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163305 tn?1333668571

difference between genotype 2 a and b ?

I had my initial blood work done while overseas and all I know is I am genotype 2. Is there much or any real difference between 2a and 2b ? Does anyone know or does it matter?
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146021 tn?1237204887
Thanks, I have a dr.s appt today and will ask. Also re: the paperwork, I am very visual and insist on having copies of all my paperwork. I read it sooften you wuld think there's going to be a test over it in the future. Thanks for your help
Bug
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Quest is an excellent Lab.
I don't know why they didn't give you a full answer. Usually there is no seperate request...the order just reads genotyping.
In regards to tx, there would really be no difference at all.
But whenever something like this occurs, I would not do nothing.
For many reasons you want to no exactly if you are 2a or 2b. You can have the test repeated at another lab, but before you go that route, have your doc call Quest and find out why they didn't determine a or b as well
Make sure you always get all your lab results, the same copy that your doc gets, not some paper the nurses write... everything is normal, your bloodwork is ok, etc.

Ina
Helpful - 0
146021 tn?1237204887
How do I find out if I'm 2a or 2b? They already ran the genotype at a quest diagnostic lab and it didn't specify. I worry about everything now I want to be 2b also!
Helpful - 0
163305 tn?1333668571
Thanks for your concern.  I am in the U.S.  And for the most part I don't feel so bad.  I think that's why I didn't know I had Hep C for so long.
  I've spent a lot of time in Asia and recently took a trip to Thailand to get some  extensive dental work, in preparation for starting tx. I didn't want to encounter dental problems half way through. Thailand is a great place to have medical work done but I don't think that extends to Hep C.
   Yes, I am frustrated. I feel like I am just waiting on paperwork to start something that I truely wish were different ( both the disease and the 'cure').  The fact that tx is so expensive fuels my anger at the greed of the  pharmeceutical companies in general. I keep trying to stay focused.
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Avatar universal
I had 2a, a real stinker.
2a is more often associated with diabetes then any other type, as well as cryoglobulinemia.

Congratulation...if I had a choice, I would have picked 2b.
Maybe next time...

Ina
Helpful - 0
146021 tn?1237204887
Poor orphanedhawk, you sound so frustrated.
I feel so bad that you have it so bad. This disease is just not fair. Neither are ins or drug companies at times. Makes you want to "go postal" waiting, doesn't it? Any chance you can come to the states to treat?
Helpful - 0
163305 tn?1333668571
I'm glad you could see the humor in my previous post.
   I really am starting to believe wire roads don't mean that much in and of, themselves.
   My husband has everything normal except for the presence of Hep and his wire road.  And he drinks and eats cold hot dogs wrapped in tortillas and all kinds of ****! It's an odd disease and if I didn't have cirrhosis, I'd be tempted to wait and see if a safer treatment isn't developed. In my case, my liver is not in good shape so I really need to deal with it. And I am waiting to hear from Roche. I'm experiencing postal delay.
Helpful - 0
163305 tn?1333668571
My wire road ( the accent from the Thai doctor who said wire road instead of viral load, anything for a laugh)is 1,125,900
ALT is 123, AST is 168
  I have cirrhosis and my ammonia levels are high and white blood cells and platlets are low.
   I'm waiting on a snafu in paperwork, for Roche to get me going on Pegasys.
    I found out I have Hep in Sept. 2005 due to my cirrhosis. At first I wanted to treat it with alternative methods. Now I just want to get going with the tx, heal my liver, and get on with my life. My biggest problem is not having insurance and hoping not to entirely wipe out my bank account.  
   I get so angry with the pharmaceutical companies greed.
        What is your situation?
Helpful - 0
146021 tn?1237204887
I remember that post, it was pretty funny. Here is my situation:
Wire road: 11,100,000
Ast 23 Alt 43
Found out in 93
Liver bx in Aug shows stage 1 fibrosis grade 2 inflammation
Have never treated but have almost started and have had the meds since Oct 10.
I did not stop drinking when I initially found out, I am surprised I have such little damage. I initially thought I just had antibodies to the hepc and had cleared it on my own. What a dreamer huh?
I plan to treat soon, just afraid of brain fog and riba rage that everyone talks about.
Good Luck. I hear that if you call the co.'s or write you can get meds for free. Someone should know more about that. I have great ins.
Bug
Helpful - 0
146021 tn?1237204887
Thanks for the clarification. How are you feeling? Have you finished taking care of your sister-in law or who ever had gall bladder problem. Sorry if I got family member or sickness confused.
Bug
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Avatar universal
I asked my doc if I was a 2a or 2b.  She said it really made no difference as to sx or tx, that "2 is 2."  Apparently for all practical purposes they're the same.
Helpful - 0
146021 tn?1237204887
Hi I am a genotype 2 also and have no idea if I am a or b. I had my test done at Quest here in the states.
Do you know your viral load and your liver enzyme levels?
Bug
Helpful - 0
163305 tn?1333668571
Thanks for the clarification.  I love Jack Russels but now all I have is an orphaned hawk, and no body really owns her.
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Avatar universal
I'm 2a with a Jack Russel!  2 is better than 1 usually.
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Avatar universal
Hello fellow 2..  I am 2a and 2b.  Have no idea where I picked it up but obviously from someone that traveled... ha.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
From the janis website:

2a - is the most common genotype 2 in Japan and China.
2b - is the most common genotype 2 in the US and Northern Europe
One way to understand the terminology of HCV like
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