PCR results at 9 weeks

[nikkihorseluvr]

I am a Hep 1b, started out at 13,500,000vl.  I received the following with no explaination.,  othere than "don't worry, you need no more PCR tests".  The NGI HCV quantasure test says HepC quantitation less than 5 copies/mL.  It also indicates unable to calculate result since non numeric result obtqained for component test(HCV log10copy?Ml. ) Also mentioned was ...results greater or equal to 5 copies/mL of HCV RNA indicate the presence of virus specific nucleic acid sequence.   II have called the lab, and they will not discuss results.  The doc says that I am fine, and his MA told me that I was down to 5 viruses,  I see NO indication of the number of the new viral load.  How do I obtain this.  The tx is awful, and I am becoming more and more angry. I cannot switch doctors.   Thank you all.  Nikki

[whoaisme]

Nikki I new a nikki who loved horses. Did you live in Allston in the early 80's?

[jmjm530]

Never took it but here's what Dr. Dieterich had to say:
http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Hepatitis/Archive/HepCtreat/Q171746.html
Of course check with your GI.

Good luck!

-- Jim

[mikesimon]

Prednisone is not a great drug to take with with HCV but I doubt that a short course of low dose predisone would negatively impact your result from TX. It has been shown to increase viral load in some studies but I don't recall whether the study involved patients on TX and, in fact, I doubt that it did. Predisone has been widely used post transplant with patients with HCV and though  centers are stopping this protocol it was the standard of care up until a couple of years ago. If the Poison Ivy is really bad I'd use prednisone. Isn't it a tappering dose which starts around 60 mg per day for 6 or 7 days? Is it something like that? Anyway, though it's not the ideal situation in my humble and limited opinion it would probably be okay. Mike

[cajunlady]

CONGRADULATIONS!!! You are UND.  That is a great reason and feeling to celebrate.  You are on your way now.  Keep the course going. I know sometimes you do not want to keep going; but this should help you mentally and emotionally that it is working for you.

Cajun

[NYgirl]

But why no more PCRs?  I don't get that.

But congrats you dn't want a number there do  you?  ;)

That's just wonderful news for you! Woo hooo!

[rifleman]

That does sound odd.  Still, a 1B going from 13 million to UND in 9 weeks sounds like SVR to me.  Now you just gotta tough out the remainder of your tx to make sure it doesn't come back.  If it were me, I'd want a 12 week and a 24 week test.
DJL

[jmjm530]

I agree with Rifleman that your results have SVR (cure) written all over them, especially if you stay the full course and don't reduce the dosage of your medications.

[mikesimon]

Congratulations on your awesome vl drop. I agree withe everyone who said that things are really looking good for you. Good luck. Mike

[nikkihorseluvr]

WOW.....thank you.  Nikki

[goldyn]

CONGRTAULATIONS Niki you wipped up on them cooties wow you did great 13,000,000, and 1b your on the road  to svr.....

[jennkPA]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! on your UND!!!! This is wonderful news for you!  I also would question why they said you don't need any more PCR's, but first, be HAPPY that this is working.
jenn

[Pdilly]

Great.   I sure I hope I have your luck.

[Pdilly]

I have to take more predisone for 2 weeks.  I already have taken it for 2.  Do either one of you know if it hurts the liver.  My GP did not know and it is to late to call my GI.

[rifleman]

Maybe I misread your post, but it looks like you are undetectable at less than 5. That usually translates into "you have cleared the virus."  Definitely not cause for anger, but instead celebration.  
DJL

[hepcD]

As your doctor said you have a zero virus load. What the test is saying is that you have less than 5 copies in your system. You are undetectable ! A 5 copy or less test is the most senitive one . Relax and congrats on the undetectable !

[jmjm530]

It means you're non-detectible down to 5 copies/ml or 2 IU/ml. Since no tests measures lower than that, there are no numbers to give. In other words this is the best possible result and you should be very happy. Congratulations!

Still, many doctors would continue testing at weeks 12, 24, and 48 just to be sure there are no viral break throughs. Something you might want to discuss with your medical team.

All the best.


-- AJim