My friend has been tested hep c positive. What happens from here? He has not got his appt yet from the specialist, when he does, what will happen, will he have bloods done on that day and genotype found that day. How soon after first appointment will he start treatment? he is eager to get started with ribavarin and interfelon and is frustrated with waiting for the nhs. anybody tell him what to expect please?????
2007-01-17 01:01:55 · 2 answers · asked by Abigail 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
DONT LET OTHERS TELL YOU THERE IS NO CURE! There is! A lot resides on the genotype, but if you have a sustained viral response beyond a year antiviral chemotherapy, a person is considered CURED! i am among others "LIVING PROOF".
usually the next step is a couple more blood tests-one for PCR of the virus and two promelethine time (not sure of spelling) it is a test to see how well his blood clots.
usually after these tests he would have a liver biopsy to get a clear picture of how well is liver is doing in terms of disease. this could be a scarey issue, but it's not too bad, i've had 4 and out of those i offered to have one as a follow up to treatment.
the first thing he needs to do is get on medications to help with the side effects as this is the most important thing to help with some issues that may arise during treatment-an antidepressant and an anti-anxiety medication. something like zoloft and buspar. this needs to be done at least a month prior to treatment.
i am sure he is eager to get going on the antiviral chemo meds. i know i was, but i also made sure i took the correct steps. this lessoned my side effects. however, i was not on an anti-anxiety and the third week of treatment, i couldnt sleep. my mind was going 90 to nothing. physically i was tired. but i just couldnt sleep. once the buspar was in my system i felt much better!
tell him prior to his first shot and day of pills that he should hydrate well three days prior with water. the day of the shot, make sure he takes asprin or tylenol (which ever the doctor approves of). tell him to stay well hydrated on the meds, this will lessen the side effects about 95%!
tell him to join either a support group in person, or on the net (most opt for the net esepcially during chemo because of the energy level is on the low side)
good luck to both of you and your awesome in asking questions and more awesome being a friend!
tell him i said to kick some HCV A$$!
2007-01-17 08:38:02 · answer #1 · answered by Stephanie 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
He may or may not receive treatment for hepatitis C, depending on how damaged his liver is, other health conditions he may have, how much virus he has in his body, and what type of hepatitis C he have. Treatment is not always an option because the medicines used to treat hepatitis C have significant side effects, are expensive, and do not work for everyone. You should tell him not to worry that his doctors will do what they think is best. I wish there was more information that was given on HepC for instance the vaccination and I all so wish they would make it a mandatory vaccination for everyone and not just health care workers like my self. Tell him to go to the following link I hope it helps:)
http://www.Hepatitis-Central.com
2007-01-17 02:20:59 · answer #2 · answered by myfamilyiseverything 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Currently, three types of therapy but there is no cure:
Interferon therapy—effective in about 20% of individuals with HCV
Combination therapy with interferon and ribavirin—effective in about 50% of individuals with HCV
Bioengineered interferon—effective in 60-70% of individuals with HCV
All of these treatments, which are given by injection, may cause side effects, such as fever, headache, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. In addition, treatment may affect the body's normal production of blood cells.Symptoms of hepatitis C can be treated. For example, restricting fat consumption and drinking clear liquids can help relieve symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In addition, it is recommended that individuals with hepatitis C:
Get plenty of rest,Drink plenty of fluids
Eat a well-balanced diet,Avoid alcohol
Keep in mind that HCV can be transmitted to others via items that are contaminated with blood (such as razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers, sanitary napkins, and tampons). Also remember to use latex or polyurethane condoms with all casual sex partners.
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2007-01-17 01:10:17 · answer #3 · answered by Tapestry6 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
stephanie has it 100% right! she knows her stuff....I am "cured" too! did ribavirin, amantadine and inteferon. there are many like us who's doctors use the "cure" word!
2007-01-18 19:13:09 · answer #4 · answered by giggling.willow 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