Aa
What do these lab results mean?
It says I have Stage F1 Portal fibrosis (0.29); Necroinflammat Activity Score 0.31 (Grade A1-minimal activity).
My ALT (SGPT) is 54 and GGT is 89.
Does anyone know what this means? I've had HepC for 25 years and am 52 years old.
Thank you for your help.
My ALT (SGPT) is 54 and GGT is 89.
Does anyone know what this means? I've had HepC for 25 years and am 52 years old.
Thank you for your help.
It's a highly unlikely transmission scenario, and equally important, it was the one the scenario you decided to focus on in advising Woodedlane how to proceed with her life should she not treat.
I am just trying to put things in perspecive for Woodedlane so she should not have any unfounded fears going ahead, whether she treats or not. She's gotten a variety of opinions and hopefully they will help her make the decision right for her.
As I said before, there are a lot of issues one has to be concerned with having hep c, but being a social pariah is not one of them.
I'm sure you believe that as well, but because of the context of your example, your post could be misconstrued by some.
I am just trying to put things in perspecive for Woodedlane so she should not have any unfounded fears going ahead, whether she treats or not. She's gotten a variety of opinions and hopefully they will help her make the decision right for her.
As I said before, there are a lot of issues one has to be concerned with having hep c, but being a social pariah is not one of them.
I'm sure you believe that as well, but because of the context of your example, your post could be misconstrued by some.
read my post, please, if there are skin cracks there is a possibility. This happened to me personally. We both had cracks that tend to bleed, and he did offer his hand in a greeting, tell me a hand shake can't produce blood to blood in that case, however slim it seems.
and a firefighter got infected through his eyes.
I am not talking about casual contact here.
and a firefighter got infected through his eyes.
I am not talking about casual contact here.
In all due respect, the odds of spreading hepatitis C through a handshake is non-existent in any practical sense. In fact, condoms aren't even recommended for monogamous couples where a partner has hep C and even with intimate contact the transmission rates are extremely low.
The only precautions universally accepted are not to share personal items such as razors, nail cutters, etc, that may carry blood and cut someone else. Personally, I tell dental professionals of my hep c, but I know others who don't. They assume rightly that a dental hygenist would always take proper precautions, assuming that anyone may have hep c, aids, whatever. After all, most people with hep c don't even know they have it.
Hep C has a lot of health problems associated with it. But transmission to others isn't one as long as a few precautions and some common sense is exerted.
The only precautions universally accepted are not to share personal items such as razors, nail cutters, etc, that may carry blood and cut someone else. Personally, I tell dental professionals of my hep c, but I know others who don't. They assume rightly that a dental hygenist would always take proper precautions, assuming that anyone may have hep c, aids, whatever. After all, most people with hep c don't even know they have it.
Hep C has a lot of health problems associated with it. But transmission to others isn't one as long as a few precautions and some common sense is exerted.
I would shop for a second opinion, that is for sure. My first GI was basing all his decisions on the fact that my enzymes were within range; stated that he would not reccommmend tx, biopsy or even genotyping. After some consideration, mulling that it was easy for him to decide those things since it was not HIS liver, I dumpped him. The next GI, which also a hepatologist ordered the bx and all pertinent tests so that I would have all the facts to make my decission on sound ground. the biopsy was scarier to read about than the actual procedure, it took seconds to perform and a couple days to "recover".
Bx is still the the gold standard for hep c damage evaluation. Adverse events are rare.
If you decide to accept this guy's opinion without questioning, make sure you tell your dental hygienist to wear goggles during the cleaning, if they don't already, since bloody droplets that are airborne can enter through membranes and infect, if your dentist (or anyone for that matter) insist in shaking hands with you and they and you have open skin cracks, make sure to tell them why you are rejecting the shake. Just use universal precautions for the rest of the hep c life.
Hopefully your liver will not make a jump for the worse, in a short period of time.
