I see your information in your Bio. If you want to add it to your signature, it helps when replying without having to look to your profile. I see you have set up your sig line with some data, but it's nice to have it with each post. Our Mod, Mike posted a helpful thread on setting it up.
Thanks Again to everyone who has helped me so far.
derek said
Sep 11, 2016
I posted all the results that I have in my signature line. When I was at the Dr. last week and she told me I was Type 3, I asked her for the results that she had and she said I didnt need them. lol. Also, I did go for a ultrasound (she didnt give me the results for that either) she just said there was no visible swelling and she " doesnt think there is cirrhosis " Now that I am actually typing what she had to say, it wasnt very helpful. I will ask the specialist for all of the info. My appointment is September 26.
I have been using opiates for the past 16 years. I snorted them up until last September, then I started injecting. A guy that I did drugs with had hep C and I was very careful to keep things separate, except water. I read you can get it from that, but I also read you can get it from sharing a bill when snorting. My best guess is I got it from sharing water, so I think I contracted it September of 2015.
Canuck said
Sep 11, 2016
Hi Derek,
By looking between your 2 threads "Confused", and this thread, and as well, by reading your biography, I am able to get a fuller picture. Congratulations on the hard work you have done in your life, getting life sorted, ridding yourself of anything else that could harm you and your liver. Not always easy, what you accomplished. You are lucky to have a lovely gal at your side, that you got yourself to diagnosis, and will be cured of HCV at this early age. You are now in the very best possible position for treatment of your hepc, to erradicate this virus, and regain your liver health again.
I can see Tig and the others have gone through your labs, and highlighted some info to you about the elevated tests.
You must have completed your PCR (viral load count) a while ago, in that your doc already confirmed to you that you were a GT3 - did you receive a copy of this test showing the viral load count and the GT3 result? Do you happen to know if you have a sub-type ... ie. GT3a or GT3b? The GT type, and sub-type, is usually on the same PCR "confirmation" viral load count.
Your GT3 and sub-type, are good things to slip into your sig. line, and, until you get a course of treatment started, your baseline ALT. AST and GGT will be of interest to note/follow as they will drop as you get treated. Your GGT can simply relate to having liver injury with HCV, but it can also indicate injury from drugs or alcohol. So very good for your liver that you mentioned you do not drink.
How long do you think you have had HCV??
You said you were waiting for a specialist appointment, and an ultrasound, and I assume you haven't had a fibroscan test either? Your fibroscan F score will be of interest to show in your sig line. But RC is right, you should also ask your doc(s) about MRI's/CAT scans for you as well, if they will do them for you in your case, as the more assessment they do, they more they and you will know about your liver status. Degree of damage may have some effect on which treatment is best for you but perhaps more so for how long treatment will last. To know if you have liver fibrosis, or cirrhosis has a bearing, a high viral load less so. You already know a lot already just from your initial bloodwork with many important tests, including INR, Albumin, etc. all being within normal limits, so, testing is a good thing!
(Aside from physical exams and labs) many doctors are now utilizing fibroscans coupled with other less invasive imaging tests (ultrasound, CAT, MRI) to gauge the condition of your liver without necessarily subjecting you to a needle liver biopsy, I hope your doc(s) have easy access to a fibroscan machine and do other imaging for you.
The only bad news is that you are in Canada! I am a GT3a in BC, and the only way i could get Epclusa (sof/velpa) - (the best DAA out there for me, in my opinion), was by entering a clinical trial. Epclusa was my first choice.
Through the regular BC system, I was offered sofa/riba right off the bat (my last choice). Even tho sofa/dac (my second choice) is "approved" for use in Canada. In BC, I would have had to flunk sofa/riba first, before BC Pharmacare would consider sof/dac for me!
I hope, in your Province, you will NOT find the same limited drug treatment options.
Access to drug regime "choice", and fibroscan equip, can add a degree of comfort in treatment. I did not want riba nor a needle biopsy if I did not have to. I would have also welcomed a MRI or Cat scan for good baseline data, but they would not spend that money on me.
