Alcohol and Hep c

[nursebetty]

I found this site when doing a search on the internet.  Wow... a lot of info so I figured the readers here would not the answers I am looking for.  

My hubby recently found out he has anitbodies for hepatitis C.  The Dr. told him not to drink anymore (at least when treatment starts), but he feels the Dr. is just covering his rear end so to speak.

David (my husband) has done a lot if research on the internet and all studies seem to be geared to people who drink a lot (30-80 grams a day).  David probably only has 6-8 drinks all week and only of red wine.  He never drinks more than 3 drinks at a time.  He feels the Dr. is referring to alcoholics, not him.....and granted I do not belive he is one.  I have lived with him for 25 years.  

So.......I am looking for opinions so I can either take my hubby's side or the Dr's.  I hate to put it that way, but most of what I read says no alcohol.  

Any imput would be appreciated.  

Elizabeth and David

[jmjm530]

The monthly record for most alcohol posts in a thread is "103".  Didn't think this thread would break it, but the addition of "marijuana" to the mix, could result in a new record. I do hope no one points out that cigarette smoking, excessive use of pain killers and other OTC drugs, overcomsumption of Surcrose (See Dr. D's Video) and being overweight  and under-exercised isn't very helpful to the HCV liver as well. So let's keep that to ourselves.

-- Jim

[R Glass]

This is going to be good.
I can just imagine the circling of the Lion Pride waiting to pounce.

[nothing but the facts]

There are no absolutes regarding chronic hcp. It is essential that your hubby have a biopsy done. Then you can tell how much if any liver damage has occurred. Yes,
type 2 and 3 are the easiest to treat. Treatment is very
hard but manageable if you are strong and resolute to get
better. I hope your gastro doc has an RN hcp specialist
to get you the kind of help and support your man needs.
As far as elevated LFT'S relating to hcp I can give you
my personal case. Like your hubby my LFT'S were normal for many years but signicantly elevated last year to 199
alt and 143 ast. I took labs and confirmed hcv virus with
6 million viral load and genotype 1a (the worst). My biopsy read that I had stage 4 fibrosis with bridging that my doctor stated was low grade cirrhosis. That was enough for me to radicalize my life style. I decreased my alcohol to no more than 2 drinks a week (wine or beer) and stopped smoking blunts. One of the things I read about hcv was that after being infected with the virus liver damage was increased 7 fold for marijuana use. Much more than alcohol use, that is still contributore to liver damage. Controlled moderation is the key. Even though I had all the risk factors for unsuccessful treatment (genotype 1a, age over 60,high viral load,etc) I became virus free after 12 weeks and I am still virus free 4 months post tx. One other thing,
your hubby should drink tons of water and always take the
ribavirin with FOOD. Best of luck to you and your hubby...

[honey11]

Copy,,,I don't think Mr. Liver is Rev if that is who you are thinking. He always comes back as Revenire.  I do think Mr. Liver is right though,,,,our welcome wagon here definitely needs some work for newcomers.  I know everyone is just very definite about this subject and we all have been studying this disease for a very long time so know what is good for the liver and what is not.   But thinking back to when I first learned I had this disease,,,,I knew nothing about it and do remember coming to medhelp and asking so many questions and many caring people out there helped me through each step.  I really feel we should show Elizabeth and David a little more compassion and make them comfortable to come back and ask all kinds of questions.  

[copyman]

there is something about you that just is not right. i cant figure it out just yet but i will. i do believe you are someone else that use to come here but now using this new name. you  are very controversial and a "know it all". just wanted you to know that some here are on to you!

[geterdone]

Here is the kicker of this whole thread


I appreciate your concern, but if my husband was a heavy drinker for the last 25 years I would know it.  He drinks 6-8 glasses of red wine a week (not a day). I only asked because he seemed reluctant to give up our only vice.  EDucation is what he needs, not speculation.  I don't know where you got the idea he is "hard core" drinker.  Maybe that was someone elses entry.

Yes, indeed, the AA thumpers ride again.
Look all when you start these meds you'll be just too damn sick by the third week to even care because you'll be damn preoccupied being sick of the changes your body is going through and experience is the best teacher.

Cheers!
jasper