genotype

[niki12]

Well I did get a call from the doctor and it is what I was expecting.  I am 1B.  My question is I read somewhere that that is the worse to have.  Is this true and can I beat this?  I am so depressed at the moment.

Thanks,

[snook_man]

It isn't the best.. But there is hope. Many here have been 1b's, and are now rejoicing in a life HCV free. Your chances at SVR are about 50%..
I'm a 1a, and been undetectable since week 12. Dr believes I went negative at week 4.

[niki12]

What is the difference between a 1A & 1B if any???

[chellski]

i'm type 1, they were not able to detect a or b; however i don't know difference.  Anyway, as Snook says, many type-1's have beat this.  The way i understood is type 1 and 3 are just harder to treat but not UN-TREATABLE!
come here often and you will have cheery days - hell i do most of my laughing sitting right in this chair, on this site.  These heppers never lose their sense of humor tho they may get down once in a while.

BTW: my orig ast was 52 and alt was 47; after week #8 they were down to 22 and 17 respectively.  won't get full work up to ck viral load and all until week 12 but i think those ast/alt numbers look pretty good - somethings happening.  i'm 48yo female. don't know how long i've had hep-c but my husband had it also.

good luck and be well!

<3michelle

[dutch_boy]

Niki, please don't despair.....there are so many 1's (both a and b) clearing now!  It is a time to be optimistic and save all the energy, both mentally and physically, to battle this virus.  I have personally known several 1's who were in a bad situation with their viral load being very high.....3 and 5 million, who cleared and are virus free after only 48 weeks of treatment.  Chellski wrote that 1's and 3's are the most difficult to treat but in actuality it is 1's and 4's who get that distinction. Genotypes 2's and 3's are easier to treat with about 70 - 80% chance for SVR.  I am a 4 and was told my chances were only 50% which depressed me terribly but here I am at week 18/48 with an UNDETECTABLE viral load!  This can be you too.  Please don't let the depression and fear zap your energy....I can only say this from experience as when I first found out my situation I was very very depressed for 2 months and the waiting for tests, clearing the body of toxins for many months(my doctor won't treat if one has had alcohol within 4 months), as well as trying to figure out WHAT to do about my Hep C.....this was a terrible time BEFORE I started treatment....but now that I'm on it this is much easier than the time BEFORE starting as my fears have subsided and I had great news at week 12.  It isn't easy but if you choose to treat you CAN do this and expect results as a genotype 1.
Come here often to "unload" as everyone here has been through this!  It will be easier to deal with emotionally over time.
Best to you,
Scott

[BronxRican007]

Welcome to the GT 1b club...other than it sucks (I'm a 1b too) theres not much we can do but play out the card we've been dealt. Yes it is the hardest GT to cure but even some type 2s dont acheive SVR. Try to stay postive, do everything in your power to give yourself the best chance for SVR. Of course you have a chance to best this thing but you have to get real smart on the disease.

Good Luck
Bronx

[Lynne5477]

You're right.  The SVR odds for 1's is not as good as 2&3's but it is achievable.  I don't know why some people respond better than others.  I was a 1B, did 48 wks tx, and am still SVR 6-mo post.  Will do my 1-yr post mid-Sept.

Please make sure your dr will tx you aggressively in that he/she will prescribe additional meds to combat anemia and low WBC's if necessary rather than reduce your dosages.  Get this commitment up front before you find yourself needing it.

I was lucky and didn't need the additional meds but my dr's changed mid-way thru tx and the second dr wasn't near as aggressive as my first.  I would not have chosen my second dr but my first one moved out of state so I was kind of stuck since I was already half-way thru tx.

Good luck to you.