Tig posted this elsewhere and I stick it over here - they are American recommendations, but, so far, I prefer theirs over what Canada is "actually" doing! In the U.S. they are already rolling out and prescribing Epclusa in Ohio, Alabama and Wisconsin. AASLD TX GUIDELINES
I hope they do not keep you waiting too long for your appointments and tests. C.
robertsamx said
Sep 10, 2016
Hi Derek, Welcome to the forum. It's a shocker to find out you have hep-c . Back when I was first diagnosed (about 30 years ago) the treatment was interferon and Ribavirin taken over 48 months, it made you sick like the flu. Now days the treatment for hep-c is W/O interferon,and usually W/O Ribavirin. The new treatment drugs are taken over a short course, and very effective.If you must have hep-c now's the best time to get rid of it.I checked out your profile and your young-36. That's in your favor, chances are you have only had hep-3 for a few years, and that will work in your favor. Type 3 is aggressive.
Questions for your Dr. Ask him the following--- Will you be getting a base line MRI? If not a MRI then how about a C/T scan? If not MRI or C/T how about a ultrasound? The MRI would be the best baseline test, but they are expensive. You should really push for a Fibroscan, that will give you a good indication of your livers condition regarding cirrhosis.
Your Dr. Will order all the appropriate blood test to see how your liver is functionin. When you get the blood work results, let us know and we will help you interpreted them
Keep us informed, your going to be ok!! RC
derek said
Sep 10, 2016
Thank you all so much. I am going to read the posts on here regarding type 3. What are the questions I should ask my specialist ?
I will have some questions of my own by that time I am sure, just lookimg for more technical questions that will help you guys, or me understand what is going on.
Juliet17 said
Sep 10, 2016
Hi Derek,
I was also recently diagnosed with Genotype 3. The internet data on this genotype can be a bit misleading because prior to last year no treatments offerred the very high cure rates that the other genotypes were achieving. Anything on the Internet that is older than one year or so can sound a bit doom and gloom regarding Genotype 3. But all that has changed now. I will be starting Sovaldi/Daklinza in a few weeks (hopefully) and my doctor says the cure rate is 99% for patients with my profile.
Shadowfax said
Sep 10, 2016
derek wrote:
I just found out that I have type 3 hep c. I am still waiting to see the specialist. I haven't done any research yet, I decided before I start flooding my head with useless information I would bring it to the pros on here first. Can you guys suggest any useful readings/websites or anything you feel helpful or true.
So far the people on here have been the best support system I have. Except for my wife of course.
Thanks. Derek
Welcome Derek,
You have probably found your best source of information when you found this forum. The people here are so very knowledgeable because clearly, it's quite personal to us all. They helped me and stood by my side before, during and now after my TX. You can expect the same thing with no uncertainty. As was already said, this is a good time to find out that you have this based on all the new protocols and amazing success rates with few side fx and tolerable ones even if there are any. I know it seems like a dream now but you will be looking back at this after you too are cured and possibly typing similar words to another new person who just got their news
Please keep us updated about how things pan out and the more you know, the more you can ask your specialist. Enjoy the rest of the weekend.
SF
Cheddy said
Sep 10, 2016
Hi Derek,
I have only to echo what others have said here. It is the best time so far to get treated and cured for any genotype of HCV.
I will add that we all know here what a shock it is to get diagnosed. It sends the mind reeling and worries can fly. Trouble is, they generally don't help, other than to get you started on a solution. In additional to education, I have gotten so much needed emotional support here and learned things my clinic never offered. Most MDs want us to get through without worry, but it is worrisome anyway. Voices of experience can be very clarifying.
Good for you for asking questions. Keep doing that and you will find yourself cured.
Welcome aboard.
Cheddy
Phoenix17 said
Sep 10, 2016
Welcome to the forum Derek. I too am pretty new, just having found out about a month and a half ago. You have some good advice from Tig, and Loopy Lisa and there will be more I am sure. There are a lot of people hare that know a lot more than I do!!! I am Gt-2. I will be starting Epclusa on Tuesday. With all the new treatments out there now, you will do great!
Tig said
Sep 10, 2016
Hi Derek,
I was just putting together some information when Lisa responded. She knows about this particular Dragon very well and did suffer through the old Peg/Interferon nightmare, unsuccessfully. The new protocols are so much better. Their effectiveness and lack of side effects is quite remarkable.
