Aa
New to treatments
I found out I have hep c type 1a and Im in 4th stage cirrhosis of my liver.
Im scared and in Australia without my familys support. My GF is here but Im sure this will be a big burden on her.
They want to start triple treatment in 4 weeks from now. Ive read alot of the threads here and now im very concerned. Im suppose to pay 750 a month child support which im happy to do cause I love my now 15 yr old son Ben.
Any advise from anyone is grateful. Will I be able to work during this process Im a carpenter and 58 yrs old or young lol Im high spirted and in good shape. Im a very happy go lucky guy with a good sence of humor I hope I can keep it. They told me I got the hep C when I was a child and Ive had it for over 40 years now I doubted the doctors at first cause im not a drug user or a drinker so I was quite stunned to learn I have this. Im a fighter also John
Im scared and in Australia without my familys support. My GF is here but Im sure this will be a big burden on her.
They want to start triple treatment in 4 weeks from now. Ive read alot of the threads here and now im very concerned. Im suppose to pay 750 a month child support which im happy to do cause I love my now 15 yr old son Ben.
Any advise from anyone is grateful. Will I be able to work during this process Im a carpenter and 58 yrs old or young lol Im high spirted and in good shape. Im a very happy go lucky guy with a good sence of humor I hope I can keep it. They told me I got the hep C when I was a child and Ive had it for over 40 years now I doubted the doctors at first cause im not a drug user or a drinker so I was quite stunned to learn I have this. Im a fighter also John
thx Hope I intend to 100% Great people on this site with a lot of info and support. I did post a few new web sites I found useful in fourms if you want to have a look. Good Luck john
John, I just started an oral trial today that doesn't have interferon. When I first found out that I had Hep C and cirrhosis it really scared me and my wife was convinced that I was going to die :) However, we decided to closely monitor my labs and saw four different specialists. My labs remained fairly constant and we decided to wait until we could get into a phase 3 trial which took about six months. I'm not sure what's available down under, but I would at least check it out. Sounds like there is lts of good advice on this forum and you have every chance of beating this thing. Best of luck.
I too will be starting triple treatments soon (about 30 to 45 days) Hang in there Mia there is ALOT of support here. This is the best site Ive found to openly talk to real people who have went through this. God Bless and best of luck. John
If there are any other sites I would be keen to know of them
If there are any other sites I would be keen to know of them
I don't have liver damage I had the interferon and ribavirin 10 years ago. Now I'm going to start the triple treatment. I'll be taking incevek.
Mia, what treatment are you doing? Will it include two drugs (Interferon and Ribavirin) or three drugs (Interferon, Ribavirin, and either Victrellis or Incivek)? Have you tried treating your Hep C previously? The answers to these questions are important because as a Genotype 1a, with the three drug treatment, also known as triple therapy, your chances for a cure are much higher than 30%, unless there are other factors like previous treatments and advanced liver damage (which you said you don't have).
Advocate1955
Advocate1955
I will be starting my treatment when my medications arrive. I need prayers that at the end of the first 4 weeks it shows that the treatment is working so I can continue it so it can do its job. My doctor said I have 30% chance cause I'm type 1a. So please pray for me. Thank you. Also is there anyone who has type 1a that had success with the treatment.
wow what a good bunch of people you all are. AVO 55 Hector POOH ROOFER Mia mebroom DEE and yodennis. Now I dont feel as all alone as I did when I first found out about all this. I got a rowdy bunch like me to battle this and feel I can now. Im gonna start the triple threat in about a month got a scan and blood test (of course) commin up in 2 weeks. Im doing exatly as they tell me to the letter. I know this is a war and not 1 battle so Im getting prepared now. Having built 220 homes and I couldnt even tell you what else Ive built Walmart mc donalds pizza huts ect I know one thing in life its got to have a good foundation to be strong and stand up and thats exactly what all of you are to me. I hope I can pay all your help forward one day to those of us in need. thanks kindly for all your words of courage and wisdom John
Mia1968, yes, it's safe. With no liver damage, your chances of curing your Hep C may be higher and your side effects may be fewer too.