Make sure you go to natap.org and projetsinknowledge.com to increase your knowledge of hep c, you might have to educate a lot of medical professionals.
Bx is still the the gold standard for hep c damage evaluation. Adverse events are rare.
If you decide to accept this guy's opinion without questioning, make sure you tell your dental hygienist to wear goggles during the cleaning, if they don't already, since bloody droplets that are airborne can enter through membranes and infect, if your dentist (or anyone for that matter) insist in shaking hands with you and they and you have open skin cracks, make sure to tell them why you are rejecting the shake. Just use universal precautions for the rest of the hep c life.
Hopefully your liver will not make a jump for the worse, in a short period of time.
Make sure you go to natap.org and projetsinknowledge.com to increase your knowledge of hep c, you might have to educate a lot of medical professionals.
Under the circumstances, being that you are not considering treatment a fibrosure test seems to be ok. I know of a few people who have Hep C some who were treated and others who weren't who never had a biopsy....more important at this time is for you to do what you said, stop smoking and drinking. Its a good start. Keep going to your doctor. Have regular lab tests done so that your liver can be monitored. Be sure to keep copies for yourself of all the lab work. Take special precautions knowing that you have a blood borne virus..no sharing razors, toothbrushes and the like. Good luck, and feel well. Su (whoaisme)
My lab results are from very specific blood tests my doctor had done which I was told would give as close to the same results as can be had without doing a biopsy. He told me that a biopsy is very invasive and that unless my lab results showed more than what they do, he felt it would be more detrimental to my liver to put me through it. It makes sense to me. I'm not willing to invade my liver and do more harm to it if I don't have to. Doesn't that make sense?
Sounds like your doc is using the Fibrosure test in lieu of biopsy.
The test has its advocates, but it's not as accurate as biopsy.
Although it wouldn't be my choice, I could understand using the Fibrosure test in lieu of biopsy if you decided to treat.
But given your age and the fact you decided not to treat,
I think it's very important that you base your decisions on a more accurate test -- the liver biopsy.
Obviously, your doc is not comfortable in this area but most heptologists are. You can always get your biopsy elsewhere and go back to your doc if you want. It's a very safe and painless procedure and can be done as an outpatient. You'll be home a few hours after it's done.
The test has its advocates, but it's not as accurate as biopsy.
Although it wouldn't be my choice, I could understand using the Fibrosure test in lieu of biopsy if you decided to treat.
But given your age and the fact you decided not to treat,
I think it's very important that you base your decisions on a more accurate test -- the liver biopsy.
Obviously, your doc is not comfortable in this area but most heptologists are. You can always get your biopsy elsewhere and go back to your doc if you want. It's a very safe and painless procedure and can be done as an outpatient. You'll be home a few hours after it's done.
Woodedlane, I am one of those who got hep C when I was 21. I'm 58 now and I have cirrhosis so I am not too happy with what your doctor said. The non-invasive tests for fibrosis scoring are just not adequate yet. You are taking a chance.
Also I think your doctor didn't mean women tolerate the disease more. It is well known that being male is a risk factor for faster progression and a worse outcome.
Also I think your doctor didn't mean women tolerate the disease more. It is well known that being male is a risk factor for faster progression and a worse outcome.
I appreciate everyone's advice and thank you. I don't, however, think my doctor is an idiot. He won't even give me a biopsy because its too invasive. I have my blood work done every year and get an ultrasound. I will look into some of the herbals mentioned and will probably start a regiment of them. Take care everyone.
If your doctor "won't even give me a biopsy because it's too invasive," he truly is an idiot. As you come to learn more about this disease, you'll understand why I'm saying that.
Good luck....(you're going to need it with a doctor like that)
Susan
Good luck....(you're going to need it with a doctor like that)
Susan
I'm confused....is your rant directed toward Woodedlane, or me? If it's the latter....I suggest you smoke another dubie and mellow out. I'm not seeking your advice.