Use our search function to browse through what we've got on the forum. Insert Genotype 3 into the search box or any combination of keywords that relate to geno 3 and you'll find something. As Lisa mentioned though, check the dates because the new treatments have just come out and a lot of the information is dated. We keep all information because it is historical for many of us here and can be used as a reference for those that lived through it. Wherever you look, check the date and stay with the last year or two at most. Anything with Interferon is outdated and doesn't apply in this age of all oral DAA's.
Here's some current info and I'm sure others will be along to add their two cents. Let me know if I can offer some additional assistance. You'll get this under control, I have no doubt. If you're going to find out this kind of news, there has never been a better time. The treatments just plain work....
I also was diagnosed as a 3 several years ago. Here on this site, there are several links from different informative pages and sites with information and data. A lot of information on Google is actually outdated now, and treatments are advancing so fast, the new stories are not really hitting any search engines, leaving just the horror stories for people to freak out with. ;)
I found several sites useful, but it all depends where you are from, especially as each land has different protocols and treatment plans/access.
Genotype 3 has a lot of success now with a few combinations that are easy to take and with little to no side effects. I am just finishing a 3 month plan of Sofosbuvir and Daclatisvir that has been simple, pain free, and in retrospect very fast. The first 11 days I did feel something in me, and had a very mild flu feeling. After that, it was like popping vitamins which is almost creepy - I tried the old therapy previously of Riba and Interferon, it was peanuts after that horror!
Geno 3 is known to be a bit of a bugger untreated, as it causes males to progress faster with fibroses than females due to lack of Estrogen, but not in every case. The latest medications are so effective there is a 90% cure rate, unless there is a complication of compensated liver disease which requires additional treatment duration and ribaviren. Soon there is available an even more efficient treatment plan with a triple combination approved for Geno 3 for 8 weeks, so even the dual therapy may soon be passed over.
Either way, it is good to know, which means you can treat.
Have a wonderful evening.
L
-- Edited by Loopy Lisa on Saturday 10th of September 2016 03:55:21 PM
derek said
Sep 10, 2016
I just found out that I have type 3 hep c. I am still waiting to see the specialist. I haven't done any research yet, I decided before I start flooding my head with useless information I would bring it to the pros on here first. Can you guys suggest any useful readings/websites or anything you feel helpful or true.
So far the people on here have been the best support system I have. Except for my wife of course.
Hey Derek,
I see your information in your Bio. If you want to add it to your signature, it helps when replying without having to look to your profile. I see you have set up your sig line with some data, but it's nice to have it with each post. Our Mod, Mike posted a helpful thread on setting it up.
Signature Line
PS: I'm glad you're here....
I live in London Ontario.
Thanks Again to everyone who has helped me so far.
I posted all the results that I have in my signature line. When I was at the Dr. last week and she told me I was Type 3, I asked her for the results that she had and she said I didnt need them. lol. Also, I did go for a ultrasound (she didnt give me the results for that either) she just said there was no visible swelling and she " doesnt think there is cirrhosis " Now that I am actually typing what she had to say, it wasnt very helpful. I will ask the specialist for all of the info. My appointment is September 26.
I have been using opiates for the past 16 years. I snorted them up until last September, then I started injecting. A guy that I did drugs with had hep C and I was very careful to keep things separate, except water. I read you can get it from that, but I also read you can get it from sharing a bill when snorting. My best guess is I got it from sharing water, so I think I contracted it September of 2015.
Hi Derek,
By looking between your 2 threads "Confused", and this thread, and as well, by reading your biography, I am able to get a fuller picture. Congratulations on the hard work you have done in your life, getting life sorted, ridding yourself of anything else that could harm you and your liver. Not always easy, what you accomplished. You are lucky to have a lovely gal at your side, that you got yourself to diagnosis, and will be cured of HCV at this early age. You are now in the very best possible position for treatment of your hepc, to erradicate this virus, and regain your liver health again.
I can see Tig and the others have gone through your labs, and highlighted some info to you about the elevated tests.
You must have completed your PCR (viral load count) a while ago, in that your doc already confirmed to you that you were a GT3 - did you receive a copy of this test showing the viral load count and the GT3 result? Do you happen to know if you have a sub-type ... ie. GT3a or GT3b? The GT type, and sub-type, is usually on the same PCR "confirmation" viral load count.
