hep-c viral load 9 million have questions

[worrywortmom]

I was just recently diognoised with hep-c and my viral load is 9 million. I would like to here from people that have had that high of a load, and responed to treatment. Don't know what genotype yet. But my doctor said probably a genotype 1, given my past backround, and that with that high of a load I have a good chance of not responding. Could you please tell me how long it takes to get the results for the genotype test. Sonogram was neg and my liver emzyme was slightly elevated. If treatment doesn't work will the high levels of the virus cause liver damage sooner than if the levels were low? If all goes well with the rest of my blood tests i will start treatment in two months, I cant seem to get my mind off of this. But I'm trying to keep my spirits high.  I'm afraid to tell my work, dont know it they can get rid of me or not? Where does hipaa fit in. Can they tell other associates? I dont have much of a support system most of my family lives out of town and my husband just keeps saying its going to be alright. I dont want to here that, what if it isn't!
Cant talk to him about it he keeps telling me give it a rest. i have lots of questions and know answers, please help!

[hepcgirl1950]

I've had genotype 1b for over 30 years and my viral load is 300,000, which is on the low side.  I've known I had it for over 15 years and stopped drinking back then.

Here in a small town in Michigan, the viral load takes about three business days, and the genotype no longer than 5 business days.  They are shipped to the Mayo clinic and the response comes electronically.  I pick my results up at the hospital.

The hardest part was getting someone to run the viral load, since our liver enzymes were in the normal range.  We had to kick and scream, push and batter our doctor to run the load, and then it was easier to get the genotype run.

I will start treatment on the 16th of December.  My sister started on the 16th of November.  Her load was close to 2,000,000.    She is not having any side effects.  Our doctor is a Hemetologist, and he feels that all the additional tests are a moot point because, no matter what, we will treat.  

Don't freak out - - just take care of yourself and get especially healthy for treatment.  Try to eat foods that have not been highly processed & with short lists of ingredients.  Get 10 hours of sleep a night.  Don't stress out.  Get medication for stress rather than experiencing it.

[sunspot]

Only your doc is happy with a 3 log drop in 4 weeks? It's time for you to get out the noisemakers and dance a jig. That is execellent news.
I'll keep you in my thoughts that you will be indetectable at 12 weeks and you are most definitly on your way to that goal.

Dana

Anyone heard from cougareyes?

[2irish]

congratulations!!!  that is really good news.   if it was 80,000 it would have been a 2 log drop...yours is WAY better. the best news you could get!  keep up the good work!!

[worrywortmom]

thanks for all your replies, it is wonderful to here such good news from everyone. you have all been blessed and i feel i will be to. i feel so much better thanks.

[worrywortmom]

does a high viral load mean that i have had it along time?

[Blakester]

My friend has a 3 yr old son named Blake.  3 months ago he was sent home from daycare sick and had a ring around his tounge. It went away but he has been sick off and on since.  Now 3 months later there are two rings and I recently found out that his grandfather, who died of liver failure, had Hepatitis C and wasn't really an alcoholic.  I don't really know anything about it and before I tell my friend that her 3 yr old might have Hep C, I wanted to know what someone else thinks.

Thanks.