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Help..biopsy results, need help understanding what it means
Can someone please explain my biopsy report. My Dr. was not clear what it all meant. He wants to start tx asap. Pegasys 180mg/Pegasys 400mg. I am G3a, viral load 109,000 as of Oct 07, My report reads.
Mild to moderate periprttal hepatitis
Periportal fibrosis w/slight bridging
Mild fatty change
Portal/Periportal Grade 2-3
Lobules Grade 1
Degree of fibroses Stage 2
sections of liver biopsy show a core of liver parenchyma. Mild fatty change is present. Several of the portal tracts are expanded by chronic inflammatory cells, primarily lymjphocytes. There is interface hepititus present of a mild to moderate degree. There is also periportal fibroses which is confirmed on Trichrome stain. Only slight bridging is noted, however. There is no evidence of cirrhoses. Within the lobules, there is only mild chronic inflammation without any definite hepatocellular necrosis being identified. An iron stain is negative.
If someone could please put this in words I can understand I would be so grateful.. I am scarred to death of this virus. I have no idea how I got this, that is not important right now I know. I am having a very hard time dealing with this. I am scarred of the treatment. Can someone tell me if they think I need to rush into treatment. I just started a weight control and excersie program in Oct. I am eating healthy and looking better then I have in years. 40 pound gone and I was really looking forward to enjoying my summer as the new me, now this........needless to say I am devastated. Only my husband and I know, I have no one to talk to about this. Please help.
Mild to moderate periprttal hepatitis
Periportal fibrosis w/slight bridging
Mild fatty change
Portal/Periportal Grade 2-3
Lobules Grade 1
Degree of fibroses Stage 2
sections of liver biopsy show a core of liver parenchyma. Mild fatty change is present. Several of the portal tracts are expanded by chronic inflammatory cells, primarily lymjphocytes. There is interface hepititus present of a mild to moderate degree. There is also periportal fibroses which is confirmed on Trichrome stain. Only slight bridging is noted, however. There is no evidence of cirrhoses. Within the lobules, there is only mild chronic inflammation without any definite hepatocellular necrosis being identified. An iron stain is negative.
If someone could please put this in words I can understand I would be so grateful.. I am scarred to death of this virus. I have no idea how I got this, that is not important right now I know. I am having a very hard time dealing with this. I am scarred of the treatment. Can someone tell me if they think I need to rush into treatment. I just started a weight control and excersie program in Oct. I am eating healthy and looking better then I have in years. 40 pound gone and I was really looking forward to enjoying my summer as the new me, now this........needless to say I am devastated. Only my husband and I know, I have no one to talk to about this. Please help.
All I can say is I am so glad I finally wrote in to all of you. This is an answer a prayer. to have someone to talk to has been a blessing.
I have thought that maybe I got this from getting my nails done. I have been getting them done for over ten years, along with pedicures. I have been knicked by those drills before and wonder if I could have gotten it from that. But not knowing how long I have had this makes it hard to tell how I got it. I know I have to quit trying to figure that out. It's just driving my crazy not knowing.
My husband says he thinks about it everyday (like I don't) and he has to be convinced that I did not cheat, he is the one that suggested the polygraph, I told him I would do it and then I wanted I big apology and then he could hit the road and get on with his life. I don't mean that, I was just mad at the time. He said if the shoe were on the other foot I would feel the same way, I don't think so, but who knows. He is complaining because he wants to change jobs and now he can't because of our insurance, now that I have this he is stuck. Talk about feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders. I will get off my pity pot, I just needed to talk to someone and you all have been great. He really is a great man,he is just insecure, always has been. I have lived with it for 31 years. I am going to treat this and get on with my life. I am continuing to get healthy, I eat good stuff now and I am used to it. I drink only water but not as much as I should. I understand with treatment I should drink gallons, that is going to be hard.
Can you tell me if the pegasys is eaiser on you then the other? Does the treatment age you? I have been very lucky that I don't look my age and I hate to lose that, I just had my 53rd birthday and people tell me I look 40, as a woman that is a big deal. I am vain, but I have been so fat and unhappy for so many years, I am liking the new thin me, and to think I have worked so hard to get this far and then to have this treatment turn me into an old bald lady is not something I am looking forward to. I know that sounds stupid but it's how I feel.
Thanks again for all the support. I am going to check out the web sites you all suggested. Thanks goodness for places like this!!!
I have thought that maybe I got this from getting my nails done. I have been getting them done for over ten years, along with pedicures. I have been knicked by those drills before and wonder if I could have gotten it from that. But not knowing how long I have had this makes it hard to tell how I got it. I know I have to quit trying to figure that out. It's just driving my crazy not knowing.
