Hep C and Fibroscan

[Livelife777]

Hello friends.   Since being diagnosed with Hep C and Cirrhosis I have been on a mission to reverse the damage done by the virus.  I was treated with Sovaldi/Ribavirin 12 weeks for genotype 2 and fortunately was cured.  It has
now been over a year since being declared SVR 24 and am doing my best to reverse the Cirrhosis thru healthy
living.   Recently had a Fibroscan (MRE) at Mayo Clinic and my # came back at 11.0 K. I'm wondering if anyone has info related to what that score indicates.  Some grafts say F4 (Cirrhosis) while others F3 (Fibrosis).  Any thoughts or responses would be welcomed.   Tnx
.....Kim

[patra_]

Kim: isn't the ataxia one of those things from HE that can be treated by, I forgot the name of it! : -/. I know that statement doesn't make a lot of sense but I'm hoping you will remember what I am trying to say a condition that sometimes effects HepC people on treatment that does have a treatment which reminds me of like a laxative, or diauratic.

Blessings,

Pat

[Livelife777]

Hi and welcome szohaib.   Unfortunately once you become Cirrhotic your chance for reversal is not as easy as it would appear.  Even tho the cause of your dads cirrhosis will be eliminated by curing his Hep C, the liver is already scarred.  You can't totally undo a scarred liver, but by following a heart healthy diet and avoiding alcohol you perhaps can keep it from getting worse.
If his liver is not to damaged you may see some rejuvenation but not from stage 4-stage 1.
Typically it/if reversal is possible it may take 2 years or more to see change.
Keep in mind that since your dad has cirrhosis he must be monitored every 6 months to check for liver cancer.  Cancer of the liver is increased in those of us that have Cirrhosis so an MRI is necessary to watch for architecture changes or lesions.
It's wonderful that your father is getting treatment and the progression of his disease will hopefully be halted.  He can still live a healthy and full life but needs to stay on top of all follow-up scans.
Best to you
.......Kim

[szohaib1]

Hi. My dad has F4 HepC genotype3a and has been on 24 week sovaldi+riba teeatment. He has finished 17 weeks so far. However, he is showing symptoms of ataxia (slurred speech+gait imbalance). I started giving him Milk Thistle as well now. Question is: can we expect reversal of cirrhosis and inprovement of Fibroscan from F4 to F0? If yes, in how much time?

[Carlhcv]

I believe that I've cleared hep C after 30+ years. I won't know for sure for another month. I'd be interested in a post SVR section even though I have no measurable liver damage. I have gained weight and really enjoy an occasional beer as I seem to metabolize the alcohol better now. For those with cirrhosis, I wish you well. My understanding is that the liver can heal itself to some degree but it is a slow process.  

[patra_]

Kim, then my best suggestions are what I just posted to Stronglady:

Did you touch the  '+'  button first and then post a question when the green button came up?

That is what I had to do.  After that I could post new, or respond.

If that doesn't work, I suggest you go to the bottom of this Community and select the 'Contact Us' thingy (as you can see, I am highly technical here.  lol), and post your question to the Moderators.  They are extremely helpful and will guide you through whatever the problem is.

Pat

[Livelife777]

I'm going to give it another try Pat.  When I try to reply it won't accept my response.  Maybe there's a place where I have to join.
Hmmm