To treat or not to treat

[sschell]

I finally, 5 weeks later rec'd the results of my genotypes test. I am 1A. I have no symtoms, I am 54 next month and I figure I have had this for at least 30 years. My wbc are 3.8 but no other symtoms. I am scheduled for a liver biopsy in mid Nov. I am wondering do I really need to risk having this procedure? I am healthy! What are the chances that the doctor's will not put me through treatment? Do I have to have the treament?  What criteria do doctors look at? Do they ever conclude that treatment is not needed because there are no symptoms. Thanks if anyone can answer my questions. Sandy

[jmjm530]

Glad you got such a timely appointment.

Why don't you contact the pathology department directly, and ask how long until your biopsy report will be ready, and probably more important, how soon you can pick up the slides. You might tell them your appointment date to get them moving a little faster. Also, if there is any paperwork to fill out, you might get that in advance. If they won't deal with you directly, then you'll have to do the same through your gastro's office, but I'd try direct first.

I say getting hold of the slides is probably more important because Schiff will probably have his own pathologist look at them anyway. So don't let the process get held up just because the original pathologist hasn't finished doing the report yet. They can always be returned if necessary. Lastly, make sure you get the entire slide set -- around 4-6 slides. The first time I asked, they handed me only one slide and that was inadequate to get a proper second evaluation.

Let us know how things work out with Shiffman.

All the best,

-- Jim

[sunspot]

It takes about 2-3 months from the first positive test to taking your first shot. Lots of time to wait and worry  ;>)

[sschell]

I emailed Dr Shiffman a few weeks ago, late one night and he responded at 10:30pm. He had his scheduling dept contact me and worked me in for next week. Normally, it would have been Jan. I go this Thurs 11/15 for liver biopsy with gastro dr and then I will take my slides to Shiffman. I found several friends he has treated and I have heard nothing but good. Thank you for prompting me to contact him and not to settle. I am curious how long does it take to the results of the biopsy? Did I mention both of my parents had cancer of the liver and pancreas? Is there always going to be a time when I am waiting for test results?  Thanks agoin Jm Jm

[Willy50]

Substantial agreement with all Jim said.  There is nothing to decide until you get an evaluation.  Once you get one you'll get more tests.  In addition to the biopsy you might consider getting a Fibrosure II test or similar.  They'll be doing other LFT tests anyway and it may provide a more well rounded picure of the state of the liver.  It is a simple blood test and inexpensive enough that you can continue to monitor your condition perhaps even annually.  They are considered to be about 85% accuracy of a biopsy.  They cost about 300 dollars and mine was about 25 bucks after insurance; not bad.

I particularly echo Jims assessment that if you treat go with the best doctor you can get.  This is no place to scrimp on what is convenient or cheaper.  

Use this board to search for answers to questions.  You'll find that questions such as what you've asked get asked often and there are many different and valid ways making a decision.

Personally I am waiting for a bit.  There is risk in doing so but there may also be some rewards in doing so that make the risk tempting to me.  Due to the nature of HCV and the varied condition of us all in a group of 100 people that will be a good decision for some and it could be a potentially very poor decision for others.  How does one tell what group YOU are in?  Go see a great doctor, get your tests........and start reading.  : )

best,
Willy

[charm27]

Most of us  have NO symptoms at all. The only way to know is have a biopsy done. You can feel great and have damage to your liver with NO symptoms.
JIM SAID IT ALL.

Thats why there are MILLIONS of people that have this with NO symptoms.
Please have a biopsy done-This way you can know for sure.




This is a silent killer like mostly every other disease out there.

[Terrylee8]

Hi, Biopsy is a must in order to assess your liver damage.  I have had this for 38 years and I never had a symptom.  My biopsy was a walk in the park and it showed my damage at grade 2, stage 2.  Not great, but not so bad.  I'm 59 so I decided to treat     before I get toomuch older and my situation deteriorates.  I'm 24 weeks into a 48 week treatment and I have cleared the virus at 8 weeks.  jmjm530 said it all accurately and eloquently and you can trust what he says to be true.