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Hepatitis C (Expert Forum)
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ACTIVE HEP-C
Answered by
Douglas Dieterich, MD - Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology
The Mount Sinai Medical Center
New York - NY
Questions posted in the Hepatitis C Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Mount Sinai Medical Center.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ACTIVE HEP-C
by lostfaith, Oct 30, 2008 02:37PM
Please help..What are the real symptoms of active Hep-C? I have lost 43 pounds over near 4 years and skeletal looking.
I am very confused as my specialist isnt much help at explaining anything and he says that he is too busy.
I have acquired maldigestion, malabsorption problems and cant gain aside from a few pounds..I havent been over 105 in 2 years.. and cant seem to get over that weight even though I eat 10-12 times a day ( high protein, veggies, fruit)
I was diagnosed Hep-C and am genotype 2.
Also what are the pre-requisites of testing before any interferon treatments are commenced? The specialist just wanted to commence interferon with no biopsy or anything as I have "bacteria around my pancreas"?
Is this part of HEP-C?
Your professional help needed and appreciated.
I am very confused as my specialist isnt much help at explaining anything and he says that he is too busy.
I have acquired maldigestion, malabsorption problems and cant gain aside from a few pounds..I havent been over 105 in 2 years.. and cant seem to get over that weight even though I eat 10-12 times a day ( high protein, veggies, fruit)
I was diagnosed Hep-C and am genotype 2.
Also what are the pre-requisites of testing before any interferon treatments are commenced? The specialist just wanted to commence interferon with no biopsy or anything as I have "bacteria around my pancreas"?
Is this part of HEP-C?
Your professional help needed and appreciated.
Doctor's Answer
by Douglas Dieterich, MD, Dec 04, 2008 12:49PM
, Dec 04, 2008 12:49PM
Hi,
Chronic hepatitis C will give you fatigue mostly.
Genotype 2 hepatitis C is one of the "easiest" to treat.
The liver biopsy is to evaluate the need for treatment.
Because the type 2 is easier to treat, we generally start treatment and we have more than 85% chance of response.
This is why your doctor told you you dont need a liver biopsy and I agree.
Blood tests including your viral load and liver ultrasound are the tests that have to be done before treatment.
Treatment is for 24 weeks (instead of 48 weeks for other types).
Your weight loss has to be explained by something else.
You should see a PCP for that or a GI specialist.
I invite you to make an appointment with me if you want to have my opinion.
DTD
Chronic hepatitis C will give you fatigue mostly.
Genotype 2 hepatitis C is one of the "easiest" to treat.
The liver biopsy is to evaluate the need for treatment.
Because the type 2 is easier to treat, we generally start treatment and we have more than 85% chance of response.
This is why your doctor told you you dont need a liver biopsy and I agree.
Blood tests including your viral load and liver ultrasound are the tests that have to be done before treatment.
Treatment is for 24 weeks (instead of 48 weeks for other types).
Your weight loss has to be explained by something else.
You should see a PCP for that or a GI specialist.
I invite you to make an appointment with me if you want to have my opinion.
DTD
Member Comments (3)
by sugarplum49, Nov 06, 2008 07:36AM
To: lost faith
hello i just wanted to tell i am 33yrs old and was diagnosed with hep c whaen i was 29 with a biopsy and interferon . I stayed in bed for almost 2yrs and i am here to tell u not to give up ! I dont know why they have not started you yet but if you want any info or help just email me ***@**** .. God Bless You !!
by annaeyeross, Nov 13, 2008 12:17PM
i have hep c,can i get lipo bc injections with b12 and phentermine?
by shmikis, Aug 12, 2009 07:14PM
A related discussion, just got results was started.
