Diagnosed as Genotype 1

[Michelle867]

I go for my biopsy at 8:00 tomorrow morning.  I'm nervous but know I have to do it.  I have a 3 1/2 hour drive to get there so my 19 yr old son is going with me.  I was told today that I am genotype 1...can anyone tell me what that means?  I have heard that some genotypes are easier to treat than others...and I'm guessing that this isn't the easier of them?  Can anyone shead some light on this for me?  I haven't been told my viral load yet but it may be in with the papers that I have of my blood work.  thanks for your help!!

[fretboard]

Hi,
I have the HepC as well, genotype 1 waiting to treat hopefully not too long.  There's alot of helpful people on this forum, welcome and don't worry about your biopsy you'll be fine.  Especially since your son will be with you, take a book with you cause there's alot of dead time.  No pun intended, but most of the time is spent laying in a gurney or a whatever.  Dang!!  A 31/2 hour drive you'll be good and relaxed anyway, then it will be over before you know it.  Don't worry about not hearing from the doctor for a long time, the last one I took was in June 2005, and I didn't get the results until sometime in September after I wrote the doctor a letter.  
God Bless  

[Michelle867]

Thanks for getting back with me.  It sounds like I need to get ready for a roller coaster ride.  I've been thru alot and I know that I'll make it thru this also (can't say that I'm really looking forward to it though).  My biopsy is tomorrow but I have to wait til the 28th to get the results and talk about treatment..doc is going on vacation.  From what I have found, my doc is supposed to be pretty good (which is the reason I am going 3 1/2 hrs to see him).  How has your treatment been going for you?

[moahunter]

Genotype 1 is the most common type, so you are among many friends. You will either have 1A or 1B. There does not seem to be much difference between them.

Treatments for Hep C have a lower success rates for Genotype 1 than for some other Genotypes. Curently, most Genotype 1 patients who respond to treatment, will need at least 48 weeks of treatment to clear. In saying that, many many people who have Genotype 1 have treated succesfully (probably including me, although I still have to wait to see).

There are new drugs on the horizion, that may improve the chance of success for treating Hep C, or shorten the treatment period.

Your viral load, probably won't really mean that much, so don't get too fussed whatever the results are - Genotype is more important.

Get yourself good doctors / specialists. Whatever happens, and whatever you decide to do with regards to treatment, good luck.