can people still survive having chrossis of the liver

[jonney4141]

my sister who also has hep c , who has tried meds twice and had to stop and did not clear sent me an e-mail today saying that she has chirossis, and is having all kinds of tests done to check on liver, bladder cancer, and something about a spot on one of her kidneys, she said docs said she could not take meds, and there was nothing she could take as far as hep c is concerned. I feel so guilty as i also have hep c geno 1 and doc said it was undetectable. i don't know what to say to her, and feel so helpless and guilty.
any suggestions

[HCA]

Cirrhosis is a long journey-typically Hep C cirrhosis takes perhaps ten years from inception to serious decompensation.Often longer.
There is a risk of liver cancer of appoximately 3% per year.
If a person cannot tolerate anti-viral therapy or the liver is too far gone the strategy is a life saving liver transplant.This is only contemplated when the disease has become iminently life threatening.
You need to know if your sister has complications such as varices-a couple of hours reading on the internet will clue you in on the natural history of Hep C cirrhosis and its management.
It is not possible to comment further on your sister's case based on the small amount of info you have provided..
Good luck to both of you!

[copyman]

some people can be treated for HCV if they have cirrhosis. there have even been studies that show the treatment can help the liver damage regress some. sounds like your sister has some other medical issues that may prevent her from treating. try and get her to see a hepatologist (liver specialist). best of luck

[newleaf09]

There is a huge difference between compensated cirrhosis (liver not working well but still working and doing it's job) and decompensated cirrhosis (end stage liver disease with all of the problems related to blocked bile ducts, buildup of toxins, diversion of blood through other veins since it can't get through liver).  I have heard of people backing away from early decompensated but it's more usual to get worse and end up on transplant list.

You can live for some time with compensated cirrhosis, several on this forum have.  Liver cancer is much more likely with cirrhosis.  Caution with lifestyle will help.  They are doing a good bit of research about reducing liver fibrosis but I don't know if they've gotten far enough into it to say if and when an anti-fibrotic will get to the market.  Try not to worry.  You will be a good support for her.

[franke566]

I am SVR and recently told end stage and unlikely to be eligible for transplant.  Not giving up though.  I'm now on a low fat, low sodium diet-no meat, low protein diet-going to look into the Melanonin subject-taking a Rx diet supplement called Hepatic Aid, restricting my fluids and taking lactulose syrup to remove ammonia build up-off all anti-depressants-stopped smoking and making every day count.  Good luck to you and your friend.