I've deleted your EMail address, as we don't use them on the Forum. Cheers.
bunnieluv said
Jul 18, 2014
RE FIBRO SCAN I saw someone was asking about this scan? It's unREAL amazing the pictures look like something out of a biology book. Imagine pictures of say an embryo, all veiny, with purple capillaries and red veins showing through a yellowish "see-thru " gelatin like body which allowed you to see everything inside the embryo so up close and detailed? One could /can see every single tiny detail - that's what a FIB SCAN picture is like of your liver .If you live in the Midwest - my doctor is the only one to have the machine . If you are interested in having a scan please email me................. PS from a personal standpoint, punch BX are kind of a joke- the punch I had before my scan said I had stage 1 fib and bridging . That was my 12 th BX - I had stage 3 bridging and fib at that time - I knew I did as it was consistently the same result over the years of BXs . The doctor who did my last BX (the stage 1 .). Said "well looks like your A ok I would t bother yourself with worrying about treatment or all this negative stuff your taking about be happy that's a great reading ". I said "do you compare your tests with other years "- he replied "well yes .. But the liver is kind of kooky and it does weird stuff like heal itself " . I looked at him and said "DUDE really ? Get real.." . FIB SCAN showed a liver that was a mess... Cirrhosis. " nothing to worry about " famous last words. Bxs are not that reliable. Hope to hear from you
-- Edited by mallani on Friday 18th of July 2014 02:29:28 PM
mallani said
Jul 17, 2014
Hi Gator Man,
For many years, Pathologists have tried to classify cirrhosis using the Laennec Score ( Laennec invented the stethoscope in 1816!). They have tried to match F4A, F4B and F4C with the degree of portal hypertension, blood parameters, and the clinical picture. Sounds reasonable in theory but it hasn't caught on.
Huey, what ever happended with your ct? I've been looking and haven't seen anything,,,,if I missed it...sorry,,,,,...
Marypetrecz said
Jul 16, 2014
Well gator man.....that is wonderful news. I don't understand enough about the liver and fibrosis or cirrhosis To have any opinion....but I do follow and understand the nerves and anxieties. Hopefully you'll stay where you are or show improvements,,,,...good luck and enjoy your life!
Gator Man said
Jul 16, 2014
An interesting presentation that asserts, in part, that cirrhosis is not the "end" of the story and that perhaps we should drop the term cirrhosis or at least recognize different "degree's of cirrhosis".
These statements are of course, followed by charts and slides of biopsy tissue that look like more colored blobs and shadows to me.
The presentation points out some of the limitations of the current fibrosis scoring systems.
I just returned from my six month liver ultrasound exam and get the results next week. If semi-annual ultrasounds and occasional follow-ups with my doctor are all I have to deal with post SVR, I am a lucky man.
It's still a little unnerving watching the monitor during the exam and wondering if that little round blob or shadow is a lesion. Perhaps on this occasion, ignorance is bliss.
Well the little round blobs and shadows are not cancerous lesions or abscesses.
You are absolutely correct Tim. In the future I will forgo the idea of becoming a amateur radiologist, and just look the other way during the exam.
No appointments until late September. Maybe I can give my health insurance card a break. I'm starting to wear off the numbers.
Isiscat2011 said
Jul 11, 2014
Mary: They report adverse events such as yours to the FDA. This new information can be added to the Rx label warnings if indicated. Thanks for the update.
