Hep C Discussion Forum

db · Member

RE: Hello, an introduction

Tig · Admin

Hello Jayne,

Nice to speak with you again. Regarding cirrhosis, it depends on how it's tested for. There are three tests currently used for diagnosing it, the Fibrosure test is a blood test, the Fibroscan is an ultrasound measurement and the gold standard in my opinion and most accurate is the biopsy. I'll provide some links following this that will help to explain those tests. I'm not a fan (yet) of the Fibrosure blood test, as it's least accurate of the three, imo. The Fibroscan is now more widely available and is being used in Australia. Our member Mallani has mentioned it's use in his care. It has improved greatly since they have improved the equipment and procedure. The Fibrosure is a blood test, so mildly invasive and the Fibroscan is a non invasive ultrasound test. The biopsy while invasive and requiring a clinic or outpatient hospital admission actually samples liver tissue and is examined under a microscope by a pathologist trained in this field. It is felt to be the most accurate, particularly when cirrhosis is diagnosed or suspected. The biopsy is graded on the Metavir Scoring system. Inflammation is rated as A 0-4 and Fibrosis is rated F 0-4, with 0 being clear and 4 being worst (cirrhosis). The links will help explain this. You can also find extensive information using our search function at the top of the page.

If you're able to wait, there are some excellent treatment options coming in the not too distant future. When the newest blockbuster drugs will be authorized for use in Australia is unknown to me. You might check with your doctor for clinical trials in your area. Mallani may have the best knowledge of that information for you. The future looks very bright for all those afflicted with this disease and I feel in the near future the differences will be different as night and day. The rates of success have never been better!

Good luck, Tig

Metavir Score System

Fibroscan Alternative to Biopsy

Fibroscan/Australia

Fibrosure

redfrog10 · Newbie

Hi all, Thank you for all your responses. I particularly like Loopy Lisa's post - it is encouraging and I hope I am one of the lucky ones in regard to reactions to treatment. Having said that I should extremely self-centred, but I do sincerely wish no one had any side effects!! I was supposed to begin treatment this week but had to defer it - work issues. But I am anxious to get it underway asap. - sooner it starts - sooner its finished. One thing I have in my favour is - needles don't faze me - which is a good thing, because after 48 of the buggers, I reckon if they did, I'd soon get over it!

Afraid I do not know anything of my lab reports - but I will be asking more questions next visit. Earlier, I was just so shell shocked - I was in a bit of a denial bubble!! So you make a good point, Tig. What do I need to ask so I can get an idea on how bad the cirrhosis is...like how is measured? Like is it Stages - or specific readings?? If you would be kind enough to give me some insight, I'd appreciate it.

Mallani - yeh, you are right - good ol' Oz.. Being Geno 2 Dr. said I should be on 24 week treatment but because of the cirrhosis - he preferred 48 week treatment.

Well, that's all for now and thanks to everyone, again. Hope you are all doing well. Cheers Jayne :)

Loopy Lisa · Guru

Hi Dave, welcome, seems like it is going well for you, good luck. :)

Hi Jayne,

I am on the old treatment as well as they are not available here yet either. I just had my second injection of Interferfon and it doesn't have much effect on me. I've not had any fever or flu like symtom and actually I can carry life on normally. I actually find being busy is great, you forget about the treatment. I assumed it would be hell on the interferon and my doctor told me some people have no reaction to it at all. I thought she was trying to make me feel better, but it is true. The only problem I've really experienced so far is my own fear of needles and that has nothing to do with the treatment, so good luck and try not to worry, you may be far better than you ever anticipated. :)

mallani · Guru

Hi Jayne,

Yep, in dear old Oz, we don't have many options. You'll be on Peg-interferon injections and Ribavirin, 5-6 pills a day.

Even with cirrhosis, as a Geno 2 you may qualify for a short course (24 weeks), if you have an RVR (Undetectable virus after 4 weeks). Good luck. Cheers, mate.

Tig · Admin

Hello Jayne,

Let me welcome you to the forum! So glad you're here. We have some members here from Australia and will be welcoming you as well I'm sure. You mentioned "two pills" in your treatment regimen. Sounds like you're taking Interferon and Riba (two pills that are identical 3xday)? Let us know a little more about your treatment regimen (when you know for sure) and if you have any lab tests you'd like to share, it will help us provide better informed opinions. Many of us add our treatment regimen and a little history in our signature section (of your profile) to keep it available for review when reading your posts. This forum, as you know, is a great place to be and filled with really caring people. I look forward to talking with you as you progress with treatment. Feel free to ask any questions you may have and be sure to check our search bar at the top. Keep your spirits up and check in often, we're glad you introduced yourself!! Good luck!

Tig

redfrog10 · Newbie

Hi Dave

I am relatively new here also - visited only once previously, when awaiting further tests. I knew had Hep C but now know that I also have cirrohsis and that I am genotype 2. Also go to my doctor this week, and I start treatment. Been told two tablets, (don't know which ones but I am guessing it will the interfleron and the Riba- the other drugs mentioned throughout this forum, are apparently not avail or an option in Australia) and of course the darts..Because of the cirrhosis, I am on the 48 week instead of 24 which I could have done if it weren't for the cirrhosis.

I have just started a new job - 7 weeks ago, a dream job and I am really freaking out that I won't be be able to hold it down with the treatment. This forum is a godsend to me, as I havekept this pretty close to my chest and do not have much of a support base as a result.

I wish you well and look forward to hearing how you progress.