Advocate1955
Advocate1955
Thank you for getting back to me. Yes I was asking if it's safe. I want to do it now cause I can afford it now. In a few yrs from we r not going to afford it.
"Just saw a comment on another thread about DAA's and new treatments maybe better than triple threat? anyone know of these or Im I just reading this wrong? "
-------------------------------
As Advocate said, the new DAAs are still in trial/study and they are not available to the general public for treatment. No one knows when they will be available. It could be a couple of years or it could be 5 years.
You have cirrhosis. It is urgent that you treat sooner rather than later. Currently you have compensated cirrhosis (your liver is still able to function and carry on its daily work). However, one never knows when one's liver may decompensate (not be able to carry on its functions and daily work). Generally, it is urgent that people treat before they become cirrhotic because, as Hector pointed out, cirrhotics potentially have more complications while treating than do non-cirrhotics and also the cure rate is lower. But you already have cirrhosis, so the next best thing is to treat as soon as possible and to definitely treat before you develop decompensated cirrhosis.
In order to be cured and prevent further liver damage, it is urgent that you treat with the recommended triple medication treatment (Interferon, Ribavirin, and a Protease Inhibitor).
I noticed someone advised Milk Thistle. Milk Thistle is not going to cure you. Hepatitis C does not go into remission.
The phrase used above by mebroom, "a slight cirrhosis of the liver," is an oxymoron. Cirrhosis is advanced liver fibrosis. "Slight cirrhosis" is still cirrhosis (Stage 4 liver fibrosis). Your cirrhosis is still compensated, which is good, but it is not wise to push ones luck when one already has cirrhosis. What you do not want to do is sit back and wait for your cirrhosis to decompensate. Then, as Hector stated, you will need a liver transplant. While the cure rates are lower for people with cirrhosis, they are still good and many people on this forum who have cirrhosis are now cured after going through triple medication treatment.
You do need to get your dental work done prior to treatment. Treatment can be hard on the teeth and gums and you want all of that dental work completed before treatment.
I also agree that you need a back up plan for work. You may be able to work while on treatment but carpentry is not the easiest job in the world. You may not be able to work. So have a Plan B ready in case you can not work.
Best of luck.
Best of luck.
-------------------------------
As Advocate said, the new DAAs are still in trial/study and they are not available to the general public for treatment. No one knows when they will be available. It could be a couple of years or it could be 5 years.
You have cirrhosis. It is urgent that you treat sooner rather than later. Currently you have compensated cirrhosis (your liver is still able to function and carry on its daily work). However, one never knows when one's liver may decompensate (not be able to carry on its functions and daily work). Generally, it is urgent that people treat before they become cirrhotic because, as Hector pointed out, cirrhotics potentially have more complications while treating than do non-cirrhotics and also the cure rate is lower. But you already have cirrhosis, so the next best thing is to treat as soon as possible and to definitely treat before you develop decompensated cirrhosis.
In order to be cured and prevent further liver damage, it is urgent that you treat with the recommended triple medication treatment (Interferon, Ribavirin, and a Protease Inhibitor).
I noticed someone advised Milk Thistle. Milk Thistle is not going to cure you. Hepatitis C does not go into remission.
The phrase used above by mebroom, "a slight cirrhosis of the liver," is an oxymoron. Cirrhosis is advanced liver fibrosis. "Slight cirrhosis" is still cirrhosis (Stage 4 liver fibrosis). Your cirrhosis is still compensated, which is good, but it is not wise to push ones luck when one already has cirrhosis. What you do not want to do is sit back and wait for your cirrhosis to decompensate. Then, as Hector stated, you will need a liver transplant. While the cure rates are lower for people with cirrhosis, they are still good and many people on this forum who have cirrhosis are now cured after going through triple medication treatment.
You do need to get your dental work done prior to treatment. Treatment can be hard on the teeth and gums and you want all of that dental work completed before treatment.
I also agree that you need a back up plan for work. You may be able to work while on treatment but carpentry is not the easiest job in the world. You may not be able to work. So have a Plan B ready in case you can not work.
