72 weeks

[litha7]

I am geno 1a,  in the 40th week of tx, and was eagerly anticipating the end of an extremely rigorous 48 week therapy. During my last gastro session (@ 36 weeks), the Dr. advised that since I was a slow responder (UND at 12 weeks), current research indicated that I am a serious candidate for the 72 week tx plan. I am devastated! Here I was ready to celebrate the end, only to discover that I'm only at the 1/2 way point!

I was under the impression that 12 week UND was fantastic! So, I guess I'm asking: what actually constitutes a "slow responder"?

I've seen many other posts regarding people on the 72 week plan, but I'm not real good about navigating the updated forum board yet. I'm truly wondering if my body can take that much more of the brutality surrounding tx, or if our pocketbook can endure it as well! Surely someone else has had this bomb dropped on them. If so, I am soo sorry, but it would be nice to commiserate together.

[sfwandwow]

i guess responder early or late is better then none at all..but keeppraying for allto get this **** gone

[zazza]

Usually 72 weeks is recommended only for those who are still detectable at week 12, but have at least a 2-log drop by then, and are then UND by week 24. These people are called slow responders. I know sometimes, in for example Canada I think, those still detectable at week 4 go 72 weeks.

Being UND by week 12 is called cEVR. EVR = early viral response. c = complete.

RVR = rapid viral response, ie UND by week 4, which is fantastic for geno 1's. cEVR is pretty darn good too.