Susan
Susan
I have a friend who went from 0 to 2 in 2yrs once she hit her 50's. And she never drank or smoked and is an addiction specialist.
You're doctor is an idiot! To make such a blatant sexist remard-women 'tolertate' the disease better!
WHY SHOULD WOMEN TOLERTATE ANY DISEASE? He's worse than an idiot, he's an ignorant idiot!
One of the many presenting signs of hep c is depression that is resisitant to therapy and medications. And what kind of doctor would not tell you to stop drinking and smoking immediately whethter you have hep c or not?
Tallblond talks about waiting and then talks about trouble in conceiving-well, they are related! Almost all my friends who found out years later that they had hep c had trouble conceiving, as did I! those fertility doc's made a fortune off of us! Nevermind all the shrinks and bartenders when we tried to 'treat' our deprression.
Hep c is a disease of the blood that especially attacks the liver, not exclusively attacks the liver. The hep c virus can pass the brain/blood barrior and can be found in spinal fluid, brain tissue, etc.
If you have such deep depression, you are being affected greatly. If you have joint troubles, back troubles, skin eruptions, foot/nail fungi,a little puchy belly, trouble sleeping, uneven emotions, fluid retention, memory problems-like telephone #'s- you are being affected.
The most important thing is the genotype now. And you are in the 'danger-hep running amuck' zone @ 52. Suffer no fools! See a specialist!
You're doctor is an idiot! To make such a blatant sexist remard-women 'tolertate' the disease better!
WHY SHOULD WOMEN TOLERTATE ANY DISEASE? He's worse than an idiot, he's an ignorant idiot!
One of the many presenting signs of hep c is depression that is resisitant to therapy and medications. And what kind of doctor would not tell you to stop drinking and smoking immediately whethter you have hep c or not?
Tallblond talks about waiting and then talks about trouble in conceiving-well, they are related! Almost all my friends who found out years later that they had hep c had trouble conceiving, as did I! those fertility doc's made a fortune off of us! Nevermind all the shrinks and bartenders when we tried to 'treat' our deprression.
Hep c is a disease of the blood that especially attacks the liver, not exclusively attacks the liver. The hep c virus can pass the brain/blood barrior and can be found in spinal fluid, brain tissue, etc.
If you have such deep depression, you are being affected greatly. If you have joint troubles, back troubles, skin eruptions, foot/nail fungi,a little puchy belly, trouble sleeping, uneven emotions, fluid retention, memory problems-like telephone #'s- you are being affected.
The most important thing is the genotype now. And you are in the 'danger-hep running amuck' zone @ 52. Suffer no fools! See a specialist!
Just a thought, but sometimes when a doctor doesn't suggest a biopsy, for whatever reason- its because the doctor isn't comfortable doing them. You might want to ask the docotr how many he does a year, or under what circumstances he would do one. However it sounds like your lab results are the result of a biopsy so I too am confused. Su (whoaisme)
You really do need a second opinion of the biopsy. I also started out with a dr that said exact same thing,,,,its too invasive. Just steered my right into tx with no biopsy...6 months into my tx,,,I had another falling out with this dr and changed drs midstream Tx. Found the best dr for hepatitis and drove a ways to see him. My new dr asked me why on earth didn't the other dr give me a biopsy to see what condition my liver was in and I told him. He just shook his head and said such ignorance for a dr to state. He then went on to say,,,,What would happen if every woman that had breast cancer was told,,,no biopsy because its too invasive. I have since finished my tx but don't know condition of liver before the tx to compare to after.
Quite frankly, "being nicer to your body" isn't proactive enough. Sure, it's good to give up drinking and smoking -- but you'll need to do more than that to keep the inflammatory process, and the resulting fibrosis, at bay. Please don't underestimate how insidious this disease can be. You need a gameplan, including vigilent monitering, or you may just find yourself fighting for your life in the not-so-distant future. I would also consider finding another doctor if I were in your shoes. He doesn't seem to have the appropriate level of knowledge about how serious Hep C can be.
