hep c treatment

I found out my Hep C is type 2 and I have been referred for treatment probably starting in January.  My internist did some tests and said I do not have any liver damage so that is a relief.  I have an appointment to meet with a Hep C specialist in mid November so will be starting to find out more then.  I found out I have hep c in July this year and looking back believe I was probably infected when I was a foolish teenager (40 years ago).  I am starting to get over the shock and think that I will still have a chance to continue to live a healthy life.

jen

[NYgirl]

Jen

You aren't alone.  MANY of us were shocked that we had it and got it the same time and way that you most likely did.  It's amazing how mistakes made in youth.....

Anyway - there is a great support group in here that understands what you are going through and can help a lot.

But remember this is the internet and NONE of us are doctors so ALWAYS talk to yours first and foremost.

Unfortunately we do have a lot of experience with treatment and side effects and seem to know about them better than  the doctors do though.  

If you decide to do the treatment you'll find it's not fun but for the most part is doable. I don't "like" coming in to work every day but I do.

Good luck!

[Kalio1]

I am wondering what kind of tests the internist did to find out what kind of liver damage you have? Did he do a biopsy? A biopsy is the "gold standard" to determine liver damage. An ultrasound is not sufficient to determine liver damage. It can give ou some information and look for tumors and masses but it can not see your level of liver damage. There are some blood tests that can give some information but they can not determine your level of damage unless it is quite severe. With type 2 doctors often do not give you a biopsy because most are encouraged to treat with Interferon/Riba but having had it 4o years, I would see if you can get a biopsy or at least a CTscan. Do you know what your platelet level is? What were your liver enzyme numbers (AST/ALT)? Are you having any symptoms? Sorry about your diagnosis, I am glad you found the forum.

[gramma jen]

I like your suggestion and when I see the liver specialist I will ask about getting a biopsy or at least a CTscan. The internist did blood tests, a physical exam, and an ultrasound.  My ALT and AST were over 100 but can't remember the exact amount.  I know both have increased within the last three months.  My platelets were lower than normal but now are at the low end of normal so they have increased. I was getting nutty trying to understand all the test results so I have intentionally started letting the doctors handle that end of my treatment.  I don't have any symptoms other than fatique.  I just had surgery for an ovarian cyst this week and my doctors were waiting for me to heal from the surgery before we start focussing on Hep C treatment.  Other than the fatique and the symptoms related to the ovarian cyst prior to surgery, and now the healing process, I have a healthy and active lifestyle and expect I will be able to physically manage the Hep C treatment.