Best of luck.
Best of luck.
Milk Thistle has had me in remission for 12 years and I am 1a and Im in 4th stage cirrhosis of my liver
I sent a long comment to you hope you got it if you did then you know I DO NOT CANDY COAT THINGS. Now if you have had it for 40 years and there is only a slight cirrhosis of the liver, then it would be your choice to the treatment and here in the USA the company that makes the drug gives it to you if your insurance will not pay. But if you are working and you don't feel like you are sick then try the Milk Thistle I have been in remission now since I started it. But if you are really bad off try it with can not kill you but if they want to do a radical treatment then then you are going to be sicker than a dog, to help smoke pot after each treatment, truly it is like doing cemo for cancer. You will need help and will not want to work durning this time you will want to just die, but you will not. folks with 1a and Im in 4th stage cirrhosis of the liver normally will not do good . and they will not try but 2 times to fix you.
Here is a link to my journals. I have listed all of the recommendations for high fat foods recommended by forum members:
http://www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/333000/Incivek-Take-with-20-grams-of-fat
Advocate1955
http://www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/333000/Incivek-Take-with-20-grams-of-fat
Advocate1955
Hi... glad you had upper GI and had good results...I did too but I also am ESLD Stage 4 Meld 12 High HCV viral load No Varies or if at all just a trace..BUT liver is decompensated. Most insurance companies will not insure tx therapy if liver is decompensated. Did you ever find out if your liver is compensated or decompensated and what is your Meld?
As for fats there are good fats and bad. Avocados have fat but they are good for you. Good is peanut butter, almonds, nuts. I try to advoid fried foods. Switched to non-stick pans. Someone else asked about fats and I have questions on them too just haven't had to to research.
They tell you to advoid sodium, salt, sugars, caffine, fats. Went through steak/hamburger withdrawl...still trying to eliminate the bacon...even tho I bake it now...working on sugar...try to use agave or honey...am almost completely off fountain cokes which is a miracle in itself. Eat greek yogart with fresh or frozen berries...oranges...pineapple. Started using a NutriBullet..have a Montel blender too but the NutriBullet is quick..to fix fresh fruit and vegetable drinks instead of buying them with additives. If I use cheese I use hard cheese, not processed. Eliminated all processed meats (expect bacon...trying) This "good" diet stuff takes a lot of work and will power and they really don't tell you to eat "exactly this or that"...they just tell you want to advoid.
I drink a lot of water...Have started drinking AquaHydrate Water which is a little more expensive but seems to have some good properties to it. Also drink coffee and ice tea...use almond milk for cereal/oatmeal. Love coconut water. Use cinnamon/spices. Eat salads, beans, fish. You have to have a balance of fat, protein and carborhydrates.
I was having a few problems were I would get violently sick and my hepatologist told me to eat smaller meals, and to eat several times a day instead of 3... Have found if my right back side starts hardening and contradracting it is on a day that I haven't hydrated enough. This is so important "to me" that I set a timer on my phone to make sure I have drunk an allotted amount of water every two hours.
Every one is different. You have to find out what works for you. Just try to advoid what they tell you to advoid. Also I encourage everyone to go to get a overall calorie, fat, sugar, proteing paperback and read the labels on the food you eat. Remember, is it is low in fat it is probably high in sugars/carbs, possibly even sodium/salt.
Water, water, water.....walk...and if you can work = do....also rest...don't be so hard on yourself...take a deep breath...step back, evaluate...inform and educate yourself and above all....take care of yourself...Good Luck.
As for fats there are good fats and bad. Avocados have fat but they are good for you. Good is peanut butter, almonds, nuts. I try to advoid fried foods. Switched to non-stick pans. Someone else asked about fats and I have questions on them too just haven't had to to research.