My husband says he thinks about it everyday (like I don't) and he has to be convinced that I did not cheat, he is the one that suggested the polygraph, I told him I would do it and then I wanted I big apology and then he could hit the road and get on with his life. I don't mean that, I was just mad at the time. He said if the shoe were on the other foot I would feel the same way, I don't think so, but who knows. He is complaining because he wants to change jobs and now he can't because of our insurance, now that I have this he is stuck. Talk about feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders. I will get off my pity pot, I just needed to talk to someone and you all have been great. He really is a great man,he is just insecure, always has been. I have lived with it for 31 years. I am going to treat this and get on with my life. I am continuing to get healthy, I eat good stuff now and I am used to it. I drink only water but not as much as I should. I understand with treatment I should drink gallons, that is going to be hard.
Can you tell me if the pegasys is eaiser on you then the other? Does the treatment age you? I have been very lucky that I don't look my age and I hate to lose that, I just had my 53rd birthday and people tell me I look 40, as a woman that is a big deal. I am vain, but I have been so fat and unhappy for so many years, I am liking the new thin me, and to think I have worked so hard to get this far and then to have this treatment turn me into an old bald lady is not something I am looking forward to. I know that sounds stupid but it's how I feel.
Thanks again for all the support. I am going to check out the web sites you all suggested. Thanks goodness for places like this!!!
Oh, I guess you already did take your husband to the doctor, that's part of the problem, mis-communication. Still sorry to say it, but maybe you should give your dear hubby one chance to see the light, maybe seeing a marriage counselor would help. Whatever you decide, good luck and God Bless.
I contracted Hep C through an outpatient clinic having steroidal epidurals on my back. There are a LOT OF US out here who did not acquire Hep C from sex or drugs. Your doctor saying it is sexually transmittable should have explained how rare that actually is, proof is that Hep C is not considered an STD, so be sure and tell your hubby that. You could have picked it up getting a pedicure or manicure. I read 37% of people who are diagnosed have what they term "community acquired" Hep C meaning you picked it up somewhere. There is an incredible lack of information and misinformation out there about Hep C.
It's hard enough finding out you have Hep C but to then be accused of stepping out too, you poor thing! Even in married couples, in a long term study done with thousands of couples not one of them acquired Hep C from their Hep C positive partners. That should show you how rare it is to contract it sexually. It's something like a 1-3% chance, which is very small.
No one here is a doctor, and if you are not clear on your biopsy result because your doctor didn't explain it well, maybe you should get another doctor or at least another opinion. Having said that, I agree with the above posters as to your condition.
My input on treating would be to first congratulate you on your weight loss! That's a BIG accomplishment. Your chances of clearing the virus improve quite a bit if you FIRST lose all the excess weight and then start treating. There is no mad rush to start, maybe take the summer to continue with your weight goals and learn all you can about this disease and it's treatment and start in the fall. I know when you find out you are anxious to start dealing with it, but weight can work against your success as can lots of other factors. I wouldn't wait too long, but completing the weight loss and giving yourself time and space to take this in and figure out how you will deal with treating is not going to harm your health.
The archives here can answer many questions and there are a lot of good sites on the net for Hep C info. I like clinicaloptions.com. There you have some of the best doctors in the nation and lots of info about treating and when to treat, lots of videos and text that I found very helpful.
Alcohol in any amount is a bad idea if you have Hep C or if you are treating.
Glad you found the forum, stay positive, you can beat this thing.
It's hard enough finding out you have Hep C but to then be accused of stepping out too, you poor thing! Even in married couples, in a long term study done with thousands of couples not one of them acquired Hep C from their Hep C positive partners. That should show you how rare it is to contract it sexually. It's something like a 1-3% chance, which is very small.
No one here is a doctor, and if you are not clear on your biopsy result because your doctor didn't explain it well, maybe you should get another doctor or at least another opinion. Having said that, I agree with the above posters as to your condition.
My input on treating would be to first congratulate you on your weight loss! That's a BIG accomplishment. Your chances of clearing the virus improve quite a bit if you FIRST lose all the excess weight and then start treating. There is no mad rush to start, maybe take the summer to continue with your weight goals and learn all you can about this disease and it's treatment and start in the fall. I know when you find out you are anxious to start dealing with it, but weight can work against your success as can lots of other factors. I wouldn't wait too long, but completing the weight loss and giving yourself time and space to take this in and figure out how you will deal with treating is not going to harm your health.
The archives here can answer many questions and there are a lot of good sites on the net for Hep C info. I like clinicaloptions.com. There you have some of the best doctors in the nation and lots of info about treating and when to treat, lots of videos and text that I found very helpful.
Alcohol in any amount is a bad idea if you have Hep C or if you are treating.
