JmJm530 -- From Stage 3-4 to Normal -- Six Years Post TX

[jmjm530]

Just got my six year post tx, and it was 4.5kPa. Apparently, that’s pretty good and normal (stage 0-1) as the tech said it was lower than his scan--  and he’s never had any sort of liver disease!

My previous scans were in 2005, mid treatment (9.5 kPa) and in 2006, six months post tx (8 kPa). These correspond with stages (2-3), and early stage 2, respectively -- at least according to the correlations at the time of the initial Fibroscan trials.

Pre-Treatment I was staged at either 3-4 or 2-3 (depending on who read the slides) via liver biopsy.

It’s funny, because I almost passed on the Fibroscan, as it’s been so many years since SVR, and regardless of results, there wasn’t really anything I could (or would want to) do. Thankfully, the results were good. Just wish the rest of me was that normal. LOL.

A little hazy background, as it’s been awhile, and I couldn’t locate my exact notes:

Stated tx in early 2005. Double Dosed Peg for ther first 4? or so weeks, on high dose Ribavirin strategy that ended me in the ER within a few weeks of starting tx. After a few days off ribavirin, I then again continued on high dose ribavirin (with Procrit) for the duration of my 60 week treatment. Tons of sfx. It was not a pleasant experience.

I had a two log drop within a week or two (viral load was tested weekly) and UND within 4-6 week, can’t remember. In any event, it was considered an RVR. I was still told to tx for 60 weeks, based on both age – over 50 – and advanced fibrosis, as my only biopsy reading at that time was stage 3-4.

As those who have read some of my posts, I had very mixed feelings about tx for those with little or no liver damage – but that said, it certainly appears that tx can reverse fibrosis/cirrhosis, not only based on what I’ve read, but also on my own scan results.

To any of my old friends still here, you’re always in my heart, and I hope the very best for each and every one of you.

-- Jim

[rexx73]

congrats jim to this improvement,great to see.
my Fibroscan Results did also improve from around 10-11 right after treatment ,first down to 7 then 6 and the latest was 5.2 kpa.
Marc

[Dee1956]

Jimjim, this was such an encouraging thread. This and Andiamos post was so uplifting. Thank you for coming back to share, to give us hope.

[Trish77]

Hello old friend. :)  I've been getting scarce here myself but wow what a surprise to see your name pop up!  Was reading back old threads and there you were.  Pleasant surprise. :)

What fantastic news, Jim.  And encouraging for a lot of people.  I was Stage 1 when I went into treatment and I reversed to Stage 0 post-treatment also determined via Fibroscan.  I've seen a number of posts like that but Stage 3-4 reverting to Stage 0 ... that's fantastic.  Makes me wonder...if the improvement continues for awhile, with no Hep C to batter the liver if it continues to regenerate after treatment.  Seems so.  Very interesting stuff.  Makes me go hmmmm.

Great outcome for you, Jim and very happy for you. Stay well and keep in touch.

Trish

[mremeet]

Yo dude glad to see you around and that you're as diplomatic and personable as ever!  haha Seriously though, congrats on having a pink liver that's now nice and rubbery/elastic like soft silicone instead of overcooked pork chops. Hoping my liver's in the pink too, but haven't had none of them fancy fibroscans (yet).

I'm doing ok, still feeling great, now at 5 years post tx (still SVR of course). Hope to see you around once in a while. I stop in infrequently, but can't seem to completely kick the habit. Take care....

[FaithforHealing]

Thanks for replying and I understand what you meant in your post. Yes, there is an element of one's life being impaired with HCV, not just physically, but in terms of being optimistic about the future and limiting one's abilities to do certain things; almost a loss of one's freedom. I lost my job here in the states and was offered an opportunity of a lifetime over in Europe, but I could not take it because I had to have a medical certificate stating I did not have a "communicable" disease. HCV was just not going to to cut it. Congrats to you and your new life!

[returntosender]

It boils down to the fact that before treatment I felt like I couldnt trust the future or be a part of things, that I had this huge illness looming over me.  It scared me and separated me from everyone else.  I dont have that anymore and now look to the future and feel like I will be a part of it.  I do not look around and get mad at other people for not being sick. I get mad at them for everything else but not for that.  Dont get me wrong.  Tx took its toll and even after all these years I am still getting my life together.  But it was worth it.  Boy it was worth it.  I will take this over what I had back then any day..

[FaithforHealing]

Hi, I just started peg/riba, and I was curious as to what you meant by "I sure dont have the same problems I used to have."  Are referring to symptoms prior to tx? They say HCV has no symptoms for the most part, but wondering if you did have some. Thanks

And congrats on your successful tx and progress; it is such a blessing for those of us just starting to hear such good news for others. Inspires us to keep going.

[returntosender]

I just popped on to research another ailment and see if DD had answered my question about spouse autoimmune illnesses after Hep C treatment of other spouse and I saw your post.  Nice to hear about your progress.  I too treated back when you did and SVRd and my liver has hopefully healed as well. I sure dont have the same problems I used to have.  I am headed back for another biopsy so I can pick up an insurance policy but wonder whether fibroscan might work for the ins company just as well.  I wish you well my friend.  You were such a resource when I was treating as were all the folks on this board.  Thanks to all.  