Marypetrecz said
Jul 11, 2014
The little hospital I went to for the ct were ready to cut me that day.....when I went to my hep docs hospital.....Hershey penn state...the surgeon there said...no absolutely not....with compromised liver and the meds...he'd be worried about bleeding out...and other complications.....i got lucky...I am seeing a few other people talking about exteem side pain, my doc said there is another person in their office with the same thing.... i worry it's a side effect....the liver fighting back to normal after the hep c being blasted out,,,,my hep docs said they are going to report it.....I should of asked to who....?
anyway, life has a way of working out huh? I got lucky. Now I feel great...no pain..and my feeling of euphoria is continuing as I find myself doing things I couldn't do before these wonderful meds. The wedding was great....the horses are great...life is good.
take care isiscat......we all need to focus and re-group from time to time,
Isiscat2011 said
Jul 11, 2014
Marypetrecz wrote:
Yeah I had a ct with contrast....I had to drink that lousy stuff....I guess I'm fine...and my bloodwork is all good....they thought it was gall bladder,,,,but now...they don't know...i was given pain meds,,,and now I'm off of them and feel great again. It was like 2-3 weeks of severe pain,,,,then it went away....no one knows....but I guess I'm not that special if other people are having that problem too.
i am 1a and f3 bridging....my vl is undetectable at 4 weeks and blood work is all normal.
Wow, good thing you didn't have your gallbladder removed. I guess the wedding saved you from that since you were determined not to miss it! Funny how life works. Not that you really need a gallbladder, but who wants some unnecessary surgery, especially while on tx? Great to hear you are doing well.
hrsetrdr said
Jul 11, 2014
John,
Ignorance is bliss! Seriously, I never watch the monitor because I really have no idea what all that stuff is...
Gator Man said
Jul 11, 2014
I just returned from my six month liver ultrasound exam and get the results next week. If semi-annual ultrasounds and occasional follow-ups with my doctor are all I have to deal with post SVR, I am a lucky man.
It's still a little unnerving watching the monitor during the exam and wondering if that little round blob or shadow is a lesion. Perhaps on this occasion, ignorance is bliss.
Marypetrecz said
Jun 30, 2014
We'll good luck with it,,,,,...I'll be sending healthy vibes.
Huey said
Jun 30, 2014
Marypetrecz wrote:
Huey, why are you getting a ct?
They are looking for cysts,
Marypetrecz said
Jun 29, 2014
Huey, why are you getting a ct?
Marypetrecz said
Jun 29, 2014
Yeah I had a ct with contrast....I had to drink that lousy stuff....I guess I'm fine...and my bloodwork is all good....they thought it was gall bladder,,,,but now...they don't know...i was given pain meds,,,and now I'm off of them and feel great again. It was like 2-3 weeks of severe pain,,,,then it went away....no one knows....but I guess I'm not that special if other people are having that problem too.
i am 1a and f3 bridging....my vl is undetectable at 4 weeks and blood work is all normal.
Huey said
Jun 28, 2014
Marypetrecz wrote:
Great point cinnamon girl. I believe good organic and local food is best.....less meats...more veggies....I do like the oils....bran....flax....I I use it with the horses too....but I stay always from most vitamins,...I stopped the oils also until after the meds....
I really do feel great. tomorrow is my 6 week blood work....no VL....I'm undectable anyway...my potassium was a little high but it's been declining,....I do love my bananas..lol. The other blood work has been constantly in normal numbers.,,,I also have an appt with the surgeon on Thursday about the gall bladder thing,,,,but at the very most well hold off until I'm finished the meds. what ever the problem was/is,...it's under control. So alls good. They want to see the CT with contrast ...disk....that was done a few weeks ago,
have a great day!
-- Edited by Marypetrecz on Tuesday 24th of June 2014 02:08:31 PM
As you see in the post I too am getting a CT scan Monday,, Jill stated that she was surprised that my nurse ordered the CT scan wile i was still on Tx. But you apparently have had a CT wile on Tx too. so I take it that it is not so odd after all.
Marypetrecz said
Jun 24, 2014
Great point cinnamon girl. I believe good organic and local food is best.....less meats...more veggies....I do like the oils....bran....flax....I I use it with the horses too....but I stay always from most vitamins,...I stopped the oils also until after the meds....