Glad you found the forum, stay positive, you can beat this thing.
Sounds to me like your husband is more concerned with himself than with you.,, although some people have weird ways of dealing w/ crisis. My husband and I split up during my breast cancer episode, as his way of dealing was drinking. Usually health crisis can really show some strange sides to people and unless they are willing to deal with it, can create problems. Its a sad state of affairs, but just love him, but do what is best for yourself, he is a big boy and can take care of himself, you must get all the support you can on your side and go where you are supported... M
Your husband is treating you wrongly on so many levels, also I know someone already said it, but the polygraph is double absurd. Sorry to say it but your husband sounds like a big bafoon and I'm saying that as nicely as I can, he seems like he's very insecure, maybe he should see the doctor with you. Good Luck and God Bless
steatosis is a buildup of fat(lipids) in cells. There's a good summary with picture on wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steatosis
It's worh investigating whether (a) it's extensive (b) you can control it by diet. Overall, it's best avoided as it can affect svr outcome:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1703241
and has been associated with fibrosis progression and even post-svr hcc:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17876888
The details of your policy will determine coverage, but, given what you wrote, I wouldn't rely on your existing Dr. to suggest another pathologist. Get your slides (they're yours) and contact another Dr. You can later let the ins. co try to rationalize why a 2nd read was not necessary. If you have any time, it's worth finding pictures of bx slides and accompanying interpretation on the net, (eg med school sites) as this gives you a good idea of how much information gets lost in translation. It's hard to put the visual detail into words, let alone collapse it into a single 2 vs 3 number. "Bridging" - the progression of collagen away from the periportal area is often indicative of stage 3 so this detail is important in your decision of when to treat. Here's a description from an old but relevant medhelp post
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/hepatitis/archive/1269.html
You can confirm your bx results with other tests, There are a couple of blood-based indicators, Fibrosure is one. These won't help distinguish 2 from 3 but they'll help rule out 4. Also an ultra-sound can show spleen enlargement if collagen has built up to the point of obstructing flow through the portal vein. Lastly there's a new technique called fibroscan which is much more sensitive than ultra-sound in measuring overall stiffness (neither us nor fs will show cell-level activity).
If you do decide to tx and he ongoing PI trials are not an option, check out the Alinia/NTZ threads. This seems to be a promising adjunct to standard tx.
There's a sign on my local bakery I just love "Relax, you have plenty of time"...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steatosis
It's worh investigating whether (a) it's extensive (b) you can control it by diet. Overall, it's best avoided as it can affect svr outcome:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1703241
and has been associated with fibrosis progression and even post-svr hcc:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17876888
The details of your policy will determine coverage, but, given what you wrote, I wouldn't rely on your existing Dr. to suggest another pathologist. Get your slides (they're yours) and contact another Dr. You can later let the ins. co try to rationalize why a 2nd read was not necessary. If you have any time, it's worth finding pictures of bx slides and accompanying interpretation on the net, (eg med school sites) as this gives you a good idea of how much information gets lost in translation. It's hard to put the visual detail into words, let alone collapse it into a single 2 vs 3 number. "Bridging" - the progression of collagen away from the periportal area is often indicative of stage 3 so this detail is important in your decision of when to treat. Here's a description from an old but relevant medhelp post
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/hepatitis/archive/1269.html
You can confirm your bx results with other tests, There are a couple of blood-based indicators, Fibrosure is one. These won't help distinguish 2 from 3 but they'll help rule out 4. Also an ultra-sound can show spleen enlargement if collagen has built up to the point of obstructing flow through the portal vein. Lastly there's a new technique called fibroscan which is much more sensitive than ultra-sound in measuring overall stiffness (neither us nor fs will show cell-level activity).
If you do decide to tx and he ongoing PI trials are not an option, check out the Alinia/NTZ threads. This seems to be a promising adjunct to standard tx.
There's a sign on my local bakery I just love "Relax, you have plenty of time"...
WOW, Thanks, you are sharp as a tack.....Thank you so much. I will get those slides and take them for someone else to read. Will my insurance pay for that or will that be out of pocket? I can't tell you how much I appreciate your input.
I don't know wheter to be relieved or more scareed now. The bridging has me concerned now. What is statosis? I have never heard of that
I don't know wheter to be relieved or more scareed now. The bridging has me concerned now. What is statosis? I have never heard of that
sorry you are getting such short shrift from your dr.
Your bx results aren't great - but they hardly seem a reason to panic. I'm around stage 2 and planning to not treat for 5-7 years. The portal vein is the main vein flowing through the liver, inflammation often is most pronounced in its neighborhood ("periportal"). The description "portal tracts are expanded by chronic inflammatory cells, primarily lymjphocytes. There is interface hepititus present of a mild to moderate degree" relates to the inflammation seen in this area. Trichrome stain is used to make the fibrotic tissue more apparent. Iron stain is used to check for iron accumulation, not a problem for you. "Mild fatty change" might indicate some steatosis.