They tell you to advoid sodium, salt, sugars, caffine, fats. Went through steak/hamburger withdrawl...still trying to eliminate the bacon...even tho I bake it now...working on sugar...try to use agave or honey...am almost completely off fountain cokes which is a miracle in itself. Eat greek yogart with fresh or frozen berries...oranges...pineapple. Started using a NutriBullet..have a Montel blender too but the NutriBullet is quick..to fix fresh fruit and vegetable drinks instead of buying them with additives. If I use cheese I use hard cheese, not processed. Eliminated all processed meats (expect bacon...trying) This "good" diet stuff takes a lot of work and will power and they really don't tell you to eat "exactly this or that"...they just tell you want to advoid.
I drink a lot of water...Have started drinking AquaHydrate Water which is a little more expensive but seems to have some good properties to it. Also drink coffee and ice tea...use almond milk for cereal/oatmeal. Love coconut water. Use cinnamon/spices. Eat salads, beans, fish. You have to have a balance of fat, protein and carborhydrates.
I was having a few problems were I would get violently sick and my hepatologist told me to eat smaller meals, and to eat several times a day instead of 3... Have found if my right back side starts hardening and contradracting it is on a day that I haven't hydrated enough. This is so important "to me" that I set a timer on my phone to make sure I have drunk an allotted amount of water every two hours.
Every one is different. You have to find out what works for you. Just try to advoid what they tell you to advoid. Also I encourage everyone to go to get a overall calorie, fat, sugar, proteing paperback and read the labels on the food you eat. Remember, is it is low in fat it is probably high in sugars/carbs, possibly even sodium/salt.
Water, water, water.....walk...and if you can work = do....also rest...don't be so hard on yourself...take a deep breath...step back, evaluate...inform and educate yourself and above all....take care of yourself...Good Luck.
Thx roofer and ADV55 wow do you know which foods I shold eat to get that much fat geesh thats alot. And yes I have stage 4 cirrhosis. That was found after the Hep C was found in a routine blood test when I had my eye surgery.
on my last four weeks and all I can say is eat well, stay as active as you can, even if that is just walking around the house ... drink LOTS of water and if your doctor wants you on an anti-depresent TAKE IT!!
jpv1,
This is my understanding of fibroscan:
(2.3-6.6) F0 -F1
(7.3 -8.9) F2
(10.5- 11.6) F3
>12 F4(cirrhosis)
If this is correct, then with fibroscan score of 21.8, I believe you have Cirrhosis.
DAAs stands for Direct Acting Antivirals. Currently Incivek and Victrellis are two DAAs that are available in combination with Interferon and Ribavirin, known as triple therapies. They do have somewhat difficult side effects but are quite effective in getting rid of Hep C. With Incivek, one must eat foods that contain at least 20 grams of fat with each dosage of Incivek.
The newer treatments are still in trial studies and are not yet available. It would be very much in your best interest to treat now with one of the triple therapies rather than to wait.
Advocate1955
This is my understanding of fibroscan:
(2.3-6.6) F0 -F1
(7.3 -8.9) F2
(10.5- 11.6) F3
>12 F4(cirrhosis)
If this is correct, then with fibroscan score of 21.8, I believe you have Cirrhosis.
DAAs stands for Direct Acting Antivirals. Currently Incivek and Victrellis are two DAAs that are available in combination with Interferon and Ribavirin, known as triple therapies. They do have somewhat difficult side effects but are quite effective in getting rid of Hep C. With Incivek, one must eat foods that contain at least 20 grams of fat with each dosage of Incivek.
The newer treatments are still in trial studies and are not yet available. It would be very much in your best interest to treat now with one of the triple therapies rather than to wait.
Advocate1955
mia1968,
Are you asking if it's safe to do Hep C treatment if you have no liver damage yet? Yes, it is fine to do Hep C treatment when you have no liver damage yet. It may also be safe to wait a few years for newer treatments that are currently in trials.
Advocate1955
Are you asking if it's safe to do Hep C treatment if you have no liver damage yet? Yes, it is fine to do Hep C treatment when you have no liver damage yet. It may also be safe to wait a few years for newer treatments that are currently in trials.
Advocate1955
Is is safe for so.so e who has no liver damage just the the blood. My doctor said I should do it cause I have nothing to lose and that I'm still kind of young I'm 45 and not to wait till my liver gets damaged.
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