Hi Margo, good to hear from you again. I pulled this post forward from Thanbey. I think it can best answer some
of your questions.
Hang in there girl!
Jeannie
Cirrhosis is a stage
of scarring where it was once thought the scarring itself was totally irreversible. We know now that, in some instances, it may be reversable by Pegasys. This is one
of the things that makes this drug exciting and different. It targets the liver specifically instead
of scattering interferon everywhere in the body.
But back to
cirrhosis in general...
cirrhosis is NOT end stage liver disease. It is not the time to put someone on a transplant list. Not even close. There are some very healthy people walking around with early
stages of cirrhosis (which, by the way has a scale
of its own)
In broad terms, though,
cirrhosis falls into two distinct classifications and here is where most confusion occurs. Compensated
cirrhosis means the liver is still functioning quite well and it is managing to perform liver functions adequately. These folks can be treated, all things being equal.
Decompensated
cirrhosis is when you begin to realize serious symptoms that MAY lead to a transplant evaluation. Even then, there are grades and categories to be assessed for. Treatment for these folks is not indicated because the liver is now fragile.
Bottom line is this: even with
cirrhosis a person can expect to live a very full life. Care
of oneself is now critically important and missteps by alcohol use, smoking and drug use (legal or not) will cost the liver some vitality. You can be treated, it can work to clear the virus (though the
cirrhosis will remain in almost everyone) AND new data is showing that Pegasys can reverse the damage up to one stage. At this point if a person can undergo treatment, they really should consider it. In fact, if lifestyle changes have not stopped the progression, treatment should really be considered once progression is demonstrated.
This is not yet an exact science, unfortunately and controvesy surrounds most
of these issues.
Do your own research and realize you are in control
of your own decisionmaking. These are general statements and are not meant as medical advice.
The other point worth mentioning is that treatment does not cause reversal
of damage in many people. You may test negative for the virus, but the damage is done. Care
of oneself is vital upon diagnosis to ensure that progression does not take place. This is why viral load really isn't a good measure
of status.
Remember, only 2-3 people out
of 100 will progress to complications
of HCV. This does not refer to progression to
cirrhosis. Lots
of people develop
cirrhosis and live well and never have serious (life threatening)complications. But sadly, many continue to progress and quality
of life diminishes.
Neither HCV nor
cirrhosis are death sentences. But they can be if they are not addressed appropriately.
I hope this helps,
thanbey
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[This message has been edited by thanbey (edited 08-09-2002).]