I really do feel great. tomorrow is my 6 week blood work....no VL....I'm undectable anyway...my potassium was a little high but it's been declining,....I do love my bananas..lol. The other blood work has been constantly in normal numbers.,,,I also have an appt with the surgeon on Thursday about the gall bladder thing,,,,but at the very most well hold off until I'm finished the meds. what ever the problem was/is,...it's under control. So alls good. They want to see the CT with contrast ...disk....that was done a few weeks ago,
have a great day!
-- Edited by Marypetrecz on Tuesday 24th of June 2014 02:08:31 PM
Cinnamon Girl said
Jun 24, 2014
Hi Mary, you`re right not to take any supplements while still on treatment, especially herbal products as some of them are known to interfere with blood results and can lead to false readings in liver enzymes, and also we don`t know how they would interact with the tx meds.
As Tig said, anyone considering adding supplements of any sort while on tx should check with their physician.
Just another note, beware of amazing claims made by websites that are trying to sell you health products!
Marypetrecz said
Jun 24, 2014
Thanks for the link. I'll be adding it at the end of treatment. I love smoothies and I make them real good.....I'll add the aloe Vera.
i won't add anything I don't usually use,,,,I took the flax seed oil and all other supplements out of my drinks and during treatment only use fresh fruit and yogart and almond milk And ice.
This is all great to know.....I'm looking forward to nursing my liver after treatment and being as well as I can be. Thanks everyone!
Huey said
Jun 24, 2014
Marypetrecz wrote:
Thanks for the heads up on the aloe Vera juice.....I've never had it, I am doing the infused water.....water with mint, lime, lemon, oranges, cranberries.....cucumbers......some of them all of them,......water in a jar with the cut up fruit and veggie, sealed up and sitting for a few hours,,,,,,and it's very refreshing, I will add the aloe Vera juice To my regiment,
should I wait on the aloe Vera juice until I'm finished treatment?
YES Do NOT Take any supplements at all wile on TX. it will water down the meds.
Tig said
Jun 23, 2014
Hi Mary,
Here's an interesting website that will provide you with some information on Aloe Vera, as well as some ideas on recommended amounts. Like everything we do during treatment, before adding any type of medicinal, be it OTC or natural, it's best to discuss it with your physician.
Thanks for the heads up on the aloe Vera juice.....I've never had it, I am doing the infused water.....water with mint, lime, lemon, oranges, cranberries.....cucumbers......some of them all of them,......water in a jar with the cut up fruit and veggie, sealed up and sitting for a few hours,,,,,,and it's very refreshing, I will add the aloe Vera juice To my regiment,
should I wait on the aloe Vera juice until I'm finished treatment?
Huey said
Jun 23, 2014
Marypetrecz wrote:
Lol.....I've never drank that much.....it really was just a thing with occasional friends. I passed my boards in 1974. I'm retired and yes, I was the best. I can do a flat top with comb and scissors, no clippers......I had a Sargent from the 82 nd airborne challenge me to it....and he ended up being my customer and paying way more than he was used to.....he loved hearing the scissors....lol
i was really wondering if the liver heals and how much can be expected...I guess it's all different for every one,,,,I'm going for a big healing....so no drinking....even the champagne toast will be with sparking water and a lime twist. My docs said the inflammation will be gone but I will have scarring,...so what ever that means...I'll figure it out.
i have to say, I was so anxious about the hep and s/o but now I, very calm and very relaxed about everything, alls good at Mary's house Thanks to the wonderful people in my life and here!
Aloe Vera Juce is the best I have found for Liver Cleaning. When I get off treatment I will have this in my tool kit when i start to repair my liver.
Marypetrecz said
Jun 23, 2014
Lol.....I've never drank that much.....it really was just a thing with occasional friends. I passed my boards in 1974. I'm retired and yes, I was the best. I can do a flat top with comb and scissors, no clippers......I had a Sargent from the 82 nd airborne challenge me to it....and he ended up being my customer and paying way more than he was used to.....he loved hearing the scissors....lol
i was really wondering if the liver heals and how much can be expected...I guess it's all different for every one,,,,I'm going for a big healing....so no drinking....even the champagne toast will be with sparking water and a lime twist. My docs said the inflammation will be gone but I will have scarring,...so what ever that means...I'll figure it out.
i have to say, I was so anxious about the hep and s/o but now I, very calm and very relaxed about everything, alls good at Mary's house Thanks to the wonderful people in my life and here!
