My husband has Hep C. He has had it for over 30 years. Genotype 1, was not SVR after 48 weeks on copegasus/ribaviron so his doctor put him on an additional 48 weeks of same treatment and then 1 year of only the weekly shots. He has completed the 2nd 48 weeks and only has 8 months left of the shots left. He is virus free while on treatment. Here's my problem:
My husband is overweight (would be classified as obese according to BMI), is 49 years old, has hemachromotosis (he gets regular bloodlettings), does not exercise, eats an awful diet - very high in saturated fats and according to his last biopsy, he has stage 3/4 fibrosis. His fibrosis has gotten worse since on treatment (from stage 2, to 3, to 3/4). He also has erectile dysfunction. So his doctor has given him Viagra AND prescribed topical testosterone cream. According to the literature on the testosterone cream, he should NOT be using it with liver disease. His doctor also lets him take tylenol for aches and pains associated with the treatment. He pops tylenol probably everyday. I know my husband should be exercising and eating healthier but those are choices he has made (I have tried to tell him that his liver can not handle the extra weight and he nevers goes in for a physical so I have no idea what his cholesterol is). So I am angry with him for not taking better care of himself but I am also frustrated with his doctor for the continued treatment, giving my husband the OK for Tylenol and prescribing Viagra (without checking his heart) and Testosterone cream when it could clearly affect his liver even more. Also, I don't understand while the doctor is keeping him on treatment even as his fibrosis is turning into cirrhosis. I know I'm not a doctor but I try to be an educated patient (because my husband is not). DOes anyone have any advise for me? Can you tell me if my concerns are legitimate? Thanks for your response in advance,
Pickled