I did get a copy, I had to google what most of it meant, I imagine the specialist will be far more informative! :)

you read right. To treat or not is based on many more factors than liver enzymes alone. You can have a crazy high viral lode and feel fine or feel terrible when you're blood work looks normal. Liver disease doesn't play by the rules. Hopefully, your GP is willing to learn from your GI or Hepatologist. I think that some docs don't look too far beyond lab results, especially if the patient appears otherwise healthy. Unfortunately, we can have some pretty significant liver damage before we show symptoms. The good news is that HCV is usually very slow moving, so you have some time to explore your options. This site has really, really helped me. I joined about a year ago and will finish my treatment tonight! The info and support I found here kept me from needless worry.

Wow your finishing tonight!? How awesome! Congratulations! I am not a "IF it don't hurt, don't treat it" kinda person. In fact I feel great now but would MUCH rather go ahead get treatment and not wait around with a little black cloud over me, until I start to feel sick . And I figure the sooner I treat the better the outcome, and easier time I will have since I am still relatively young. I am so happy to hear your done with treatment and I hope you remain Virus free for the rest of your days!

Thanks Arabella1 - I sure do hope to stay virus free. I know what you mean about "the black cloud". I was actually eager to start treatment but I had pretty good indicators that pointed me toward treatment. I have probably had this nasty critter in my body for well over 30 years and showed signs of progressing liver disease. If you have only been infected recently, you may have no liver damage at all - and could stay that way until you are hit by a bus when you are 90 years old! In the mean time, much work is currently being done to produce better treatments, so you may want to wait awhile - that black cloud may wander away!

researchers are now discovering that hep C goes more places than just the liver. it can also cross the blood-brain barriar into the brain. and it causes a whole lot of other problems in the body.

if i were you, i'd see a specialist right away. AND, i'd do treatment. get rid of this virus as soon as you can!

do not wait for your enzyme levels to go up to do treatment! goodness! you need to see a doctor who is skilled at treating hep C and knows all the current research, etc.

nj58-
CONGRATULATIONS! on finishing treatment tonight!!!

I'd offer to make us martinis but I'm afraid some might think me inappropriate. ;-)

yea that is true u can get damage w/normal ast/alt..i would press for tx...it'll be easier on u if u're not in to bad of shape.....were here for u...god bless

oh congratulations nj58....time to heal...svr all the way...god bless...........

Thank you! I know I can count you guys and gals here for support!