VL Test Levels - How often during 48 week tx?

I am on tx (Pegasys/Riba)for 48 weeks, and as some of you may remember, I received undectable levels at 12 weeks. =)  I will be starting Week 17 on Friday and my doc said my hep levels would not need to be tested again until end of my tx (which is 31 more weeks).  Is that normal procedure?  To go that many more weeks without checking it again?  I was aware of the bloodtest schedule from the beginning, but never really thought much about it until recently.  Any input would be greatly appreciated.  

PS - NY Girl -- GoldBond seems to be working on the Riba Rash.  Didn't quite go away completely, but it hasn't gotten worse.  Thx for the tip!

[OnAPrettyPoison]

All the docs do differently.  Mine tested at 12 & 24 weeks but won't test again until 4 weeks post treatment.  Some posters have PCR's much more frequently.  Some of it depends on your insurance - the tests can be pricey.

[OnAPrettyPoison]

All the docs do differently.  Mine tested at 12 & 24 weeks but won't test again until 4 weeks post treatment.  Some posters have PCR's much more frequently.  Some of it depends on your insurance - the tests can be pricey.

[cuteus]

I would push for a 24 wk test if possible, some people that tested neg at wk 12 and 24 got a breakthrough before the end of tx. You want to know if the tx is still working before the 48 wks are up. Why take any more meds if it has stopped killing the virus? I agree, waiting to test until EOT is too long to know if there was a rebound.
Research viral breakthrough, print some articles, and present a case for testing before EOT.

[jmjm530]

Testing at week 24, 36 and 48 would be reasonable. Make sure you use something real sensitive like Quest's Heptimax which goes down to 5 IU/ml.

[whoaisme]

Each doctor does test differently- although I think it is customary to check your VL at 12 weeks, again at 24 weeks and than again at the end. For many people the 24 (or 12) week test is a deciding factor whether or not to continue on the treatment. I understand your frustration,it does seem like a long time to be retested. I the cost of the test is high and some insurance companies limit how many can be done,in a certain time frame, which could be part of the problem.

[NYgirl]

Keep it up with the gold bond...the riba rash is WORSE in the beginning as your body gets used to having the poisons dumped in to it.  As many times a day as you can remember to put it on the more it will help. I STILL do it to this day. 3 days after I stopped (hey I decided I was 'cured' of it) it came right back.

I also used hydrocortisone 1% on the really BAD spots when they would drive me crazy.  It feels like being a kid with chicken pox doesn't it?  Wow tell an adult NOT to scratch?  hahahah

I was tested 4, 12, 24 and called yesterday to find out if he wants me to have another one before I continue on to 72 weeks.  I am at week 40 this week and figure I should check if I have not relapsed before I head on to the next part of this. As much as I wish I was only doing 48...I am now thinking that that PCR better come back UND so I can continue on!

My doc wasn't going to give me a 4 week test = but at the advice of in here I asked and of course he said sure if you want to but we are NOT going to change treatment on any result of it though...you WILL continue ON!

[cuteus]

some of us never had elevated readings to start with, so that might not work for people like me, guiding by the ALT & AST results. Viral breakthrough is rare, but we have seen a few here, But I would not test frequently, not even while on tx, unless still positive at wk 12.

[Drarig]

Thx for everyone's input -- appreciate all your help, comments, support, insight, comraderie(?), etc.!  You guys are the best!