Viral Load

[Mountain_Girl_2006]

I was just wondering with a viral load of over 7 million, if this is considerd very high or on the low end..my Husband was diagnosed with HebC about 2 month ago and was told that his viral load is over 7 million, but that his enzyme levels had stabilized..He has to stop drinking all together (Which he is), has to stay sobber for one year before they will determine whether or not he needs treatment. Is this the usual approach? We understand if he doesn't stop drinking this could end up being fatal, while of he does stop and stays sobber he should be able to live a full life. He is only 40 and I plan on keeping him around for quit some time. They doctors told us that they won't be able to get a clear picture of what kind of damage there is and how bad until he is sobber and they can redo the viral load and possible biopsy. Has anyone here been thru the getting sobber and biopsy? If so was the outcome promissing after stop drinking? Any information and help would be greatly appreciated. We have 3 kids to raise and a new one on the way, so i certainly can use any help on this in what i might have to expect thru out all this, especially if it comes to having to have treatment in a year. I hear it is a killer on the body,mind and soul and the loved ones around him.

[mikesimon]

Pop the F'n cork already. Seriously - congratulations Jim!!!!!!! That's just wonderful news and thanks for sharing it. Mike

[jmjm530]

Thanks. I do have a big grin going. Maybe a sip of Amstel Light? Still very respectful of the virus though, so won't jump up and down on Opra's couch till the three-month.

[returntosender]

Dont want to jinx anything but that is a nice piece of news and one that I know you were really anxiously awaiting - 1 down - 2 to go.  Dam* - two TMA tests - talk no nonsense news gathering!

[NYgirl]

First off - congrats on the pregnancy! Be warned really really really good though - the medications that we take for treatment (the Ribavirin really) is INCREDIBLY damaging to a fetus, you cannot go NEAR the meds I mean it you can't even TOUCH it or you could have a big problem.  Also while he is on them, you'd most likely believe it or not want to practice safe sex and use condoms. This medication is just bad bad bad stuff so you need to be careful and protect you and the baby!

I know you are desperately worried about hubby but you will need to worry about you too.

He really, really needs a biopsy. As an active alcoholic (and sorry but yeah one beer every once in a while doesn't change the fact he's an active alcoholic - he's still drinking and doesn't yet realize he CANT drink end of story no more ever (it's hard I know first hand so I just think "None today, maybe tomorrow" when I have to).  A biopsy is the only way he will be able to determine if you need him to treat RIGHT NOW or not.

Given your pregnancy situation I'd make sure that he was advanced (but sorry a really good chance there with the hard core drinking) before I just let the Ribavirin in my house and near the baby you know?  

Still if you are careful all should be fine there. He needs to know where he stands - it's painless really even though it doesn't sound it.

Hey RETURNTOSENDER
This was the BEST way I ever heard it put before

mg - The difference between having hepatitis c and drinking while having hepatitis c? One of those two choices kills you and the other inconveniences you. IMHO.

That says it ALL right there.

Mountaingirl - alcohol can make the Interferon NOT work so if he does have even ONE drink there is a chance that the virus CAN start replicating again. There is NO drinking not at ALL on tx otherwise...there is just no sense to bother. Treatment is LONG and HARD and if he's not going to drink free and get a chance at being cured there is just no sense to suffer the side effects etc. just for the sake of saying "I'm in treatment" you know?

Best of luck.

I

[cuteus]

YOU ARE DONE! FINITO! THE END OF THE CHAPTER, close the hcv book.  One less thing to worry about.


mountain girl, Given that he has been drinking for that long, I would not wait a yr for a biopsy, especially with hep c involved.  Give it further thought and good luck

[jmjm530]

Is this the same "I'm not going to relax until my 1-year post tx viral load test" Cuteus? LOL.

Thanks for the encouragment and support!

-- Jim