hepatitis c

Hi There, My husband has Hepatitis C, genotype 3a, and has started treatment with combination therapy, with weekly injections of interferon and riboviron. He achieved a rapid viral response at the 4 week check. He also started off with a high viral load, 6.7, and has had the virus for about 25 years. He is now into week 8 out of 24 weeks of treatment. What do you think his likely hood is of clearing the virus entirely? Do you think he will achieve a sustained viral response, or is it too early to predict? What other tests will he undergo during treatment to predetermine the outcome? I look forward to your reply, thanks,
                                                              Sweetpea333
                                                              

[copyman]

Being a 3a  and with the virus being undetected at 4 weeks he has a very good chance of SVR. There have been studies done and I think it was around 80% for 2 & 3's.

[jdwithhcv]

Hi Sweetpea.  I understand how much you want to know this tx will succeed for your husband, but there is really no test other than the PCR to indicate the what the outcome will be.  As copyman said, the RVR gives him a great chance of SVR.  Be patient, at least its only 24 weeks, and you are one-third of the way there.  Sounds like he's off to a great start, so keep on doing what you do, and keep us posted.  Best of luck.

jd

[Kristina538]

I'm 3a and carried the virus for 26 years.   I treated and cleared last year.   I still have the message saved on my answermachine when the specialist rang me after 4 weeks to advise of the Rapid VResponse.  He was so excited.

Because of early cirrhosis my odds were put, initially at 50/50.  The RVR upped my odds to 80%; without cirrhosis the odds are higher.    

All in all, your husband has got the best results possible at this stage, so congratulations to you both.   It is still a hard road - 2 months completed, 4 months to go..... not too far to the half way mark.    I really wish you both the very best.  Keep the nutrition up, and the fluids,  let him be a 'patient' when he needs to be, and keep in touch.    This site is a godsend - I know a lot of other 3a's will chime in with their stories.

[Bobby1952]

  I am a 3a and had the virus for about 30 years. I finished treatment about 18 months ago and I am free of the virus. There are no guarantees but if he finishes treatment and does not reduce his dosages at any time then he probably has about a 80-90% chance.

Bobby

[sweetpea333]

Hi Bobby, thanks for that encouraging information. I'm a very impatient person at the best of times, and with this Hep C treatment, it's hard to see my husband having to endure the treatment while trying to stay positive. I find myself counting down the days till when he's finished his treatment. He's got other health issues to cope with as well, and I guess I just want to see the end of this road come quickly. He sleeps a lot, and has a terrible itchy rash, flu like symptoms, sore mouth, arthritis,indigestion among other things. Will try to remain positive, and continue counting down the days.

Just one question, since you've been free of the virus for 18 months now, has your general health improved ie, you don't feel as tired any more, feel more energetic etc?

Sweetpea

[IAmTheWalrus]

With rapid clearance at 4 weeks his odds of success are really good compared to other genotypes and responses. Some genotype 1's here have treated multiple times, and for as long as 96 weeks at a stretch, only to relapse. His chances of not having to do it again are pretty good.

As far as other tests, there should only be the blood tests to monitor his health while on TX and the PCR test when he is done with treatment and ususally 12 and 24 weeks after finishing to determine if the virus is really gone for good. So, the whole routine from start to the last PCR test is about 1 year, six months on treatment and six months with periodic blood tests to confirm that there is no relapse.

It is impossible to say in any individual case what the odds of success are, but based on the known factors right now, I'd put money on success (so are you!).

Don't try to take in the whole scenario, just get through each day as it comes. It does end.


Best luck to you and your hubby!