kidney Transplant

[linthomas]

Hi everyone, just wondering how fast VL may go down if you're responding? The transplant DR. said it's a go at 200,00 so I was right. Had ultrasound on liver this morning and will know genptype next wk, along with results of ultrasound. I know it sounds selfish but I would give just about anything to get rid of these diseases for a few, I don't care how many, yrs. Does it matter if there are no elevated emzymes or normal liver function cause everything is within normal ranges, they acted like it was a good thing. Will let you know next wk.

[Honey15637]

Lin,,,,I would think with such a low viral load and you do respond,,,,Probably could run a PCR after 4 weeks and find you undetectable.  My enzymes were always normal also and did tx last year and cleared so far at 6 months.  That is good that you starting out with low viral and low enzymes!  Good Luck!

[cuteus]

I still don't understand what difference the viral load would make in the transplant decission. If it is 200,000 or 2 mill, the virus is still active and replicating. Low vl does not mean less damage or less viral activity.  I just can't see it, someone explain it to me. If the enzymes are normal with present Vl and all the other numbers are within range except for the load, what does it matter if it  does not get to 200,000?

[jmjm530]

I tend to agree with Cuteus, unless there's something we don't know about (very possible LOL) what's the big deal about your viral load. No relationship to liver damage, and once you stop the shots it will go right back up anyway. Maybe you should just ask them, explaining how little liver damage you have.

Anyway...your biggest viral drop ironically is within 24-hours of your first injection. Anywhere from .5 to 2 logs.

Not sure if this is cheating, but if you took a 24-hour post-first injection PCR, you probably can show them the number they're looking for. Even a better chance if you double-dose the shot.

[jmjm530]

On second thought, my previous suggestion  of "stacking" the test results with a 24-hour PCR is probably not responsible advice. Possibly, there's a good reason they want to see the viral level down some. But I'd still challenge them on the point and if you have time you might want to visit some kidney transplant sites and post the same question.

[linthomas]

Thanks everyone, I don't quite understand it myself, seems kinda crazy to me, and also there are no other illness or anything. Maybe it just their guidelines, who knows. Sure is strange. maybe there's a better chance of not rejecting with low VL. I honestly have no idea. I figure on trying to clear virus once I get over transplant surgery anyway, if they will let me, those anti-rejection drugs kinda leave you wide open for everything. But like I said who knows, It makes me feel so much better about all this, at least there's a chance. I felt really hopeless before.

[Honey15637]

My thoughts is that,,,,its the criteria to meet for the kidney transplant. Probably can't have another disease and they know if they can prove hep is undetectable,,,,,then have the go ahead for the transplant.  Is this correct Lin?   Just like liver disease or needing a liver,,,,Not sure but wouldn't we be put last on the list if we still had active hep and would go to someone else that does not.

[Honey15637]

Hey Mattie!  How you and hubby doing?  You know,,,,that really does surprise me!  Seems like there thinking would be,,,,Donate a liver to someone that does not have hep because if they do,,,,the minute after transplant,,,,it will be working on new liver.  But I also know Mikesimon had transplant and did tx after so I guess not.  Great news for all of us though!

Hope you guys are leading a much more peaceful life these days!  I know we are and its kinda nice to not have so much drama in our life lol

[linthomas]

What I was told 3 yrs ago when I found out about this was go on dialysis for the rest of my life, if you run into trouble we will do transplant with Hep C donor, because that would be organ that no one else basically would want. Which would put you higher on list. this was before they got new dr. at transplant ctr. here. Thewhole criteria has been changed, maybe he knows more than the older dr. who knows, just very glad for now he is here. Thanks Linda

[linthomas]

I'm sure you are probably right, i'd say they have to meet something for the insurance to approve it. All I can do is do it, maybe it will go down fast, then I can get well from operation and finish clearing. Thanks everyone for support. No one would talk to me about this. Linda

[couchpotato]

During my husband's initial evaluations for a liver transplant, it was never mentioned or hinted at, that he would be the last in line for an organ due to active hep c. All they said was that if tx did not work beforehand (and it didn't), then he would treat post transplant. Also, because we were/are both geno type 2, we were never given viral load tests so that didn't have a bearing on anyone's decision either. Ummm......

Mattie

[couchpotato]

Thanks for asking, we are both fine. As a matter of fact, my hubby has taken his mother to Ontario for 2 weeks to visit family, so considering where we were a year ago, well, it's unbelieveable!

So glad you and yours are doing great also. What a turnaround, huh?

Mattie

[couchpotato]

That's really weird, either dialasis for life or a hep c organ. What a choice! I have heard of a fellow around here who had a liver transplant from a hep c donor and now he has genotype 1 and 2. So thankful my husband is not in that boat!!!

Mattie

[cuteus]

what a trade off for that fellow! a new working organ that comes with a new genotype! I hope they don't consider the extras a plus!


So glad to hear hubby is improving considerably. Do they want him to treat soon? How long after transplant do they biopsy?

Someone posted a short time ago of her father's or husband's transplanted liver been attacked at a faster rate than expected, and I was worrying about you guys...

[couchpotato]

Last time we were in Vancouver we were told they like to wait at least a year before tx, if there are no signs indicating it should be done sooner. His ALT numbers have been slightly elevated at times, but they are not concerned at this point. We are hoping to go to Mexico (we own a casita there), in November for 6 weeks and then maybe sign up for that hellish trip of tx then. I am sooo thankful that he is genotype 2, I know we can handle it.

How are you doing? I see you are on here almost daily leading the newbies through the maze, that's very giving of you. Nice lady.

Mattie

[cuteus]

I am staying out of trouble as much as I can, easier to do now that MRS RIBA left the house.
I am at work and have a PC, so it is easier to keep an eye on MH when I have time, risking getting in trouble with IT.  If I am at boyfriend's house is different.  

I WANT TO GO TO MEXICO!
It is going to feel like heaven being there. Hablan espanol?