PCR Results (??)

I got a call from Dr. just now and he told me that my viral load is down (Had test done the day of 5th injection). It was 2.9 million and it is now 45,000.... He said the next time I will be tested is 12 weeks from now. I tried calling Lab so that they would send me the results but they are closed. I am going to see a hepatologist on 4/30/07 and I need to have results with me. This Dr. (gastroenterologist) said the CBC was "fine." I asked about my thyroid and he said that was not on the test. Does 12 weeks sound like a long time to wait, or what? Should I be happy with 45000?? I am not feeling so good today...came to work about 5 hours late...could not get a move on..sheer exhaustion.

[jmjm530]

Yes, 12 weeks is definitely too long to wait. Are you sure he didn't say he would test at week 12 instead of "12 weeks from now"? At a very minium you should be tested 12 weeks from now, but ideally you'd be tested weekly, or at least every other week until you became non-detectible. Not sure of your genotype, but assuming it's genotype 1, your goal is to be non-detectible via a very sensitve viral load test like Heptimax (sensitivity 5 IU/ml) by week 12, earlier if better.

I'm assuming you did your viral load test before the injection? If so, that would be a week 4 test which gave you almost a two log drop. In general, they like to see a minium of a one-log drop the first month, so you're doing quite well. Still, you want to make sure you're non-detectible by week 12, so that's why it's important to clarify your doctor's intent.

And yes, you do want copies of all your labs, as opposed to everything is "fine".

All the best,

-- Jim

[copyman]

i think i had seen jim post about an 8 week test being of some importance so maybe you should have one at 8 weeks. i know with my lab it takes 10 days to 2 weeks to get my lab report mailed to me. why not just go to the doctor and get a copy? hope it all works out

[jmjm530]

Second sentence should have read: "At a very minium you should be tested at week 12 (not 12 weeks from now), but ideally you'd be tested weekly, or at least every other week until you became non-detectible."

[ladybug52]

Congratulations in the drop in viral load. You had to push to get this first test right? So now push to get another sooner. Do you know what type of test he ordered. I know you sent or brought a b#tt load of info from Mike Simon. Maybe he or Jim have more. Neither of them work, they just cruise the internet all day so they're your best options for info!
You're doing good, sorry you're not feeling well and the dr doesn't give out much info freely. I have gotten that response a lot myself. Everything looks good, everything 's fine! G-r-r-r.
But the good news is, the good news--good response!
bug