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

[goldyn]

Oh friole im so sorry that this awful fricken  virus has slipped back man friole you did everything you could you were on rescue drugs for a long time, extended your tx,im seriouse i did 48 weeks and I know i could not have extended any longer than that my heart was truly tired...you have helped your liver, and I know there will be a better tx around the corner, if my 3 month pcr comes back positive, i will wait and see whats next...
                  Blessings angie

[friole]

I emailed my  BCBS case manager (who voluntered to take my case because he had sucessfully treated for hep C and was SVR).

He is ready to send me to a hepatologist in Dallas - he said she was the head of "The Liver Institue" and Methodist Hospital for a consult. Anyone treating with her?????? He said he would aid me in anyway possible to "make my insurance work."

Sure is nice to have friends!

Chev, Jim, Goldyn, Return -- thanks.  I just know this will work out somehow

[SnoWav]

yep about half the people here get that news. Looking on the brighter side your liver may be in much better shape.I went from a 2/3 to a 0-1/1-2 after 48 weeks of TX so you may be much improved and able to wait awhile to sort out your next move. Even tho TX was not all that bad for me I will be waiting out the new TX or may not TX at all and just live with my little virus until death do us part. later

[illo]

Sorry Friole,

This is sad news.  I wish I could say
more, but there is nothing I can say that
would help.  You must be so very
disappointed.  Many prayers to you.

Will you try it again?

[Mister beagle bailey]

Kathy, I'm so sorry to hear this.  I relapsed also and thought I'd never get over it but believe me in time it get's easier to accept.  I know you don't want to hear this right now but it does, I've been there.
I have decided to wait for newer drugs then retreat with the ones on the market now.  I'm a 2B and before treating my viral load was 318,000, now it's in the millions.  Take a deep breath and relax your mind and body, you deserve it.  I know it's hard to believe but you'll feel better in time.  From your stats you don't have much damage and the tx bought you more time.  I'm 59 yrs also and at this age we need to enjoy our life so please try not to let this get you down for to long. We are all here for you.

Beagle

[sass_blue]

Sorry to hear about the bad news.  This must be a terribly hard time for you, especially when things looked like they were doing so well...My thoughts are with you