There is a new company who has developed an alternative (right, a
cheaper and less effective way) to having a biopsy when being
evaluated for Hepaittis C. As a long time activist and advocate I
personally feel this is not a proper way to get a baseline picture
of the condition of the liver. They are recommending genotypes 2
and 3 not needing use of biopsy as they clear more easily although
we have seen persons pass on with these genotypes as well. The
bottom line is cost so keep that in mind. If they change the gold
standard to Fibro-sure which only measueres fibrosis from this to
biopsy we shall change if it is developed better to include more
than easy genotypes. No one likes a biopsy although if you ask for
versaid and a pain aid it is nothing at all. Different hospitals do
it in different ways but most are very compassionate and shall fill
your requests for meds. I have had three and they were so minimal
that it makes me wonder how biopsy got such a bad tag as it is the
only true way to see the damage or good condition of our livers. I
had one each 4 years until cirrhosis became a huge issue and tumors
were a part of the picture. I am not "VARACIES" free, AFP (liver
tumor markers) are down to around 9 from a very high score, and by
ultrasound there is no longer proof of liver cancer. I would not
have been able to know all these things were it not for liver
biopsy.
Nutrition is the most important part of changing our lifestyles
following the cessation of all alcohol and recreational drugs and if
possible smoke cessation. We get what we do for ourselves I think
and we join these list and head them so that others may benefit from
experience and know the lastes daily news. We take a lot of them
with a grain of salt as so many are produced by Pharmaceutical
companies and thus have their side of the picture using certain of
their own products. But Hey that is life and we just must take what
we need and leave the rest behind.
A few advocate groups are now being funded by these folks so we are
going to see more and more of the rhetoric. Just use your gut
feeling and do not make decisions based on fear. Fear is our worst
enemy. Support is our best friend.
This is open to discussion..give input if you wish.

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