Two concerns you probably want to follow up on are the "slight bridging" and the steatosis. Following up means going to the pathologist, getting your slides, and taking them to someone else for a reading. The assessment of the degree of fibrosis is important and bridging is not good. You want at least two experienced set of eyes to come to the same conclusion from staring at the slides. The steatosis could be a factor in tx success and thus also worth confirming.
Typical tx guidelines are set out in Figure 2 of
http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/297/7/724
note that as a 2 the recommendation is "consider treatment" which escalates to "treat" for 3 or 4 - so confirming the extent of that bridging is crucial.
If you decide to treat you may want to improve your odds by joining one of the clinical trials for the new class of PI drugs - the schering503034 thead has some relevant links.
Good luck!
Your bx results aren't great - but they hardly seem a reason to panic. I'm around stage 2 and planning to not treat for 5-7 years. The portal vein is the main vein flowing through the liver, inflammation often is most pronounced in its neighborhood ("periportal"). The description "portal tracts are expanded by chronic inflammatory cells, primarily lymjphocytes. There is interface hepititus present of a mild to moderate degree" relates to the inflammation seen in this area. Trichrome stain is used to make the fibrotic tissue more apparent. Iron stain is used to check for iron accumulation, not a problem for you. "Mild fatty change" might indicate some steatosis.
Two concerns you probably want to follow up on are the "slight bridging" and the steatosis. Following up means going to the pathologist, getting your slides, and taking them to someone else for a reading. The assessment of the degree of fibrosis is important and bridging is not good. You want at least two experienced set of eyes to come to the same conclusion from staring at the slides. The steatosis could be a factor in tx success and thus also worth confirming.
Typical tx guidelines are set out in Figure 2 of
http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/297/7/724
note that as a 2 the recommendation is "consider treatment" which escalates to "treat" for 3 or 4 - so confirming the extent of that bridging is crucial.
If you decide to treat you may want to improve your odds by joining one of the clinical trials for the new class of PI drugs - the schering503034 thead has some relevant links.
Good luck!
I don't understand some doctors and their staff. My liver doc is awesome. My RA doctors office treats me like a leper. Won't be goin back there! Even the doctor that did my biopsy called into the room before he came in and wanted to know if I was symptomatic. The nurse asked me if I was, I said no, but wanted to say-yeah, my liver is falling out!
I figure I am in for the long haul and am determined to surround myself with support. I believe that is why we all keep coming back here!
Best ot you-
Izzy
I figure I am in for the long haul and am determined to surround myself with support. I believe that is why we all keep coming back here!
Best ot you-
Izzy
I meant to say "I started asking the questions" I got ahead of myself, I should have proof read before I sent...oops
I think I am going to go to a liver Dr. to explain my reaults. Here is how my gatro told me my results "Your live biopsy came back poor" you have fibrosis and then in a very heavy accent that I could not understand he started talking about compensated and decompendated, he never explained what that menat. He stated writting the presription for pegysis and started asking the questions. He could not give a stage, a time frame of when I got it, he down played the treatment side effects and when I ask if I could wait a while he said "well you have this and if you can treat it you should" well DUH! but can I wait a while? He just brushed me off. I was trying to tell him about my husband, I told him he was negative and he said are you sure? I said yes I have the report if you want to see it and he said "well he is not my patient, you are" Needless to say, I still felt all alone when I left there. The nurse never offered to help me with my first shot, she just handed me this bag with all the stuff in it to get started and told me to come back in 3 weeks and that I needed another blood test then. I felt like I was part of the cattle that goes thru there each day. I had to ask for a copy of my biopsy report 3 times before I got it. I think I need to regroup and get to a liver Dr.
Thanks for your help. I needed you all so bad!
Thanks for your help. I needed you all so bad!
Thanks Izzy and to all of you who have responded to me. I have been going to this site since Oct when I was diagnosed. I have spent hours reading about all of you but I never had the nerve to write in. I am so glad I decided to take the plunge and dive right in with all my problems. You all have helped me beyond belief. I do not feel so all alone now. I will keep my chin up as best I can. I have my prescription for Pegaysis, now I just need to get it filled and as Trinity says "suck it up" and get on with it. I know I have sounded self absorbed but for the first time in many many years I was starting to like myself again and then I got hit with this. I hope I am one of those that go thru the treatment without a lot of drama.
Since there may be a chance I got this from my sister would she have the same genotype as me?
Thanks again and good luck to all of you. I will keep you posted on how I am doing.