If you're not willing to do the conventional treatment, please take the time and make the effort to learn about vitamins, supplements and herbs that can protect your liver. Start with Milk Thistle, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Selenium, and Vitamin E. Check out the MedHelp archives and read about "Alternative Treatments." Many of them (i.e. Collodial Silver) are bogus and dangerous, but others have solid research backing them up.
Best wishes,
Susan
If you're not willing to do the conventional treatment, please take the time and make the effort to learn about vitamins, supplements and herbs that can protect your liver. Start with Milk Thistle, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Selenium, and Vitamin E. Check out the MedHelp archives and read about "Alternative Treatments." Many of them (i.e. Collodial Silver) are bogus and dangerous, but others have solid research backing them up.
Best wishes,
Susan
Sounds like your doc is very informed and giving you good advice.
Based on his comment that you're in the "worst category of treatment" I'd assume you're probably a genotype 1a or 1b.
What that means is that those two genotypes are more resistant to current drugs with about a 40-50 per cent chance of clearing the virus. If you haven't already, you might ask him about your genotype to confirm.
Like your doc says (and while nothing is guaranteed) the fact that you're a woman and only have minimal liver damage after 25 years means you can probably tolerate the hepatitis c very well without taking any of the current treatments.
And as you will find out here, or on other forums, some people tolerate current treatments well, but many don't. The side effects can range from mild to severe and sometimes can be permanent. Depression is one of the more common problems.
What you should do is have periodic blood tests and a follow-up biopsy in 3-5 years to make sure things haven't progressed too far. In the meanwhile, there's a decent chance by then that there will be newer and safer treatments with less side effects. At that point you can re-evaluate your decision to treat.
Until then, I'd just continue to do what you've been doing but
either quit drinking or try and keep it down to like a beer a day. And not to sound like your mother, smoking doesn't help your liver or the rest of your body for that matter. But I'm sure you know that. LOL.
Based on his comment that you're in the "worst category of treatment" I'd assume you're probably a genotype 1a or 1b.
What that means is that those two genotypes are more resistant to current drugs with about a 40-50 per cent chance of clearing the virus. If you haven't already, you might ask him about your genotype to confirm.
Like your doc says (and while nothing is guaranteed) the fact that you're a woman and only have minimal liver damage after 25 years means you can probably tolerate the hepatitis c very well without taking any of the current treatments.
And as you will find out here, or on other forums, some people tolerate current treatments well, but many don't. The side effects can range from mild to severe and sometimes can be permanent. Depression is one of the more common problems.
What you should do is have periodic blood tests and a follow-up biopsy in 3-5 years to make sure things haven't progressed too far. In the meanwhile, there's a decent chance by then that there will be newer and safer treatments with less side effects. At that point you can re-evaluate your decision to treat.
Until then, I'd just continue to do what you've been doing but
either quit drinking or try and keep it down to like a beer a day. And not to sound like your mother, smoking doesn't help your liver or the rest of your body for that matter. But I'm sure you know that. LOL.
Her doctor is neither an idiot or a sexist. Just like excessive alcoholic comsumption, being "male" is an independent risk factor for the progression of fibrosis.
And Woodedlane, don't blindly start taking herbs, supplements, etc because you're not doing conventional tx. Sensible vitamins and a few herbs like milk thistle appear to be tolerated well by the liver, but with many others the jury is out on. Do lots of homework, learn, learn, learn, and then make a personal decision you are comfortable with. Forgive the cliche but sometimes less is more, remember the liver metabolizes just about everything.
On a personal note, I went to an herbologist three years ago in order to "prep" my liver for treatment. My liver enzymes flew sky high and delayed treatment for over a year. This is not to say that herbs are bad, just that they sometimes they can have an unintended effect.
