My viral load and other posts

Hi there.  I just got my viral load back.  It was done a little bit early.  It was supposed to be my 6 mon., but I've only been on since July 15th and so that makes 5 mon.  However, I have dropped quite a bit on my viral load, so I'm hoping to be able to go another 2 mon. and have them redo the PCR.  I'm down to 3800 copies.  I'm encouraged by this.  I'm thinking on the high dose of the Riba that in another 2 mon. I might have that elusive UNDETECTED label.  What do you think?  Is it possible?  God willing....

Susan400

[NYgirl]

What was your baseline on the vl?

This was a "six" month PCR, your 24 week?  Did you hit enough of them so that you are considered "responding"? What did your doc say - since it looks like you are continuing there has to be great news in there somewhere!  My doc said if it wasn't working at the 24 week line he'd take me off but since you are still ON...it sounds like something is going right!  :)

Since they did it early it seems to me that you have at least another month to knock those suckers OUT and get the UN-D that you want so much - even if it is recorded at the 7 month.

you know we all wish you the BEST OF LUCK KILLING THOSE LITTLE DIRTBAGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  :)

[scruffy]

You said it Susan-God willing...
For sure you are sparing your liver some damage and we get closer and closer to better options. You may just clear yet even without better options though. You know that many are with you in spirit. Frank

[cuteus]

Have you ever posted such a low VL before? I don't remember you doing so.  I think It is very possible that this round will give you that coveted negative reading. You got to be a lot happier than me!

[susan400]

My starting viral load 5 months ago was 6,900,000 copies.  I don't see the doctor until Mon. and I'll see what he says then.  

Susan

[mikesimon]

I think that's really good news. I wish you the very best. Mike

[beamishboy]

The #'s look great to me,so,Keep doin what your doing& GOOD LUCK

[fresnoborn]

congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!yipeeee!!!!!!!!!you are doing great. lol

[jaroman]

I think you should be happy about these numbers.  Best to you!

[DoubleDose]

I know you are doing the high dose ribavirin, and I think that will be very helpful in the long run.  I forgot which dose of Infergen you are using.  Are you on 15 mcg. daily or 9 mcg. daily?  I assume you are on a daily dosing schedule?

Your VL has come down by more than 3-logs over five months, and it would be great to see an undetected by six months (or seven if they will not test at six).  Of course, if you get the undetected, and I truly believe you will do it this time, you will probably be best served by doing a long extension of therapy, with 18 months total tx probably being a minimum.  What are your doctor's thoughts on this issue.  Since you were not undetected by week 12, (but I assume you probably had a 2-log drop by then), the appropriate regimen is probably a good long extension.  

I think that getting undetected (for the first time) will motivate you to go way above and beyond with your tx.  The 'undie' can be a huge mood lifter, and can cancel out lots of side effects, in and of itself!

Keep up the great work.  I know it is very tough, and brings lots of ups and downs....but if you get the undetected soon, you will be in business!  Then you can ride this 'brahma bull' all the way to the SVR horn!  Keep riding!!

DoubleDose

[strator]

Susan - Way I see it you already put six million eight hundred ninety six thousand and two hundred of them nasty little viral squatters outta the pool. With that kinda kicka** effort you  can probably scare the rest out by lookin at em!
Tell em: "EVERYBODY OUUTA THE POOL! Yea that means YOU TOO bug face!" Watch em run!
Be Blessed,
Don

[susan400]

Thanks everybody for your encouraging and sometimes funny remarks!   You all are like family.  Take care and Happy Holidays everyone.

Susan