Since there may be a chance I got this from my sister would she have the same genotype as me?
Thanks again and good luck to all of you. I will keep you posted on how I am doing.
I am so sorry that your husband is giving you a hard time.
While my husband is in total denial, he is totally supportive of any decision I make regarding my health. Mostly because he is clueless. It is his general negative attitude is trying my patience!!
I don't want to disagree with taking your husband to the doctor, but I would first check your doctor's view/knowledge of transmisison of this virus. My hepatologist is very informed-meaning she knows that if you are in a monogomous (sp) relationship for many years, the chance of passing this virus is very low. My primary care doctor is less informed and may well give someone like your husband more ammunition to use against us.
Not to throw you sister under the bus, but you may have had a better chance of being infected with HCV from trace blood on the razor or toothbrush.
Educate yourself. Many links from this site have list of suppliments, foods, ect. that help us. Excercise (i know, hard when u are tired), try to make healthy choices-this may mean letting negative people "own" their own feelings and not letting them bring you down.
View archives here and learn all you can about HCV, Be informed. Be strong. This virus does not have to define you.
Easy for me to say as I have not begun treatment, but I hope the underlying message is that you have found a source of information, support, comfort and friendship that can help you along this Oh So Wonderful Voyage!
Izzy
While my husband is in total denial, he is totally supportive of any decision I make regarding my health. Mostly because he is clueless. It is his general negative attitude is trying my patience!!
I don't want to disagree with taking your husband to the doctor, but I would first check your doctor's view/knowledge of transmisison of this virus. My hepatologist is very informed-meaning she knows that if you are in a monogomous (sp) relationship for many years, the chance of passing this virus is very low. My primary care doctor is less informed and may well give someone like your husband more ammunition to use against us.
Not to throw you sister under the bus, but you may have had a better chance of being infected with HCV from trace blood on the razor or toothbrush.
Educate yourself. Many links from this site have list of suppliments, foods, ect. that help us. Excercise (i know, hard when u are tired), try to make healthy choices-this may mean letting negative people "own" their own feelings and not letting them bring you down.
View archives here and learn all you can about HCV, Be informed. Be strong. This virus does not have to define you.
Easy for me to say as I have not begun treatment, but I hope the underlying message is that you have found a source of information, support, comfort and friendship that can help you along this Oh So Wonderful Voyage!
Izzy
If I were you, I would find another doctor. First of all he doesn't sound like a very good one because he could not interpret your test results. Secondly, HCV is a blood borne disease and rarely transmitted sexually, if at all.
Find another doctor, take your husband with you and have them explain to him how HCV is transmitted. Maybe that will make your life easier.
I am sorry you have to go through all of this and your husband being non supportive is not helping. Try not to spend too much energy worring how you got this disease. You will never really know, and at this point it doesn't really matter. What matters is how are you going to handle the diagnosis. Spend your energy on what your going to do about this. If your going to treat and what treatment plan you want to do. Do all the research you can about HCV and the various treatment options available.
This site is a great source of knowledge, and many poeple here are willing to help and comfort you through this ! However, there are many other sources of information about this disease via the internet. Learn as much as you can and that will help you through this.
Find another doctor, take your husband with you and have them explain to him how HCV is transmitted. Maybe that will make your life easier.
I am sorry you have to go through all of this and your husband being non supportive is not helping. Try not to spend too much energy worring how you got this disease. You will never really know, and at this point it doesn't really matter. What matters is how are you going to handle the diagnosis. Spend your energy on what your going to do about this. If your going to treat and what treatment plan you want to do. Do all the research you can about HCV and the various treatment options available.
This site is a great source of knowledge, and many poeple here are willing to help and comfort you through this ! However, there are many other sources of information about this disease via the internet. Learn as much as you can and that will help you through this.
Diamond,
It's all about you now. All of us go through the "shock & awe" period. I was totally blown away at first but no matter how I tried to put things in perspective it still came back that I am infected and what am I going to do get rid of this disease. Don't feed off of hubby's negativity - it's his choice to react that way but you have choices too. Yes, ideally he could be understanding and supportative but if it isn't in him you can't change that. My hubby has dementia and hasn't got a clue what's going on with me. Daughter has a new baby and I'm riding this train alone too. I was diagnosed in October and just started tx this week. I haven't felt that great but if this is the worst it gets it's do-able. I will continue to work everyday and if something happens beyond my control I'll deal with it then. Liver disease is Stage 3 - Geno 1A. Hardest type to treat. Talk with your doc and ask him what he recommends as far as when to tx. Your children love you no matter what and if you have to tx while your child is home for the summer then that's what you have to do. Reality of it is your life is going to change and they will have to be accomodating because as I said earler it's all about you right now. Please don't misconstrue what I'm saying here as I have a tremendous amount of compassion for anyone going through this. I think once you resolve things within it will make more sense and you'll just know what to do. At least that's what happened with me. Good luck Diamond - I support you 100%.