:} Jayne

Tig · Admin

Hey Dave,

If that's a side effect, you're in trouble! The reason I say that is because I was always a neat freak anyway, but now it's worse! I just spent a week on my hands and knees cleaning all the grout lines throughout my house. My knees aren't very happy with me, as they were sore anyway. Then came pressure washing the driveway, now I'm re painting the second floor. I really hope this "side effect" doesn't get any worse!! I am glad to tell all of you on treatment or waiting to treat, your strength and motivation will return. For Dave and myself, it has perhaps gotten the best of us, lol!

Tig

db · Member

thanks for the tips H-CDS, and congratulations on your 84 days. It still feels like quite a ways away yet, but onwards we go. I am so appreciative of the support here. Thanks Greg, groupergetter and Terry, I'm sure I'll be seeking out more help along the way.

So here's a weird thing 5 weeks into treatment and I find I have the most acute sense of smell I've ever had. Side effects include deep cleaning the dishwasher and sink drains (vinegar and baking soda work pretty good) also one of the mutts has already had 2 baths and is going in for a teeth cleaning Anyone else notice this?

Hep-C Dragon Slayer · Veteran Member

Hi Dave and welcome,

I completed my 12 week tx last Sunday, before you know it you will be at day 84 for you as well.

Looking forward to your post on your recent blood work, I hope its as good as others have been.

Only advice on what you wrote so far is try taking your last Riba around 6 pm and add a little walking to your routine. I would start falling asleep around 2:30 this way.

Oh and use an I-pad or Kindle and get Netflex, I watched every Breaking Bad, both seasons of House of Cards and the new Orange is Black. This helped keep my wife happy cause she got to sleep while I was awake!

For me by week 8 the insomnia was gone.

Only other real fallout is the rash, I have a couple areas that seem to not want to go away and itch like crazy, use a 1% hydrocortisone cream, it worked a little for me.

AND

Keep an eye on your refills.......

Stay strong and Good Luck with your fight to rid this dragon.

Greg D · Senior Member

Hello to you Dave,

I haven't posted many things either but whenever I felt like no one around me really understood (which was too frequently) I'd drop in and read what others had to say. I can't express enough the value of facing this disease as a united group and nobody gets left behind friend. NOBODY.

I may not have the medical information you need but I can help if you ever need to talk or ask about life, work or relationship stuff. This site also can provide real life experiences to HCV treatment specific issues in real terms.

Welcome!

Groupergetter · Guru

Hi Dave,

I too am a relative newcomer to this forum. Lots of great folks here with knowledge, and personal experience in dealing with issues and problems related to this disease. Folks who understand what others are experiencing and going through. Looking forward to hearing your positive results. Congrats on getting started and being closer to the cure.

Terry · Senior Member

Hi Dave

You are at a great time for treatment and you should respond well. I am GT1 and finished the Abbvie treatment and so far SVR 12 The people here are great and can help you every step of the way. Good Luck and keep us informed . Terry

db · Member

Thanks for the encouragement, and the tips. I will definitely post my results when they come in.

dave

OldenSlow · Senior Member

Hi Dave,

Welcome and best of luck on those results. You may have already noticed some posts in the forum regarding refill problems, particularly with respect to the 3rd month. May not apply to you and don't mean to add any stress, but we're advising everyone to stay on top of the refill process. By that I mean contacting your pharmacy, finding out the earliest possible day you can order your next month's supply, and ordering on that day. It doesn't hurt to have a buffer in case something gets hung up.

Anyway, hoping it's not an issue for you. Do hope you'll post those results. You should do very well. Best wishes..

wayne

mindovermatter · Veteran Member

Hi Dave,

Welcome!

This is the best place to be for someone who has HCV. This site is a powerhouse of information and the members here are very knowledgable and very helpful.

You are GT 2, your chances of getting cured are very,very high.

And you are very likely to be cured.

-- Edited by mindovermatter on Saturday 29th of March 2014 04:43:01 AM

Matt Chris · Guru

Hello Dave

Welcome to the forum from me as well. You have found a good place to gain great insight into all things HCV.

Please keep us informed on your progress we can help and you can help others as well.

matt

Cinnamon Girl · Guru

Hi Dave, welcome from me too, I`m glad you decided to join us!

You`ve made a wise decision waiting until Sovaldi become available and even though you are experiencing a few side effects it`s still a much easier treatment than the 24 week peg/rib combo you would have been on. No shots to do, and only 12 weeks!

Feel free to join in and ask any questions, this is a very helpful and supportive group!

Best of luck with your 4 week viral load test, keep in touch!

Tig · Admin

Hi Dave,

I'd like to welcome you to the forum! You're among friends, that's for sure. I'm real glad you're here. I see you've got GT 2. Your chances of success are very good with this combo. I'm sure you'll be greeted by the rest of the gang as well, so get ready to meet the mob !!

I'm glad youre making use of the forum and it's resources. We have a lot of data and knowledgeable people. If I can be of assistance, let me know! Good luck...

Tig

db · Member

Hi all,

After somewhat obsessively reading these posts the last week or so, I figured I should jump in and say hi. I'm glad to see that my side effects are common to the sovaldi/ riba 12 week program. I've had many but not all (insomnia, rash, low energy, fever comes and goes) but generally better mood. 4 weeks down, just had my blood taken yesterday for the 1st time since starting treatment and I'm eagerly waiting for my results. I know I can't really complain about the side effects because I've seen a couple friends go through the interferon (but I still do complain

Brief bio, 48yo male, diagnosed in 2001, after failing a life insurance blood test. Probably contracted HCV in the late 80's. Waited until now for treatment. I have a very supportive wife,(and dogs) while I continue to work long hours in post production.

best,

dave

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