What Questions should I have answered after the first GI visit.

[pokie82]

The HCV was discovered by her family doctor and the GI appointment was made. Family doctor sent records to GI. We know nothing except the certain HCV --
Here is what I have so far.

What level is the ALT's?
What is the Genotype?
What category is the HVC?
Is there liver damage at this time?
Present Prognosis (TX)?

Thank you Pokie82

[new-sojourn]

Drugs are drugs, whether 'street', Rx's or otc's.  All are toxic to the liver.  Most 'druggies' are Rx druggies-meaning their MD's Rx the mood altering drugs.  All pain meds and anti-boitics, etc (all meds use to treat physical ailments) ate toxic and creat more toxins for the liver.

So, choose your poisons wisely.

[giddyup]

Hi, try the web sight "janice and friends". Its a great sight for answering questions about hep c.

[jonihs]

As to liver damage, some Dr.s do not want to do a biopsy if your genotype is 2 or 3 because they are going to treat anyway. For myself, I would want to know what damage there is because this can determine your lifestyle. Myself, I have very advanced cirrhosis, so I have to take certain meds and eat liver freindly. If there is no damage, then you can eat normally, avoiding only alcohol and street drugs. There's no way of acurately determining this w/out biopsy.   Hope I helped, and yes, do get all copies of labns, not just bloodwork.   Joni

[MajNeni]

See the thread avove started by Scaredforher/comment 5/ for the Janis website address.  It is one of the best HepC sites.

[hph5477]

First off, you need to learn what the tx methodology is.  I would rather have a dr that treats a little more aggressively rather than cautiously.  You need to ask if they will prescribe Neupogen or Procrit if your bloodcounts (WBC & RBC) drop too low.  Some dr's will want to just reduce dosage of meds.....try to stay on full dose if you can.
  
Of course, find out your genotype, your viral load (VL), length of your tx, etc.  I would also request copies of your labwork each time you have blood drawn so you can keep track of your progess yourself.  It's also a good idea to have in case you need to see your PCP for any reason.

I'm sure others will provide more advice.  Keep doing your own research and you'll probably know as much, if not more, than your dr on the tx of HCV.  The more you know, the better you'll feel about tx and decisions made by your dr.  

Good luck with your first visit and your decision to treat.