Dad with Hepatitis C, factor 9 deficient, struggles?

Question

My dad was recently found to have Hep C from getting blood transfusions that hadn't been tested (back in 86' or whatever) because he is factor 9 deficient, can't clot, and needed transfusions. Now he didn't want to talk to me about it because it was upset, but what is going to happen? Will he die of it? He can't have any major surgery because of his deficiency and all he told me was that he was going to start taking shots at the doctor? Can anyone explain to me what my father did not? It's hard to talk to him as he lives 1600 miles away and won't be moving back home til next summer, so it's difficult to talk about over the phone...

Answer 1

The shots are peginterferon and ribavirin pills to stop the virus from replicating. Treatment is 50-80% successful, depending on which genotype he has. Most people in the US have genotype 1, which has about a 50-57% chance of being put into remission. There are a lot of variables that affect treatment response: how long he's had it and how high his viral load may be, his age, other health issues, etc. There is no formula to determine if he will go on to more advanced liver disease, but one thing has been shown through research; even if he doesn't have a sustained response (undetectable viral load one year post treatment) interferon has been shown to have histological improvement in the liver. In other words, he may have some regression in the damage to his liver. It's worth a shot, pardon the pun. You're doing the right thing; educating yourself about this disease. Best wishes to you and your dad.

Answer 2

i am not sure if your dad would be able to begin treatment for his hcv due to his deficiency to clot.

i would forsee him having to give himself more blood clotting medications along side of interferon shots, usually only once a week these days as it is time released-if he chooses to treat it.

the other medication would be ribavirin, that is taken orally.

the best info for your dad would come from his doctor.

hugs and be supportive...hcv let alone his other disease is not an easy thing.

prayers your way!

Answer 3

http://aids.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=aids&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hemophilia.on.ca%2Fhepatitis%2Fbooklet96.htm


This link will take you to an online pamphlet that lays out in plain detail answers to the question you have. It includes what Hep C is, how it can be contracted, symptoms, treatment, standards of care, Wellness programs available, psychological affects (what your dad may be going through) and resources of where to get more information or assistance.

That is very good of you to research Hep C. It will help you to be understanding and support your dad. Best wishes to you and your family.

Answer 4

His shots may be Interferon.

from http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/c/faq.htm#1e
"What are the chances of persons with HCV infection developing long term infection, chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, liver cancer, or dying as a result of hepatitis C?
Of every 100 persons infected with HCV about:

* 55-85 of persons might develop long-term infection
* 70 persons might develop chronic liver disease
* 5-20 persons might develop cirrhosis over a period of 20 to 30 years
* 1-5 of persons might die from the consequences of long term infection (liver cancer or cirrhosis)

Hepatitis C is a leading indication for liver transplants."

Answer 5

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