Matt Chris said
Jun 19, 2014
Tig56 wrote:
PS: There are plenty of good alcohol free substitutes available and they taste just fine. The purpose of a toast far exceeds the alcohol content of the drink!
I think this is one of the truest statements that we had seen on the longtime "can I ever drink again subject"
Thanks Tig great insight
matt
Tig said
Jun 19, 2014
Hi Mary,
Congrats on passing your boards! If I can offer you one piece of advice from a Barber fan, learn to cut the best "Flat Top" in town and you'll forever have a list of clients! Good luck!
Tig
PS: There are plenty of good alcohol free substitutes available and they taste just fine. The purpose of a toast far exceeds the alcohol content of the drink!
Loopy Lisa said
Jun 19, 2014
Marypetrecz wrote:
Thanks Lisa. I'm still figuring all this out. I really was looking forward to a toast when finished....but it's not worth it....I just hate having any limits,....it's the rebel in me! I've always bucked the system....telling me I can't,,,inspires me,...I am the first woman barber in Pennsylvania, my first union meeting was...should we let women be barbers? Well.....it took 3 years before I was allowed to take my boards....but I did it....
so now the challenge is to stay well and treasure my liver.....yup.....I can do that.
Hey Mary, after treatment I'd give the old liver a nice long rest so it can heal. Then you are allowed the odd drink according to specialists. I don't have liver damage and I think it would be a long while before I touch a drop after SVR. Conrats btw, it is a real achievement :D
Marypetrecz said
Jun 19, 2014
Thanks Lisa. I'm still figuring all this out. I really was looking forward to a toast when finished....but it's not worth it....I just hate having any limits,....it's the rebel in me! I've always bucked the system....telling me I can't,,,inspires me,...I am the first woman barber in Pennsylvania, my first union meeting was...should we let women be barbers? Well.....it took 3 years before I was allowed to take my boards....but I did it....
so now the challenge is to stay well and treasure my liver.....yup.....I can do that.
Loopy Lisa said
Jun 19, 2014
Hi Mary,
Even though I don't have Fibrosis I was told by my specialist under no circumstances should I drink alcohol as it can speed up the disease. So considering you are stage 3, you really shouldn't even have a thimble. :/
Marypetrecz said
Jun 19, 2014
I'm pretty sure I'm an F3. That's what the docs and you, Malcolm, said after you read my report. I thought they wanted me to start the meds because they didn't want me to get cirrhosis. I'm sure that's true, but after what you posted....it's because of the damage my liver all ready has?
so I'm guessing that I will totally stay away from alcohol.....it will still be worse for me than anyone else......?.....I really don't drink much....never did....my drinking before I knew i had hep c was one or two drinks a month. But they were so nice....a drink with a friend or a drink with my hubby on our anniversary always was so nice and adult Feeling.
again....small price to pay....I will miss the champagne toast when finished.
-- Edited by Marypetrecz on Thursday 19th of June 2014 02:59:25 PM
-- Edited by Marypetrecz on Thursday 19th of June 2014 03:00:08 PM
Loopy Lisa said
Jun 19, 2014
mallani wrote:
Hi Omna,
The long-term effects of Interferon treatment have been discussed. The CNS and auto-immune problems are the most common, and thyroid issues are quite common.
The DAA's have not been around for long enough. The early antiproteases caused problems during treatment, but little is known about long-term effects.
New DAA's like Sovaldi and Olysio seem to have minimal side effects. Hopefully no long term problems will emerge.
