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

[jmjm530]

Thanks to  everyone for the nice words, and again nice to hear from

[Frank J. Perrotta]

WoW jmjm - sooooo cool.

unfortunately just filled my tummy with hot, fresh Japanese rice and gotta sleep!

Congrats on the good news and hope to hear many more!

My "cure" got me lots of PIS but at least my docs are working of feeding me some pretty pills to help (they sometimes do!!!).

Hope you are able to stay around for a bit!
f

[Dee1956]

Hey there, so great to see you on the forum.  Even better is your news, thanks so much for sharing
Dee

[IMstacie]

It was great of you to come back and post this information.  It's something we all need to know.  Best of luck to you.

Stacie

[Sentinel13]

Hi Jim: Thanks for sharing the positive story! I was Grade 3/Stage 3 in 2002. I believed back then, and I still believe it today, that pegylated interferon heals the liver, delays the onset of tumors, and prolongs life. I spent most of the past decade on Pegasys in an attempt to reverse liver damage. Finishing triple therapy next month (Incivek) and should get a biopsy a few weeks afterward. Maybe I'll have a success story like yours to share! Cheers, GB

[copyman]

Hey Jim,

Good to hear from you and the good news. I often wondered how you were doing. You helped me so much with my treatment and ultimately SVR. Your knowledge of HCV helped so many people back then. Not sure if I ever thanked you but just in case .....THANK YOU !!!!!