Aa
hep c.Stage 2
What does it mean? Is it fixable? Lady that called after biop wouldent say anything, except you have to talk to the Dr. NOW i'm scared and have no answers for my wife. Who will be home in 2 hrs.
I am at stage 4 of cirrhosis, non-progressive stage. My advice for you is to take the treatment, avoid alcohol (I haven't drank alcohol in 23 years- I am 55), eat healthy and exercise. My guess is that you are young. You have your whole life ahead of you. You will be fine. No fear, VioletBlonde P.S. I am on week 10 of the triple treatment and virus free.
After the hep C is gone, your liver will regenerate as long as you continue to live a healthy life style.
Not to frighten you but living a healthy life style will not prevent hep C from causing further damage to your liver. It won't accelerate damage as drinking alcohol would, but there just are no quick easy fixes for the virus~ not yet.
Not to frighten you but living a healthy life style will not prevent hep C from causing further damage to your liver. It won't accelerate damage as drinking alcohol would, but there just are no quick easy fixes for the virus~ not yet.
You will do great! It is completely curable now a days. I had HepC 6 years ago and underwent treatment. I have been hep6 free ever since.
It appears that you have tested positive (blood test) for the actual Hep C active disease (not just positive antibodies). I say this because they probably would not do a biopsy if you did not have Hep C or some form of liver disease. .Plus you posted on the Hep C forum so I am assuming you have Hep C.
You do not state which Genotype you have. That is important because the treatment is different depending on your Genotype.
The biopsy measure the degree of fibrosis of the liver. There are 5 stages. "F0, no fibrosis; F1, portal fibrosis without septa; F2, portal fibrosis with rare septa, F3, numerous septa without cirrhosis; F4, cirrhosis.": There should also be a grade, which measure inflammation. (For instance, my biopsy was Grade 2, Stage 2 (grde 2 inflammation, stage 2 fibrosis).
You say your biopsy is Stage 2. Get a hard copy of it for your records. The you can see exactly what it says.
If you are Stage 2, that is considered in the middle of the stages. There is some fibrosis, but it is not that bad yet.
You ask if it is fixable.Hepatitis C can be treated with medications. The treatment regimen depends on which Genotype you have. If you have Genotype 1, then you would treat with a three drug regimen (Inteferon, Ribavirin, and a protease inhibitor - either Incivek or Victrelis). If you have never treated before, then the cure rate is about 75 to 80 percent with this 3 drug regimen for Genotype 1. If your Genotype is not Genotype 1, then you would treat with Interferon and Ribavirin.
Here is a good introductory article about Hep C:
http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/Newly%20Diagnosed.pdf
The best thing now would be to discuss the following things with your treating doc (who should be a doc that is knowledgeable about Hep C treatment, either a hepatologist or a gastroenterologist):
Hep C and its implications
Meaning and implications of Stage 2 fibrosis
Available treatment for your Genotype
Also, the doc needs to explain the details of Hep C so that you understand it better.
Without knowing more about you and the type of Hep C you have, I can only offer a general explanation.
Regardless, it is natural to feel afraid. We all did when we first found out we had Hep C. It is natural to be apprehensive avbout the future and possible treatment. However, find out as much as you can about Hep C and your specific Genotype. Find out about the treatments and cure rates.
You have good reason to be very optimisitic. There are new treatments out within the past year and there are more new treatments in the pipeline. The cure rates are better than ever. If the drug treatments work for you, then you will be cured of Hep C and will sustain no further damage to your liver. The liver can regenerate so it may even improve after treatment.
This is a very good forum. Ask all of the questins you need to ask. There are many knowledgeable people who will respond and who will give you support.
Best of luck to you.
You do not state which Genotype you have. That is important because the treatment is different depending on your Genotype.
The biopsy measure the degree of fibrosis of the liver. There are 5 stages. "F0, no fibrosis; F1, portal fibrosis without septa; F2, portal fibrosis with rare septa, F3, numerous septa without cirrhosis; F4, cirrhosis.": There should also be a grade, which measure inflammation. (For instance, my biopsy was Grade 2, Stage 2 (grde 2 inflammation, stage 2 fibrosis).
You say your biopsy is Stage 2. Get a hard copy of it for your records. The you can see exactly what it says.
If you are Stage 2, that is considered in the middle of the stages. There is some fibrosis, but it is not that bad yet.
You ask if it is fixable.Hepatitis C can be treated with medications. The treatment regimen depends on which Genotype you have. If you have Genotype 1, then you would treat with a three drug regimen (Inteferon, Ribavirin, and a protease inhibitor - either Incivek or Victrelis). If you have never treated before, then the cure rate is about 75 to 80 percent with this 3 drug regimen for Genotype 1. If your Genotype is not Genotype 1, then you would treat with Interferon and Ribavirin.