[sherritaylor12]

Wonderful new.  Thanks for sharing it's so encouraging.
Happy Trails,
Sherri

[Kristina538]

Hey Jim, to follow up from what Faith asked re tendonitis, I didn't mean to infer it was caused by tx., and in my case, it appears it was more likely from being sub-clinical, then clinically hyper-thyroid over a long period of time - all okay now., and while the tx exacerbated it slightly, it was something that was going to continue to worsen and reappear without thyroid treatment (which has now be completed)..... I am now starting to feel better than I have in years!!

[ceanothus]

Sorry for a resend, but I realized I mis-typed the address on the last post  

THANK YOU so much for coming back to share this great news - you are giving us all a little more to hope for. I'm well past stage 3, having been diagnosed with cirrhosis 6 years ago, and I've still been harboring a small secret (for fear of having my bubble burst) hope that if achieve SVR maybe my liver will eventually heal itself. Now my secret hope doesn't feel quite as silly.

[ceanothus]

THANK YOU so much for coming back to share this great news - you are giving us all a little more to hope for. I'm well past stage 3, having been diagnosed with cirrhosis 6 years ago, and I've still been harboring a small secret (for fear of having my bubble burst) hope that if achieve SVR maybe my liver will eventually heal itself. Now my secret hope doesn't feel quite as silly.

[Andiamo1]

Great to hear your results and to see you on the forum.  I rarely get on myself, but did catch your post and wanted to wish you well.  

I recently passed the 4 year mark after treatment and will post on another thread.
Best of luck to you!
Eric

[Dee1956]

Once again wanted to thank you for coming back to share such good news, it gives everyone here a lot of hope
I am very happy for you!!

[Dee1956]

Thank you so much for sharing, this is wonderful news!

[child24angel]

Good to see you're doing so well !

Hope you and Jenna are having a good time :)

Many Hugs,
Elaine

[jmjm530]

Okay here goes again. And thanks again for the nice comments, to anyone I missed. I do check my private messages from time to time, so if anyone has a specific question about my experiences, or just wants to say hello, I'll be around.

OH -- congratulations about finishing up! Your SVR looks real good considering being undetectable by week 4.

Mike -- really good to hear from you again. I've read about fibrosis regression for years, and my doc told me it would happen, but nothing like seeing it for yourself on yourself.
When the tech told me I had a better score than he had - and he has a normal liver - it really made my day!

CDM -- always good to hear from you!

Lapis -- my understanding is that fibroscan is available with Schiff in  Florida, Dietrich in New York, and Afdhal in Boston. Probably more places, but that's the shortlist I know about.

Willy -- what you say makes sense. It always did. But maybe that's because we tended to agree on things LOL

DD -- I remember you as an old timer, when I was just new here. We shared a lot of  heated discussions -- sometimes on the same side, sometimes not. Now it seems like we ended up sharing a lot of post treatment side effects.

Frijole-- my doc mentioned that the new treatment is tough with side effects. But hopefully that will translate into more cures. All the best luck with yours.

NYG -- Jenna is doing great LOL got bored with idol, now watching the Voice from time to time. I think the TV shows in general were better back then -- at least something was LOL

Faith-- can't speak for Kristina but in my case I don't think the tendinitis was at all related to HCV or treatment. But who really knows?

CW -- good to hear from you, hope you're staying out of trouble these days here LOL Glad CS was at least cured and able to reverse some damage.

Copy -- good to hear from you, it was a long struggle but glad it all worked out.

-- Jim

[jmjm530]

Whoops that got posted a little too soon LOL Still have the occasional tendinitis so this is being dictated with my new iPad that has built in voice dictation. Big improvement over Dragon Natural Speak but still getting used to it, so please forgive any typos or premature posts, like the last one LOL be back soon with what I was planning on posting.

Jim

[jmjm530]

Thanks to  everyone for the nice words, and again nice to hear from

[Frank J. Perrotta]

WoW jmjm - sooooo cool.

unfortunately just filled my tummy with hot, fresh Japanese rice and gotta sleep!

Congrats on the good news and hope to hear many more!

My "cure" got me lots of PIS but at least my docs are working of feeding me some pretty pills to help (they sometimes do!!!).

Hope you are able to stay around for a bit!
f

[Dee1956]

Hey there, so great to see you on the forum.  Even better is your news, thanks so much for sharing
Dee

[IMstacie]

It was great of you to come back and post this information.  It's something we all need to know.  Best of luck to you.

Stacie

[Sentinel13]

Hi Jim: Thanks for sharing the positive story! I was Grade 3/Stage 3 in 2002. I believed back then, and I still believe it today, that pegylated interferon heals the liver, delays the onset of tumors, and prolongs life. I spent most of the past decade on Pegasys in an attempt to reverse liver damage. Finishing triple therapy next month (Incivek) and should get a biopsy a few weeks afterward. Maybe I'll have a success story like yours to share! Cheers, GB

[copyman]

Hey Jim,

Good to hear from you and the good news. I often wondered how you were doing. You helped me so much with my treatment and ultimately SVR. Your knowledge of HCV helped so many people back then. Not sure if I ever thanked you but just in case .....THANK YOU !!!!!