Viral Load Up At Week 11 - Miles Switches To Maintenance

Hello to all my friends here at Medhelp.  I got off to a great start this time, but had two slight upswings in viral load, so I did not make EVR, and at 270 mcg Pegasys once every 5 days, enough is enough.

I can now switch to maintenance therapy without any regrets - I know I did all I could do this time.  I started with 10 days induction - 30 mcg daily Infergen + 50 mcg Actimmune.  I also took double Zadaxin during the whole thing.  I know some of you have done alfa/gamma - you know how powerful this stuff is.  At day 10, my VL was actually up on this stuff.

Here's how it went:

Baseline: 7.7 million
48 hours: 700,000
Day 10 induction: 1.1 million
Day 30 Pegasys 230 mcg Q5: 700,000
Day 60 Pegasys 270 mcg Q4.5: 500,000
Week 11: 1.1 million

Looks like possible anti-IFN antibody response.  Ya think?

So for now, I'm switching to 80 mcg Pegasys QW

I may give ITT therapy another try with Multiferon.  It's all natural -  made from human blood, with very low reported incidence of anti-IFN antibodies.  But that's for later.  I'm accumulating the stuff now.  For now, I'm gonna take it easy.  

Anyway, you guys can read the whole thing at my website.  I'm incredibly happy to be off treatment, so I'm not bummed out at all.  I've still got back problems, so if you'd like to contact me or respond to this post, please do so via my website.  I'm only good for so long at the computer every day.

http://www.mkandrew.com

[cigaso]

I have only been on this board a short time and I have no idea what your talking about except you are maybe a relapser or non-responder. You sound tough with a good attitude. I hope you get better.

[cuteus]

it never ceases to amaze me how this virus can become so resistant to tx in some individuals! it awes me. Susan  had to put a stop to her latest try and now you.  What is this stuff made of?
You don't think it is possible that all these increases is the hidden virus been released back into the bloodstream at different intervals?  does anyone really know?
I am glad you are satisfied with your attempts are will still try to aid your liver with the maintenance doses.  
You, Susan and Amanda are on the top of my "wish list" for a positive breakthrough in a very near future.
good luck

[layla]

I am so sorry to hear this. I can't imagine how tough this is on you. I am not sure what to say except to express my sorrow upon hearing this. I hope you recover from all the tx and are feeling better soon. LL

[LvdByGod!]

SORRY ABOUT THE TX MILES...you sure gave it your all and then some...

i am having a hard time clearing too...and staying clear so i can relate a bit...i'm getting to the point of wondering how important it is to completely clear because of the news on how the virus stays in us anyway after "supposedly clearing" anyway...

i just wonder if it's not more important to keep the virus level low enough to prevent liver damage...if this is true than the maintainance dosing should be a great alternative for those not clearing...

i of cource have no idea if this is true or not...does anyone else have ideas on this?

are your alt and ast in normal range on tx? hope so...

miles,i pray someday soon we will have our true cure...i am at the same stage liver disease as you but have 3a.

sandi

[mikesimon]

Sorry that the tx didn't work out but you sound okay with it. I wish you all the best with the maintenance. Mike

[Califia]

Temporary setback, Miles.  You're a scrapper and I have no doubt that you WILL prevail, but a nice long sabbatical from pharmaceuticals surely couldn't hurt.  [Ditto Burger King,  if you don't mind a little friendly maternal advice.  Feed the writer, starve the virus, yeah!]   And profound thanks for those amazing blogs.   Hope your recovery is rapid.

[Amerabrit]

Yours is a success story to those reading your post regardless of clearing the virus.  Thank you for sharing your strength, courage and positive attitude regarding your hcv status, you are an inspiration to all. I hope Rev is right and you find your liver is healthier today than before you started tx.  Very best of luck to you.

[honey1616]

I have followed your story and you are definitely a fighter! I wish you the best!