Welcome to the forum. You are definitely in the right place for support and knowledge based on real life experience. No two patients are alike but you will find that much of what others have experienced will prove helpful to you.
Treatments that are currently being used for GT 1a patients are Sovaldi/Peginterferon/Ribavirin for 12 weeks and Sovaldi/Olysio/Ribavirin for 12 weeks. Another treatment for those that are interferon ineligible is Sovaldi/Ribavirin for 24 weeks.
But there is a game changer in the works. Expected to be FDA approved in early October is Sovaldi/Ledipasvir, a once daily combo pill that has shown very high cure rates in the trials, with few side effects. No interferon and no ribavirin which have been associated with anemia.
So the question is - is your cirrhosis (stage 4 fibrosis) advanced to the point where you should start treatment immediately to prevent decompensation (portal hypertension, ascites, edema, esophageal varices and hepatic encepaphalopathy) or can you you safely wait until probably November for the new treatment.
As Kim advised you, you should be seeing a hepatologist, preferably at a transplant center, because they are the best in the field.
I wish you the best going forward. Keep us posted. We all know what you are going though.
Nan
Hi all,
Thanks for the info and support. I'm trying not to self diagnose via the internet (too much) as I've found, with my limited knowledge, that its either I'm done, its over or I'm giving birth in 3 months, tough to do when you have a penis.
So, I just have to wait until I see the Dr., and waiting is not something I'm good at.
Once again, thanks
M
BTW. Necrosis or necrotic means dead. Don't know if they are referring to not having signs of tumor activity as it usually stands for dead tissue. Believe it's good vs bad but ask your Doc for clarification.
...Kim
Hi and welcome.. You sound as tho your getting ready to treat and that's a good thing. Do make sure that you have a good Hepatologist in your corner, as with cirrhosis you really should be seen by them and not a Gastro guy. Not a Doc, but would think you should treat sooner then later. You want to get going before any signs of decomposition appear. I was kinda in the same boat and started Sovaldi and Ribavirin in January. Have since been cured, and so happy to get it outa my system as was early cirrhotic. My #s have all gone down to normal, so 1 thing for you to look forward to.
I do believe that 1A would be advised the Oyslio, Sovaldi, and Ribavirin, but am geno 2, so not positive. Please make sure you are well advised, and if you feel more comfortable let us know what your Doc suggests. Whatever course you take, it's very doable and so worth the result.
Gain as much info as you possibly can, and get going with treating. We will all be here to help you along the way
Be well
..Kim
Welcome to the group! I've been a member since I started my third go around with treatment. This is a great spot for support and education.
It sounds like you are doing the right things since you were diagnosed. Treatments have come a long way and the future is looking better than ever for us dragon warriors.
Here's to your healing. Take care!
Welcome to the Forum. You are. right, you will get lots of good answers here - my Dr was impressed with how informed I was @ last appt - all due to the wonderful people on this site.
Good luck on upcoming treatment, drink LOTS of water, listen to your Dr and check here for any specifics he/she hasn't provided - and for support! Pat