Im confused too?? I dont know how they represent Liver Byopsy scores in the UK. I know here there are 4 stage scores on a liver byopsy. 1,2,3,4, 1)being mild liver scaring,2)fibrosis,heptic panel,3)chirroisis,chronic Hep/C, 4)end liver stage. Now take in mind that my words are not exactly doctor talk but Im close to it. Im at 4. I hope this helps but there are others here that can give you better answers than me, Ask McKenzie she knows all. And she's very wise!! Take care sister!

Hi Kazsta, I haven't had a bx yet, but I would like to comment on your mental health issue question. I did not have any mental health issues before tx, and I eventually had to go on an antidepressant. One of the major sides is depression and possible suicide. I would ask your specialist if he works with a pyscologist and together (with you) you can decide on the best path to take. Goo luck

Hi kazta-I just got bx results-I'm grade 1/stage 1 - don't know what 1-18 Means---never heard it metioned anywere on this site-I agree w/tattman - ask (DR?) Mckenzie!

You should make your Dr sit down and answer all your ?'s-make a list! If he is a good doc he should be able to explain...if not and you aren't comfortable w/him now it will only get worse w/tx---need someone you can trust-I had to change drs and I'm VERY glad.

On the mental health issue-you didn't say what type problem it was (& I respect your privacy). I have Bipolar Disorder. 1st dr didn't even want to do bx or consider tx until I saw pshy 3 mos and maybe not at all just monitor blood work every 6 mos-old pschy said I was ok (been seeing 4 yrs) and my new phys I saw once said I was ok; key is that you see pschy regularly so that he can monitor you and adjust meds if needed-also provide counseling if you need it. (he should also be willing to work w/you Dr) I was see pschy every 6 mos now every 6 wks for now. Depending on your actual mental issue it may make a difference-your dr is right that you should see you pschy 1st (but at least you have your bx already) It is hard to guess which will be worse-mental health or HepC which can progress to a horrid end! Only you along w/doc & pschy's advice can make this important life critical decision. You need to know what grade/stage before seeing pschy so you can talk intellegienly to him about his opinion on taking tx!

I'm so sorry that you are confused-you came to the right site-you are very welcome here-lots of loving, caring, supportive and information people at all stages of HepC all here for ?'s and advise. Please let us know how this all plays out as I'm here for ya anytime...if you take tx same time as me maybe we can help each other w/tx and mental issues!

One more bit of advice: I use this site everyday; however there is another great site - google it "Be In Charge" - a 'real' live Practioner Nurse will call you ever other week to answer ?'s-give advise-work w/your Dr if needed, etc. they are available 24x7 and will follow you through entire journel! Might want to give it a try!! Also I've found that writing a daily journal here helps me alot..personal choice (can set up where only you read, just your friends or everyone!)

You think you were a bit lengthy (ha) everyone here on this site is aware that my answers and JI's are all mini-books and they haven't kicked me out (yet!!!).

Hey Kaz,

I'm a genotype 1a with severe liver damage (Stage 3, Grade 3 on a scale of 4). I did 48 weeks of treatment and cleared the virus 12 weeks into treatment. I remained clear throughout the rest of my treatement and have my 6 month PCR coming up in 11 days. I'm positive I'm still going to be virus free.

I'm a genotype 1 that is a good example of "yes it can be done".

I fortunately did not have the mental health issues to work around but I know others have and can offer you great advice.

Mouse
Genotype 1a, Stage 3, Grade 3
Finished 48 weeks of tx on 4/13/07
Hoping for SVR on 9/20/07
(11 days and counting!)

I know that when that doctor said tx,you wanted to run out of the office and forget it. you cann't this is your life you hold in your hands, I think everyone has some level of mental problem, I don't know yours and it's none of my business, but you serch your soul and you know theonly way is tx, geno1 is hard to clear sometimes but you want know until you try ok. I'm thinking of you. I had geno2a stage 3, don't know a scale on which your doc is grading you. I went thru tx, cleared, and was scared just like you.

My husband received the results of his biopsy. He received a Knodell score of 5 out of 18. I asked his Dr about stage and score, he stated that the Knodell score is what he goes by. My husband started tx this weekend. He is having very typical side effects. While he is having to slow down, he continues with his work schedule involving travels across country.

The 6/18 grade is one of a few methods used.
Modified hepatic activity index (HAI) is the name.
A couple of the ones for fibrosis stage could be the Knodell 1 up to 6, and Metavir 1 up to 4.
On my biopsy, I was considered mild.
HAI 3/18, Knodell 2/6, and Metavir 1/4

As for tx working for you, you really can't tell ahead of time, but it's best to try tx while you are young and your general health is good. The mental health issue you can discuss with your drs; it is possible to do tx if you work closely with your dr to monitor how you react to tx.

As for tx being worth it, I say yes. The virus progressively damages your liver. If you do tx, and you clear the virus, even for a short while, you are giving your liver a chance to do some healing.
And any amount of healing can't be a bad thing, right?