Your GT3 and sub-type, are good things to slip into your sig. line, and, until you get a course of treatment started, your baseline ALT. AST and GGT will be of interest to note/follow as they will drop as you get treated. Your GGT can simply relate to having liver injury with HCV, but it can also indicate injury from drugs or alcohol. So very good for your liver that you mentioned you do not drink.
How long do you think you have had HCV??
You said you were waiting for a specialist appointment, and an ultrasound, and I assume you haven't had a fibroscan test either? Your fibroscan F score will be of interest to show in your sig line. But RC is right, you should also ask your doc(s) about MRI's/CAT scans for you as well, if they will do them for you in your case, as the more assessment they do, they more they and you will know about your liver status. Degree of damage may have some effect on which treatment is best for you but perhaps more so for how long treatment will last. To know if you have liver fibrosis, or cirrhosis has a bearing, a high viral load less so. You already know a lot already just from your initial bloodwork with many important tests, including INR, Albumin, etc. all being within normal limits, so, testing is a good thing!
(Aside from physical exams and labs) many doctors are now utilizing fibroscans coupled with other less invasive imaging tests (ultrasound, CAT, MRI) to gauge the condition of your liver without necessarily subjecting you to a needle liver biopsy, I hope your doc(s) have easy access to a fibroscan machine and do other imaging for you.
The only bad news is that you are in Canada! I am a GT3a in BC, and the only way i could get Epclusa (sof/velpa) - (the best DAA out there for me, in my opinion), was by entering a clinical trial. Epclusa was my first choice.
Through the regular BC system, I was offered sofa/riba right off the bat (my last choice). Even tho sofa/dac (my second choice) is "approved" for use in Canada. In BC, I would have had to flunk sofa/riba first, before BC Pharmacare would consider sof/dac for me!
I hope, in your Province, you will NOT find the same limited drug treatment options.
Access to drug regime "choice", and fibroscan equip, can add a degree of comfort in treatment. I did not want riba nor a needle biopsy if I did not have to. I would have also welcomed a MRI or Cat scan for good baseline data, but they would not spend that money on me.
Tig posted this elsewhere and I stick it over here - they are American recommendations, but, so far, I prefer theirs over what Canada is "actually" doing! In the U.S. they are already rolling out and prescribing Epclusa in Ohio, Alabama and Wisconsin. AASLD TX GUIDELINES
I hope they do not keep you waiting too long for your appointments and tests. C.
Hi Derek, Welcome to the forum. It's a shocker to find out you have hep-c . Back when I was first diagnosed (about 30 years ago) the treatment was interferon and Ribavirin taken over 48 months, it made you sick like the flu. Now days the treatment for hep-c is W/O interferon,and usually W/O Ribavirin. The new treatment drugs are taken over a short course, and very effective.If you must have hep-c now's the best time to get rid of it.I checked out your profile and your young-36. That's in your favor, chances are you have only had hep-3 for a few years, and that will work in your favor. Type 3 is aggressive.
Questions for your Dr. Ask him the following--- Will you be getting a base line MRI? If not a MRI then how about a C/T scan? If not MRI or C/T how about a ultrasound? The MRI would be the best baseline test, but they are expensive. You should really push for a Fibroscan, that will give you a good indication of your livers condition regarding cirrhosis.
Your Dr. Will order all the appropriate blood test to see how your liver is functionin. When you get the blood work results, let us know and we will help you interpreted them
Keep us informed, your going to be ok!! RC
Thank you all so much. I am going to read the posts on here regarding type 3. What are the questions I should ask my specialist ?
I will have some questions of my own by that time I am sure, just lookimg for more technical questions that will help you guys, or me understand what is going on.
I was also recently diagnosed with Genotype 3. The internet data on this genotype can be a bit misleading because prior to last year no treatments offerred the very high cure rates that the other genotypes were achieving. Anything on the Internet that is older than one year or so can sound a bit doom and gloom regarding Genotype 3. But all that has changed now. I will be starting Sovaldi/Daklinza in a few weeks (hopefully) and my doctor says the cure rate is 99% for patients with my profile.
