Drugs for Chirrosis

[Miss604]

I am a 2 time non responder to Interferon and Riberviron, My viral load is 5 mil, I have now early Chirrosis, and I am alone, scarres and have discomfort in my whole body, I have severe knee and back(lower) pain osteo arithritus in both knees, and COPD. I am seeing for the 1st time another Dr Sept 22, a Gastro Dr. this is the 4th I have seen,I am super depressed and cry at the drop of a hat, is there anyone out there who is like me?  

[GoofyDad]

I should have pointed out that the above is a strategy to avoid progression of the liver disease.

[GoofyDad]

I belive that you can do a lot to help yourself with diet. "HR" a hepatitis researcher who used to post here, explained that this is the first line of defense you have (after the obvious offenders: alcohol, solvents, un-liver-friendly drugs). Low carb, no sugar, low fat. Many small meals each preceded by vegetables and fiber to slow the digestion. For example fruit juice is BAD. Very sugary, and quichly absorbed. Raw spinich folloed by some nuts, tofu, or lean chicken is good.  

You're among friends here. Read, ask, and learn.

[JennyPenny]

You are definitely not alone. I am a multiple time non-responder and I was diagnosed with cirrhosis in 1992 (by biopsy). That diagnosis was confirmed again a couple of years later with a laprascopic biopsy. I don't feel terrific, in fact I have some of the same problems that you mention. Fatigue and lower back pain (osteporosis) can be severe for me. My point in telling you this is to show you that 17 years after a diagnosis of cirrhosis, I am still here, alive, kicking and enjoying my 6 grandkids. Please try to remember that when you feel like crying. As someone mentioned we are not far away from approval of the protease inhibitors. They just may be your answer. I can't take them because I can't ever take any more interferon due to 0 neutrophils the last two times I tried treatment. But it sounds as if you will be a candidate when they are approved. Hang in there. You're going to be ok.

My doctor also has me on a drug called Actigall. You may want to ask your doc about that in the mean time. Some hep docs believe in it and some don't. It has no side effects for me so I take it.

[newleaf09]

Tulsatime has the right attitude, though I know it is hard to get to that attitude when things look so bad.  There are some anti-fibrotic (reduce liver scarring) drugs in testing but I can't guess how long it will take before anything comes out on the market. Your best bet is to do treatment again with the protease inhibitors added (out in 2011).  They have shown promise for relapsers and non-responders.  Try to manage your other health issues and keep stress off your liver until then.  Hang in there.

[tulsatime]

Hi you are most certainly not alone. I am a 2 time relapser. I have cirrhosis. I was dx with hep c and cirrhosis 4 almost 5 yrs ago. I am doing just fine. fatigue is my main issue. Be sure to take vitamins and I take vit B complex too. I have been just taking it one day at a time. since my last relapse in 2007. I am going to wait till the new drugs come out in 2011. Make sure you get a good gastro. you need to be on a beta blocker too and make sure you get ultra sounds every 6 months, and tumor marker test too. I have been trying to beat this dragon too, but I just have to wait for the new drugs, and stay on top of my current health issue on the cirrhosis.  You have early cirrhosis so that is a good thing. I plan on being around for a long time and I found out 5 yrs ago. and no telling how long before that I had it. No alcohol at all. I have some body aches too. If you want to talk you can send me a message on my site anytime. we are similar and I have been dealing with this a while so anytime. Debi

[Upbeat]

TX is not working for you.  Maybe your should try a different approach.  Google Dr Berkson and check out his protocal.  A lot of people in your situation are trying LDN.  The majorty of people that fail TX leave this board so you don't hear much from them.

[Marcia2202]

I'm sorry that you are going through such a rough time. Just wanted to say that I wish you all the best. There are many people here going through hardships, so you are not alone.

Hugs, Marcia