Trinity
It's all about you now. All of us go through the "shock & awe" period. I was totally blown away at first but no matter how I tried to put things in perspective it still came back that I am infected and what am I going to do get rid of this disease. Don't feed off of hubby's negativity - it's his choice to react that way but you have choices too. Yes, ideally he could be understanding and supportative but if it isn't in him you can't change that. My hubby has dementia and hasn't got a clue what's going on with me. Daughter has a new baby and I'm riding this train alone too. I was diagnosed in October and just started tx this week. I haven't felt that great but if this is the worst it gets it's do-able. I will continue to work everyday and if something happens beyond my control I'll deal with it then. Liver disease is Stage 3 - Geno 1A. Hardest type to treat. Talk with your doc and ask him what he recommends as far as when to tx. Your children love you no matter what and if you have to tx while your child is home for the summer then that's what you have to do. Reality of it is your life is going to change and they will have to be accomodating because as I said earler it's all about you right now. Please don't misconstrue what I'm saying here as I have a tremendous amount of compassion for anyone going through this. I think once you resolve things within it will make more sense and you'll just know what to do. At least that's what happened with me. Good luck Diamond - I support you 100%.
Trinity
I will check on that dosage as you suggest. I am 140 pounds and 5'2" could that be the reason for the 400mg? Also what kind of side effects did you have?
I am trying to as you say "suck it up", what choice do I have at this point? But its hard when not only have this but you have to deal with someone thinking you cheated on him. He is negative by the way. I have tried to educate him but he still is stuck on the fact that I must have gotten this from having a affair. He has always been insecure in that way for some reason. I try not to dwell on his opinion of me but its hard to grasp how someone who says they love you can think of you in that way. I will quit this kind of talk because I know I just need to concentrate on getting this out of me and getting on with my life. I just needed to vent to someone and this seems like the perfect place to do it.
Does stage 2 mean I need to get treatment asap or can I wait until September when my son goes back to school?
Will my insurance pay for me to go get a second opinion about treatment?
Thanks to all who respond. I am hanging in there, with the help of a few tears to let it all out at times and the support of all of you, I will get thru this.
I am afraid of the treatment, is it true that the pegasyis is not as harsch as the interferon, or is it the same thing?
Does stage 2 mean I need to get treatment asap or can I wait until September when my son goes back to school?
Will my insurance pay for me to go get a second opinion about treatment?
Thanks to all who respond. I am hanging in there, with the help of a few tears to let it all out at times and the support of all of you, I will get thru this.
I am afraid of the treatment, is it true that the pegasyis is not as harsch as the interferon, or is it the same thing?
Diamond,
Sounds like your beating yourself up unnecessarily. The odds of contracting HCV through sex are so low that it's usually not a consideration. I've had several husbands and two children and no one but me has the disease. It's blood to blood transmission. Because your sister has it as well I would think there is a connection there like razors or toothbrushes or whatever. Ask your hubby to get on the net and research the disease. He should not judge if he chooses to remain uninformed. As far as the polygraph goes that is absurd. You don't have to prove anything. This disease is what it is and you have it so he should be supporting you through this difficult time rather than pointing fingers. It serves no purpose to be judgemental. I'm sorry you are going through this but quit putting yourself on a guilt trip and suck it up so you can get better if you are going to tx. Alot of this has to do with attitude and you will need to be positive to get through it. Sorry if I sound harsh. Good Luck to you
Trinity
Sounds like your beating yourself up unnecessarily. The odds of contracting HCV through sex are so low that it's usually not a consideration. I've had several husbands and two children and no one but me has the disease. It's blood to blood transmission. Because your sister has it as well I would think there is a connection there like razors or toothbrushes or whatever. Ask your hubby to get on the net and research the disease. He should not judge if he chooses to remain uninformed. As far as the polygraph goes that is absurd. You don't have to prove anything. This disease is what it is and you have it so he should be supporting you through this difficult time rather than pointing fingers. It serves no purpose to be judgemental. I'm sorry you are going through this but quit putting yourself on a guilt trip and suck it up so you can get better if you are going to tx. Alot of this has to do with attitude and you will need to be positive to get through it. Sorry if I sound harsh. Good Luck to you
Trinity
