As others have said, it isn't a death sentence. I didn't think I could add to the discussion but now I am puzzled. The SOS (standard of care) for a 1b is 48 weeks, not 6 months. A biopsy is really advisable. It is the only thing that will really tell the state of the liver. I am not sure exactly what "gastric erosions" are or if they can be caused by a deteriorating liver. If the doctor says the liver "has some problems" he may be judging this by it's size and hardness from a physical exam. Unless he is uninsured, I urge a biopsy. It is the only way to tell for sure and it will be invaluable later in treatment if decisions have to be made to modify or extend treatment.
http://www.janis7hepc.com/
copy and paste that to your brower. There is a good section on biopsy and a lot of valuable info on hep C. I treated at age 58, by the way. Your dad can do it. He will need support from family, and may need help around the house if he lives by himself, but he can do it. Ask him to check this site himself.
Good luck
frijole
plz send me the link to janis7 's site..
doc says his liver has some minor prob but those probably hv been caused due to intake of pain killers (which my dad hasnt taken much as per him) biopsy hasnt been advised jus a 6 months treatment course...his endoscopy is fine , no varices, jus gastric erosions...
for which he has been given RAZO n needs to continue till his treatment begins..
doc do u think ayurveda works in case of hep C.?
mu5
Did he have cirrhosi? And did he really pass into chronic hepatitis C or just had an attack of acute disese?
There is a lot of good info on the janis7 website as well as the hepatitis advocate website.
I agree with Copyman.
See a liver specialist. He will get you a liver biopsy. Read all you can. Decide from there.
Don't Panic.
My friend's dad probably got it 50 years ago form a blood transfusion. He never treated. He is well into his 80s. No noticeable effects.
Let him start on treatment. It is chronic disease and will need lot of pateince.I think his doctor will do biosy also. Thaty will tell the stage {how advanced } is the disease
we can not tell you the severity of his Hep C, only a doctor can tell him this after various tests and evaluation. His next step should be a visit with a "hepatologist" (liver specialist). they will most likely order a liver biopsy and this will tell how much, if any liver damage he has up to this point. then after that you father can make a decision on wheather to treat now or wait for the new and better drugs that should be out in the next several years. best of luck
PS, Relax this is not a death sentance. most people with HCV die WITH it , NOT FROM IT. There are far worse diseases that he could have. At least HCV can be cured.