Whatever the long term consequences of the the new DDA's, they will be nothing compared to the consequences of long term liver damage. I'm not against Interferon although it didn't agree with me, but I have to say, people whom have used it for 48 weeks do seem to have problems, and I've read a lot about teeth being affected as well as the above, plus some cognitive impairment. But others seems fine. I guess it is relevant age and overall health in the first place?
mallani said
Jun 19, 2014
Hi Omna,
The long-term effects of Interferon treatment have been discussed. The CNS and auto-immune problems are the most common, and thyroid issues are quite common.
The DAA's have not been around for long enough. The early antiproteases caused problems during treatment, but little is known about long-term effects.
New DAA's like Sovaldi and Olysio seem to have minimal side effects. Hopefully no long term problems will emerge.
Omnamahshivaya said
Jun 19, 2014
do you think these treatments have any long-term alternate side effects?
Isiscat2011 said
Jun 19, 2014
Very informative. Malcolm sure knows his stuff. I couldn't agree more about the importance of pre-treatment liver staging. Perhaps when fibroscan testing becomes more accessible in the US this will not be as frequently overlooked.
hrsetrdr said
Jun 18, 2014
Hi Mary,
That is a very relevant question, and as usual Malcolm has the best, most complete information to offer on this subject. As for HCC, I'd like to add that my gastroenterologist told me at one point that I should get my BMI under 30, or that I would be at an elevated risk. I took that advice seriously, and have my BMI down in the mid 27 range, with hopes of going a bit lower, just for a 'safety' margin.
Fireman Rob said
Jun 18, 2014
Thanks for asking that question, Mary. And thanks Malcom for answering with such detail. I definitely learned something today.
I hope all of you educated folks never retire this forum. Your knowledge is greatly appreciated! You guys are incredible for letting me pick your brain so much when my mind wont shut down.
mallani said
Jun 18, 2014
Hi Mary,
The liver can certainly repair itself after SVR. To what extent depends on your initial fibrosis stage. Anyone below F2-3 can expect to end up with a fairly normal looking liver. The F3's and worse can get some resolution, but there will be some residual scarring and deformity. HCC is a different matter. The risk of developing HCC decreases by about 70% after SVR, but still ~5% of post SVR patients develop HCC within 5 years. This is mostly the F4's, but a significant number of F3's can develop HCC. Older males are most at risk. This is the reason for the regular screening after SVR. Some serum markers have been discussed, and it may be possible to identify the patients who are most at risk, in the near future.
As treatments become easier, there does not seem to be the inclination to document a pre-treatment fibrosis assessment. I think this is a mistake. Cheers.
Marypetrecz said
Jun 18, 2014
I know the liver can repair itself to a degree....but I'm wondering how much. I don't expect it be like a healthy non hep person...but are we still at risk of cirrhosis?...and even worse, cancer?
Bunnieluv,
I've deleted your EMail address, as we don't use them on the Forum. Cheers.
RE FIBRO SCAN I saw someone was asking about this scan? It's unREAL amazing the pictures look like something out of a biology book. Imagine pictures of say an embryo, all veiny, with purple capillaries and red veins showing through a yellowish "see-thru " gelatin like body which allowed you to see everything inside the embryo so up close and detailed? One could /can see every single tiny detail - that's what a FIB SCAN picture is like of your liver .If you live in the Midwest - my doctor is the only one to have the machine . If you are interested in having a scan please email me................. PS from a personal standpoint, punch BX are kind of a joke- the punch I had before my scan said I had stage 1 fib and bridging . That was my 12 th BX - I had stage 3 bridging and fib at that time - I knew I did as it was consistently the same result over the years of BXs . The doctor who did my last BX (the stage 1 .). Said "well looks like your A ok I would t bother yourself with worrying about treatment or all this negative stuff your taking about be happy that's a great reading ". I said "do you compare your tests with other years "- he replied "well yes .. But the liver is kind of kooky and it does weird stuff like heal itself " . I looked at him and said "DUDE really ? Get real.." . FIB SCAN showed a liver that was a mess... Cirrhosis. " nothing to worry about " famous last words. Bxs are not that reliable. Hope to hear from you
-- Edited by mallani on Friday 18th of July 2014 02:29:28 PM
Hi Gator Man,
For many years, Pathologists have tried to classify cirrhosis using the Laennec Score ( Laennec invented the stethoscope in 1816!). They have tried to match F4A, F4B and F4C with the degree of portal hypertension, blood parameters, and the clinical picture. Sounds reasonable in theory but it hasn't caught on.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21354227
Huey, what ever happended with your ct? I've been looking and haven't seen anything,,,,if I missed it...sorry,,,,,...
