fibrosis

As I sayd I'm 1b, 37 weeks, level 2 fibrosis. Is it possible to obtain a decrease in the level of fibrosis if obtain SVR?

[jonihs]

I'm pretty new to this forum (couple of months) but everything I've read on here says that fibrosis can be reversed even if you don't obtain SVR. Just being on tx. can slow it down or reverse it. After tx. I don't know .   Joni

[BobK]

Poynard et al gastroenterology 2003 (http://www.natap.org/2002/may/050902_2.htm) for full text article.

This study reports the results of several pegylated interferon trials.  Results indicate that the rate of progression of fibrosis is affected in a large number of patients but only 1-in-4 of patients treated with optimal doses were reported to have improvment in liver histology (reversal of damage).  In the optimal dose arm of the (SVR results) studies 68% showed no changes in liver histology, 24% showed improvement in histology and 8% had worse histology.  This is the best case scenario reported by the authors with other dose regimes showing less improvment in liver histology.  Read the full report!

regards,
BobK

[Minttwist]

Dang Bob....that's depressing.

I guess we all have to live liver friendly the rest of our lives;  I was hoping to enjoy a good ole-fashioned hamburger after tx.

Val, Stage 2, EVR @24, 38 of 48.

[GreatBird]

Why isn't a hamburger liver friendly? If its good beef (best if it doesn't have hormones or antibiotics), if the bun is healthy (best if its not got any hydrogenated oil in it), if the veggies are organic... Sounds totally healthy to me, unless one has to limit protein because their liver is at *that* point. The fries--on the other hand--will never be liver friendly unless they are baked.

(I love burgers...)

[AK - Hepper]

I can't see how a burger could hurt, unless you washed it down with a fifth of Jack Daniels...

[willing]

The Poynard study is probably the best current one regarding the effect of tx on fibrosis. However, if I understood Dheanna's question, she was asking about the effect of successful SVR on liver histology. The data from various long term follow-up  studies points to likely, but **slow** reversal of fibrosis if you clear the virus (see <a href="http://hepatology2.aasldjournals.org/scripts/om.dll/serve?action=searchDB&searchDBfor=art&artType=fullfree&id=ajhep036s114">review</a>.

minttwist: the Poynard study is the same discussed in the Afdhal article you read the other day - I'm used to thinking of this as good news! For nearly all  us on tx fibrosis should get no worse during treatment and for 24% it will actually improve, regardless of SVR.

[willing]

another day, another botched link - scroll down to the "SVR and liver histology" section in the above review. (and yes, it's OK to drool over the biopsy pics..)

[dheana]

Hopefully we all get a SVR and 0 fibrosis and 0 inflamation (inflammation).This would be the best thing that can happen after so much pain.

[dheana]

cigarettes.
I wasn't a smoker before tx and now I can't stop, like my brain is set-up wrong. Any suggestion?

[new-sojourn]

What are you smokin'?

[new-sojourn]

My other, who does not have hep c, gave up a 20yr coke(crack) habit when I was dx w/hep c.  Part of the total life changes we made.  So, where there's a will, there's a way.

In fact, seversl of our closest friends also gave up smokin'.  I was never really into it myself.

[susan400]

I have to say this,  "GO EAT THAT HAMBURGER!"   We all have to grab some positive quality of life things when we can.  If a burger would brighten your day (unless you're weighing 300 lbs and need to worry about calories), then go for it.  I'm so tired of treatment and having no appetite that I'm really, really, looking forward to chowing down when I come off of treatment.
Susan400

[simpleman]

Ditto to what Susan says. I'm done a week before Thanksgiving and I'm looking forward to turkey, pumpkin pie, and everything else. These last few weeks have really taken a roll on all aspects of my life I'm wondering if it has  been worth it. Of course i've been in an exceptionally foul mood for the last week or so. I realize it but just can't do anything about it. Good luck to all. Galen, quak,pearse,and others I really appreciate knowing there is life after tx.

[BobK]

Willing is absolutely right in that this (poynard study)  as good news!  The realization that fibrosis progression can be effectively suppresed in the majority of those treated, successful or not, should be viewed as wonderfil news!!  The reality check on growing a new liver is something we should all come to grips with.  If viaral elimination is maintained all evidence points to a slow healing of the liver...up to a point!  To understand how hard it is to get rid of scar tissue look at your hand, leg, arm or any place else where there is a scar.  While the scar may be much reduced over the years, since the injury, it is probably still very much visible...the same goes for your liver...same type scar tissue same difficulty in removal.  The goal is not to have any more insult to your liver so as not to have more scar tissue to deal with.

In a few weeks we will have more data available to us as the AASLD conference in Boston gets underway and the reports from the HALT_C and COPILOT studies begin to filter in.  Don't view the Poynard study as a negative but as positive progress in documenting what therapy is likely to do for you and what it isn't likely to do.  False hopes only lead to great disappointment.  

kind regards,
BobK

[Minttwist]

So...even if I clear, is alcohol out of the question; Val, Stage 2?

I use to take a sip or 2 of Grand Marnier Liqueur in my coffee every Sunday morning for brunch.  It was just a tradition in our home.

Anyone though about what they would do?  I don't ever want to end up with Stage 3 or worse.

uuuumh!  burgers and fries, burgers and fries.  Over-baked fries sounds wonderful.

[oldhippiechick67]

Hey there!  I need to know for my webpage what meds you are taking (pegasys or PegIntron) what state are u from and what age, please.  I would ask your doctor to be sure about taking a nip or two after treatment.  I dont think one coffee and Grand Marinair a week would hurt your liver.  You are definately drinking it for the tradition and the taste, not the Sunday AM buzz I wouldnt think, so just a little would probly be enough.  I guess docs vary in their thinking, some may say NO NEVER drink any alcohol, and others would say a little is okay. Only you know if your liver hurts afterwards!  Cheers!  (gimme the info please!)  OHC

[Minttwist]

Bless you heart OHC; you're really getting this stuff together, and thanks for the comment.  A nip or 2 probably won't hurt, and I've learned to consider my health FIRST for now on.

I'm on PEGASYS, Maryland, and 46 years old.