Is HEPATITIS-C pretty much a slow death sentence?

Answer 1

well, since hcv doesnt just infect the liver i would have to say that yes, it can be a slow death sentence. the quality of life severely is affected over decades....

some say you will die of unrelated issues if your diet promotes a healthy standpoint, but the truth is there are many diseases associated with hcv-not just affecting the liver, so chances are you can die of something else after decades-more than likely what we call a bi-directional disease of having hcv, like kidney failure....

that is why i have such a high stance in treating early....who would want to live a life full of side effects from a disease that might be cured with antiviral chemotherapy (cure means a sustained viral response beyond a year post treatment).

good luck

Answer 2

Actually, life itself is a "slow death sentence." The question for Hep-C is HOW slow? Contrary to what is suggested by another answerer, above, the liver DOES in fact regenerate. In fact it's the only human organ, skin aside, that does.

Current treatments have a "decent at best" success rate, and that treatment is intrusive (injection), is rife with nasty side-effects and can be quite debilitating. I know first hand.
But many people experience a cure and everyone reacts differently--and some not all all--to the side-effect profile. Discuss this with your doctor.

As a tool for decision-making on the treatment front, a liver biopsy may be indicated: this isn't as scary as it may sound, doesn't hurt in the least and can be accomplished as a fairly quick, outpatient procedure.

Keep watch on your liver function through simple blood testing, avoid booze and drugs like Tylenol and Advil (which are hell on the liver). Watch your fatty food intake and take Milk Thistle; an herbal supplement that has been clinically proven in Europe to aid greatly in liver cleansing and regeneration.

Also keep in mind that new breakthroughs in treatment are just around the corner: more people, like MILLIONS more people are infected with HCV than with HIV/AIDS, and a whole lot of them are upscale baby boomers with no plans to die at all, let alone soon.

In other words, the first pharmaceutical company to crack the code will make a whole sh*tload of money. Excellent incentive for the R&D folks, yes?

Most importantly, don't allow the disease to overtake your mind as well as your liver. If you sulk around thinking, thinking more and forever worrying about it--while you're distracted by thoughts of this "death sentence" you could get hit, and killed, by a bus.

:-)

Answer 3

Hmmm HEPATITIS-C ?

I had in my family one person who died from that. But the reason of death was not just the hepatitis -c. The reason was that in my country there is a huge list of people who needs liver transplantation and it is too expensive. Also in other countries which are close to our (doomed) country in Balcan, was shortage of liver donors. And many who need them. Huge list of waiting, expencive transplantation, lack of money, lately found that somebody have that disease... etc... The reasons of death where not just of the disease.
Yes. It is true. You can die from HEPATITIS -C. Liver is destroyed just like the liver of the person who drinks all the time, who is alcoholic. The liver cannot be regenerated, transplantation is needed, but the question is.... Can the body accept it? Also the importan thing is --- IN WHAT STAGE of HEPATITIS -C is someone? How and when you got it?

Answer 4

it depends ....the cure rate is higher than ever and in my case my liver functions are slightly elevated but not serious enough to warrant treatment as my sonogram shows no swelling . interferon and ribovarin have good success as a cure but it takes trouble and time..., if it works . so the answer is not necessarily .

Answer 5

It basically kills slowly your liver. But you can slow down the pathology by a good diet , supplements & good mental condition.