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

[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