Stage 4 & SVR

From a few miscellaneous posts i have read here recently it seems some are of the opinion having Stage 4 liver damage and SVR are mutually exclusive. In other words you can pretty much guarantee relapse if you are Stage 4.

I am geno 1A,  stage 4 grade 3, UND @ week 8 and have completed  38/48 weeks of this torturous living hell known as tx.

Are there any stage 4's here who RSV'd or do you know of any stage 4's who have RSV'd?

I know that being a stage 4 lessens the likelhood of succesful treatment but with the holidays coming up it would be nice to have shred of hope to hang my hat on.

Thanks and Happy Christmas to all!

Big Al

[GoofyDad]

I am one. 3a - easier than a 1A - RVR at 4 weeks, did 26, and SVR for 1.5 years....wow time flies....

Basically, what I heard from some top docs, was their opinion was the 4 week RVR overrode the stigma of the stage 4. Stage 4s  have diminished immune capability, but clearing early say's you ain't diminished.... It's still a **** shoot - but you're looking good. Did you test before 8 weeks? What was the sensitivity of the test?

[jmjm530]

No. Not true. We've had a number of stage 4's who are now SVR after treating. It's true you might have to treat a little longer, and perhaps more agressively. That said, if you immune system is up to it, you might even find yourself RVR. In any event, if you are stage 4, probably best to be evaluated (and treat if that is the recommendation) by a good liver specialist (hepatologist). They tend to have the most experience.

-- Jim

[sldb]

Stage 4 cirrhosis,geno 1a. treated for 96 wks svr for 1 year now ,  i treated longer  b/c  my Doc said he would have to put me on a transplant list in 5 years if i didnt clear.  It is possibly for stage 4's to clear but much more difficult. I refused to die from HEP C.  you b/c  UND 4 WKS EARLIER THAN I DID.  hang in there and be kind to yourself. get alot of rest and drink plenty  H2O.  Good luck.