miked is back

Guys, I'm back.  

Hopefully my absence didn't cause any worries, although I did see a post by Susan400 asking where I was and what's going on now that I'm 12+ weeks post Prove 3 tx.

First off I was contacted through this forum by several people who asked very pointed questions about my tx with VX950, symptoms and results.  The Vertex release form that I signed said I wouldn't provide sensitive data, whatever that is.  These questions just seemed a bit too close to home and I decided to take a break for a while.  I don't know what Vertex could do to me personally but I sure don't want to cause problems or worse yet delay future treatments for those who really, really need it.

Secondly, I didn't think too much about HCV over the holidays.  We had a stream of friends in from around the world and enjoyed their company, humor, good food and "string me up with a noose" but I indulged in a few glasses of very expensive Cabernet Sauvignon. it was delicious.

Here's the good news.  On January 3rd I met with my Vertex coordinator for a 12 week post tx exam.  The PCR came back two days later still UNDETECTABLE!!!!  Yippe-iii-ooo

All my research indicates that geno 1b's on VX-950 + INF + RBV who experience a rapid virus reduction (RVR) which means goes undetectable before Week 4 (I went UND somewhere between Week 1 and Week 2) and stays UND throughout tx has a very low rate of relapse after stopping treatment.  Once this same geno 1b group reaches Week 12 post treatment and are still UND....100% of them go on to be UND at post treatment Week 24 which is considered the gold standard for CURED!  I'm really happy about what's happening for me.

OK....I'd like to hear from some other Provers:
1.) Susan400 - did you get rolled over into a VX950 + INF + RBV group?  If so, I'll bet a fine dinner that you end up cured.
2.) Missy - What happened with your results?
3.) mremeet - you still UND?
Who else can provide an update?

I'm still suffering from the INF and general weakness but overall life is looking good knowing that most likely HCV won;t be what kills me.

I'll be more regular on the forum.  BTW....I hate the new format.

miked