Hello from a newbie here at such a great forum.
Recently I have been diagnosed with HCV.
Here are results from my blood test. Please excuse any errors as I have had the test in Eastern Europe and i am translating some of the results.
Virus load = 5,7 x 10'6 (2.1 x 10`6 ME/mn)
Bilirubin general - 10.33
Bilirubin straight line - 1.76
Bilirubin indirect - 8.57
TP 75.9
ALT 28.6
AST 24.6
ALP 109.0
GGT 72.0
I soon return to USA and have little clue as to what these numbers truly mean.
I have much conflicting information on treatment with Interferon
1) That I should not make this as it will destroy my body, brain, and immune sysytem
2) at my age it is impossible to survive such treatments ( 53 male in relatively good health without any maintenance meds)
I have also been recommended a new Chinese drug named Bicylol which is not sold in USA OR approved by our FDA. This new drug touts little or no side effects with promising results but the studies are in question and extremely lacking on any information.
Currently I do not have any health insurance and I realize that with my virus count that most American insurance companies will consider this as an "pre-existing condition" and likely would not pay for treatments.
After reading many posts from this forum I am even more confused as many persons are responding well to the interferon treatments.
What are my choices and what directions should I take for treatments and consultations? Is a liver biopsy recommended. I was always told to NEVER allow someone to take a biopsy of my liver. Fibroscopy ? a doctor examined me and I was told that my liver is working well with only slight swolleness.
Is any person aware of any clinics or government assisted treatment programs for HCV patients?
Are people purchasing the meds in USA or from Canadian or offshore companies? From what I have learned so far the costs of treatments are in the range of about $2,000.00 each month on the low end.
I will thank all people in advance for any help you can give me and for the time you have taken to answer my post.
Good Day