Prognosis.....

Negative!  Sorry for starting a new thread here (please use it for other topics), but I just heard from my nurse, and the results from my three-month PCR are in - undetectable!  Phew, was sweating that one.  I was/am 2b, was on tx for 24 weeks, have been undetectable since, I believe 8 weeks into tx.  YAY!!!  A bright spot in an otherwise dreary, depressing week of job hunting!

[doll face]

CONGRATULATIONS..... I know how excited you are seeing as I just got the same news myself last week. We are well on the way of becoming SVR.

[Moeymitt]

what geno type are both of you??

[PhilaGuy]

2b

[Fubarcat]

Congrats!  I know that is a huge relief for you.  You were a trooper throughout your treatment.  Hang in there on the job front - things are looking up for you now!  I'm thrilled for you!

[rearfang]

I just wanted to jump in here and raise a question: Are the genotypes likely to follow any particular pattern in terms of geography or time (as in when one contracted the virus)? I still have 6 days until my appt. and I can't help but dwell on it.... just hoping maybe I will wind up a 2 instead of a 3, ya know? My guess is that someone will tell me that (like everything else with this damned virus,) there are no patterns for that either.

[PhilaGuy]

What do you mean by a pattern?  I assume you mean that, for example, if you were infected in the 1970s in the South, you're more likely to be a certain genotype?  I've never heard anything like this, and I doubt it matters.  I do know that genotype 1 is the most common in the US, and genotype 2 is more common is Asia.  I am/was a 2, and I was infected in a hospital in south central Pennsylvania in 1984, so I doubt there's any rhyme or reason.  By the way, I believe genotype 3 is as responsive to treatment as genotype 2, so hopefully you'll be one of those, though you can certainly achieve SVR if you're a genotype 1.

[PhilaGuy]

Thanks Chev (and Fubar and dollface)!....by the way, did you do your six month PCR?  I haven't been in here very often lately.  Hope things are going well for you, too!

[Laika]

which of the interferons are you on?

[gr8faith]

Congrats!  that is great news.

I am hoping someone can answer this for me...

Tomorrow I go to the Gastro Dr. for my first follow-up since starting tx.  I am 3/24 wks, geno 3b.  For the most part things are going well, some aches, brain fog, chills, etc.  This week though I am having difficulty sleeping at night.  As if I am exhausted but too wired to fall asleep.  What are some of the options I might ask for?  Also, as long as I am asking about getting an Rx for that, are there other scripts I should be aware of?  Like for the severe headaches? etc.

Would rather be informed and ready to ask for an Rx, even if I don't get it filled til later.  Just don't want to be needing something at a time the Dr. isn't available.

Thanks.

[mikesimon]

Congratulations on your results. It was posted recently that in a study of the patients clear at 3 months 100% were clear at 6 months so it looks very good for you. Best of luck. Mike

[whoaisme]

Ambien seems to work well for the sleeplessness...as far as the headaches go, are they all day? do you wake up with them, are they constant? Have you tried tylenol? and are you drinking lots and lots and lots of water? I'm sure others here will help with ideas. Good luck. Su

[honey1616]

Yes,,,,definitely get a prescription for ambien.  Alot of nights I just couldn't sleep either and had to get up on computer or read or something or would just lay in bed and it can drive you crazy lol....Ambien always seemed to work good on those nights. If you get migraines,,,,imitrex is good for those but not regular headaches.  Very expensive though so hopefully you have good insurance.  Glad to see you are hanging in there and planning ahead of the game!

[gr8faith]

The dr. appt went fine, learned I am having a alergic (allergic) reaction at the injection site.  The first week the area stayed tender and red and warm for 5 days and when I called the nurse she said that is not uncommon.  So the next shot site was the same and I thought "no biggie". Last weeks site is taking much longer to subside and today when the dr. saw it he was like very concerned.  He has told me to take benadryl, which he says will help with the sleeping issue as well.  Said he would like to avoid ambien for now.  Said when I get some good sleep I will be less likely to have the crazy dreams (we'll see).  He wants me to continue regardless on the tx, and will address any infections that may occur as a result of the reaction.  Overall he said I have a great attitude and he will see me next month.

[gr8faith]

Thanks about the ambien.  I will ask for that.  Nothing worse than wanting to sleep and not being able to.  Some days at work I think I would fall asleep at my desk if I could.  I am drinking plenty of water, my second home is the bathroom. LOL  My husband says I look thinner, could be all the water.  I have had the dull all day headache and then also I have a history of migrane (migraine).  never have done the imetrex for them, usually i go to bed.  I get the classic spotting floaters first, then 20 min later boom, it hits me.  fortunately they are less frequent than years past.  tylenol has helped with the dull ones that the first week of tx seemed to just be there all day.  thanks for the input.  also, i am so brian dead, i am a geno 3a.  I never seem to get that right the first time.

[layla]

Good news! I hope your having a good night celebrating. You are on your way now!LL