Platelets

[Dan1116]

I just returned from a hepatologist and was told that my platelets are 148,  x10e3/ul,  reference interval 140-415 and that i am in stage 2 or 3. Genotype 2b, viral load 505,010, ast 68, alt 94. I feel fine and keep myself in good shape with a good diet and exercise regularly. Wouldn't i have fibrosis if i'm in stage 2 or 3 ? Have monitored this closely and no one has ever told me that. The doctor recommends interferon/ribivarin treatment. I have heard so many bad things about this treatment, want to avoid it if possible. I am not sure what to do. Can anyone help ?

[willbb]

With moderate fibrosis at either St 2 or 3 I would seriously consider having a discussion  relatively soon with the doctor about commencing treatment ,especially given the good success rates for Geno type 2

Best of luck and welcome to the group..
Will

[Bill1954]

If your liver doc said you’re stage 2 or 3, he was likely referring to fibrosis of the liver.

Genotype 2 is probably the best news you could have received regarding an HCV diagnosis; it responds  readily to available therapy and only requires six months of therapy, vs. longer duration for other genotypes.

If you’re stage 3 a yellow flag is waving and you should probably consider treatment soon to prevent advancing into cirrhosis.

-Bill

[Sentinel13]

Hi Dan: Stage 2 or 3 typically refers to the level of fibrosis in the liver. Have you had a liver biopsy? Proceeding with treatment is a very personal decision. I'm sure many people will weigh in with their thoughts. I'm not very familiar with Genotype 2b, but I would treat if it were me. Best, GB