Regarding Hepatitis C Anti Viral Treatment (i.e. Interferon combos), is continuing to work fine...............?

Question

I just found out I am stage 5 (of 6) cirrhosis and am about to clinch a new job, of considerable responsibility and pressure. Have never been treated, but doctor still recommends it, I think as a way of delaying decompensation (end stage liver failure).

Since there is no way to know, when if I continue on untreated, how much longer I will still feel fine, or start getting into the horrible stuff: My concern is making the decision whether or not to concentrate mostly on treatment, or to attempt both treatment and the new job.

Obviously it's a decision only I can make (59 yrs old but single), but it sure would help to add as much "reality" as can be learned from those already in treatment, or past treated. It's a catch 22 because I know the disease is going to take me down sooner or later, and probably sooner, because I've had it for I'm guessing 40 yrs.

Any comments or knowledge, or experiences.......would be very helpful and much appreciated.

Answer 1

As far as I know, there is no stage 5 or 6 when it comes to cirrhosis. There are 4 stages to liver disease itself and then there are 3 stages of cirrhosis. Anyone in stage 3 of cirrhosis would be extremely ill and unable to work any job because that is the decompensated stage in which medications and treatments no longer work on controlling the symptoms of advanced cirrhosis. You would be extremely fatigued all the time and fluid retention would probably be a very big problem. You probably would also have periods of confusion, memory loss, and behavior changes from high ammonia levels. You would also be taking a lot of Lactulose to try to bring those ammonia levels down which means you would be having diarrhea or near diarrhea about 5 or 6 times a day. These are just a few of the fun things that comes with the third stage of cirrhosis which is the final stage where total liver failure is close. As you can see, functioning in a job would be extremely difficult if not impossible.



I would really question your doctor about this stage 5-6 business since it just does not exist as far as I know. I could list all the stages, but don't want to go into all that right now. It doesn't seem like you are experiencing any symptoms at all from your cirrhosis if you are able to function quite well in life and want to take on a demanding job with lots more stress and responsibility. If that is the case, you most likely are in the very early stage of the disease when there are no symptoms.

Answer 2

If you don't do the treatment you will go into end stage liver damage and the liver will go necrotic. Once this happens it will no longer have the ability to rejuvenate either. You really don't have any choice here. It's either live or die. I am also in the same problem. You are fortunate to be able to go through the treatment. My health is otherwise bad and I would not survive it so with my doctors monitoring me closely I will make it as far as I can I'm 55 years old so my recommendation to you is to take the treatment. Since you know this is a weekly IV in the doctors office and a daily oral pill you already know where you stand. Please save yourself and concentrate on the treatment. You might not be able to work at any job and if you attempt to you might stand the chance at having your name passes as an unreliable employee. Wait another 6 months to a year until after you complete the treatment and are clear of this terrible death sentence. Then you can concentrate on a job with your name being a reliable employee. Then just go for you follow up appointments and try to stay as healthy as you can. Enjoy the fact that your liver will rejuvenate and you will have extended your life allot longer. Good luck and God Bless

Answer 3

All of these are perfectly understandable. However, there are some important and helpful things to remember:

Many people with hepatitis C lead very normal lives

Avoiding infecting others is simple

Effective treatments are available which can in many cases cure the disease

Managing your upset can be made easier by learning about the disease and by talking to others who know people with hepatitis C.



In 2 year agos, my friend found many ways to treat his liver diseases so he found a web and admit it,he know the natural measures to have effective treatment. you can see the web at here: http://adola.net/go/fattyliver-bible/

Answer 4

some people can be reliable employees - others just cant - i could have worked if i didnt have other disabling conditions as i experienced very little side effects - everybodys different --- theres 2 different new drugs due out within a year that greatly increase chances of clearing the virus - do you have insurance - maybe you could work until you get ins. - and wait for new drugs --- what are your symptoms - hows your bloodwork

Answer 5

I recommend you to see ----> http://bit.ly/ctfNVE

I hope that will resolve your problem