NEGATIVE AT 2 WEEKS GENO-2 VL 52,000

Question

I was diagnosed with acute hep c in Dec. 09 geno-2 viral load 52,000 I started treatment in Jan 2010. I am negative at 2 weeks. The doctor originally set me up for 6 months of treatment i was wondering if anyone knows of shorter periods of treatment and success rate.I am feeling better on my 3RD shot but am very itchy (especially at the injection site) but have some rashes in arms and thighs. Also for those who read my first post my hepatologist determined that because of the incubation period of acute hep c i got it from a flexible sigmoidoscopy i had done in july 09. Thanks to you all for your help and thanks to bill1954 and newleaf09.

FlGuy · Answer

Hey Pdilly, it's been a while.  Finally find the lost password?

Pdilly · Answer

I was Geno2 and treated for 6 months.  I have been clean for 3 years.  Hang in there.  6 months goes by before you know it.  I always did mine txt on Friday eves early and took a tylenol PM after 2 hours.  I slept through the worse and slept most of the weekends.  You don't do much but hey its worth the 6 months if you can beat it.
Better to do the complete thing then to stop early and risk what you were trying to do in the first place.

JOSE007 · Answer

Im sorry to hear you relapsed. Wow I am glad you shared this information, you are absolutely right I will definitely stay the course for 6 months.

Mr.Bill · Answer

I am geno 2 I also responded well to the treatment <50 at 4 weeks . so after reading all the info about early responders using shorter treatments I stopped at 19 weeks . After 6 months my vl was 15000.Then my gastro told me my chances went to 20% and refuses to retreat. I would do the whole 6 months if you can.

charm27 · Answer

Congratulations..GREAT news.


Charm

Bill1954 · Answer

Congratulations Jose, for getting aggressive with this issue. There are fewer roadmaps available for genotype 2; because in part it responds relatively well to the current medication. Genotype 1 patients look forward to 48, 72 and occasionally more weeks of treatment, and often have to repeat this multiple times. The bulk of studies are therefore geared away from GT-2 and towards the more challenging strains of the disease.

On the bright side, the odds of success for you are really very good; you should be able to complete this successfully and soon.

Hang in there, and keep us posted to your progress—

Bill

nygirl7 · Answer

Great news!  As well I'm not up to speed on geno2 doings but I agree that six months is a short time and if you can get all the benefit of knowing you caught it early enough not have developed liver damage and can get rid of it forever - I'd take that any day.  Your sides are completely manageable and you are lucky there too!

Now it's time to train your immune system to catch any stragglers that are not detectible in your blood by PRC.......that is one of the reasons we continue onwards with treatment AFTER we are UND.  Although with a geno2, active I am sure there is some study that would allow you to quit earlier - I personally would stay the course.