liver

[lupalukoi]

i have chronic hep c geno 3 grade 2 stage 4, also stage 4 liver cirrhosis.i do not tolerate the interferon shots or the pills. I guess my question is how sick am I? my drs. want me to be put on a transplant list but no one says anything about how long I have left here on this earth.i would like your honest opinion please.

[lupalukoi]

I thank you so much for your answer. I will look at my last blood work and post them. Talk to you again.

[flyinlynn]

No one can predict your disease progression that is an individual experience. Alot depends on your overall condition, severity ov your liver disease, and if you are doing everything you can to stay as healthy as you can.

You do not have an expiration date.

Just for reference I have had hep C for likely 37 years and was diagnosed with cirrhosis 7 years ago.

The newest treatments recommended by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) for genotype 3 do not need to include interferon if you are intolerant to it.

Per the AASLD hcv guidlines updated December 19, 2014

http://www.hcvguidelines.org/full-report/initial-treatment-box-summary-recommendations-patients-who-are-initiating-therapy-hcv

the recommended treatment is Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) with ribavirin for 24 weeks.

If you have treated before the treatment is the same.

These new treatment are much better tolerated and significantly more effective than the old interferon treatments. There are also even newer treatments coming.

As you have cirrhosis you should be under the care of a hepalologist associated with a liver transplant center. They can best advise you on your treatment options and monitor your treatment.

Do you have copies of your blood tests? If not get copies of you most recent blood tests and any other tests you have had. Have you had a liver biopsy or fibro scan for example? The blood test you especially want to see are your Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP), Hepatic function Panel, and Protime. With those tests you will know your Bilirubin, Creatinine and INR results which are used to determine your MELD score that is how you place on the liver transplant list is determined.

Here is a link for computing you score

http://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/model-end-stage-liver-disease/meld-model-unos-modification

And how the MELD score related to the Liver transplant list.

http://www.cpmc.org/advanced/liver/patients/topics/MELD.html

Avoid alcohol and other drugs that could harm the liver — People with cirrhosis should avoid all substances that are known to damage the liver. This includes:

●Alcohol

●Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (i.e. Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve)

●Some supplements and herbal remedies, such as kava kava

●Some prescribed medications


Also, people with cirrhosis who take acetaminophen (i.e. Tylenol) should not take more than 2,000 milligrams per day (four extra-strength tablets). Many over-the-counter and prescription medications to treat cold and flu, fever, pain, and other common maladies contain acetaminophen, so it’s important to check the labels of any medications for acetaminophen as an ingredient and to add up the milligrams they each contain.

Also eat a heart smart diet and avoid salt and sodium.

Here is a good article that explaines a lot

http://www.uptodate.com/contents/cirrhosis-beyond-the-basics

Sorry this is so long I know there is a lot for you to take in right now but keep asking questions. We are here to help and guide you through the prosess as best as we can.

Good luck to you
Lynn

[dontworry_behappy1]

Your asking how long you will live with Hepatitis C?  There isn't anyone who can answer that question for you.  Your saying that you can't tolerate any treatment for your hepatitis C and therefore your only option is a liver transplant?  When was the last time you treated your hepatitis C and with
what drugs can't you take?