Well gator man.....that is wonderful news. I don't understand enough about the liver and fibrosis or cirrhosis To have any opinion....but I do follow and understand the nerves and anxieties. Hopefully you'll stay where you are or show improvements,,,,...good luck and enjoy your life!
An interesting presentation that asserts, in part, that cirrhosis is not the "end" of the story and that perhaps we should drop the term cirrhosis or at least recognize different "degree's of cirrhosis".
These statements are of course, followed by charts and slides of biopsy tissue that look like more colored blobs and shadows to me.
The presentation points out some of the limitations of the current fibrosis scoring systems.
http://www.ucsfcme.com/2013/MAP1301A/slides/13FerrellLiverUpdateOnStagingOfFibrosisAndCirrhosis.pdf
Well the little round blobs and shadows are not cancerous lesions or abscesses.
You are absolutely correct Tim. In the future I will forgo the idea of becoming a amateur radiologist, and just look the other way during the exam.
No appointments until late September. Maybe I can give my health insurance card a break. I'm starting to wear off the numbers.
Mary: They report adverse events such as yours to the FDA. This new information can be added to the Rx label warnings if indicated. Thanks for the update.
The little hospital I went to for the ct were ready to cut me that day.....when I went to my hep docs hospital.....Hershey penn state...the surgeon there said...no absolutely not....with compromised liver and the meds...he'd be worried about bleeding out...and other complications.....i got lucky...I am seeing a few other people talking about exteem side pain, my doc said there is another person in their office with the same thing.... i worry it's a side effect....the liver fighting back to normal after the hep c being blasted out,,,,my hep docs said they are going to report it.....I should of asked to who....?
anyway, life has a way of working out huh? I got lucky. Now I feel great...no pain..and my feeling of euphoria is continuing as I find myself doing things I couldn't do before these wonderful meds. The wedding was great....the horses are great...life is good.
take care isiscat......we all need to focus and re-group from time to time,
Wow, good thing you didn't have your gallbladder removed. I guess the wedding saved you from that since you were determined not to miss it! Funny how life works. Not that you really need a gallbladder, but who wants some unnecessary surgery, especially while on tx? Great to hear you are doing well.
John,
Seriously, I never watch the monitor because I really have no idea what all that stuff is...
Ignorance is bliss!
I just returned from my six month liver ultrasound exam and get the results next week. If semi-annual ultrasounds and occasional follow-ups with my doctor are all I have to deal with post SVR, I am a lucky man.
It's still a little unnerving watching the monitor during the exam and wondering if that little round blob or shadow is a lesion. Perhaps on this occasion, ignorance is bliss.
We'll good luck with it,,,,,...I'll be sending healthy vibes.
They are looking for cysts,
Huey, why are you getting a ct?
Yeah I had a ct with contrast....I had to drink that lousy stuff....I guess I'm fine...and my bloodwork is all good....they thought it was gall bladder,,,,but now...they don't know...i was given pain meds,,,and now I'm off of them and feel great again. It was like 2-3 weeks of severe pain,,,,then it went away....no one knows....but I guess I'm not that special if other people are having that problem too.
i am 1a and f3 bridging....my vl is undetectable at 4 weeks and blood work is all normal.
