stage 2 hep c

[IDINTHVNM]

Good Day,

I'm 52 years old and I contracted Hep c probably over twenty years ago, when it was catorgized as type unknown. About 6 years ago I began feeling very lethargic and had upper right abd pain. My family Dr. was trying to treat my acid reflux and finally gave up and sent me to a GI Dr. I Had an EGD and also mentioned  to him while in my late 20's had hepatitis. To make a long story short I now have hep c stage 2. My husband of 26 yrs also has it. I have been thought treatment 5 years ago for approx 10 months at which time I became so depressed even though I was on medication that I quit. My Dr. said I was the poster child for treatment because I did so well. My enzymes went from 184 to 16.
My concern is I have developed several other middle agged problems, 250.00, 272.4 401.9, GERD, PSTD from childhood sexual abuse, Obesity and depession. I have gone from 184lb to 153lb I'm 5'3 and even at 153  I'm very lean. I do not smoke or do drugs for over 15 yrs. How can I stop the progression, the lovastin has raised my enzymes to 35 which my Dr. thinks is ok but I don't. Even though I've lost weight my blood pressure is still high and my blood suger as only gone done a smige. I Know that I have a bad gene pool but what can I do?

[HectorSF]

You need to talk to your doc who can refer you to needed specialists so you can some medical assistance with the issues you are experiencing.

Your 52? That is not old! If that is old then 58 feels ancient! I wish I was 52 again, which is before I started experiencing symptoms of cirrhosis caused by HCV. But we all have our own burdens to bear and I try to do the best I can. You are stage 2. This gives you plenty of time to wait for newer and better treatments which will have a better then 50% chance for you to clear HCV from your body for good! This is great news. You have a very good chance of clearing HCV and living with a healthy liver for the rest of your life. From where I'm sitting, that looks like hitting the lottery. None of the other illness you have is life threatening. All I'm saying is we need to count our blessing now and then. It helps to gain perspective. Yes they are challenging issues you are dealing with. I don't in anyway deny the pain and worry you are feeling. But in time, and with the right assistance from your healthcare providers, you can manage them if not eliminate them totally. Since you stopped the drugs and alcohol years ago you have shown through your choices and behavior that you know how to take care of yourself.

Having experienced some on the same issues you are having I would suggest (IMHO) a few things that you may want to think about.

Counseling for the abuse. Remember, these things from our past are still inside us whether we acknowledge them or not. We can run, by not hide. Because the more we hide/deny the more power over us they have. It is much better to shine a light on them and realize you don't have to carry the weight any more. You have a choice. You don't want them to control the second half of our life as they controlled the first half. You have the power to do this if you so choose.

Possibly a different anti-depressant. Some anti-depressants work for one person and not another. You have to find one that helps you. Some anti-depressants will cause weight gain, so you may want to try them first as it could be helpful in your situation.

I also suffered with GERD periodically, but by using standard over the counter treatments whenever I experienced it, I now have not had any GERD symptoms for many months now. So you may need specialized care with this issue. There are many people who suffer with this condition either temporary or permanently but are able to live relatively healthy and fulfilling lives.

As far as blood pressure and blood sugar. Has your doctor recommended a change in your diet that will help you with these issues?

I just want to let you know that there is hope out there. Sometimes we have to keep knocking of different doors until we find the answer. Don't give up trying to feel better. Be persistent. You're worth it.

I help some of this you may find helpful.
Best wishes.
Hectorsf

[portann]

I'd suggest you take a closer look at what the new combos will probably look like in a year or two.

Things are changing  a lot. Try this site to check out developments since you last treated:

http://www.janis7hepc.com/

Yeah, it's tough to deal with middle-age health issues and sometimes the helper drugs put things out of wack, like your statin may be doing to your LFT's. Is it your ALT or AST that's slightly high?

I just found out that ace inhibitors for HBP can raise your creatinine levels but doctors think it's okay to be high by 10%. I hope so, but like you, I don't like it one bit.

A nutritionist told me the other day that the best thing outside meds that you can do for HBP is take fish oil and Coenzyme Q10. I haven't researched this myself, so it could be dead wrong but I started taking both recently and am surprised the fish oil tastes fine (sardines and anchovies!).

I don't know much about blood sugar but there are many people here who do. There can be an association with HCV, I think, although this was never one of my own issues.

Please don't get discouraged - there will be better treatment available soon for both you and your husband.

Do you know what stage he is and what his attitude to treating is?

Susan

[copyman]

if you didn't clear the virus then you should treat again. this is the only thing that can halt progression of fibrosis. There are new drugs coming out next year that offers a better chance of cure. unfortunately these new drugs will be used with the drugs you already treated with so you will need a better plan next time. a good hepatologist (liver specialist) can help put a treatment plan together.
Best of luck