Continue treatment?

[Doodle Bug]

Hello, I have a couple of qestions. At week 36 I had a prc test that came back at 14,000 the previos one came back at 4,500. ( count should be zero) I think there was a mistake at the lab so am taking the test again. they take so long to get back. I am now going onto week 40. Do you think it is worth me continuing the treatment with my results like this, or should I wait until the second test to stop. Thanks very much Doodle Bug

[madbyron]

I'm sorry you're not getting very encouraging results from your last two pcr's. How long ago did you get the 4500 result? If this was taken at week 24, you may have reached a retest-continue/quit decision point then. What does your doctor say about these results? Certainly, if there is any chance the lab made a mistake, you should retest, then decide. But if the 4500 and 14000 measurements are correct, I think they would indicate non-response. Still, this is something you will want to discuss with your doc before deciding. Best of luck.

[mikesimon]

I think that if there is real doubt about the reliability of your test results AND if you are doing okay with the sides you may as well continue until the validity of the tests is established. The tx is probably keeping your liver from fibrosing further and the drugs are approved (I assume you are having no financial problems). Just an opinion. Mike

[Doodle Bug]

Thanks for your input. The 2400 count was at 24 weeks. Durning the time to the 36 week test, my doctor didn't notice that I had lost 40 lbs. so I was really over medicated during that time. That is why I'm so surprised at the 36 week test.  To be over medicated and still have your virus count go up is surprising to me. Since then he has cut my medicine in half so I'm feeling better. I will continue to take the treatement  until I get the second test done.

[Revenire]

Hang in there, the tx is helping your liver like Mike said.

Best,

Scott

[raheem]

By all means keep on tx until you get the results back from your 2nd test.  You've already invested in 40 weeks of tx, go another 8, if you are doing 48 weeks in total.  Then consult with your Dr. and maybe even get a second opinion and a 3rd test.  Something just doesn't seem right to me.

[DownThisRoad]

Not only do I think you should stay on the medications but you should be retested to find out the clear number of your prc testing.  Since you have 8 weeks to go it is well worth it to keep going, get your test straightened out and then speak with your doctor about extending treatment, beyond the 48 weeks.  See what his experience, idea and suggestion is as to what point would it be safe to continue on, after you do show clear.

You have a great deal of medicine in your system right now at 40 weeks to just call it quits.