selpam

[selpam]

I have Hep C Genotype 1a Stage four cirrohsis of the liver. the doctor opted not to treat me because my platelet count was at 68,000. anyone else have this happen.

[Bill1954]

That situation hasn’t happened to me, but it isn’t uncommon for cirrhotics. There is a new drug just approved for platelet production in patients with ITP; it might be available off-label for HCV patients. Ask your doctor about ‘Promacta’; it’s also known generically as ‘eltrombopag’:

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/fda-eltrombopag

This is supposed to be very effective for thrombocytopenia (low platelets).

Another possible option to discuss is splenectomy; drastic measure, but it might be preferable to transplant? Are you treating with a doc that is very familiar with HCV and its treatment options?

Best of luck to you—

Bill

[evangelin]

Have you ever treated before?
My husband  is genotype 1b and has cirrhosis and is on his 3rd try at treating.  The first gastroenterologist we saw was not interested in trying to re-treat him with his low platelets (they have ranged from 45-80)   We went to a University teaching hospital and they have been willing to be much more aggressive .  We have to drive 4 hrs to get there but it has been worth the effort and expense.   Joe has been on interferon/Ribavirin and a drug called Alinia since June and his platelets have never even gone down.  In fact they have been really good.  Lately they were in the high 70's which was higher than what he started with last summer.  I know it doesn't happen like this with everybody. For some reason his platelets just aren't that effected by the interferon.  ( it might have something to do with why he is such a poor responder too)  If you go to Gauf's journal here on medhelp, he has recorded a lot of informatrion about supplements that helped Joe a great deal before starting treatment this time.  Seek out any old posts by HR on medhelp.  He is a doctor / hepatitis researcher (HR) and all around genius who posted here for a while and helped us choose some supplements which have a good chance of helping get rid of fibrosis so your liver can function better while waiting for a way to get rid of the virus.  Gauf has a list recorded in his journal called HR's liver loving list which recorded HR's suggestions.  His highly educated guesses are what we went with and it made a big difference.  If you decide to do this read carefully for the details so you don't buy the wrong thing.
I don't know where you live and if it is possible to try a big teaching hospital but it was the only place that was willing to push the extra bit that would even give Joe a chance of clearing the virus.
Blessings,
Ev