Liver Cirrhosis Stage 4 at 37 years old

[Ben777]

Anybody with this. I am frustrated how to manage this. I had for 6 years. Had hep C for 18 years thru blood transfusion.

Any one to share some idea should I go to liver translant or live like this which is tired all time...flu like symptoms..body aches...headaches..gretting infection quickly ....abdominal pain...I am sick of this life style for so many years...How do I make it better more enjoyable....I am 37 I have a lot of responsibilities- financial...What do I do...

Please taklk to me anyone...

[sldb]

Please see a hepatologist and seek treatment if you havent already done so.  Iam also stage 4 completed tx over a yr. ago (extended tx) and now svr .  If u respond to tx some of the symptoms you describe could disappear, depending on how u respond. Good luck, let us know what u decide to do  

[sfbaygirl]

You may want to try some anti fibrotics. Some that were stage 4 went down a few stages using them. Check out Gauf's profile, or the thread on Fibroscan Results.  Don't give up!

[miked]

Hi Ben,
People at Stage 4 have been cured through:

1.) high dose interferon regimens  
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1374031

2.) daily Interferon
http://www.natap.org/2005/AASLD/aasld_39.htm

3.) Infurgen
http://www.infergen.com/1-For_Consumers/index.html

I failed my 1st tx and later entered into a clinical trial for a protease inhibitor called VX950.  13 weeks after a 6 month treatment I'm still virus free.  I have a 94% chance of being declared cured at 24 weeks post tx.  The trial right now excludes cirrhosis patients.  There are other protease inhibitors out there that may not.

Are you seeing a liver specialist?  If not get to one ASAP.

Mike Simon on this board is a wealth of information because he transplanted a couple years ago.  You may want to post asking him your options.

It ain't over; keep your chin up!

miked

[SJL]

Forgive me if you have given this info before, but have you been on all interferons? I have done, Peg-Intron, Infergen and Pegasys, and I still have not cleared. I am female, 65, with a clean bill of health prior to this-I have carried virus for 30 yrs. What stages are you? stage, grade, cirrohtic? I presume you have had a biospy and are seeing a Hepatologist? I think if we have these answers, we can come closer to understanding your case.
SJL

[Xhrles]

Ben,
Have you spoken to a counselor? Maybe a therapist or a religious professional? Might help you sort out your feelings of frustration. When you are ready for transplant your doctor will let you know and then you should do what you have to do. If you have family and children then think of them. Could be you have the winter time blues and will feel better come spring. I'm in roughly the same situation so I do know how you feel. Get up everyday and put on a postive outlook that this virus will be beaten and a therapy will be developed that may save my liver and if not then when the time comes I'll put in for a transplant but don't have the numbers for it yet. I've known people and friends who have passed away waiting for a liver or were to far gone to be considered for transplant so trust me when I say you are better off being borderline and having time to prepare for whatever happens. Keep you chin up and consider having a talk with a counselor. This is a tough road and everyone gets down at times.