hep c

[hellooutthere]

I was told 2 wks ago that i have hep c had both blood test that confirmed im 54 yrs old and it seems like i have had it for around 24 years  I have no symptoms that i can tell. Now they want me to get a ultra sound and go to a class (kaiser in us california ) for learning about the therapy drugs. my questions are if I have had this for this long do you think my liver is damaged and should and when should I start the treatment  Viral load was 2.5 mil.   Thanks

[Livelife777]

No problem.  I'm not a logging in stats kinda girl but do base what I write on facts that are verifiable from reputable sources as I am an avid reader.  You did mention that the jury is still out but according to the research submitted by
Penn1023 the AASLD clearly states that genotype 3 has the highest progression of liver disease and should be treated accordingly without delay.
I also read the link that you were able to find and in their Conclusion Statement  they did say that genotype 1 also had a more severe progression then Geno 2. They did not elaborate on the remaining genotypes.
I find the entire histology of this disease fascinating especially being Cirrhotic
as knowledge is empowering. I only choose to know the facts and not base my assumptions on speculation.
Obviously we have all been tossed into this madness of Hepatitis C and we should lean on each other for support. I felt it important to know that certain genotypes do have somewhat more urgency to treat then others, and to pass that info on so that they are more aware. In the end what really matters is to rid ourselves of this virus once and for all while retaining some semblance of normalcy in our lives.
Take Care
.....Kim

[AWorriedMom]

Thanks Kim. It does seem to me that the jury is out on this question.

[Livelife777]

Yes   I restated my source in a recent similar post regarding the nature of genotypes.
My Hepatologist at the Mayo Clinic.
.....Kim

[AWorriedMom]

In doing some quick research, there does seem to still be some controversy over whether one genotype will progress more quckly than another. Here is a link to some studies that say genotype 1 patients will progress faster. I believe that this is not an easy question to answer as it depends on too many other factors as well. Here is the link:
http://www.natap.org/2000/sept/does_genotype090800.htm

[AWorriedMom]

Thank you, Penn. That is new information for me. AASLD is a very reputable source. I appreciate you telling me that.

[penn1023]

The last table on the page says genotype 3
http://www.hcvguidelines.org/full-report/when-and-whom-initiate-hcv-therapy

[AWorriedMom]

Hi and welcome to the world of hep C. Sorry you have to be here BUT, you have come at a good time. Many of us were diagnosed in the early 90's when there was much less information and much harsher treatments with much less success. So in that respect, you are very lucky.

People tend to progress at different rates for some of the reasons that Kim suggested to you. However, nothing is written in stone. For example, I never drank alcohol to excess and led a pretty boring life. When I was diagnosed in the early 90's, I already had cirrhosis. I had hep C for over 20 years when diagnosed. My cousin, who is an alcoholic and past heroin addict, was diagnosed around the same time. To this day, he is still stage 1. I am genotype 1a and he is genotype 1b. So, it is not easy to answer your question. The bottom line is, you are still young, symptom free, and feeling well. Why wait til you are sick to learn more. I would definitely pursue treatment if I were you. As we get older our immune systems become weaker and the disease tends to progress more quickly. I would definitely go to the class and I would consider treating now, while you are young and healthy.

[AWorriedMom]

Kim, can you please share your resources for saying that some genotypes are more slow moving than others. I've been working in the viral hepatitis non-profit world since 1995 and have never seen anything written about that. I am interested in learning more. Thanks.

[keepingOnkeepingOn]

Everyone is different in their response to the virus. Flu-like symptoms can be explained away as well as other symptoms. You'll need your labs to know what's up with you.

As LiveLife777 said, a Gastroenterologist is good too.
Mine is better than my Hepatologist who asked me to wait for a transplant because he didn't want to give me the cure. He's at a big teaching hospital. He's dreadful.
My Gastro is the one who's team is helping me rid the virus. I'm almost done with the S/O combo treatment.  The last mile is tedious for me. If coffee didn't make my liver sicker I'd be having a cup of mocha to cheer me up on this marathon of hope.
Good Luck. Knowing you have the virus is half the battle. I advocate testing for everyone.