As you see in the post I too am getting a CT scan Monday,, Jill stated that she was surprised that my nurse ordered the CT scan wile i was still on Tx. But you apparently have had a CT wile on Tx too. so I take it that it is not so odd after all.
Great point cinnamon girl. I believe good organic and local food is best.....less meats...more veggies....I do like the oils....bran....flax....I I use it with the horses too....but I stay always from most vitamins,...I stopped the oils also until after the meds....
I really do feel great. tomorrow is my 6 week blood work....no VL....I'm undectable anyway...my potassium was a little high but it's been declining,....I do love my bananas..lol. The other blood work has been constantly in normal numbers.,,,I also have an appt with the surgeon on Thursday about the gall bladder thing,,,,but at the very most well hold off until I'm finished the meds. what ever the problem was/is,...it's under control. So alls good. They want to see the CT with contrast ...disk....that was done a few weeks ago,
have a great day!
-- Edited by Marypetrecz on Tuesday 24th of June 2014 02:08:31 PM
Hi Mary, you`re right not to take any supplements while still on treatment, especially herbal products as some of them are known to interfere with blood results and can lead to false readings in liver enzymes, and also we don`t know how they would interact with the tx meds.
As Tig said, anyone considering adding supplements of any sort while on tx should check with their physician.
Just another note, beware of amazing claims made by websites that are trying to sell you health products!
Thanks for the link. I'll be adding it at the end of treatment. I love smoothies and I make them real good.....I'll add the aloe Vera.
i won't add anything I don't usually use,,,,I took the flax seed oil and all other supplements out of my drinks and during treatment only use fresh fruit and yogart and almond milk And ice.
This is all great to know.....I'm looking forward to nursing my liver after treatment and being as well as I can be. Thanks everyone!
YES Do NOT Take any supplements at all wile on TX. it will water down the meds.
Hi Mary,
Here's an interesting website that will provide you with some information on Aloe Vera, as well as some ideas on recommended amounts. Like everything we do during treatment, before adding any type of medicinal, be it OTC or natural, it's best to discuss it with your physician.
http://happyandraw.com/top-12-benefits-of-aloe-vera/
Tig
Thanks for the heads up on the aloe Vera juice.....I've never had it, I am doing the infused water.....water with mint, lime, lemon, oranges, cranberries.....cucumbers......some of them all of them,......water in a jar with the cut up fruit and veggie, sealed up and sitting for a few hours,,,,,,and it's very refreshing, I will add the aloe Vera juice To my regiment,
should I wait on the aloe Vera juice until I'm finished treatment?
Aloe Vera Juce is the best I have found for Liver Cleaning. When I get off treatment I will have this in my tool kit when i start to repair my liver.
Lol.....I've never drank that much.....it really was just a thing with occasional friends. I passed my boards in 1974. I'm retired and yes, I was the best. I can do a flat top with comb and scissors, no clippers......I had a Sargent from the 82 nd airborne challenge me to it....and he ended up being my customer and paying way more than he was used to.....he loved hearing the scissors....lol
i was really wondering if the liver heals and how much can be expected...I guess it's all different for every one,,,,I'm going for a big healing....so no drinking....even the champagne toast will be with sparking water and a lime twist. My docs said the inflammation will be gone but I will have scarring,...so what ever that means...I'll figure it out.
i have to say, I was so anxious about the hep and s/o but now I, very calm and very relaxed about everything, alls good at Mary's house Thanks to the wonderful people in my life and here!
Hi Mary,
Congrats on passing your boards! If I can offer you one piece of advice from a Barber fan, learn to cut the best "Flat Top" in town and you'll forever have a list of clients! Good luck!
Tig
PS: There are plenty of good alcohol free substitutes available and they taste just fine. The purpose of a toast far exceeds the alcohol content of the drink!
