how many years left

How long can a person who has had HCV genotype 3a for 16 (odd) years, continue to drink 3-4 glasses per night of alcohol go on without showing symptoms. ?  I have told her its exceptionally bad for her to do it, but she continues to do it and refuse treatment.

There are no visible symptoms and I dont want her to get to the point where she gets to a point of no return, whats the time frame HELP PLEASE

[Bobby1952]

   There is no time frame.People have desease progression at different rates. Drinking does make the HCV do damage much faster.

Bobby

[nygirl7]

Most of us had no symptoms before we were diagnosed and many times by the time a person does have the classic symptoms it means they are totally cirrhotic and it's too late for treatment alone to do anything - it's time for transplant.  Of course, those of us who have had hepC also have to worry about liver cancer which is almost always fatal from what I understand. I have lost two friends to end stage liver disease (one hep one liver cancer) and believe me it's not pretty and nobody wants it.

I had the disease without knowing it for about 20 years we think and by the time I was diagnosed (I never had any symptoms) I was already stage 3.  Stage 4 is cirrhosis. I used to drink a lot and I'm sure if I'd have lived a healthier life it would have been a totally different story.  But I was very lucky that I found out in time and could change my life and do treatment and be cured.

She's on a downward trend and unfortunately the only person who can stop her from being on it is her.

Sorry, I wish you both the best of luck.

[orphanedhawk]

A friend's heptologist ( liver doctor) said Hep C patients who drink alcohol are sending them( the hep C virus) into orgy mode. By drinking she is making things worse.

Often, there are no visible symptoms of liver disease. The only visible symptom I had for years was a red spot on my upper chest. When I was finally diagnosed I had cirrhosis and end stage liver disease. Although I did the treatment, I relapsed, probably because my liver was already in such bad shape.
I had a transplant last Spring.

Has this person had any tests to determine the condition of her liver?

All you can do is supply her with information. It is her life and if she chooses to throw it away, there is nothing anyone can do.

[epiphiny]

As folks have said above there is no time frame. Drinking definately increases the liver damage.  I have to be honest and say that before I knew I had it I was quite the party girl and drank a lot at parties etc, although I never drank daily.

I would be careful about using scare tactics tho as, if it were me and I was using alcohol to hide from my reality, the more scared I became, the more I would drink as an escape.

[willy71]

all to true, if she does not want to help herself then what can I do but support her decision, she might live to be 100 ???.

then again, if she will not tell me what her results are, how can I find out ? all im trying to do is help her, but she wont let me..

[orphanedhawk]

The sad truth is we can't help anybody who doesn't want our help.
If you know someone who she will listen to, then talk to them.

Sometimes, we have to let go as hard as it may be.

peace, OH