Thanks everyone for the support. This is still just blowing me away. I have never done IV drugs, no tattoos. I have no idea how I got this or how long I have had it. My Dr. ( a gastro) told me there is no way to know how long I have had it. I thought maybe he could give me an idea based on my liver damage. Does anyone know if that is possible? I have been trying to relive my life and try to figure out how I may have gotten this. My sister was diagnosed 10 years ago, could she have used my razor or toothbrush and I got it from her? I am just beside myself with self pitty at this point. I am 53 years old, I have been married for 31 years, and never have had sex with anyone but him in those 31 years, although he thinks I have because my Dr. told him I could have gotten it from sex. Now I have to deal with that as well. I found out I had this by going to a weight control doctor to lose weight and get healthy, I was sick of being fat and was determined to not spend another summer in old lady fat clothes. They found that my liver ensyme levels were high and had me go see my family Dr. for tests and there it was HEP C, I was totally shocked, I had always had great pride in myself for being a "good girl" and was so glad I didn't have to worry about getting deceases such as this, it never crossed my mind that I of all people could get this or anything like it. I have continued to get eat all the right things, no sugar, lots of fresh veggies and fruit and I drink Tahichian Noni juice everyday. I have lost 40 pounds and I am looking and feeling better evreyday. I was so looking forward to having a great summer and now I am faced with treatment that could make me lose my hair (which is very long) and be depressed and basically feeling like ****. I know I am rambling on but I have had no one to talk to about this but my husband and he just kinda gives me the look of "well you should'nt have messed around" which kills me. Anyone that knows me knows that I would never do anything like that. I just want this out me, but I am so afraid of the treatment. I have a 17 year old son who is away at school and he will be home for the summer, I do not want to be sick with him home, but looks like I have no choice. I am thinking fo going to a liver specialist or hepatologist get a second opinion about treatment. I have blue cross blue shield insurance, I am hoping they help me pay for this, I still will have to pay the 20% they don't pay and that is going to be hard on our family. My husband wants to change jobs but can't because of insurance reasons now and that is all my fault because of this decease. I feel so alone in this. My support system here sucks. I am thinking of going and having a polygraph test to prove to him I did not get this from messing around. I am had my wits end here, I am so grateful that I found this site. I need the support so bad. Thanks to all of you. By the way, I have never been much of a drinker maybe 10 drinks in a years time. I have had only 2 drinks since I found out I have this.
Hi. This is where I get confused per the scales for bx. Mine was done on the 1-6 scale, normally I believe it's a 1-4 scale. (forgot names for each?)
I am/was borderline stage 2/3 fibrosis (on 1-6) never got a 'grade', just told total report was mild/moderate damage, but that is why I started tx. Just finished tx and he's said that ,remaining UND-SVR, my liver will repair some/most of the damage.While it is devastating new's, I was also glad not worse as I've had Hep 30 years (didn't know till last year.) Without pulling out all my records, your results look a lot like mine. So keep that in mind while your going thru the shock of all this. Geno 3 has a good shot of SVR (cure). While moderate damage, the hardest thing with Hep C is having no way to predict the progression of damage. DO take good care of yourself, your liver.
Also, you should check again on the dose of Riba he's prescribing you. 400mg is low. Geno's 2, 3 usually start at at least 800mg. Please do double check that.
Deep breath, re-group, get thru the shock, bad news part. Than you'll start the planning, taking some control in this. You have time, there is treatment and the outcome can be very good in the end.
Take care, LL
I am/was borderline stage 2/3 fibrosis (on 1-6) never got a 'grade', just told total report was mild/moderate damage, but that is why I started tx. Just finished tx and he's said that ,remaining UND-SVR, my liver will repair some/most of the damage.While it is devastating new's, I was also glad not worse as I've had Hep 30 years (didn't know till last year.) Without pulling out all my records, your results look a lot like mine. So keep that in mind while your going thru the shock of all this. Geno 3 has a good shot of SVR (cure). While moderate damage, the hardest thing with Hep C is having no way to predict the progression of damage. DO take good care of yourself, your liver.
Also, you should check again on the dose of Riba he's prescribing you. 400mg is low. Geno's 2, 3 usually start at at least 800mg. Please do double check that.
Deep breath, re-group, get thru the shock, bad news part. Than you'll start the planning, taking some control in this. You have time, there is treatment and the outcome can be very good in the end.
Take care, LL
go mellow on the proteins, and mellow on the insulin spiking sugars. In fact combine your carbs and proteins to mellow them both out. that's the most I can help while you wait to decipher and decide.
I read your post and it seems to me you are stage 2 grade 3 with the beginning of briging fibrosis. I believe that is not extensive damage but moderate damage,
Speak to your doc and let him explain this to you. Its important you know all the facts about the disease and the treatment.
You have a good chance in clearing virus with treatment.
Good luck-DONT DRINK ANY ALCHOHOL!!
Speak to your doc and let him explain this to you. Its important you know all the facts about the disease and the treatment.
