12 week viral load

I have my 12 week viral load test in three weeks. This will be the first since October
53 male
initial viral load was 5,000,000
Hep c 1-a for 20 years, active for one
Any advise on what to do if i don't have the 2 pt drop doc is looking for? I've read  some info on 18wk results. Increase number of shots? etc Ans source for info or experience would be helpful

[painterlady13]

There have been many who have had as high of a VL as you or higher and cleared by week 12.  I had one of 2.5 million and cleared at 6 weeks and am still clear.  good luck with the PCR and don't worry about it until you have to.  it'll only give ya more grey hairs and still won't do any good.  :)

[tomofficial]

Thanks for your support

[sass_blue]

I am geno 1 too, started tx with a viral load of 10 mil, had HCV for almost 20 years.  I stopped tx exactly 2 weeks ago today after 12 week PCR showed that I am a 'non-responder". My viral load is 3 mil.  I was sure it was working!!  I was very upset for the first couple of days after finding out.  I am fine now.  I will lead a healthy lifestyle, not drink (which I was doing before) and put my name down for trials. I am thinking about having a look at traditional chinese medicines but havent yet... Good luck..

[NYgirl]

Yes you really should have had a PCR by now. Week 4 is preferable. All the new studies show us we need that information.

You can't worry if you won't have a 2 log drop by week 12. Most likely you will, most do.

[FlGuy]

I'd suggest that you get it now, not wait 3 weeks. If you started in October and this is your first pcr - that's quite a while.  Ask the doc to rx it now. The results, sooner rather than later, will be more helpful in treatment decisions later on.   If you can, get the test today.  It's important to know, as close as possible, what the vl decline is and when you get to und.

[Adaptoid]

First post ... just to say thanks for posting. We are the same age 53. I have discovered after 30 years Geno 3A and will be starting TX shortly. Good to hear of others experience here.

[friole]

tom -- I think ANY viral load at 12 week gives pause to rethink the game plan.  I think the 12 week 2-log drop is an outdated  concept.  A better indicator is the 4-week test, and most docs won't order it.  I had viral load 0f 40 at 12 weeks, extended treatment for 8 weeks, and still relapse.

adotoid - welcome to the forum.  You will find lots of gooD information here. Check out this site too:

http://janis7hepc.com/

What is your viral load and biopsy report results?

frijole