Dr. Deitrich,
I will be brief. HIV/HCV COINFECTED. I am currently under care of Dr's at U of Miami, Dr. Schiff group as well as Dr William Zakko in Ft. Lauderdale. My stats are:
-HIV meds w/ UND VL are: NORVIR, SUSTIVA, and REYATAZ. Positive since '96
-Tested positive for HCV in '00 with GType 1a.
-TX'd unsuccessfully the HCV in Jan '07 w/ a beginning VL of 22 ml. Went down to 50 and continued to rise, but went ahead and finished out TX with no side effects. in June but finished out TX.
BX before TX of HCV in Jan '07 was 1/1. Ending LAP-BX done after TX in Dec.'07 was 0/1 ( minimal damage still with some reversal.)
Dr's in Miami and GI in Ft Lauderdale both stated that I should and have the luxury of waiting for the "better" drugs to come; however, with each blood draw, I have continuing rising liver enzymes. My questions for you are as follows:
-In your opinion can I wait? If so then how to combat rising enzymes? ALT, AST, BILIRUBIN?
-Are my HIV drugs causing the elevation? Possible liver toxicity/harm from them being done?
-If HIV meds are causing elevations, then should I switch and to what?
I have followed you and your expert advice for years on the website "THEBODY" and am elated that I now have the opportunity once again to get your insight here......many thanks in advance...If you need any other pertinent info on my stats then I'll be happy to respond right away......I really respect you and your insights.......Again thanks......