biopsy question

[Javi1962]

how often should someone do a biopsy, I did one in Feb2010, i am geno1a bx found me to be F2 L2 I want to wait until BOCE comes out hopefully in 2012, what type of test should I do while waiting, how often can one do a BX? my LFT were normal in February, but I don't want to stay waiting without making sure my liver is not progressing, any suggestions what I should be doing while waiting?

[brianmo]

I had a bx last month and one 5 years before that. Everything the same except for increased inflammation.  Blood work done every 3-6 months. That is what my doctor ordered and I am ok with that. No changes but I was told when I was dx 9 years ago that a new tx was right around the corner. I am tired of waiting and wish I would have done tx when dx.

[banarep]

i just finished a trial with telaprevir and word is that it should be out within 6 - 8 months.  if the biopsy shows no significant damage, try and wait.  

[working dog]

i've been waiting for the new tx for a few years...the milk thistle thing did nothing for me..i did that for a year..i will say i'm feeling  much better now then a few years ago..my vl was 5.5 mil. now 18000..i do eat well...stopped almost all red meat..eat lots of brocoli and veggies..also have rice milk with vitamin d every day..i do exercise..and don't drink any alcohol..keep my body fat under control....three years ago i was s1 to 2 and g 2 type 1a...i'm probably getting another biopsy this sprring to see whats up....not sure if i'm going to wait much longer for tx..i'll see what the doctor says...the stigma of hcv has been a drag for me....i'm kind of hoping i only have to do 24 weeks of tx because i will be starting with a very low vl..of course thats if i clear in the first 4 weeks of tx.. good luck......billy

[Marcia2202]

Hey guys, are you checking your vitamin D levels. It is very important and vital for good health and strengthens your immune system. We've had several discussions on this on the board and mikesimon posted a study on it.

Just google it on top of this page. Interesting stuff!

[pacman1372]

Hi Javi ,  i can fully understand how u feel in reference to checking the colour of ure eye balls ... ure not alone ... i have done it several times too -:) ..
milk thistle is suppose to do protect / nourish the liver .. there are a lot of people who swear by it and a lot who thinkthat its rubbish ...  i do and have been consuming it for a long time now and feel that it is benificial in keeping the liver healthy .
yes gnc does keep milk thistle and thats the brand that i use .  
i wish u well
take care
pacman 1372 .  

[Javi1962]

I know I just get so paranoid with this disease, I find myself looking at my eyes in bathroom mirror to see if there turning yellow:) do any of you recommend milk thistle? i hear alot about this supplement on this forum, where do you get milk thistle GNC?

[Bill1954]

Hey Javi—

I think you’ll find most doctors recommend biopsy every three to five years to cover the watch ‘n wait; it’s unusual to experience significant progression much more quickly than that.

Bill

[copyman]

i believe the recommended time to get biopsies is every 5 years. In between a good hepatologist can do blood tests and physical exams to get a good idea on fibrosis progression (if any). HCV is typically a slow moving disease.

Eat a low fat, low sugar & low salt diet along with some supplements and exercise. If you do this you should have no problem waiting for the new drugs. Especially Telaprevir which will be out sooner then 2012.

Best of luck