoy.

[Maggimae]

Hi.  I am having the same problem.  They do not want me to do interferon and riba because of kidneys however.  Not just that but also blood work and stage 4 cirrhosis.My local liver doc was going to put mt on it but wanted me set up on the list in case it didn't work. So, traveled to Miami and they don't want me doing it at all. My ast is higher than alt.  Albumin is low and dropping. Miami docs feel it could be more dangerous than helpful at this point. The Ribaviron is processed through the kidneys and my BUN is high. I have alot of fluid retention and take 80mg of Demedex a day for that. I have no varicies however. Just to get on the list requires about 15 or more different tests. I am not a drinker just one of the lucky ones that this damned disease liked I guess. My biopsy in 98 was stage 0. Now I have end stage liver disease. 5 ys later. That is another reason they don't want me to to the treatment. We dont' know why it went so rampant. But, I do not want a transplant. I would rather give the tx a try. Just a few shots even. See what happens. How is your kidney function? Maybe that is the reason for you? Any other autoimmune problems? I lost my thyroid gland to this disease but they are talking a liver and possible kidney transplant for me. I just had yet another MRI. One doctor says kidneys are not diseased but aren't great and it's ok to do the tx and another says no. Hopefully the MRI will help them make up their minds. Meanwhile....... Hope this helps you.
Maggi

[cuteus]

tough little virus strain that got hold of your liver!  that was fast! the more reason for those that decide to wait on tx, to reconsider.
there are some studies that were posted here, that show damage reversal with interferon maintenance, if they don't want you to do the full course of tx, would they consider maintenance to keep the damage from progressing further?
a woman posted here not too long ago about her husband going from stage 3 to 1 after his treatment, even though he relapsed, his liver got a much needed reprieve!
gl to you

[new-sojourn]

Transplants are so difficult!  Sometimes I think doc's like to do them b/now days, waiting to get on a list, move up on a list by becoming sicker and sicker and then hoping a liver comes available is a little like Russian Roulette.

some of us are end stagers-I had a major bleed and coma and the visuals of my liver @ that time convinced the docs I wouldn't live thru the nite.

B/I learned one thing--if you don't have insurance and you're gonna die, the transplant option is quickly withdrawn.  So tx'ing is one's only option and hope.

Personally, I'm happy w/my choice to tx.  I cl'd in 18 days, fin 24wks tx and I swear a transplant patient couldn't feel any better than I do.  I have no meds to take, no restrictions on activities, no docs aptmts to keep.  no more costs associated w/on going treatments.

I'm seeing a pattern now.  Patients @ transplant hospitals are urged to transplant and fore go tx'ing the virus.  Overwhelmed docs not familiar w/hep c refer to transplant docs.  B/I'm sure there is agrowing body of evidence that tx'ing can prevent transplanting.

You're not as sick as some of us who tx'd successfully.

[shebee]

Yep...hubby's jumped all around, but finally after being on tx forever....ast & alt has dropped ast...normal...alt almost normal.  I would find another dr who will go outside of the box and treat you.

Best wishes...oh hubby is at cirr. level, too...or was.  I think that his liver has "healed", but who wants to do another biop to confirm this.  LOL!


Shebee