2nd Biopsy after 4 years

[Mimi63]

Hi -
I used to post here a bit and had some news to share.  Four years ago, I had my first biopsy.  It was  grade 1, stage 1-2.  I recently had a second biopsy & received good news :  no change.

I wasn't completely surprised because I feel really good.  For what it's worth, I eat a really healthy diet with lots of whole grains & vegetables, very little sugar, dairy, soy, processed foods and no red meat.  I was drinking maybe ten glasses of wine a year but gave it up because even half a glass made me feel sick.  I exercise quite a bit, but don't run or anything extremely strenuous.  For supplements, I'm down to maximum milk thistle, chlorella and vitamin c. 

When I was first diagnosed with this little virus, I was under a lot of stress after a family death and was drinking at least 1-2 glasses of wine every day, something I'd done for a couple of years.  That's when the hep c kicked in.  I think whether or not you drink alcohol often makes all the difference.

I saw Willy's good news & am very happy for him.  I wish you all well.

Mimi

[MissyMouse]

Good for you MiMi!   

Mouse

[willy]

It's nice to see you again Mimi.  It's even better to see that your staging has remained static.  You must be doing something right.  Just so other people know; you haven't treated.  You are a "watch and wait' person who has been simply caring for themselves wioth some alternatives and clean diet.

Yeah; I just turned 55 and I have been really wondering where I would land for damage.  I have had a few people who have been "needling" me to go get my biopsy......for years.  I won't mentiona any names..... but the initials of one member is Helen.     I finally caved in and did it and had a great biopsy; in fact....it was the best one I've ever had.   

Nice to see you and nice to see you doing so well.

Willy

[countrygirl]

Hi Mimi,

Thanks for sharing the update and the brilliant news! I'm happy to hear that things are going well for you.

The "news" was a wake up call for all of us, I'm sure. A cause for change in direction in our lifestyles...whatever path it takes us down. As devastating as it was for me four years ago, I can honestly say it saved my life. And a healthier lifestyle bodes well not just for our livers, but for the other organs that keep these bods chuggin' away.

Peace, Pam

[Mimi63]

Thanks you guys!  It's a load off my mind.  I'm not entirely symptom-free, I get tired, etc, & wasn't sure what that meant.  Plus my doctor is expert at scaring me to death.  After he gave me the results of this biopsy, however, he was kind of laughing as he did the obligatory sales pitch for treatment.  I'm grateful that I don't, at this time, have to consider that.

I agree with you, Pam.  Diagnosis was initially devastating but it offered an opportunity to pull myself together.  The only fall-out is that some people think I'm a nerd because I don't drink & eat such healthy food.

Willy. the second biopsy is even better than the first!  They let me skip the demerol, which gave the whole unpleasant business a less nightmarish aspect.  You just have to hold real still.  I felt like a car being worked on by a mechanic.

You all take care.

Mimi

[jody13]

mimi, The wine drinking wine sounded like me. I used to drink a water glass full almost every evening. I decide it was bad for my liver so I quit. Right after that I won a couple of bottles and a neighbor gave me a gallon of grape wine  he made. I, in turn gave it all away to a friend. It has been several years now and I don't miss it. Last night we took some friends out for dinner and I had the first lite beer in a couple of years with a nice steak. Alcohol and hep C don't mix at all. . I go to the Doctor next week for a 6 month check up. Had a bood test last week so I should know if I'm gonna make 100 or not. My wife and I will celabrate our 59 th anniversary July 1. I enjoy reading these posts. Jody13

[negative1]

Willy, Could you give me another hint about the person that was aftet you to get a biopsy?
I'm not making it out by the intials.

Thanks,
Earl

[Mimi63]

Hi Jody -
No, alcohol and hep c don't mix.  Alcohol seems to be especially hard on women.  There was a study out in the past year that found the life expectancy of women who are heavy drinkers to be age 47.  That's a little too short for me.

We are lucky that we apparently can keep the virus in check with lifestyle changes.  I see how rough the treatment can be on  people in this forum.


Take care.

Mimi

[willy]

Willy, Could you give me another hint about the person that was aftet you to get a biopsy?
I'm not making it out by the intials.

It wasn't fair to only mention Helen.  Missy has been on me about it too, Donna and most recently, Lauri.  I'd had a fibrosure that indicated stage 1 but that was in 2005.  I figured that it was high time.  It was a perk from getting into the trial.  How could I refuse?  It really was no problem, no pain no lasting sides.  I was pretty much out for it though; I don't remember a thing although they said I was conscious through it. 

best,
Willy

[robin]

WHAT?? Now I think I got the discounted McMacDonalds of biopsies. I didn't get any good meds...a couple shots of local anesthia and a jab in the side. Ain't Fair...I want the premium service biopsy next time...if there is a next time. Keep your spirits high...robin

[Helen]

Hey Mimi, 

 Good to see you posting and even better to hear good news.    Hope to see you around a little more.

 Thats okay Willy, I dont care that you mentioned my name. Everyone knows Im a biotch. 

 aint that right brat?