My treatment is over, but questions stil exist

[disengof]

I'd a hepatitis C group 3 so that my treatment was started since August 2009. Unfortunately, I had had  cirrhosis already and doctor said that a likelihood to be cured against Hep C was 40 to 60%. However, I was a good responder to Pegasis and Ribovirin, so even though I started with 320 K virus load, I'd only 600 viruses by the week for. From the week 12 to now I'm clean. Doctors extended my treatment to 72 weeks. Thanks G-d I was not suffering to much and still working. I'd the last injection at the end of December 2010. The lab tests at 01/25/2011 and at 02/08/2011 showed no viruses in my body. What I'm worrying about is that doctor prescribes to me to take Lipitor and Folbee tablets for everyday. However, taking them I feel drowsiness, dizziness, diarrhea (sometimes), weakness and stomach pain. I've an appointment bimonthly and my doctor takes my blood for his research study (I signed as a participant), but he doesn't explain any results to me. So, I have no idea about my present liver condition at all. I asked the doctor last December about some side effects I had, but he told me that these effects will gone when Pegasis treatment is over. But I still feel them. Isn't there any of liver support medicines are present to maintained my health? Is it really so important to continue taking Lipitor and Folbee tablets? Is there something to substitute them? Thanks for your reply guys.

[disengof]

Thanks a lot for your prompt and thorough reply. I changed the clinic at the beginning of last year since I started to feel that actually my doctors was kind of indifferent to me. Each appointment I had had a new doctor (all of them were hepatologists. When I asked who exactly my doctor is, the answer was that I had three doctors. Yet, nobody explained to me my real condition. Moreover, they even became angry when I tryed to ask. In fact, after I change clinic I was totaly satisfied. However, since the first appointment a new doctor who is professor hepatologist ask me to let him to take a couple spoons of my blood for scientific study. At the time of blood drown they gave to sign some paper that I had nothing against to participate in theyr study. After that the doctor prescribed to me Lipitor and Folbee. I even interrupted to take Folbee last year because I found some side effects I described before. Doctor said that all of these effects will gone after the Pegasis/ Ribivirin tx is done. In December 2010 the doctor even said that they were cured me. Although I asked him about cirrhosis, he had never mentioned about it. Yes, following to your suggestions, I will ask my doctor all of the questions I worry about. It is essential. However, doctors in my previous clinic said that cirrhosis is irreversible, but I don’t think so. It should be possible at least to weaken it.  Thanks for your help.    

[Bill1954]

I won’t comment on your questions regarding medication, but would like to emphasize what HectorSF mentioned about ongoing surveillance for HCC (primary liver cancer).

We can halt the development of scar tissue by achieving SVR, but the risk of cancer continues. Imaging combined with AFP blood markers should be taken biannually for this purpose.

Good luck with your upcoming PCR testing,

-Bill

[HectorSF]

You will soon know if you have eliminated your hep c. Since you were cirrhotic it appears you have been the odds. Wow that in fantastic!!!

Why did you sign up for research when you don't understand what it is for?

"I have no idea about my present liver condition at all." It is your doctor's job to explain your treatment and how it effective your liver's health. Ask them and keep asking to you get an answer. You see them every two weeks so this should be no problem.

I assume this person is a hepatologist?

Why are you taking Lipitor? Do you have heart disease?
Why are you taking Folbee? For the vitamins to help your liver.

"feel drowsiness, dizziness, diarrhea (sometimes), weakness and stomach pain" Have you told your doctor this? What do they say?
Did you read the side effects of Folbee? "Nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, drowsiness, flushing, and numbness/tingling may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly."

"Isn't there any of liver support medicines are present to maintained my health?"
No. But why do you think you need medicine to maintain your health? You appear likely to have removed the cause of your liver disease (HCV). So depending on how damaged your liver is, your liver should begin to repair and heal itself. Wasn't that the reason you went through 72 weeks of therapy?

Based on your questions I would recommend that you learn how to ask your doctor questions. This is important for everyone who sees a doctor.
Secondly since you have cirrhosis you should educate yourself the disease. Do you know for example, you are still prone to liver cancer (HCC) even after clearing the cause of your liver disease because your liver progressed to cirrhosis? This is very important. Hasn't your doctor told you this? Are you getting imaging of the abdomen every 6 months and AFP levels taken?

Good luck.
Hectorsf