Stage 3/4 with negative HCV..Now HCV Positive 2yrs later

[PowerPC]

Two or three years ago I underwent an ultrasound to check the size of an AAA. After the scan I was told I had an enlarged liver and spleen. Bloodwork showed liver enzymes in the normal range and negative hepatitis tests. However I was sent for a liver biopsy which showed stage 3 fibrosis/stage 4 cirrohsis. The pathologist was unable to determine what disease or condition caused the damage and determined whatever caused it was in remission. Since that time I have had several symptoms related to liver disease and was once again tested for HCV. The screening came back positive  for HCV antibodies. I am going for further testing this week. During the past two years my doctors have done nothing as far as treatment for my existing cirrohsis. I am concerned that the HCV will only increase my liver damage especially now that I am having symptoms. The strange thing is that the enzymes are still normal but there are several physical symptoms of HCV and liver disease. I am at a loss and confused about the cycle of events here and would appreciate hearing any comments or similar experiences.

[jules2551]

You would be surprised what you can handle when you have to.  We all have experienced side effects and dealt with them as needed.  Take a deep breath and do what you have to.

[PowerPC]

I have finally received all of my test results and will be seeing the doctor on 6/24/2013 about starting treatment for the HCV. To begin I will post the general results of the blood work;

Genotype: 1-A
Viral Load: 34,000,000
Log: 7.5

I have been very worried about starting the treatment. As I stated last month my health problems are many and I was at stage 3/4 prior to contracting the HCV virus. My last negative HCV test was November 2011. I know I must start treatment to lessen the chance of even more liver damage. However, I am very concerned about the cost of the medications and the side-effects. There is an outside chance that I may be able to participate in a clinical trial in this area which may help with the costs. The side-effects are a very large concern for me. I am not sure I can handle all of the side-effects associated with this treatment. I really appreciate all of the informative comments and the well wishes from all of you. I will keep things posted as they occur. Thank you all....

[medic54]

FYI- slightly elevated/near normal ALT's/AST's (primary hepatic enzymes measurements) are typically found as fibrosis advances. Mine was typical- 20 years ago at diagnosis ALT- 230> quit drinking... next 15 years~ 110-120> then 4 years overseas and began treatment upon return F-3, ALT- 66. In fact several studies list high ALT as a minor predictor for SVR. So...  I have to think that if HCV is the problem the sooner your treatment begins the better. But keep it in perspective, though more advanced fibrosis is less likely to succeed, it is only less by 5%/F3 and 15%/F4... many people with end stage cirrhosis (complete stage 4 with decompensation) have cleared the virus and once cleared, fibrosis and cirrhosis have been shown to improve at 'an average' of  0.28 stage/year. Good Luck

[PowerPC]

Thank you and I will post the results. I am not sure about the specific tests being done but my doctor wants all of this done before refering me to a specialist. I was just informed that the tests will tell us the severity of the infection if any so I would assume the viral load will be measured. I have been advised to make sure that an HCV PCR is done. Not very well versed in all of these tests right now but the doctor I have been seeing lately is very detail oriented. You are right in that I will have may questions after the testing. This seems to be a great forum with many knowledgeable people contributing. Once again thank you for the reply and I will post results as soon as I get them.

[dontworry_behappy1]

Sorry to hear you have to go through this.  It is confusing and there are many on this forum who had HVC, have cirrhosis  and successful completed treatment and are free of HCV.

Are you having a Hepatitis C viral load test next week?  That test will determine if you do indeed have Hepatitis C.  20% clear the virus and still
test positive for HCV antibodies.  Please let us know your results.  I'm sure you will have many questions and the forum is a good place to ask.

Best to You

[PowerPC]

Yes...Thank you! I posted this in the cirrhosis community about 15 minutes ago.

[mzkity]

Maybe you can post this in the cirrhosis of the liver community or liver disorders. For now it seems to be a liver issue, not hep c at this time. I don't know what type of doctor your seeing but it should be a hepatologist. Good luck to you!!