Regarding the biopsy, I'm a little confused about your doc not wanting to give you one. You said you're stage 1. I assumed that was based on a biopsy you recently had> At your age, you really should have a biopsy every 3-5 years to keep tabs on your fibrosis and make intelligent treatment decisions. Even though your doctor may disagree, in the end it's your liver and you should make the decision here.
And Woodedlane, don't blindly start taking herbs, supplements, etc because you're not doing conventional tx. Sensible vitamins and a few herbs like milk thistle appear to be tolerated well by the liver, but with many others the jury is out on. Do lots of homework, learn, learn, learn, and then make a personal decision you are comfortable with. Forgive the cliche but sometimes less is more, remember the liver metabolizes just about everything.
On a personal note, I went to an herbologist three years ago in order to "prep" my liver for treatment. My liver enzymes flew sky high and delayed treatment for over a year. This is not to say that herbs are bad, just that they sometimes they can have an unintended effect.
Regarding the biopsy, I'm a little confused about your doc not wanting to give you one. You said you're stage 1. I assumed that was based on a biopsy you recently had> At your age, you really should have a biopsy every 3-5 years to keep tabs on your fibrosis and make intelligent treatment decisions. Even though your doctor may disagree, in the end it's your liver and you should make the decision here.
I guess my plan is to keep up what I'm doing except maybe curtail some of my habits, drinking and smoking. My doctor says that people like me (white females who acquired the disease in their 20s) seem to tolerate the disease well. He also said I was in the worst category for treatment. I also suffer from depression and do not consider the therapy an option for me. Don't really know anything about the herbal things but would be weary of them anyway. Basically, after reading through this site, I plan on being nicer to my body.
Looks like at this point in your life,,,you are sitting good with your hep and minimal damage. What do you plan on doing?
It means you have a mild case of Hepatitis C. That's not to say that you shouldn't take the diagnosis very seriously. Without an intervention of some sort, you can almost count on things getting progressively worse over time.
My results are similar to yours (Stage 0-1/Grade 1-2) and I have decided to use a variety of vitamins, supplements, and herbs to protect my liver until better treatment options come along. However, I'm seven years younger than you. Age is a factor that you must consider when weighing your options.
The bottom line is you're extremely lucky that your liver is in such good shape and you need to be proactive in keeping it that way. Doing nothing simply isn't an option. Do your homework on the conventional treatment (Interferon and Ribaviron) and alternative treatments. But keep in mind that that the latter can, at best, simply protect your liver. It won't cure your hepatitis C.
Good luck to you!
Susan
My results are similar to yours (Stage 0-1/Grade 1-2) and I have decided to use a variety of vitamins, supplements, and herbs to protect my liver until better treatment options come along. However, I'm seven years younger than you. Age is a factor that you must consider when weighing your options.
The bottom line is you're extremely lucky that your liver is in such good shape and you need to be proactive in keeping it that way. Doing nothing simply isn't an option. Do your homework on the conventional treatment (Interferon and Ribaviron) and alternative treatments. But keep in mind that that the latter can, at best, simply protect your liver. It won't cure your hepatitis C.
Good luck to you!
Susan
Another thing to keep in mind is that the disease progression is not linear and can take sudden jumps in just a few years time and get seriously worse. Anecdotally, this can happen in particular to males in their 40's & 50's who have had the disease for 20-30 years (my case and several others who have posted). As tallblonde said, even if you don't treat doing nothing is not a viable option.
go to janis7hepc.com for a place that will explain hep c in laymans terms, it has a definition of hep c tests and what the results might mean.
when you hear people say that hep c is slow moving disease, it only refers to the liver, and it is not always true. hep c also has extra hepatic manifestations that disable many people and those are not always "slow progressing"
when you hear people say that hep c is slow moving disease, it only refers to the liver, and it is not always true. hep c also has extra hepatic manifestations that disable many people and those are not always "slow progressing"
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.
