Hepititis C

Recently diagonised w/Hep C-have had over 30 yrs.  2 Drs told me that if I had this long w/no liver damage will probably be fine for another 30 years  They did Ultrasound,Liver Scan,Blood work - Am Type I with viral count 22 million.  They said viral count doesn't mean anything but I don't believe that - what does viral count mean and what is normal count prior to future damage to liver w/o treatment.  How can they tell liver damage w/o bioposy to see if scarring, cycrossis, etc. exists.  Have bipolar disorder so was told treatment would be dangerous (depression or suicide???)  Psychiatrist said would be ok with weekly visits and med adjustments as necessary so don't know who to believe.  What are odds of progress of disease w/o treatment?  Any help appreciated - am very confused and any opinions are very much appreciated.  Sharon  

[stacyb321]

The only way they can really tell how much damage your liver has is from a biopsy.  My vl count is 12 million and thats considered high too.  But it doesn't mean you have alot of liver damage.  My Dr told me some people with high vl load are sometimes harder to clear the virus with treatment.  But there are some on here that have cleared with high vl. Others here that are more experienced will weigh in.  Good luck to you and definately get a biopsy.

[debnevada]

where are you located? We have a couple of folks who are bipolar and on treatment.

is your doc just scared to treat because of it?

[JodyLynn]

One year ago i found out i had hep c, they think ive had it over 30 years, the doctor wouldnt treat me because of my bipolar. Found a new doctor few weeks ago and started treatments last week. They will watch me close and im on 60 mg of Prozac a day for OCD and on 100 mg of Lamictal for my bipolar and have been for years, so far im ok but as i said i just started treatments. Do what your heart tells you to do. Took me a year to make up my mind. I feel like ive made the right choice to fight this thing  and thats what i will do.

[meki]

Sharon -  Lots of people w/ bipolar or other disorders have treated successfully.

It requires maintenance and good observation.

My suggestion is to journal every day on your moods, your diet and your side effects.

Not everyone has an awful reaction - not everyone has massive side effects.

I believe that a high viral load means that there is a high amount of virus within your body... Simple as that.

And like stacy said, it could be that a higher viral load is harder to treat --- I really don't know. I would think logically that could be true - but I haven't seen any discussions on that.

I am pro TX (treatment) --- I feel the only way to get better is to kill the virus - although some people are content to co-exist with it...  I could not.

Yes --- TX does bring on depression... But IF you watch yourself --- watch your thoughts... journal EVERY SINGLE DAY --- even if it is only to write "BAD" - "GOOD" "SAD" or whatever mood you're in --- it is VERY helpful as a guidance... Because you know that you're paying attention.

Good luck!

And stick with this board - you will meet folks here who have extraordinary stories and lives!

Meki

[sfwandwow]

i l like what u said here