any internal medicine types out there? i have hep C, genotype 1, have probably had it for 35 yrs.?

Question

i have had 2 biopsies, one inconclusive because they did not get liver sample, 2nd was conclusive and showed minimal scarring, i have not drank since 1978 and i try to eat foods that are not heavy in iron, etc...i have no jaundice and never have had...i also have a very high viral count.. i am healthy otherwise and just wonder if this disease will all of a sudden flare up or will i just die of old age without ever experiencing the ravages of liver failure?

Answer 1

The short answer to your question is: there is no way to tell. There is no formula for predicting the progression of the disease, it differs with each individual person. There are many factors to consider.
I've had hep c, too. You can have it for decades and not know it (as you've found out). Not drinking is the best thing you can do for yourself, plus living a healthy lifestyle. Many people mistakenly think that hep c lies dormant because they have no symptoms. That is a myth. Most people with hep c don't have any symptoms other than being tired or having minor joint aches. By the time major symptoms occur, it usually indicates a failing liver (decompensation). It is a dangerous disease because the symptoms are subtle, only detected by bloodtests, and at that 40% of people with hep c have normal liver enzyme levels. The damage to the liver occurs due to your body's attempt to fight off the disease, but because the virus mutates, it's a recurring cycle of inflammation, scarring, etc. The mutation of the virus is what prevents researchers from creating a vaccine.
You have geno type 1, the most common in the US and the hardest of the genotypes to treat, BUT many people are responding to treatment. Many people with genotype 1 in our local support group are sustained responders. You have a high viral load, I'm assuming you mean over 2million. The higher the viral load, the more difficult it is to eradicate the virus, which is why you need a good doctor who will not be afraid to individualize your treatment, if that's what you decide to do, From my experiences, I recommend treating the disease if you are a candidate. I have been clear of the virus for 6 years, and I don't have the fatigue I once had. It's really changed my life. I was exhausted for 10 years prior to being diagnosed. There's a lot of negative information on the internet, you really should find an "in person" support group where you can talk to other people who have experienced what you're going through. I have seen many people with this disease wait until they are too advanced to do anything about it. It is very upsetting to see people who could have done something about it.
You need to consider some factors when deciding on treatment; such as your age when you acquired it; the stage of liver damage, how old you are now, other health issues you have, etc.
Please be cautious about people/companies that claim they can cure this with nonconventional means. Normal liver enzymes is not proof of a cure; only undetectable viral loads for at least 2 years. Everyone's out to make a buck and those nonconventional treatments are very expensive.
If you'd like, you can email me for more info.

Answer 2

i would contimplate treatment. the quicker you treat, the better the outcome.

with hcv there are many diseases called (bi-directional). many of these are treated as seperate diseases, when in reality, many are due to HCV infection.

meaning, these diseases could actually cause other organs to malfunction, in turn helping overload your liver even more.

hcv causes all sorts of issues, not just liver disease. with hep you can have diseases of the heart, lung, kidney, pancreas, skin, mind......all down to your big toe nail.

get on the ball, see your doctor and ask about treatment with interferon and ribavirin.

(there is no such thing as "otherwise I'm healthy" with hcv)

i had grade and stage 2 after 27 years of chronic infection. i had depression, brain fog, rashes, hair loss....many other symptoms.

minimal liver damage doesn't mean you don't have symptoms, just scarring itself is a symptom.

good luck

Answer 3

I suggest a couple natural supplements.

Liver DTX Complex: Contains milk thistle seed extract, which is shown to support the regeneration of liver cells.

NutriFeron: Clinically tested, natural interferon booster. The formula for NutriFeron is proven by four published human clinical studies and this company has the exclusive worldwide marketing rights to this patented formula for human dietary supplement use.
Clincally proven blend of immune-strengthening plant extracts. Taken daily, NutriFeron strengthens immune response by boosting the body's natural interferon.

Hope this is helpful and feel free to contact me with questions.

Best Wishes

Answer 4

The anti-hcv attempt is only to work out once you've been uncovered to the virus. The constructive attempt exhibits that you've. There are some different attempt that the health practitioner can run on you for the viral load one is HCV RNA via PCR it really is the most precise one and it takes about 2 weeks earlier you get your consequences. you could carry this virus your entire existence and it would want to or might want to not develop into energetic. once you've a favorable anti-hcv attempt then you are a service of the virus.

Answer 5

There is no way to tell but you should monitor it regularly