Prognosis

[Susan from NY]

I am a 57 year old female. I have had hep c for about 30-35 years I think. Am btw stage 2 & 3, garde 2, ast=65, alt=92. I had 2 biopsies only 2 years apart though, 1-3 years ago, the other-2 years ago, showed zero progression. I am genotype 4a and did not respond to Pegasys and Rebetol. How long you think I have b4 I could get into real trouble? When realistically anythingto help me? BILN 2061 has not done any tests with my genotype-feel pretty down and scraed. Objective opinion re porgnisis please. Have not had a drink in 20 years. Used to drink a lot before that.

[Susan from NY]

Thanks Guys for all your comments. anyone hear of anything new and promsing up and coming or is research somewhat at a standstill now?

Susan from NY

email any time:***@****

[MemphisBlues]

My doctor thinks I've had it over 30years.  No signs other than fatigue.  Blood tests revealed.  I am 1A-stage 3 with chirrosis- stage 4.  Been on tx now for 12 weeks.  Never drank.  Never did drugs.  Believe I received from a blood transfusion in early 70's after car accident.  I'm 49, female.  Look forward to celebrating 50, virus undetectable!

[oldhippiechick67]

Ditto, believe I have had it over 30 yrs, no cirrhosis, did drink a good portion of those yrs, heavily at times too.  Took a lotta pills, smoked a little weed, got crazy.  Thankful to be in the shape I am in (gr 2 st 1).

[pjxak]

Me too.  Had hep c for over 30 years.  1b, stage 1, moderate drinking - nowhere near cirrhosis. On the other hand, my friend who had hep c for over 30 years as well is not with us anymore.  He progressed to cirrhosis in about 15 years and died of liver cancer two years ago.  Go figure.  There but for the grace of God go I. pj

[lucky1]

I have to agree with Galen I have had HCV 30 years also. Very little liver damage. Geno 1A.


Lucky1

[Galen]

I am sorry, but this is a patient-to-patient forum and there are no doctors to answer your questions.

lackalustre, I beg to differ with your PCP.  I had HCV for 30 years without progressing to cirrohosis.  I a/was 1A.

[oldhippiechick67]

http://www.janis7hepc.com
http://www.hepatitisdoctor.com
http://www.pegasys.com
http://hcvadvocate.org
www.HIVandHepatitis.com
http://hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/disability.pdf

There are some sites that have honest answers to the usual hep C questions and many more.  The hep doctor site is Dr Cecil, and he has been known to treat folks that havent responded on prior txs.  he is also known to answer his emails. (shock!)
The hcv advocate site has good info and links - under "community" there is heaps of good info.  Much luck to ya, and I know there are several on this site who "relapsed" or didnt respond to the first interferon/riba round.  Keep checking back.

[lackalustre]

i would say its hard to say.  my GI dr. recently told me it doesnt always matter how long u had it in terms of progressing to cirrhosis.  my pcp dr. told me "you cant have it for 30+ years without some cirrhosis."  
    some say you can have flare ups at times and i know i had acute hepatitis flare in 1998. ive had this for 30+ years.
    a biopsy periodically would tell u more but not sure how often you should have them done.
    you're doing the right thing by   not drinking.  take care of your liver.  i believe a "liver friendly" diet, watch stress etc.  is a must for people whose livers have been thru this.