20wk labtest

[tomofficial]

hcv 1a stage 2level 2

20wk results
hep c quantitation 10,000 IU/ml
HCV logic 10  4,000 log10 iu/ml
four more weeks to go to clear, any advise on what to do?

[nygirl7]

Seriously Tom I would consider stopping and trying a different medicine regime such as Infergen. Sometimes the meds just don't work and it doesn't appear they are. As it stands now if you do get clear by 24 you are going to have to treat to 72 - and with still such a high viral load the chances don't seem so good.

That was my plan anyway. I had 400 left at week 4 and week 12 but did clear somewhere between 24.  Had I not, I was going to stop for a few months and start over from scratch with the daily Infergen.

That's the only reason I suggest it at all - it seemed to me (when I thought I would have to) to be the best chance. Infergen gives non-responders a good chance at SVR.

This sucks - I wish those that are left would just give up the ghost and go away for you.

I hate this disease have I said that lately?

[jmjm530]

Tom,

Assuming you clear the virus by week 24, you will need 72 weeks of treatment for a decent chance of SVR. If you don't clear the virus by week 24, most doctors would recommend you stop treatment.

But assuming you do reach non-detectible by week 24, the question remains, given the fact you don't have significant liver damage, is it worth exposing yourself to the treatment drugs for 72 weeks with only around a 50-60% chance of SVR -- and please check those figures, but I doubt if they are too much better and may be worse.

One alternative, assuming you are non-detectible by week 24, would be to stop treating and wait for newer drugs or see if you can get into one of the Vertex trials for prior non-responders. This may or not be possible right away due to slot availability or the fact that you stopped treatment at week 24, but both those things could be checked with a Vertex trial coordinator in advance.

If you do want to go ahead with the 72-week program, then you must get non-detectible via a sensitive viral load test within the next four weeks. Don't know how you're handling side effects, etc, but it seems like upping your riba and maybe Peg dose is something to discuss with your doctor.

All the best,

-- Jim

[tomofficial]

As always i appreciate the help and support, I see the Doc next week until then one day at a time. And yes NY girl this sucks.

[PokerRon]

Tom

i am also HEP C GENO 1A
im 55 yrs old
starting VL  8,500,000
4 WEEK VL  639,000

i was wondering what your VL was at week four

we sound similar
i am also STAGE 2 GRADE 2 FIBROSIS

im wondering if anyone knows my chances of responding
with this HIGH of a VL after 4 weeks  (639,000 vl, 4 weeks)

thanks
Ron

[az hepper]

stick with it, I am also 55, !A slightly worse liver scores but
VL from 2MM to <50 at week 12. now on 36 and still less <50,
will do heptimax next time.I had no idea where I was at 4 weeks.

So I am happy with that, Drs are happy, point being the minimum 2 log drop at week 12, is still the norm, stay the course, hopefully she will drop further for you.

[wyntre9]

Hi Tom,

You have some tough decisions to make.

I'm 1A, didn't get UND until somewhere between week 16 and 18, just did shot 20 and will have to discuss with my Dr. extending from 48 weeks to 72 weeks.

My starting VL was 1,140,000 (12/23/06)
Week 16 was 90
Week 18 was <10.

I had a mediocre 2.3 log drop to week 12 then a 3+ log drop in the next 4 - 6 weeks.
(Starting log was 6.057)

I know I'm a slow responder as opposed to a Rapid, Early or Non-responder.

Zazaa posted links to the Berg study a couple of days ago.

Maybe someone else has that info?

Best of luck with your decision.  The good news (from what I've gathered) is that there may soon be more options and that your damage level isn't as bad as some.

wyntre