Hi Guys Can any of you help me

[jan_2310]

My son has Hep C & has developed sord of a rash like .He was told not to take the Tx for PEG due to he is stage 4 & has trouble making rbc s.They havent done a liver Biospy yet.He has ascites  some at present time In abdomen .Already had it drew off once but it seems to be only in abdomen.Any Info from anybody would be appreciated.The rash is not bad but leaving scars & since he has problems with rbc making ,he heals slow .This is devasting to me as his mom and I could use some support if any of you guys would like to share.TY

[newleaf09]

I guess I agree with Jenny.  I know they love the biopsies, but the rash and the ascites are already indications that he is in liver failure.  He needs to be seen by a hepatologist who can evaluate him for treatment or transplant.  There are drugs that can improve his low rbc but not his platelets, another serious issue with using the interferon.

[JennyPenny]

Do not let any old doctor so his biopsy. People with late stage disease are at a much higher risk of bleeding during the biopsy. In fact I would seriously question his doctor as to the need for a biopsy at this point. It is obvious that he is stage 4. Ask the doctor if doing the biopsy is just academic at this point. If it will not change what they do for him, you will want to consider whether there is really reason for doing one. If they really want to it and have good reason ak about a laproscopic biopsy.  They can watch the liver carefully with laproscopic biopsies and be ready to put a stitch in if it becomes necessary.

[JennyPenny]

Hi Jan. I know how devastating it is when our children are ill. I'm sorry to hear about this. People with early stage 4 disease can be safely treated. But once a patient develops symptoms of ascites, varices, bleeding, etc., they often cannot or should not be treated with intereron and ribavirin.

My best advice for him is to make sure he is seeing a hepatologist. They can be found at large teaching hospitals. It is possible that your son should be evaluated for a liver transplant at this point. Tht ios what I would do if my child had hep C with ascites and a very low rbc.