Hey Mary, after treatment I'd give the old liver a nice long rest so it can heal. Then you are allowed the odd drink according to specialists. I don't have liver damage and I think it would be a long while before I touch a drop after SVR. Conrats btw, it is a real achievement :D
Thanks Lisa. I'm still figuring all this out. I really was looking forward to a toast when finished....but it's not worth it....I just hate having any limits,....it's the rebel in me! I've always bucked the system....telling me I can't,,,inspires me,...I am the first woman barber in Pennsylvania, my first union meeting was...should we let women be barbers? Well.....it took 3 years before I was allowed to take my boards....but I did it....
so now the challenge is to stay well and treasure my liver.....yup.....I can do that.
Hi Mary,
Even though I don't have Fibrosis I was told by my specialist under no circumstances should I drink alcohol as it can speed up the disease. So considering you are stage 3, you really shouldn't even have a thimble. :/
I'm pretty sure I'm an F3. That's what the docs and you, Malcolm, said after you read my report. I thought they wanted me to start the meds because they didn't want me to get cirrhosis. I'm sure that's true, but after what you posted....it's because of the damage my liver all ready has?
so I'm guessing that I will totally stay away from alcohol.....it will still be worse for me than anyone else......?.....I really don't drink much....never did....my drinking before I knew i had hep c was one or two drinks a month. But they were so nice....a drink with a friend or a drink with my hubby on our anniversary always was so nice and adult Feeling.
again....small price to pay....I will miss the champagne toast when finished.
-- Edited by Marypetrecz on Thursday 19th of June 2014 02:59:25 PM
-- Edited by Marypetrecz on Thursday 19th of June 2014 03:00:08 PM
Whatever the long term consequences of the the new DDA's, they will be nothing compared to the consequences of long term liver damage. I'm not against Interferon although it didn't agree with me, but I have to say, people whom have used it for 48 weeks do seem to have problems, and I've read a lot about teeth being affected as well as the above, plus some cognitive impairment. But others seems fine. I guess it is relevant age and overall health in the first place?
Hi Omna,
The long-term effects of Interferon treatment have been discussed. The CNS and auto-immune problems are the most common, and thyroid issues are quite common.
The DAA's have not been around for long enough. The early antiproteases caused problems during treatment, but little is known about long-term effects.
New DAA's like Sovaldi and Olysio seem to have minimal side effects. Hopefully no long term problems will emerge.
do you think these treatments have any long-term alternate side effects?
Very informative. Malcolm sure knows his stuff. I couldn't agree more about the importance of pre-treatment liver staging. Perhaps when fibroscan testing becomes more accessible in the US this will not be as frequently overlooked.
Hi Mary,
That is a very relevant question, and as usual Malcolm has the best, most complete information to offer on this subject. As for HCC, I'd like to add that my gastroenterologist told me at one point that I should get my BMI under 30, or that I would be at an elevated risk. I took that advice seriously, and have my BMI down in the mid 27 range, with hopes of going a bit lower, just for a 'safety' margin.
Thanks for asking that question, Mary. And thanks Malcom for answering with such detail. I definitely learned something today.
I hope all of you educated folks never retire this forum. Your knowledge is greatly appreciated! You guys are incredible for letting me pick your brain so much when my mind wont shut down.
Hi Mary,
The liver can certainly repair itself after SVR. To what extent depends on your initial fibrosis stage. Anyone below F2-3 can expect to end up with a fairly normal looking liver. The F3's and worse can get some resolution, but there will be some residual scarring and deformity. HCC is a different matter. The risk of developing HCC decreases by about 70% after SVR, but still ~5% of post SVR patients develop HCC within 5 years. This is mostly the F4's, but a significant number of F3's can develop HCC. Older males are most at risk. This is the reason for the regular screening after SVR. Some serum markers have been discussed, and it may be possible to identify the patients who are most at risk, in the near future.
As treatments become easier, there does not seem to be the inclination to document a pre-treatment fibrosis assessment. I think this is a mistake. Cheers.
I know the liver can repair itself to a degree....but I'm wondering how much. I don't expect it be like a healthy non hep person...but are we still at risk of cirrhosis?...and even worse, cancer?