When I was first dx with hep c back in 1990 I have a liver biopsy and was at that time inflammation grade 1, fibrosis grade 1. Had a biopsy every 5 years went up a grade every 5 years so after 15 years I had fibrosis grade 4 or cirrhosis.
But I guess the upside of having cirrhosis if there is an upside is no more liver biopsies. I have an abdominal ultrasound every 6 months and AFP test to monitor for liver cancer and the regular 6 month blood work plus an annual upper endoscopy as I had varicies that were banded.
And I have never had an MRI. What do you make of that lol :-)
Lynn
I always ask my doc what "level" my fibrosis is and his response is that is not important since I am cirrhotic
I have never had a biopsy
Just MRI
what do you make of that?
And just to add ANY stage of liver damage is not a good thing.
Many of us had just slightly elevated LFT results for years but since 1990I went from stage 1 to stage 2 to stage 4 cirrhosis in 2008 but I have always felt more or less fine maybe tired and my LFT were only slightly elevated the entire time.
You need to get treated before your liver becomes more damaged and before you develop cirrhosis. This will increase the likelyhood of successful treatment to eridicate the virus before it can cause more severe and permenant damage
Good luck
Lynn
Hi I agree with flyinlynn, you do need to talk to your doctor.
I don't know much about the fibroscan but I found another thread discussing it.
They were saying an 8 was between stage 1 stage 2.
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/Fibroscan-Score-question/show/734672
What does your doctor say? We here are either patients or caregivers. The most informed of your situation would be your hepatologist who ordered your tests
Good luck
Lynn