hi i actually just got diagnose the last month of may with hep c and i myself had symptoms like u n im in my acute stage to i go to the liver doctor tomorrow to find out wear i go next. so i know how u feel. stay strong. kuk560
ok, so waiting till september is fine ... good. i do appreciate he's not in the easiest position treatment wise.
royal free hospital - solid rep as far as i know, i chose it over UCL, cos i was told it had a v good hepatology department.
I am in the U.K too!
The ALT probably won't stay at 260-it tends to flare up during the acute stage.
Hep C does cause cell death but it's usually very slow-twenty years is typical for fibrosis to start to emerge.
On balance though you want to get rid of it as soon as possible.
I think the key factor is your bi-polar status.If you were to attempt suicide whilst on treatment the doctor would be in a very difficult position!!!!!!!!
I hope you are seeing a consultant at one of the teaching hospitals,you really need to be treated by one of the big guns.
Your liver won't come to any great harm between now and your next appointment.
Thank you for your reply, if you're able to answer: another question ...
my liver doctor didn't specify why he wanted to wait 3 months before seeing me again, i asked him when i could discuss the new blood results (not even sure what he tested for, i presume viral load, genotype etc), he said: when he sees me in september.
if he's not counting on the one in six chance of clearing (which seems unlikely), what is he waiting for? perhaps that i can live with hep c ? if that's his view is the 260 ALT (same on 3 tests over about 2 1/2 months) not a problem, it's indicative of cell death - is that what causes fibrosis eventually?
i'm asking you all this, so that i am better placed to phone him and ask for my appointment to be moved forward.
why do you suggest interferon treatment asap?
btw, bear in mind: i'm in england which has a national health system.
thanks again
Generally speaking it is better to treat if you catch it in the acute stage-high clear up rate plus short treatment.
Your ALT will probably reduce if you don't treat,but will still remain abnormal (probably).
I would consider 12 weeks treatment to start asap..
Bi-polar is an issue but will be more of an issue if you have to do full length treatment for chronic infection.
Spontaneous clearance would be nice but it's a one in six shot.
Your liver doctor and your psychiatrist need to consult and decide if you can handle the treatment.
They will be very concerned if you have had suicidal ideation.
Good luck!