Coping with New Diagnosis

[humbled]

Hi Everyone,

I was diagnosed with Hep C in April and the whole experience has been pretty tough. I've only told my partner and one other person, and am still adjusting. To compound things, my recent Fibroscan was surprisingly high (13.6), considering that my GP said that my liver enzymes were normal at my last physical in 2011.

The FS doctor did tell me in a private email, however, that there may have been an "overestimation" of my liver stiffness because of some fat on the liver.

I'm guessing I contracted it sometime after 2011, which made the FS score pretty shocking to me. Also, I did an abdominal ultrasound in April which came back normal, which added to my surprise at the FS score.

I have to get an endoscopy later this month (which I'm dreading) and I'm supposed to start Harvoni in a few weeks. Pretty bummed because
my partner has to be away for work for 6 weeks, so feeling pretty lonely.

Anyways, just wanted to say hello.

[KimInTheForest]

Welcome to the forums! I know it's very unsettling when you first get the diagnosis. But how great that you can start on treatment in just a few weeks! You will almost certainly be cured.

I would not worry too much about the 13.6 on the fibroscan (although I realize it is distressing to see that). There are quite a few things that can affect fibroscan results, included whether you have eaten prior. Also, people are noticing considerable liver healing and reduction in fibroscan score even a few months after being cured of Hep C. amazing, really. Something we can all look forward to.

Enjoy the journey,
kim

[beto]

Humbled

I personally have witnessed and have observed others on this forum to have greatly lowred scores after treatment.  I was 14.8.  Now, all of this has to be taken with a grain of salt because the results can be off.  I will just say that most (I believe) have experienced some reduction of stiffness.  Advanced cases I have heard on the forum have remained steady and some improved.  There are lots of studies going on right now so we will have a final word soon.  I dug up some studies that indicated liver improvement (sometimes dramatically) from folks (interferon) cured of HCV...HBV and alcoholism cirrhosis or fibrosis (probably still in the archives).  Get cured and treat your liver like gold for 12 weeks and good chance to whiteness lower scores.

[Lynn K]

Just to add there is not a correlation between ALT and AST test results and liver damage. As I am cured my ALT & AST are normal but I have liver cirrhosis because I was infected for 37 years.

I have had now I think 8 upper-endoscopies really not a big deal I remember nothing of the procedure last I remember was getting the IV meds but you will need a driver after.

Best of luck to you on treatment

[humbled]

Thanks so much to all of you for your supportive and uplifting words!

It was a huge shock for me to get the Fibroscan score results at the end of June, but I have noticed that I am feeling better this week.

I think the results just surprised me because my ultrasound came back normal, and my GP told me that I hadn't had the virus for very long.

All I'm focused on right now is being healthy - I am going to the gym, eating mostly vegetarian, organic food, and trying to keep my stress levels down.

I think I'll feel better once the endoscopy is completed, praying with good results.

I found out today that my insurance company has received my application form from the specialist, so hopefully they will approve my medication.

Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers

[BillT]

Hi Humbled,
                Try to take all of this one step at a time.Get started on the treatment and try not to stress too much.We have a great group of people here so you definitely won't be going through this alone.There's a lot of information here,and a lot of support.I started this with a 10 Fibroscan score and I just had another done last Friday(6 month EOT)and it was a 5.3.You'll do just fine.Keep the faith.