Ascites

[wantinfo3035]

Ascites or is it fat in the stomach area
I read that yellow in the eyes can mean Cirrhosis my husband has had yellowing in his eyes had biopsy done in 06 since he had hep c also can a person go from stage 1 grade 1 to having Cirrhosis in 6 years.  And what is considered to be a large comsumption of alcohol?  there is no pain in the stomach area or no dark urine. I did talk to a doctor and we have made an appointment after 6 years.  However, I am a scared wife what will I do if he has progressed how will I feel or how will I handle it? so many questions.  I love this man and really dont want to live without him.  we did the meds in 06 and he was a non responder.  I have prayed everyday for there would be a better med and now they have it but I am so scared of what we will find out.

Thanks for listening

[IAmTheWalrus]

I do not think so. Transplant seems the only option to me.

Notadoctor

[wantinfo3035]

Can a person with decompensated liver take the treatments?

[wantinfo3035]

He has not had anything to drink in 2 month.   I really cant tell about his stomach because it has been over the last 5 to 6 months that he has gained weight but he does have a cupcake here and there.  We opened up a business about 8 months ago and thats when i really started noticing the weight gain.

[IAmTheWalrus]

It is definitely possible to go from stage 1 to stage 4 in 6 years. I did. While it usually takes decades to progress to stage 4, you often do not know how long since beginning of infection. It is not a linear progression. Fortunately there are some pretty good drugs available to TX with, and even better ones on the way. As posted above, get the biopsy to find out what the situation is. Maybe nothing to worry about. Good luck to you both. Is your hubby a military veteran. Seems like a lot of Vietnam era vets have a similar take. Maybe he was infected when he was serving. One last thing -how much is too much alcohol is a little but controversial, but I think 0 is the right number, especially with the specter of cirrhosis in the picture.

[crossroadsec]

Yeah. I had the yellow eyes and swollen belly. You have an great heart. He is lucky to have a beautiful wife and family. I have a feeling that you guys are going to turn this into a success story.
It is possible to move on after decompensated liver starts and get back to living the full life you were meant to. You've gotten some good advice on here. I'm just happy to see that you all are looking into every possibility.
xo Karen:)

[orphanedhawk]

One more thing, I'd like to point out that although I had advanced liver cirrhosis, I never had any pain and didn't notice darkened urine until close to getting my transplant.
In order to even qualify for a transplant, a person has to be sober for a minimum of 6 months.

[orphanedhawk]

If his eyes are yellow, and weren't before, that alone is a sign to be concerned about. A swelling of the belly that looks like he's 3 months or more pregnant, could indeed be ascites.
Although it normally takes longer for hep C to progress from stage one, his drinking possibly could have accelerated the deteriation of his liver.

He needs to see an experienced hepatologist ( liver doctor) who can run tests and find out exactly what the condition of his liver is now. None of us can do anything but guess.

I'd like to repeat, drinking any alcohol when you have hep C is like pouring gasoline on a fire. It sends those little virons into orgy mode.

[hcvJames]

It's not impossible but typically it takes 30 plus years to get to stage 4. The only way nail down the stage his liver is in is to have a biopsy. To echo previous advice .. NO Alcohol .. i.e., Any consumption of alcohol while having HCV is large, especially when you are extremely worried about the status of his liver. If it's stage 1 or 2, ya, maybe an occasional drink, but not during tx. If it's stage 3 or 4, stop altogether until it's fixed .. stage 4 never again, even after a cure.

[wantinfo3035]

He is geno type 1a the age of 43

[can-do-man]

We all freak out to begin with, but really there is a lot worse health problems then Hep C. Well unless one just ignores it and continues a dangerous life style...... It's not Sunday and besides I'm no preacher so I will just say any alcohol is to much!

I really doubt ascites is a problem, not sure what you mean about going flat when one lays down but if one has fluid build up they would be quite swollen when they are laying down

As for new meds soon? I'm sorry but don't remember his genotype, if he is a 2 or 3 then that is true. If he is a type 1, since he is a prior treater then unless he can get into a trial that might be a few years out.........

[asle]

it IS possible for liver damage to move that fast in 7 years, especially if your age is around 50's. especially if drinking has been involved.
But, nevertheless, there's nothing to worry about until you have something to worry about.
Get yourself a whole new bunch of tests.
I see he was a non responder back in 2006, so you will know his genotype.
It's time for another biopsy, and a new Metavir test to see what his current grading and staging are. He will also need to know his iL28 genetic marker to see how hard it's going to be to treat.
these days, with the new Protease Inhibitors, most people's chances being 'cured' have improved exponentially.
Find a good team of gastroenterologists, hepatologists etc, and get to work to check your husband right out.
Ascites is fluid around the abdominal cavity that the liver can't deal with.
that needs to be checked out ASAP>
So, keep notes, copies of all your tests, and go out and get the answers and medical support you need.
If you leave it for much longer, then you WILL have some thing to worry about.
Keep in touch.

[wantinfo3035]

I hope and pray you are correct.  The only alcohol he drank was vidoka and it would be only once a night on the weekend every now and then maybe three times a month.  I just trying to prepare myself.  It has been hard on me but harder on him.  I have been very strong for so many years but just recently I finally broke all alone and cried and cried and ask God why us.  My husband is a wonderful man and takes care of his family.  He is tired alot but works everyday.  We own a business and it seems like is more tired if he doesnt do alot as if he worked hard all day.  I really dont see any symptoms that cirrhosis is present but I do notice he is large in the stomach area.  Do you know if ascites is present does you stomach go flat when you lay down?

[can-do-man]

Being he was only stage and grade 1 seven years ago it would be unlikely that he has come to point of later stage cirrhosis or even cirrhosis although anything is possible....... As for the alcohol, any amount while you have Hep C is to much, nothing better to speed up the process of liver damage then drinking. Try not to worry so much, things should be fine.