Welcome Derek,
You have probably found your best source of information when you found this forum. The people here are so very knowledgeable because clearly, it's quite personal to us all. They helped me and stood by my side before, during and now after my TX. You can expect the same thing with no uncertainty. As was already said, this is a good time to find out that you have this based on all the new protocols and amazing success rates with few side fx and tolerable ones even if there are any. I know it seems like a dream now but you will be looking back at this after you too are cured and possibly typing similar words to another new person who just got their news
Please keep us updated about how things pan out and the more you know, the more you can ask your specialist. Enjoy the rest of the weekend.
SF
Hi Derek,
I have only to echo what others have said here. It is the best time so far to get treated and cured for any genotype of HCV.
I will add that we all know here what a shock it is to get diagnosed. It sends the mind reeling and worries can fly. Trouble is, they generally don't help, other than to get you started on a solution. In additional to education, I have gotten so much needed emotional support here and learned things my clinic never offered. Most MDs want us to get through without worry, but it is worrisome anyway. Voices of experience can be very clarifying.
Good for you for asking questions. Keep doing that and you will find yourself cured.
Welcome aboard.
Cheddy
Welcome to the forum Derek. I too am pretty new, just having found out about a month and a half ago. You have some good advice from Tig, and Loopy Lisa and there will be more I am sure. There are a lot of people hare that know a lot more than I do!!! I am Gt-2. I will be starting Epclusa on Tuesday. With all the new treatments out there now, you will do great!
Hi Derek,
I was just putting together some information when Lisa responded. She knows about this particular Dragon very well and did suffer through the old Peg/Interferon nightmare, unsuccessfully. The new protocols are so much better. Their effectiveness and lack of side effects is quite remarkable.
Use our search function to browse through what we've got on the forum. Insert Genotype 3 into the search box or any combination of keywords that relate to geno 3 and you'll find something. As Lisa mentioned though, check the dates because the new treatments have just come out and a lot of the information is dated. We keep all information because it is historical for many of us here and can be used as a reference for those that lived through it. Wherever you look, check the date and stay with the last year or two at most. Anything with Interferon is outdated and doesn't apply in this age of all oral DAA's.
Here's some current info and I'm sure others will be along to add their two cents.
Let me know if I can offer some additional assistance. You'll get this under control, I have no doubt. If you're going to find out this kind of news, there has never been a better time. The treatments just plain work....
Core Concepts GT 3
FDA Approves Epclusa for all Genotypes
Sovaldi/Dak
Hi Derek,
I also was diagnosed as a 3 several years ago. Here on this site, there are several links from different informative pages and sites with information and data. A lot of information on Google is actually outdated now, and treatments are advancing so fast, the new stories are not really hitting any search engines, leaving just the horror stories for people to freak out with. ;)
I found several sites useful, but it all depends where you are from, especially as each land has different protocols and treatment plans/access.
Genotype 3 has a lot of success now with a few combinations that are easy to take and with little to no side effects. I am just finishing a 3 month plan of Sofosbuvir and Daclatisvir that has been simple, pain free, and in retrospect very fast. The first 11 days I did feel something in me, and had a very mild flu feeling. After that, it was like popping vitamins which is almost creepy - I tried the old therapy previously of Riba and Interferon, it was peanuts after that horror!
Geno 3 is known to be a bit of a bugger untreated, as it causes males to progress faster with fibroses than females due to lack of Estrogen, but not in every case. The latest medications are so effective there is a 90% cure rate, unless there is a complication of compensated liver disease which requires additional treatment duration and ribaviren. Soon there is available an even more efficient treatment plan with a triple combination approved for Geno 3 for 8 weeks, so even the dual therapy may soon be passed over.
Either way, it is good to know, which means you can treat.
Have a wonderful evening.
L
-- Edited by Loopy Lisa on Saturday 10th of September 2016 03:55:21 PM
I just found out that I have type 3 hep c. I am still waiting to see the specialist. I haven't done any research yet, I decided before I start flooding my head with useless information I would bring it to the pros on here first. Can you guys suggest any useful readings/websites or anything you feel helpful or true.
So far the people on here have been the best support system I have. Except for my wife of course.
Thanks. Derek