[Livelife777]

Hi and Welcome
Your question is can I have liver damage since I've newly discovered I'm
Hep C+ and have had it 24 years?
Lets look at it a couple ways.
The fact that you have no symptoms is a positive thing but, sometimes with Hep C we have no symptoms till we are pretty well advanced.
If your a big time drinker, your virus (Hep C) would accelerate mor quickly then a non.  This is also true if you have a history of prior or ongoing drug issues.  Even some over the counter meds such as Tylenol can cause damage if taken in large quantities.
We have different genotypes as well, and some do pose more damage more swiftly then others.  As an example, I'm a geno 2 which is slow moving and better to have then a few of the others.     *Source: Mayo Clinic
Are you overweight, exercise fanatic or non, nutritionally based, junk food junkie, ect.  All of these factors determine your risk of liver damage associated with this virus.
One thing for certain.  You want to get Tx and get rid of it since in the last year a new med was FDA approved that makes this disease now curable.

As you can see its a tuff question to answer with so many variables.
You need or I say should educate yourself about this virus.
A good Hepatologist is your best bet but a Gastroenterologist can also assist you as well.
Do you have liver damage after 24 years?  I don't know but, you need to find out.  Left untreated it can lead to Cirrhosis and all the complications that go along with it.
We are your go-to advocates should you have questions or concerns.  We have all been where you are and will help guide you thru the process.  
Wishing for you the best.
.....Kim

[Ekkiemom]

Hi and welcome to the forum. Did they tell you your liver stage?  Regardless, you should go to the meeting and learn everything you can and all of the treatment options according to your genotype. do you know your genotype? They have some treatments that work better for certain GT (genotypes). Having said that even though you have had HCV for 24 yrs I would venture to guess that you have some damage to the liver but not as much and someone that has had the virus for 30+ yrs. I have had it for 30+ yrs and I didnt really start feeling bad until 3-4 yrs ago and had random blood test and was diagnosed. It is different for everyone. I have stage 3-4 fibrosis no cirrhosis. I am currently treating with Sovaldi/Riba 24 wk protocol (treatment or Tx). This is a great forum for information as we have people post Tx, currently treating, and people wtg to start the newest treatment from Gilead which is called Harvoni. You can go on this website to read about the treatment www.gileadsciences.com. Now is the perfect time to treat as the advances in treatments from just two yrs ago are phenomenal. There are treatments that are one pill a day that gave been COFORMULATED without ribivirin, which is wonderful. But as I mentioned depending on GT's. So...learn all you can, treat this virus, keep connected with this forum as we have or are now all fighting the same fight. The treatments aren't horrible but I wont hide the fact that they can be emotionally taxing and fatigue are the two most common side effects that we all seem to have in common. Some lose weight, some breeze right thru with no side Fx at all. Sorry for the long post but I just want to give you as much info as I can. I hope it's not too much. Have you had a liver biopsy? I believe they can use a blood test in place of that now or a fibroscan. Well we are all here for you, please take care and keep the Faith
Peace
Deb

[Dee1956]

Hi welcome to the forum, this is a really good place to get advice, support, information.
Do you know what geno type you are?  Depending on your geno type there are new medications available that are much shorter duration than the old treatments and are said to be easier.
That sounds great that kaiser is offering a class.  Back when I discovered I had it there wasn't much information so I found this forum and was able to get a lot of help.  I was 51 and found out I had probably had it for 30 years when I was given a gama globulin shot to protect me against hepatitis :)
I am sure others will be a long to help you.
Are you seeing a hepatologist? Did he mention which medication he is thinking of starting you on?  Once I was diagnosed I found a heptatologist since they specialize with the liver.
In addition to the two new drugs that were approved late last year Olysio and Sovaldi there is another newer one, Harvoni which was just approved the 10th of this month.
A couple of people have either just been approved for that or are just starting.  Harvoni is for geno type 1's and is only 12 weeks, in some people it can be 8.  Treatments now are done on an individualized basis vs one size fits all from many years ago.