You have a good chance in clearing virus with treatment.
Good luck-DONT DRINK ANY ALCHOHOL!!
Hi, I'm not totally sure, but is your doctor a hepatologist? Your biopsy doesn't sound too bad. The thing about this virus is that changes can happen quite randomly I mean you can have the virus for years have very little damage then things can change and it can progress.
I'm also not totally sure about genotype 3, but I think your chances are pretty good to clear the virus, I have genotype 1 which is the most difficult to treat with the current medication. Your viral load is not huge, maybe your doc just wants you to treat to prevent any further damage. I think grade 2 stage 2 might be a good place to start w/ treatment, so that it doesn't progress. Even if you dont clear the virus ( you probably would though ) the treatment will give your liver a break.
Its good that your losing weight, and doing healthy lifestyle changes. Alcohol is a no no, now and on treatment. You may want to get more information about treatment before you begin. Also as I said is your doc a hepatologist? If not can you get in to see one and get some of your questions answered? Do you like your doc?
I'm just like you I was soooo scared the first month...., now I'm feeling a bit better, but scared from time to time. Most people do not die of this, but it does need to be treated, either with the current meds ( very hard on the bod ) or with lifestyle changes w/ continued monitoring, Many people have gone through treatment and cleared this virus, it sounds like your doctor has your best interest in mind, it would be nice if you had all the information you needed though, and I think he could have explained more to you/
Who is going to monitor you and help you with your side effects during treatment? Did your doc talk to you about this?
I'm so sorry you have to go through this, but just learn what you can relax, breathe, be happy when you can, and you will learn to live with it. There are so many wonderful people in the same boat.... you'll see. People from all walks of live carry this virus and are dealing with the same issues you have. Hang in, find a doctor you can talk to and get your questions answered then come back and as the peops here we will help you anyway we can... I know its a shock, I'm now taking Anti depressants cuz I was so anxious, now I'm hanging and trying not to worry, it does no good and not worrying reveals some of lifes greatest mysteries.... OOOOO Mary
I'm also not totally sure about genotype 3, but I think your chances are pretty good to clear the virus, I have genotype 1 which is the most difficult to treat with the current medication. Your viral load is not huge, maybe your doc just wants you to treat to prevent any further damage. I think grade 2 stage 2 might be a good place to start w/ treatment, so that it doesn't progress. Even if you dont clear the virus ( you probably would though ) the treatment will give your liver a break.
Its good that your losing weight, and doing healthy lifestyle changes. Alcohol is a no no, now and on treatment. You may want to get more information about treatment before you begin. Also as I said is your doc a hepatologist? If not can you get in to see one and get some of your questions answered? Do you like your doc?
I'm just like you I was soooo scared the first month...., now I'm feeling a bit better, but scared from time to time. Most people do not die of this, but it does need to be treated, either with the current meds ( very hard on the bod ) or with lifestyle changes w/ continued monitoring, Many people have gone through treatment and cleared this virus, it sounds like your doctor has your best interest in mind, it would be nice if you had all the information you needed though, and I think he could have explained more to you/
Who is going to monitor you and help you with your side effects during treatment? Did your doc talk to you about this?
I'm so sorry you have to go through this, but just learn what you can relax, breathe, be happy when you can, and you will learn to live with it. There are so many wonderful people in the same boat.... you'll see. People from all walks of live carry this virus and are dealing with the same issues you have. Hang in, find a doctor you can talk to and get your questions answered then come back and as the peops here we will help you anyway we can... I know its a shock, I'm now taking Anti depressants cuz I was so anxious, now I'm hanging and trying not to worry, it does no good and not worrying reveals some of lifes greatest mysteries.... OOOOO Mary
Hi,
i cannot disifer your biopsy , cuz I am not as knowledgeable as some here, but someone will come up and give you some answeres. But I can relate to your feelings ...I was blown away by the news too...I was shocked and I couldn't believe it ..and I still feel a little weird about it..I found out about 1 yr. ago..but now I see that it is not a death sentence... There are lots of people who have this disease..
Don't worry, you aren't alone and you will be okay...this is a good place to get info...sometimes it takes awhile to get an answere tho...
hang in there...
pitter
And I
i cannot disifer your biopsy , cuz I am not as knowledgeable as some here, but someone will come up and give you some answeres. But I can relate to your feelings ...I was blown away by the news too...I was shocked and I couldn't believe it ..and I still feel a little weird about it..I found out about 1 yr. ago..but now I see that it is not a death sentence... There are lots of people who have this disease..
Don't worry, you aren't alone and you will be okay...this is a good place to get info...sometimes it takes awhile to get an answere tho...
hang in there...
pitter
And I
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