Hepatitis C Support Group
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne viral disease which can cause liver inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread by blood-to-blood contact with an infected person's blood. Many people with HCV infection have no symptoms and are unaware of the need to seek treatment. Hepatitis C infects an estimated 150-200 million people worldwide.
I thought it would be interesting to know a little more on those who were diagnosed with hep c, and where they are at, in their venture to deal with it.
For example:
Both my husband and I were diagnosed in 2000.
We both went thru the motions, seperately, my husband first, then I.
We were both genotype 1a, both low viral load, and both cleared the virus.
I still come and visit several hep c communities, which is my way to give back to the hep c awareness, and help those who were as shock as I was when diagnosed.
Now, who's next.......
Mckenzie
type 1a
status: cleared or cured over 4 yrs now
One day at the time
For example:
Both my husband and I were diagnosed in 2000.
We both went thru the motions, seperately, my husband first, then I.
We were both genotype 1a, both low viral load, and both cleared the virus.
I still come and visit several hep c communities, which is my way to give back to the hep c awareness, and help those who were as shock as I was when diagnosed.
Now, who's next.......
Mckenzie
type 1a
status: cleared or cured over 4 yrs now
One day at the time
Diagnosed in January 2008
Started tx in May
Viral load 1,300,000
Stage 1/Grade 1
On shot #6 of 48 wks
dx 10/03
started tx end of 12/07
viral load 866,000
stage 2 grade 1-2
takes last riba pills today, yahoo!
undetected at 4 wk labs
TX: started Aug 2007 - stopped Feb 2008
Genotype 1A - did not have a biopsy so I don't know what stage I'm in - not even sure what that means to be honest
Did not clear virus, started at 8 million - had to stop due to harsh sides, was at 236 - I thought that was good, apparently not good enough, doctor made me stop. Had to do Procrit too, nasty nasty stuff! for me anyway.
Geno type 1-A
VL-14mill If I remember right
Chirroisis
Fibrosis
Hemochromatosis
3 treatments in 6yrs, from 2000-2007
NON-RESPONDER
CajunMan and I were diagnosed(dx) March 2007
Both biopsies (bx) were Stage 0/Grade 0
24 weeks of treatment (tx), finished Apri 11, 2008
Both undetectable and feeling free of symptoms 8 weeks after tx.
Just dealing with normal old age now!
Stage 3/4, Grade 3
Infected and diagnosed (Non A Non B) in 1985.
1st round of tx with PegIntron/Riba from 5/9/06 to 4/13/07, relapsed 9/24/07. Contracted active rheumatoid arthritis. Starting VL was 90,000
Second round of tx with Pegasys/Riba from 12/11/07 - April, 2009 (72 weeks or bust!). Also taking Aranesp for anemia. Current treatment plan layed out by Shands at the University of Florida and administered by local GI. Starting VL was 260,000, undetectable at week 24.
Biggest life accomplishment: surviving Acute Mylegenous Leukemia.
Mouse
hep c 1a VL 117,000 the above date
cirrhosis end stage symptoms
No biopsy
CT Scan no cancer, rough edges showing cirrhosis
No choice for TX at this time
trying to get on liver transplant list
Care: diet and exercise, TALA, milk thitle selenium, livaplex
Regular endoscopies, paracentesis, Prayer
Type 1B Stage 1 Grade 2
Viral Load was 7 million before tx
down to 460,000 after partial tx
viral load now at about 2 million again
plus fatty liver diag. on this last Monday
Will dicuss tx next Monday.
Diagnosed April/May 2008
Geno 1b
Biopsy grade 1/stage 1
I'm currently seeking an appt with a new GI doc because my original GI doc does not believe in the 2 log drop so he does not test for viral load. His theory is that I have to be clear at 12 weeks or I have to stop treatment. I want to know my viral load so I have the chance to continue as a slow responder if I'm not clear at 12 weeks -- thus why I'm seeking a new doc.
Geno type 1b
Viral load 932
Clean liver, no treatment at this time.