Here is a good introductory article about Hep C:
http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/Newly%20Diagnosed.pdf
The best thing now would be to discuss the following things with your treating doc (who should be a doc that is knowledgeable about Hep C treatment, either a hepatologist or a gastroenterologist):
Hep C and its implications
Meaning and implications of Stage 2 fibrosis
Available treatment for your Genotype
Also, the doc needs to explain the details of Hep C so that you understand it better.
Without knowing more about you and the type of Hep C you have, I can only offer a general explanation.
Regardless, it is natural to feel afraid. We all did when we first found out we had Hep C. It is natural to be apprehensive avbout the future and possible treatment. However, find out as much as you can about Hep C and your specific Genotype. Find out about the treatments and cure rates.
You have good reason to be very optimisitic. There are new treatments out within the past year and there are more new treatments in the pipeline. The cure rates are better than ever. If the drug treatments work for you, then you will be cured of Hep C and will sustain no further damage to your liver. The liver can regenerate so it may even improve after treatment.
This is a very good forum. Ask all of the questins you need to ask. There are many knowledgeable people who will respond and who will give you support.
Best of luck to you.
Well, Hep C is easier to treat and cure, at Stage 2, then at Stage 3 and Stage 4. And many people choose not to treat at Stage 1.
So the fact that you now have this knowledge is a very good, and positive thing! Stage 2 is a good time to seek treatment, and if your Medical Insurance wont cover it, then you can also get into these Research Trials, that are being done.
I would let your wife know this imfo in a positive and hopeful way. Let her
know that now is a good time to find out this imfo, because new medications have been approved, to treat and cure you.
The treatment and cure rates vary, depending on if you have Hep C genotype 1, or genotype 2(or 3, or 4).
So the fact that you now have this knowledge is a very good, and positive thing! Stage 2 is a good time to seek treatment, and if your Medical Insurance wont cover it, then you can also get into these Research Trials, that are being done.
I would let your wife know this imfo in a positive and hopeful way. Let her
know that now is a good time to find out this imfo, because new medications have been approved, to treat and cure you.
The treatment and cure rates vary, depending on if you have Hep C genotype 1, or genotype 2(or 3, or 4).
I have had Hc for 30 years I think, 7 years ago I was stage 2, and still am. I don't drink and live a healthy life style
If you’re referring to stage two fibrosis, it implies you have developed moderate scarring of the liver as a result of your viral infection, and also perhaps from lifestyle choices (drinking alcohol) as well.
HCV (Hep C) is now curable using current medications. Once the virus is gone further deterioration of the liver is unlikely; discuss treatment as an option with your doctor. ‘
Until then avoid alcoholic beverages and don’t share personal care items (clippers, razors) with loved ones to avoid transmission.
Good luck-
--Bill
HCV (Hep C) is now curable using current medications. Once the virus is gone further deterioration of the liver is unlikely; discuss treatment as an option with your doctor. ‘
Until then avoid alcoholic beverages and don’t share personal care items (clippers, razors) with loved ones to avoid transmission.
Good luck-
--Bill
Yes you can be cured, stage 2 is not that bad overall, curious what your genotype is... Odds now are anywhere from around 75% to 95%. Try not to worry, things will be just fine.
do you have Hep C? Liver damage is reported in stages (amount of fibrosis) and Grade (amount of inflamation).
Stages are reported from 0 (no damage) to 4 (Chirrosis). 2 is about in the middle. If you have Hep C you may want to consider treatment at this time to prevent further damage.
You have time, don't worry. Hep C is a slow moving virus. with stage 2 you may have had it for many years already, 20 or more even.
Treatment is more successful then ever at this time, lasting anywhere from 24 weeks to 48 weeks typically, and there are even more promising treatments due hopefully around 2015.
You should talk to a Heptologist or Gastro. They will discuss all your options with you. Do you know what Genotype you are?
Stages are reported from 0 (no damage) to 4 (Chirrosis). 2 is about in the middle. If you have Hep C you may want to consider treatment at this time to prevent further damage.
You have time, don't worry. Hep C is a slow moving virus. with stage 2 you may have had it for many years already, 20 or more even.
Treatment is more successful then ever at this time, lasting anywhere from 24 weeks to 48 weeks typically, and there are even more promising treatments due hopefully around 2015.
You should talk to a Heptologist or Gastro. They will discuss all your options with you. Do you know what Genotype you are?
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Hepatitis C Community
Learn about this treatable virus.
Getting tested for this viral infection.
3 key steps to getting on treatment.
4 steps to getting on therapy.
What you need to know about Hep C drugs.
How the drugs might affect you.
These tips may up your chances of a cure.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
