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

[Aaron57]

Thanks for posting your encouraging post Tx success ! That you were able to have regression of fibroses post tx , is fantastic and what we all hope to experience : )

Cheers, Aaron

[Willy50]

You never call, you never write.....
I've often wondered what happened to you.  : )
Your many threads bounce to the top of the forum from time to time and it always causes me to think back on older times.  Many people probably wonder what you've been up to and how you have been faring.

I still have still not treated but I'm about to have my medical records sent to a closer facility and take a swing at a no-interferon treatment, there are several in the works and it appears they may be approved in about 3 years;call it 2015.

I'm very glad to hear about your improved staging.  6 Years, eh?  Oh my gawd, time flies, even when you aren't having fun.

Thanks for checking in; always a pleasure.

willy

[lapis]

Awesome news!  It is good to know that the liver really does regenerate and heal itself over time, and a nice thing to look forward to.  Thanks for sharing this.

I'm curious about what state you're in, where fibroscan is available.  Whereas I would not want to have another (4th!) biopsy, the fibroscan sounds like a great way to get that kind of positive feedback.

Good to see you back here!

[working dog]

really great news jim! ...i was afraid to ask what happened to you...you were so much help here years ago...thanks for the post....billy

[SunEveryDay]

How wonderful for you!!!

Thanks for coming back to give us hope!

[1oftheclub222]

Jm,
that part of my post  about the last shot was commenting on Orphanedhawks statement actually, sorry i jacked your thread a little, ha....but congrats on the 6 yrs of being HCV free as well as the reversal of liver damage!