JmJm530 -- From Stage 3-4 to Normal -- Six Years Post TX

[jmjm530]

Just got my six year post tx, and it was 4.5kPa. Apparently, that’s pretty good and normal (stage 0-1) as the tech said it was lower than his scan--  and he’s never had any sort of liver disease!

My previous scans were in 2005, mid treatment (9.5 kPa) and in 2006, six months post tx (8 kPa). These correspond with stages (2-3), and early stage 2, respectively -- at least according to the correlations at the time of the initial Fibroscan trials.

Pre-Treatment I was staged at either 3-4 or 2-3 (depending on who read the slides) via liver biopsy.

It’s funny, because I almost passed on the Fibroscan, as it’s been so many years since SVR, and regardless of results, there wasn’t really anything I could (or would want to) do. Thankfully, the results were good. Just wish the rest of me was that normal. LOL.

A little hazy background, as it’s been awhile, and I couldn’t locate my exact notes:

Stated tx in early 2005. Double Dosed Peg for ther first 4? or so weeks, on high dose Ribavirin strategy that ended me in the ER within a few weeks of starting tx. After a few days off ribavirin, I then again continued on high dose ribavirin (with Procrit) for the duration of my 60 week treatment. Tons of sfx. It was not a pleasant experience.

I had a two log drop within a week or two (viral load was tested weekly) and UND within 4-6 week, can’t remember. In any event, it was considered an RVR. I was still told to tx for 60 weeks, based on both age – over 50 – and advanced fibrosis, as my only biopsy reading at that time was stage 3-4.

As those who have read some of my posts, I had very mixed feelings about tx for those with little or no liver damage – but that said, it certainly appears that tx can reverse fibrosis/cirrhosis, not only based on what I’ve read, but also on my own scan results.

To any of my old friends still here, you’re always in my heart, and I hope the very best for each and every one of you.

-- Jim

[CoWriter]

Hey Jim....I miss you.

CS was able to reverse the damage too but two years later we're still dealing with post treatment sides.  Tx may have increased his life expectancy but I'm about to change that if he continues being such a jerk...LOL

We're researching post tx sides...and we're not liking what we're finding.  Anti-oxidant and HPA axis disregulation, an inflammatory process caused by interferon (which is pro-inflammatory), an association between inflammation and depression, adrenal fatigue, and autoimmunity.  Add to that the damage caused by the virus and the fact that people are different and you now have a complicated mess.  

The answer may involve having to take anti-oxidants, maybe anti-inflammatories.  The data is pointing that way.  But getting somebody who's been through Hep C and tx to take anything is almost impossible.... even if they reversed all the damage.

I can understand that....but then what do we do?  Continuing to hope they'll go away on their own doesn't work.  We already tried that.

Co

[cruelworld]

wow, what an inspiration, all that homework paid off. congrats.

[rivll]

Thank you so much for posting this news. It is exactly what I have been obsessing about lately. Just started the meds, hopeful that they will succeed in killing the virus, but worrying about my liver and its recovery. Your post has given me a great boost! Happy for you. :) I know what you mean about it carrying over to other aspects of your life.
I am so focused on this as a life issue, how do we, when we heal, regroup and reorganize a life that has been on hold. It is a problem I am sure we all look forward to dealing with, nevertheless it is on my mind.

[FaithforHealing]

I found your comments about fibromyalgia interesting. In 2003 I had the symptoms and started "doctoring" to find out what was going on. I was simultaneously dx with it and with HCV; that's how I found out about the HCV.
The thing I don't get is if fibro is diagnosed by the absence of anything else, how do they know it's not the HCV or in your case the tx? Or do they have a new way to dx fibro? Just curious.

[Kristina538]

That's awesome confirmation!! I was 3-4 also and my doctor said it would continue to heal over the years.

I came on board when you were finishing, and remember the terrible tendonitis/fibromyalga you had and the program you got on your pc to continue writing.  As a newbie mid-treatment, I watched that struggle, and ended up struggling with the same which came suddenly, lasted a year, and left just as suddenly!!   So, I'm hoping you've had success there also!!!

Lovely to see you on board again and congrats on the sparkly squeaky clean live - who would've thought - Wow!

[nygirl7]

Hey Jim how's Jenna and the scooter?  :)

What great news, absolutely totally stellar - not that any of us that know you would expect any less!  It's great to see you post, many of us wonder what is going on with our old friends from time to time.

Still into Idol?   ;)

Deb