Where do they all go (the virions)?

If this illness is producing up to 1 trillion virions and then mutations a day, where do all the "old" or "dead" virions go?  Is it possible that one place they are excreted is through our skin, and that this, in part, explains the rashes?  I ask this because I had skin rashes BEFORE starting tx, when I was in the acute Hep C phase and my immune system was on it's own, fought off the virus down from a VL of 3,143,000 IU's to 140 IU's in a matter of 6 weeks. I've also noticed I get the rashes in places I sweat (under my arms, certain joints, etc).  I'd really be interested to hear your thoughts, ideas or knowledge about this.  Thanks, Aiuta

[pigeonca]

That's a fascinating question, but I haven't a clue.  As far as rashes go, here's my theory (that of an English and philosophy major, so it's unscientific as s**t):

When you're sick with hcv, your body manufactures interferon, just not enough of it.  The interferon causes a rash.  Treatment involves still more interferon.  If you were getting some rashes before treatment, you'll get still more and worse rashes while undergoing the program.

My unscientific theory is that interferon - whether one's own or purchased in a vial - causes all sorts of autoimmune reactions, including skin problems, some major.

[FlGuy]

With apologies to Pete Seeger:

Where have all the virons gone?
Long time growing
Where have all the heppers gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the livers gone?
Covered with riba every one
When will we ever clear?
When will we ever heal?

[jmjm530]

More likely the new rash is/has been being caused by the tx drugs. Sebboreah Dermatitis is associated with combo treatment and often occurs where the  sebaceous glands are most prominent, like the armpits, and other places where you sweat. It could also be simply an irritation of some sort caused by the sweating itself, as tx/post tx skin is very sensitive. Definitely see a dermatologist if it doesn't get better soon. While moisturizers are frequently the first line of defense with seb derm, they can sometimes make the problem worse by clogging the pores.

All the best,

-- Jim

[GrandOak]

An Interesting question ineed.

I suspect that a good many get absorbed or are secreted through body wastes.

Perhaps one reason we need to consume so much water, the meds are diuretic, and we are every vigilant to the location of restrooms wherever (or is it whenever? < VBG >) we go.

[wyntre9]

GD,

You're a riot!  hahahahah.

FlGuy, Don't quit your day job.  (Just kidding)

But as I read through the verse, I kept envisioning that naked comedienne with the guitar slung across his torso strategically covering the family jewels giving a rousing rendition of what could definiteley be voted one of the forums new favorite anthems...

...while GD is doing running commentary in the background about BREAKING NEWS...

[GoofyDad]

This morning my trashcans were overturned and the plastic trash bags were turned out. **** everywhere. I first suspected a herd of marauding bull elephants were collecting the plasic liners for protected sex. But now I'm thinking it was more likely a gang of disgruntled virons chased out by the interferon and pissed off as H3ll.  

[Forseegood]

interesting theory, good as anyone's elses I'd bet, hope youre well...

FlMan: hey, you missed your calling! Hope youre well too, good to hear on another post of yours that youre doing better with the sides of the Horsey...

[ladybug52]

How are you these days? As far as the virus, dead cells die and or transported out of our system like all waste material. Your symptoms are probably related to side effects of the meds still in your system. However, we can sweat out garlic and ever known a drunk who smells like beer still the next day? Seems to come out of their pores!
Bug

[aiuta]

Thanks for the post.  It was helpful.  I'm finishing up my last week of tx.  I have some fear about the upcoming 6 months of waiting.  Had some family illness (other than me) recently, so I've been dealing with that.  Thanks again, Aiuta  

[paleface]

I would imagine your immune system gobbles up the dead viruses via various white blood cells (macrophages, neutrophils etc.).  

I am so happy you are at the end of your treatment course.  You held on a lot longer than I did.  I did the 24 wk treatment (geno 1b acute), and just got my 3 month PCR result.  Undetectable!!  woo hoo.  I was a basket case for the two weeks prior to getting the test results.  I went out and had 1.5 beers.  Really felt the effects (enjoyed myself immensely) of the alcohol.  Now i feel ready to take on life again.  I am feeling better every week (now at 4 months post treatment) I am getting my brain back.  I am almost ready to back to work full-time.  Sure takes a long time to recover from this toxic waste.  I imagine I will be nervous about the six month test too, but not as nervous as I was about the 3 month.

Love to hear how you do post-treatment.  Take care.