4 week blood results

[Momof286]

I got my viral load back... My baseline was 689,000 and it has gone down to <15 but still detected... I am on the 8 week course and am amazed it dropped as low as it did but was kind of hoping for not detected. Are these results still considered good and on track? The lady on the phone wasn't very clear because my regular nurse is sick so I will be calling her tomorrow to go over everything.

I'm on day 37 and feeling great!!! 19 more to go!

[patra_]

Sorry to hear about the children!  It is awful when they are sick and one can't just 'fix' the problem!  But, this, too, shall pass!  The only positive I find in the situation is that you have been too busy to stress over other things.  I don't mean to make light of the situation, just to i ject a little humor!  I agree, if you have a really good hepa and s/he is comfortable with the 8 weeks, then relsx and trust his/her knowledge.

When I talked about early detection, it should have said, 'before there was a lot of damage done to your liver'.  It is an amazing organ!  Also, to support your Dr's choice, you have youth, minimal to no damage, and have not treated before.  There have been people on here who were in trials for 8 weeks and reached SVR.  Also, you have a Lab coming up.  Always a time to discuss again, after you get results, if you feel so inclined.  But others have said, early or late UND does not indicate SVR.  So get your next test and relax.

BTW, hope the kiddoes are over their illnesses.  Sounds like everybody needs a big family hug and a nap!  (And, maybe, a cup of hot chococlate)

Sending BIG HUGS to to you all.

Pat

[Momof286]

Thanks patra! I have been slacking a bit on my water so I know I need to get that back up there! I have had a stressful week kids have all been sick... Baby was in hospital with pneumonia and then these lab results! I just want to have the best shot at curing this...

Youth is on my side yes... Early detection maybe? I have had this 29 years infected from transfusion at birth so I feel it is a long time to have this disease but fortunate it hasn't done much damage! Trying to keep up my positive attitude. My doctor and nurse both were happy with results so I should be too!

[patra_]

Hang in there, Girl!  You have youth and early detection on your side.  That is why they are so sure of the 8 weeks.

Don't stress!  Think positive thoughts, continue to eat healthy and drink your water!

Blessings and prayer for SVr.

Pat

[Momof286]

Well I talked with both my nurse and doctor and they both think 8 weeks is fine and extending u treatment isn't necessary. I am a bit disappointed but they say my results are great and it shouldn't affect my SVR outcome! I really hope they are right! I trust them both so I just have to have faith this will all work out! Thank you all for your opinions and encouragent !

[JimmyMose]

In my opinion there is no need to get another quantitative HCV RNA test at week 6 and is a waste of money.  Four more weeks of tx will be an extra 4 weeks waiting for SVR results.  
Low viral load levels at week 4 do not predict outcome with these new drugs.

The only test you really need is the 12 week post EOT quantitative HCV RNA  I believe you will achieve SVR.  Maybe a post 24 week also.

Most important is to stay positive, don't miss a day taking med and follow good health recommendations. Unnecessary worry isn't healthy.  

Best wishes.

[AWorriedMom]

I can explain why your <15 is still not saying undetected because that happened to me. You have less than 15 copies of the virus but the PCR machine can still see some virus or what it thinks is virus. It is called <15 detected. So it is below the level of quantification, but still there. The same thing happened to me and I was <15 UNdetected at the 8 week viral load. I am a genotype 1a but was on Viekira Pak. And I got the 24 week arm. Friends got the 12 week and cleared even when they were below the level of quantification but not undetected at 8 weeks. I agree with the others that asking for another 4 weeks would be a good idea for your peace of mind. But I bet you will clear even if they refuse you.

[Momof286]

I just worry what if they don't let me go 12 weeks and keep me on the 8 week course then what?? I am gt 1a and yes I have seen some labs report it as undetected so it's confusing for sure that I have the same results as people but yet still detected? I am going to ask to get another viral load done at 6 weeks and hopefully they can extend my treatment. I don't think I would have been so bummed if I was doing the 12 weeks but with it only being 8 I worry this won't kill the virus off :(

Trying to stay positive and not stress myself out!

[Rbeth]

Hey mom of :-),

I do agree you should for the 12 & your insurance approved it so go for it!

As far as 4 wks <15 detected, I got the same exact result at 4wk(harvoni12)
I came directly here and posted same question. The answers I got were DO NOT WORRY... Nect PCR will be undected...@ 6 wk( my request) & protocol if wk 4 Det. I was undected. I was undected at EOT & pray I am still undetected!! See if you can get another at 6 wks, for your peace of mind & do ask for 12 weeks. And, do not worry. All labs can report differently as well! Are you gt 1? Apparently, all go undetected on DAA's. Come back & share& again, DO NOT WORRY!
Blessings,
Randy

[Momof286]

I am going to ask to extend my treatment to 12 weeks but I am thinking they will say no these results are fine. For my own piece of mind I really want the best chance to beat this. My insurance approved 12 weeks but we only did 8 based on the criteria. I just hope my insurance will still give me the extra 4 weeks and doctor will understand how I feel! To be honest I am a bit bummed!

[Stronglady14]

I did the same thing went down to 15 but still detected in 2wks. by time it was a month I went to undetected. I was on trial for sofosbuvir and gs-5816. On the 2nd of this month it will be 2 months since I took my last med. I should be getting an email soon telling me what last labs are.

[Carlhcv]

Since you started out with a very low VL I would think you should be und at week four. If I were you I would fight to go 12 weeks. I started Harvoni with a VL of 8 million. I get my four week blood draw tomorrow. I am doing 24 weeks.