Excessive drinking with Hep C and Stage 2

[hepChusband]

My husband was recently diagnoised with Hep C. He was started on the traditional treatment but learned he was alergic to the meds within the first week on them. The Dr. took him off the meds, did a liver biopsy and found some scaring of his liver. Dr. recommended waiting for new meds to come out before starting treatment again. Dr. advised my husband to avoid alcohol. Problem is my husband is a frequent drinking and typically does so in higher amounts than most. Dr.'s warning to avoid alcohol has not affected his drinking. I am looking for more information on what his excessive drinking might do to his liver and the disease. Any answers? Experiences? Also, Dr, wrote on his form "stage 2", what does this mean?

[newleaf09]

My doctor explained to me that the virus-infected liver cells have altered function and don't operate the way a normal liver cell does.  Ingesting substances like alcohol and NSAIDs (over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs) may cause much more damage to those altered cells than would normally occur.  If your husband could change his habits, he would be more likely to be able to wait for the improved medications (that are still in the trial phase now) without further damage that could endanger his life before he has the opportunity to treat the virus again.  It might be useful to let him read about how people die when they get to uncompensated Stage 4 cirrhosis.  It's a very ugly way to die.

[copyman]

your husband needs help. Maybe AA. anyone that continues to drink after a doc tells them they are a stage 2 is an alcoholic and needs help. I had a friend that continued to drink heavy after being told he had HCV.  he lasted 3 years before we buried him. Dying of liver failure is one of the worse ways to go. Choking on you own blood has to be horrible !!!
Hope your husband gets help or comes to his senses soon.

[jdwithhcv]

Stage 2 is a measure of liver scarring.  Here is a link to some good information on that subject.

http://www.janis7hepc.com/learning_about_liver_fibrosis2.htm#fibrosis

[desrt]

Stage 2 means he should avoid alcohol completely. Some docs are of the opinion that *one* beer or glass per day won't make a difference even if you're dying of cirrhosis - but it doesn't sound like your husband could stick to that. Any drinking isn't helpful and a lot of docs insist on 6 months clean and sober (i.e.  0 drinks per day) before they'll even put someone on tx. It wouldn't be surprising if your husband progressed to stage 3 or 4 by the time the new meds come out (if and when).