new here, hep c diagnosed 5+ yrs. Question

[angel5starr]

I go to an Internal Med. Dr. and he just has ulta sound and bloodwork done to determine need for tx. Have not had Biopsy,have gall stones,geno 1a, july 2012 vl was 30 millions? Just would like info from anyone and your experience. Thank you

[angel5starr]

Thank you for the advice. I live in MO,about 5 hrs. from St. Louis. I've heard there is a Dr. there at a University that is a Gastrointerologist and Hemotologist. It would be quite an ordeal to get there and have that done!! Is there a risk in getting a Biopsy done?? Trying to remember that Dr's name.....  Thank you so much! I guess this is nothing to mess around with.....

[HectorSF]

Ultrasound and blood work do not tell how much damage the hepatitis C virus had caused to your liver. Viral load also does not determine if you should treat or not. You will need a liver biopsy to determine if you need to treat now or can wait for more effective treatments with fewer side effects that will be available as early as late this year.

Your hepatitis C should be treated by a gastroenterologist (a specialist in the digestive system and its disorders) who is familiar with treating people with hepatitis C and is aware of all the latest developments that are happening with the treatment for people chronically infected with hepatitis C.

Good luck!
Hector