Hi @Chukwu
I agree with the doctor’s assessment that it would be a good idea for you to start treatment. In terms of fatty liver, diet and lifestyle changes can help. Keep up with avoiding alcohol and smoking, and make sure to get regular exercise.
Hi @Chukwu,
Are these your first tests showing these results? As we know, ALT/AST can fluctuate from time to time. If this is the case, then maybe you can wait to see what your next follow-up results are.
I agree with your doctor and @et5656 that you meet the guideline for treatment; however, we can’t just be putting people on treatment because of abnormal results from testing at one point in time. If you don’t have any symptoms and you feel fine, I will wait and discuss treatment after completing another round of tests in 6 months to confirm everything. Things could change in the right direction by then, but if not, then I will consider treatment at that time. This is just my opinion.
Keep us posted. Bansah1
Some fatty liver is seen among some HBV patients. Changes to one’s diet and lifestyle can help improve the condition.
I feel fine and I have no symptoms…a that was my routine checks every six months.
I think i didn’t ask that question well. How many tumes have your tests shown this high ALT/AST numbers? If this is the first time, I will wait until after my next test to consider treatment.
Honestly, I think it depends on how high the liver enzymes are, whether there are any other comorbidities, age, and family history of liver cancer. In this case, I would lean more towards starting treatment given the elevated Fibroscan results, to prevent liver fibrosis from getting worse, especially if you are older than 40. I’m not a doctor, but this is just what I would do if I was in your situation.
Sure, I am in no way suggesting that he should not be treated. My point is that I will wait for a second blood test in 3-6 months to make sure the right decision is being made. I don’t disagree that treated may be warranted. This could be a life long commitment and we ought to make sure that all our I’s and T’s are crossed.
In addition his name sounds like a Nigerian, we don’t know how accessible and the cost of antivirals where he is. We must take all that into consideration. There’s no point putting someone on treatment if they can’t afford it or the antivirals are not readily available and they are going to miss long periods without the medication.
Best, Bansah1
My ALT is 81 and my AST is 56. I’m Nigeria but I live in London. I don’t have family history of liver cancer. And they have prescribed me ectavir for six month. That makes me worried. I don’t know if I should start or still wait
Thanks for clarifying that you have already been put on treatment. I thought from your message that it was something that was still being discussed with your doctor. If you have already been prescribed then go ahead and start taking your antiviral. That tells me a decision was made based on all the test you have done over time. In your case it looks like starting treatment was the best option for you to control your ALT/AST, any inflammation and protecting your liver.
Continue to remain in care, eat healthy, exercise regularly and control stress and alcohol consumption. Let’s see how it goes in 6 months.
Keep in touch regarding how you are doing. Best, Bansah1
What am concern about is will o be taking this drug forever and ever
Some patients are able to get off treatment safely after a period of time. I understand your concern and hear you. We all had those feelings and concerns before starting treatment, however, it’s not that bad at all once you start. The antivirals are easy to take and most patients tolerate them well. Its similar to taking medication for high blood pressure or other chronic illness. Think of it this way, you are starting treatment to save your liver for the many years ahead.
I have been on treatment for 11 years now and within a few days of starting it all my concerns disappeared. Why? Because it was not bad as I had assumed it was going to be. We are here and will support you throughout this process.
Best, Bansah1
Thank you also. Can I still travel and will I be taking it every night before bed time
Yes, of course you can. Some patients like taking it at night so you should be fine.
I agree with everything that @Bansah1 said. I have also been on treatment for several years, and I’m glad that I chose this option. I feel less worried about my liver getting worse, thanks to being on medication. I also haven’t encountered any issues with travel. If you are flying, I would recommend bringing the medication in its original bottle with the label on. I haven’t had any issues due to taking it at a different time of day due to time zone changes or anything like that. It’s more of an issue if you don’t take it for multiple days in a row.
I have had to travel for an extended period of time (more than 3 months), and my doctor was good about giving me enough medication to last until I got back. Hope this helps.
Thank you. Have been prescribed evtavir for six month. And worried hope it doesn’t have side effects as well