Cirrhosis measurement

[Mr. Pink]

I found this site:

http://hepatitiscnewdrugs.blogspot.com/2010/06/physical-findings-suggestive-of.html

Are the physical symptoms found there in beginning or end stages of cirrhosis?

Thanks,

M.P.

[eureka254]

Yes, some cirrhotics can do treatment.  My husband started treatment in 2008, and he's done fairly well.  In regards to cirrhosis progression, it's a very hard thing to call.  I've heard of people diagnosed as cirrhotics who are still compensated 10 years after diagnosis, and I've heard of people who decompensate in months... there are so many factors, and even more unknowns.  I'm not sure what the median timeframe is, but I do know it varies widely from individual to individual.

Seeing AST/ALT jump can be nerve-wracking, but it's important to keep in mind that it does not have a direct correlation to progression -- it certainly is a sign of undesirable activity in the liver, but if you were stage 1 back four years ago, there's low likelihood of cirrhosis for you (unless you have other high-risk factors).

The fact that you did undergo treatment is in your favor, as it's believed treating gives the liver "a break" from the virus and may help prevent liver damage.  I'm sorry to hear that you relapsed, but as a stage 1 your liver would have regenerative capabilities -- elevating LFTs in someone with hep c usually does not really have any relevance to stage.  It's not a bad idea to have a biopsy if you have concerns, especially since it's been about 5 years since you were last staged, but in most cases, progression from early liver damage (stages 0-1) to cirrhosis is measured in decades, not years. Hope that sets your mind at ease some.

[Mr. Pink]

Eureka very sorry to hear that about your husband, at one point does one not treat at the cirrhosis stage? Does tx still possible at early cirrhosis. Do you know the median time between compensated and decompensated? Just trying allay any fear as I come up for a Cat Scan on Monday, I was Stage 1 in 2006 treated and the  relapsed, but my Alt/Ast have been going through the roof.

Thanks for your help

M.P    

[eureka254]

The many complications described on that webpage just about span the spectrum between the beginning and the end.  A liver with early cirrhosis can still perform its functions and often gives no obvious symptoms (called 'compensated') -- as liver damage continues to progress in cirrhosis, particular dysfunctions occur, called decompensation, many of which result in the listed symptoms becoming obvious, but not everyone has all of them.  There are also no givens on which symptoms will come for which individuals at what point in time.  My husband was diagnosed with cirrhosis over three years ago, and has almost none of the physical symptoms described (though I'm aware they may come and go at any given time).  Hope that helps some. ~eureka