just found out

[ponies24]

I just found out I have hep c and stage 4 liver cirrhosis, do not have much knowledge about any of this, or what test should be done, can any one tell me where and how to start?

[orphanedhawk]

Blood work alone can show a lot, In fact that was how I was diagnosed with both hep C and decompensated cirrhosis. Add an ultrasound and a good doctor can tell you quite a bit.

Stage 4 is cirrhosis.
What you need to know is whether it's decompensated or compensated. If you already have decompensated cirrhosis, there is no need for a biopsy. Biopsies are invasive and if you don't need one, don't get one.

What you need to do is, stop drinking alcohol, if you haven't already.

If you have decompensated cirrhosis then go on a restricted low salt diet. Avoid processed foods and red meat. Read labels and stay away from sodium.You still need protein but eat beans, eggs, tofu, fish and chicken.

The liver is a filter. When it's diseased, it has a harder time working. So try to make it easier by sticking to organic and freshly prepared food as much as you can.

Good luck.
OH ( a 5 year post transplant survivor )

[ponies24]

It was my gastrologist, who also is a hepatologist that told me I had stage 4, but besides blood work all they are going by is one ultra sound, should they not being doing a liver biopsy?

[heart_in_the_keyes]

First and foremost...get thyself to a good hepatologist who works in the Hep C at liver transplant center.  Do not go to general practioner at this point.  Start reading Hector posts.

The hepatologist will run your blood panels, order MRI's and other tests.  Nothing medically will be done until they get this info and then they will make recommendations for you to you.  

Once you have blood work and tests then questions can be better answered.  

I have stage 4 cirrhosis, HCV.  I am on a pre-transplant list. The most important thing you can do right now is get to a hepatologist.

Who told you that you were stage 4?

[Advocate1955]

That is a lot of news to get all at once.  Keep posting here because the people on this forum have a lot of knowledge and can give you a lot of support regarding your Hep C.  I would also suggest that you post on the Cirrhosis of the Liver forum here on MedHelp.  There you will find others who have Cirrhosis as well.  As Lynn and Dee both said, find a hepatologist right away.  No other type of doctor is qualified to treat both your Hep C and your Cirrhosis.  There are several new treatments available for Hep C that you may be able to take under the care of a hepatologist.  You will need to be evaluated by a hepatologist to have a better understanding of the exact stage of Cirrhosis, and then the hepatologist will need to see you at least every 6 months to monitor the status of your liver and help you keep it healthy and working as well as possible.  A hepatologist will be able to determine when you can treat your Hep C and with which medications.
Come back and post often.  We're here to support you.
Advocate1955

[Dee1956]

Hi the first step is to find a good Hepatologist and they can guide you through the next steps.  Here is a link to good doctors all over US
If none of these doctors are near you post a question and others can help you.

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/Who-is-your-good-doctor-/show/1715783

Hang in there.  Many of us found out we had HCV and cirrhosis at the same time, it is an awful shock.

[flyinlynn]

See a hepatologist at a liver transplant center.

You will want to know your MELD score which is based on your bilirubin, creatinine and INR test results. So blood tests CBC, chemistry, liver function profile, AFP and an abdominal ultrasound. Looks like you have had upper endoscopy. Also colonoscopy. Viral load for the hep C plus Genotype.

Also would want to be immunized against hep A and hep B as well as pneumonia vaccine.

Good luck
Lynn