Biopsy Results | Getting Ready For Tx

[johninar]

I will begin tx within the next couple of weeks. All I have left is an eye exam and the pharmacy to come visit me and train me on the injections.

My biopsy results indicated that I have stage 3 "liver disease" as my doctor explained to me. And no signs of cirrhosis at this point.

My VL is 22,750,000 as well my iron levels are VH near VVH
Genotype 1A

My depression is under control at this point but the doctor says I will have to quit taking ativan. That worries me because of my anxiety and stress attacks as I call them due to my Huntington's Disease.

My questions
Am I a good candidate for TX with a good chance of remission?
Is their anything that stands out in my case to any of you (red flags etc...)?

Thanks

[johninar]

Thanks all!!!

Hector, I have been tested for Hemochromatosis and it was negative. I have no idea why it is so high?

The Ativan really helps me with my panic, anxiety and severe nervousness that is caused from the Huntington's and my doctor just told me that I will have to quit taking it. Maybe, because I take 50 mg trazadone once a night? Just a thought....

Thanks again to all of you!!!!!!!

[paen53]

I was wondering about the Ativan discontinuation too. I was prescribed it during tx (PRN) for anxiety/panic attacks and I am cirrhotic. Maybe ask about his reasoning for it.I'm unfamiliar with Huntingtons, so may be missing something.

BTW, good luck in kicking this to the curb!!

Pam

[HectorSF]

Things that stand out..

Why is your iron level so high?
Has your high iron blood levels been conformed to be caused by your Huntington’s?
Have you been tested for Hemochromatosis?

Why were you took you had to quit taking Ativan? I didn't see it listed as a drug that interacts with either antiviral drug.

As others has said you should plan on treating in the near future as you liver is damaged but luckily you still have time on your side before the liver damage will have a big impact on your chances of curing yourself of the virus.

Good luck with your treatment.
Hector

[pooh55811]

I agree with Can-do-man (at least from everything I have read and learned ... and Can-do-man knows more than I do about all of this).

You are young so it is important to get rid of this virus. I am sure you can do it. It sounds like your doctors are all on board and on top of things.

I am sure you know and I am sure your doctor knows you should wean off Ativan (not stop it abruptly). I know you are seeing a psychiatrist. Perhaps he can help you with this and also help you with your anxiety if needed.

Please post if you have any side effects and we will help out. (What are you going to be on, Incivek or Victrellis?)

I wish you the best of luck. Keep in touch on the forum. It is a great place for information and support.

[can-do-man]

First we don't call it "remission" it is known as being cured, as for you having Huntington's Disease and what role that will play i wouldn't know but it sounds like your doctor is on top of that... Good luck.

Its very important at this time to get rid of HCV before you become cirrhotic, being your only 41 and already stage 3 you will become cirrhotic soon if you don't take care of it... Trust me, very very important. Since your young, treatment navie, and not cirrhotic at this time your odds are very good with the new drugs at beating this... Best to you on starting, you will do fine. Just keep in touch here.