I Relapsed

[friole]

I relapsed.  Picked up the PCR results today.
                     vl - 680,000 IU/mL   (1,700,000 copies)

I guess I knew this was coming, with those elevated liver enzymes, but I still can't get my brain wrapped around it.

My history --  I will be 59 in a couple of weeks.

Probably had hep C since late sixties or early seventies.  I have never had any symptoms except that I was getting more tired than I thought I should, and if I had more than 2 drinks in an evening, I felt it - recovery time was not as good, I guess you could say.  My liever enzymes have always been in the 202 (until these last 2 post tx tests)

Genotype 1a
Pre treatment VL - 1,520,000 IU/mL
Biopsy - Grade 1, Stage 1
Week 4 VL - about 2,800 IU/mL
Week 12 VL - 40 IU/mL  (LabCorp QuantaSure <2IU)
Week 20 VL - UND - (Quest Heptimax <5IU)
All tests after this were clear.

I went 56 weeks so I would have 36 clear weeks after my first sensitive PCR.  It wasn't enough, folks.  I am kicking myself for not doing the 72.  There are studies showing that those with low VL at 12 and clear at 24 can benefit from 72 weeks.  Other than Drusano, there are no studies about 36 weeks post clear.  Oh Cuteus, you were so right.

I am still too stunned to make any decisions today, but I guess I will be sticking around for awhile
Kathy

[mikesimon]

I am saddened by this. I think you're smart to take some time to figure out what to do next. Mike

[PasoPerson]

Oh Frijole, I am soooo sorry to read this.  Please keep your chin up and you know there's sure a reason for things happening.  I was down too, when I didn't clear.  Aha!  Maybe this means we can coordinate our re-treats and keep each other "up" during our next one.

Anyway, go eat ice cream tonight ... be glad you gave your liver a rest ... listen to what Rev___ mentioned about reversing the damage.  If I could just keep cirrohisis at bay, I would be on maintenance for the rest of my days, much less if the damage could be actually reversed even a little.

God bless,
Carolyn

[Tallahassee]

I'm so sorry... Take some time to regroup and continue fighting with new energy and determination! Something will eventually work!

[rawhide]

I share your disappointment and am sorry for the bad news. After failing treatment in August I needed a couple months to regroup and now I am ready to fight it again.  It's hard to take.
Laura

[Kalio1]

Im so sorry to hear this. You did what you needed to do at the time. Don't beat yourself up for not going longer.
The tx suppressed the virus for all that time.

How are you feeling? I know the enzymes have gone up some lately, but symptom wise how are you?

[NYgirl]

I don't know what to say right now my friend. I just don't. I need a few minutes to respond but don't want you to think in any way I'm not responding. You know...I just don't know what to say. I wish I could find the right gate and push you through. God are we going to be here forever together?

I wish you did the 72 with me BUT - perhaps this whole extended doesn't matter and the inevitable is just that. Don't beat yourself up. You did EVERYTHING to the BEST of your ability. It's just a suck as* disease and I hate it.

I can't stand this. I just can't. So not right.