Possible cirrhosis

[rivll]

Hi,
I have had hep. c genotype 2 for decades and in the past year have had symptoms of cirrhosis. Extreme itching, fatigue, ascites, edema, nosebleeds etc.
I don't have hx insurance but I went to a clinic that does trial studies for interferon and 2 new drugs shown to be very effective for tx hep. c.
The Dr. will do a biopsy but feels that I probably have cirrhosis which will preclude me from the studies at their clinic.
My question is, if I have cirrhosis can I get tx (elsewhere) for hep. c or is it considered too dangerous to subject a cirrhotic liver to?
Thanks

[GoofyDad]

MELD is a score acheived through an algorythm that looks at three blood markers. MELD is used an a standadized formula for measuring liver health and managing transplant lists  - the higher the score the worse off you are. Google MELD calculator. That will lead you to what you need to calculate meld score.  

Good luck.

[rivll]

Thanks much. I did it and it came back as 12-which hopefully buys me some time. :-)
Thanks again

[GoofyDad]

You're welcome. Others can tell you where 12 falls on the spectrum. I have compensated cirrhosis and have always been around 7 - I hit 6 once and 8 once.

[cheesenrice]

im also around a 12 - it does fluctuate - the hepatologist at the transplant center told me a 15 was needed to get on the transplant list - i registered with them because it was recommended to do so early on - he said that generally speaking after having compensated cirrhosis for 10 years or so in most cases decompensation is usually only a few years away - i would seek treatment elswhere asap instead of messin around with a trial - they have their place its just not at my place - or generally speaking at yours either - if i may be so bold - im not sure exactly sure how long ive been cirrhotic but im guessing at least 10 years ( i was diagnosed with hep c over 6 years ago and i was cirrhotic then ) judging by what i now know about it - you may be in similar shoes or you may not - best to err on cautions side - best wishes

[GoofyDad]

he said that generally speaking after having compensated cirrhosis for 10 years or so in most cases decompensation is usually only a few years away

I assume that's without SVR?

[paen53]

My Dr. had given me the same info as cheesenrice's prior to tx -  and it was always this dark cloud hanging over my head. So I was hoping to hear a different response when I brought this up again post tx. She told me that with the HCV gone, the outcome has changed (for the better) because my liver isn't continually being assaulted anymore. However (always one of those disclaimers, eh?) the need for semi-annual imaging will remain indefinitely for HCC, although even there, the incidence decreases with SVR.

She wasn't as positive thinking on reversal of cirrhosis except marginally, but did allow that more needs to be learned about it over and above the few articles out there on it - and now with more and more cirrhotics clearing the virus, perhaps we'll get a better handle on it. I asked if she would recommend a bx down the line to check on my liver and she was adamant - NO - that labs would suffice along with the regular monitoring.If a scan ever becomes more readily available here in the US though, I will be one of the first in line!

Of course, there was the usual advice about maintaining a healthy diet and BMI. I still have a fatty liver that I'm trying hard to eliminate/reduce since this too causes inflammation. Perhaps I'm a bit overly optimistic, but I'm still betting on more regression......On that note, off for a brisk walk!