How Long Can I Expect Quality of Life?

[leftcoastman]

Hep C [3mil+levels]; End Stage Cirrhosis; Diabetes Type 1; Low Blood Pressure; Polyps on Gall Bladder and Pancreas; Varicose in Esophagus; and a few more ... main complaints are severe fatigue and almost constant nausea. Even with a 3A Geno-type, I am not a candidate for a transplant.  This diadnosis came from a world known dr/professor who teaches and is in the liver transplant faculty practice group. The plan is to remove the cancer as it shows up.

My question is two part, what are the expected symptoms and where do they appear on a scale of healthy (10) to death (0)?

[Bill1954]

You’re getting some very good advice above. I have treated with CPMC for several years, and endorse them personally as well. You should also know they have a number of outreach clinics throughout northern and central California, as well as locations in Las Vegas and Reno as well.

Good luck,

Bill

[HCA]

I am all for second opinions,particularly in life or death scenarios and heartily endorse the advice given above.
I note however that your prognosis was provided by a 'world known Dr/Professor who teaches and is in the liver transplant faculty group'.
There must be a reasonable chance therefore that his opinion is on the mark and so your concerns about your quality of life need to be addressed.
Most of the complications of cirrhosis can be managed and there are many articles on end stage liver disease on the internet.
The usual references are the Child-Pugh Cirrhosis scoring system,and MELD (measure of end stage liver disease).If you are up to it you can read about the various medications and procedures which can be used to manage the disease and keep you comfortable.
What is not entirely clear is why you are not a candidate for a transplant.If this has not been explained to your satisfaction then a second opinion is most certainly indicated,

[portann]

This informative website is associated with Dr. Gish:

http://www.cpmc.org/advanced/liver/

If you're on the left coast, the California site may be more convenient for you:

California Pacific Medical Center
Liver Disease Management and Transplant Program
2340 Clay Street, 2nd Floor
San Francisco, California 94115
Telephone: [phone]
Referral Line: [phone] (for self-referrals or physician referrals)
E-mail: ***@****
E-mail if blocked above: gishrAMPERSANDsutterhealth.org

(Substitute @ for AMPERSAND)

[Magnum]

The email has been blocked by our administrator, but Saundra can tell you what it is...

Magnum

[Magnum]

The doctor below is a world renowned Hepatologist and chief of the West Coast Liver Transplant Program. I would strongly urge you to contact his office for his opinion, then ask if you should mail or fax all your medical records and recent tests results.

You might also put your doctor in contact with him. Be sure that when you email him at the address below, you put all your doctor's info, phone number, etc... and let him look at this situation.... Best of luck and never give up the fight....

Magnum

DR. ROBERT GISH = (Las Vegas 702-796-9111, ask for his secretary Saundra and explain your situation). Las Vegas FAX = 702-796-1112.
His office in Reno 775-324-6599    email: ***@****

[jdwithhcv]

I'm so sorry to hear of your condition.  I think yours is a question for a physician, and we are not physicians on this forum, just people affected by Hepatitis C.  Good luck to you.

jd