Side Effects of Hep C Treatment

I've been diagnosed with Hep C, Genotype 2b. Doctor indicates I have moderate liver fibrosis from Blood work results; treatment has not started yet but he indicates that due to genotype, treatment will not be as long.  After reading much about this, I am very frightened. Does anyone know if fibrosis is reversible with treatment? what are the common side effects. I realize everyone is different and will react that way. I'm searching for as much knowledge as possible.  Having a positive attitude is important, but I do know that when one feels badly, that is much easier said than accomplished.  Does age play a big role in how one reacts to treatment. I just found this out and am in my 50's.

[mikesimon]

I would be somewhat skeptical of a diagnosis of "moderate fibrosis" on the basis of blood work alone. My understanding is that staging  fibrosis with any degree of accuracy requires more than blood work - biopsy is probably the most accurate way to see what shape the liver is in and a lot of doctors are encouraging their patients to undergo biopsy for that reason - knowledge is important.
Genotype 2 generally requires a shorter duration of treatment than Types 1 or 4 but other factors can come into play. The usual duration in Type 2 & 3 is 24 weeks of treatment (TX).
There is evidence that fibrosis can be reversed with treatment. Several members here have seen their liver architecture improve with interferon/ribavirin treatment. The degree of improvement varies but often it is a stage or 2 at the most - say from a stage 3 to a stage 2.
Generally the younger the better in terms of treatment but don't get discouraged because you aren't 21 - I treated in my fifties and it worked for me and I was Type 1 which isn't a favorable Genotype.
Mike

[painterlady13]

Hi sorry to hear about your diagnosis. 2b is not bad and one of the easier types to clear.  Just remember that you are not alone here you have found the best forum for info about Hep C.  You will get info and support from most all the posters.  That said I know that some have treated and reversed some of the damage to their liver. I am sure others will chime in that have had reversal of liver damage.  I am still treating but have the harder geno type to clear and will do 48 weeks of treatment.  I am on shot 27 tonight.
Treatment has many side effects but some are easier than others and not all people get them.  Most will get a mild form of anemia with the ribavirin but just have your doc do CBC every 2 weeks or so for the first 2 months to moniter how your HGB is ddoing.  If it drops below 10 he may want to have ou do Procrit or epogen shots to bring it back up.  there also is a rash, low wbc, minor hair loss, skin itching, flu like symptoms, nausea.  But like I said not all get these and some are less than others.  Good luck with treating.  Keep on posting and you will find a wonderful group here full of info on how treatment affected them.

[traveler65]

Hi, sorry to hear that you have HCV. I also am a 2B and will begin treatment next week. As a type 2 and ready to treat my doctor saw no reason for a biopsy. I did have an ultrasound and based on that my doctor ruled out cirrhosis and liver cancer. He told me that there was no way of nowing about fibrosis, but that had no impact on treatment and could possibly improve even if treatment did not work. I am also concerned about SX of meds as I am in my 60s. I'm going to give it a try and take it one shot at a time. the good news for 2s is it is only 24 weeks.
You will find lots of help from great folks on this forum.
Good Luck in your journey.

[sallyo]

I think you will find a large number of folks on this forum that are 40-60 in age.  Many do not discover their illness until this age as the disease does not create a lot of symptoms somtimes for 20-30 years.  This is the way I understand it.  Even when it is diagnosed it is sometimes accidental as was my case in a routine blood work up for a long overdo physical.
  I am sorry for your illness but at least you know the enemies name and can deal with it.  As far as the sides, well yes they can be rough.  I think if you keep reading and asking you will find some good advice on dealing the the bad stuff and see that it is DOABLE  Unless you have other underlying serious health problems, you have a chance to fight this thing.  Even with some health problems it can be done with the help of a doctor that is experienced with HCV and one that you are comfortable with.  Trusting and communicating with the doctor of your choice is a good first step.

[Lilla]

Another issue I forgot to inquire in my first post.  I underwent my first shots in a series for vacs against HEP A&B. Second shot will be end of Feb. and then balance in 6 months.  Has anyone gone thru these along with treatment. I'll ask my doctor, but I am curious.  Had the HEP A&B tests and they were negative, and HIV was negative.  Thanks to all who give input. It is very much appreciated.

[ladybug52]

Good luck with your tx. I am also geno 2. I got a biopsy because my dr wanted to know the extent of the damage. Abiopsy is the best way to determine liver damage, not thru liver enzymes in bloodwork. I have stage 1 with grade II inflammation. Two dr's told me I could hold off txing but also agreed with me that if it was their liver they would treat. I am on shot 8/24 tomorrow. I'm 53 and have no other health problems, it's been doable so far, I'm very lucky. Hope all goes well for you, I have learned so much by coming here and asking questions.
Bug

[Cindy10]

Yes you should have the A & B shots, I had them a few years ago, better to be safe than sorry. Most folks with HCV get them, if not they should.

[orphanedhawk]

I'm also a 2 and have cirrhosis. I've read of people with advanced cirrhsois, clearing the disease and then, in time , thier livers improve. The liver is very regenerative. I've been doing tx for 8 weeks and  the sideeffects aren't debilating, mostly frustrating. Good luck

[NYgirl]

I was much more worried about getting liver cancer than the possibility of side effects.

Once I heard how much it helps LOWER our chances of getting liver cancer to do treatment - you couldn't have stopped me from starting immediately.

There's a LOT of MUCH WORSE THINGS than any of the sides or symptoms that we get in the world.

When you remember that - it makes it a much easier decision.

Best of luck.

[aquarius64]

hello. i am a 2b as well and i'm 43. i was diagnosed about 5yrs ago, though i may have had this 20+yrs. my doc suggested a biopsy, which i had done in dec., just so i would know what shape my liver is in. my bloodwork has gone up and down in the last 5 yrs so i feel better knowing i had the biopsy. i just started tx a week ago and though everyone reacts different as far as side effects go, mine, so far, are doable- not easy, but doable. there are a lot of people here on this forum that have experienced much more than myself and i'm sure you'll here from them. good luck!

[Dominique01]

Hi:

Can anyone tell me if they had to stop working and now are receiving SSI or SSD benefits?

Or is everyone working through treatment of Hep C 3a???

Thanks, Dominique01

[HepC2B]

I was diagnosed with 2b in July no symptoms just requested the extra blood work due to being young and having lots of boyfriends. I had my ultrasound last week and started my vaccines A and B. My next appt I think the dr will start me on antivirals he told me he can cure me. My blood work was great except for cholesterol. I will be on meds for 6 months. He also wants me to have a dilated eye exam. God Bless us all.