Something like that for me, too. The doctor and I are still "negotiating", but I was always taught that if I hire a professional, then ignore his advice, I do it at my own peril. I'll probably do what he says.
Alan
Phil G said
Oct 15, 2012
It appears I will be getting an annual U/S and a VL every 6 months. I'm OK with that right now.
mallani said
Oct 15, 2012
I don't qualify to post in the Post Treatment section, but with a numbers of members coming up, this is worth a thought.
Those who are lucky enough to get the magic 'SVR' news, will rightly feel proud and optimistic about the future. The advice they get about followup will vary, and everyone will have an opinion about how, or if, they are followed up. A VL test, LFT's, liver U/S at 6 or 12 months may be palatable. Others may be told they need 6 monthly liver U/S examinations. This may be unacceptable. I'd just like to explain the reason for this.
After SVR, there is still a risk of HCC. Certainly the risk is decreased. Pre SVR figures may be 1%/year for non-cirrhotics, to 2-3%/year for cirrhotics. I do not have any figures for post SVR rates. The 6 monthly U/S is to find early, small HCC's. In a normal patient, a 8mm. HCC should be found, but may need CT or MRI with contrast for confirmation. HCC's are aggressive and may double or triple in size in 6 months. Small HCC's may be treated with resection, embolisation, radiofrequency or chemo. ablation etc. This is why a yearly U/S is not considered to be adequate.
This is not meant to be depressing, just explanatory. The risk of HCC or reinfection is small, and we should all be able to make an informed decision of how we handle our future.
Something like that for me, too. The doctor and I are still "negotiating", but I was always taught that if I hire a professional, then ignore his advice, I do it at my own peril. I'll probably do what he says.
Alan
It appears I will be getting an annual U/S and a VL every 6 months. I'm OK with that right now.
I don't qualify to post in the Post Treatment section, but with a numbers of members coming up, this is worth a thought.
Those who are lucky enough to get the magic 'SVR' news, will rightly feel proud and optimistic about the future. The advice they get about followup will vary, and everyone will have an opinion about how, or if, they are followed up. A VL test, LFT's, liver U/S at 6 or 12 months may be palatable. Others may be told they need 6 monthly liver U/S examinations. This may be unacceptable. I'd just like to explain the reason for this.
After SVR, there is still a risk of HCC. Certainly the risk is decreased. Pre SVR figures may be 1%/year for non-cirrhotics, to 2-3%/year for cirrhotics. I do not have any figures for post SVR rates. The 6 monthly U/S is to find early, small HCC's. In a normal patient, a 8mm. HCC should be found, but may need CT or MRI with contrast for confirmation. HCC's are aggressive and may double or triple in size in 6 months. Small HCC's may be treated with resection, embolisation, radiofrequency or chemo. ablation etc. This is why a yearly U/S is not considered to be adequate.
This is not meant to be depressing, just explanatory. The risk of HCC or reinfection is small, and we should all be able to make an informed decision of how we handle our future.