HIV/HCV coinfection?????

[angels4kelly]

Hi.
I went to my Gastroenterologist(THE LIVER GUY") yesterday and he told me that my HCV level is high...33,375,000. Is this a very high number for HCV? I already had the Peg-Intron Tx and it failed for me. He told me that there was nothing new at this time, but they would call me as soon as they found something.

He also told me that I have Gall stones and need to have my gallbladder removed.
I was just wondering if having surgeries will negatively affect my HIV?
I just had back surgery and now this. My back surgery didn't seem to cause a problem except right after it, my numbers were low(t-cells), but they are back up now.
Do you think having another surgery so soon will damage my immune system permanently?

Peace

[Ann]

Hi Kelly,

Although it is common for hcv viral loads to be in the millions, I think 33 million is a bit high. Have you checked out what they have to say about hcv vl on the hivandhepatitis.com website?

Were you able to ask the doc about getting involved in a trial? I don't like the sounds of his comment that they'll "call you" if any new treatments come out. Sounds like a brush off to me.

Surgery for gallstones is usually done by keyhole surgery and shouldn't be much of a problem. It certainly won't permanently damage your immune system. This surgery might be the perfect opportunity for you to get a liver biopsy - I'd push for that if I were you.

Ann

[Teresa]

Kelly,

Don't have any info to offer you. Just wanted you to know I'm sending good thoughts to you and that you will be in my prayers!

Big Hugs
Teresa

[angels4kelly]

Thank you for your thoughts Teresa!!
I really, really appreciate them!

Ann, I haven't checked that website yet to see about that level, but I definitely am going straight there after this post!
When my "liver guy" told me about having my gallbladder taken out, he said that there would be a liver biopsy at that time. I forgot.
I didn't ask him about any trial Tx because when he said that I already failed with Peg-Intron, that feeling that I get sometimes, that I have told you about kicked in.

Also don't you think that any trial meds for HCV might affect my HIV adversely or do you think I should just go ahead and try anything?

Thank you, Ann.

Peace

[poobear]

Ann,
    Just wanted to say hello and good luck.  I wish I could give you some insight on this but I have no experience with HCV.  I think it would be a good idea for the gallblader surgery and to get biopsy of the liver.  They have improved over the years with this surgery.  Instead of cutting you open, they do it laperscopicaly.  Best of luck to you and a big hug to you.    Rachel