Questions for Doctor

[Lilla]

I have my first appt with doctor this Monday to talk about treatment.  Found out about Hep C from routine blood work in December '06; had liver profile blood work performed and ultrasound of liver; doctor says Genotype is 2B, moderate fibrosis, and recommends treatment.   Since I've never gone thru any of this, unsure as to how I contacted disease, etc., what questions should I be asking doctor prior to starting a treatment.  He did indicate the cure rate was 85% with 2b.  I'm searching for as much information as possible. Thank You.

[NYgirl]

I'm not sure how he could know how much fibrosis you have or not.  You can't tell that with an ultrascan at all. You need to have a biopsy to determine how much liver damage you have. You can't see that with the ultrasound at all. Usually though they don't automatically give one to a 2.

Unfortunately don't ASSUME that this 85% number is correct.  First off I've never heard it higher than 80% ever. Lately...doctors are beginning to feel that 24 weeks is NOT enough time. There have been a lot of relapses with geno 2 people-way too much to suppoort this number.

It's really all a **** shoot. You do have a good genotype for the odds but in the end - the odds are jUST a guess.

You need to look at your liver enzyme levels and see how they are doing and maybe ask if you can have the biopsy (it's really NOT painful - I know that makes no sense but it's just not) and see how much liver damage you have.

You cannot see the fibrosis with an ultrasound. Impossible.

Then maybe you can make an educated decision on whether or not to treat.

Treatment isn't fun but it IS doable. I'm on week 71 this week and have worked the entire time. And I'm a huge baby. If I can do it, you can too.

Good luck!

[sunspot]

Keep in mind that a lot of docs don't want to do a biopsy for type 2's. I guess because the cure rate is so high it dosen't matter (at least to them).

[Imagine]

I wish you success on your journey through the jungle. One topic you might want to ask or talk to your Doctor about is his philosphy on treating sx's and rescue drugs. This might help you feel more comfortable (or not) and give you some assurance if you happen to run into problems down the road.
Good Luck!!!