Some help here please?

[tigerdream]

My PCR (viral load) test finally came back after 7 weeks and one re-draw. Jeezzzz, I hate waiting! Oh, genotype2b, age 36, female, infected approx. 17 yrs., normal bloodwork across the board, except the Dragon of course, have'nt done tx (hoping to wait a few yrs for protease inhibitors). Anyhow it came in as 1,343,040 now I don't want to seem stupid, but, tell me... good... Bad...? In Between? Does it matter alot? I have'nt had a biopsy in 7 yrs (Dr. said "looked good" then). I am going to make an appointment for one asap though. I figure thats the real tell all, but still would like to know if anyone has any opinions, facts, statistics that may be pertinant to my situation? I feel like I am in need of some info, so if anyone can help me I welcome any and all opinions and advice please.  Anything? Thanks in advance, I really appreciate it.  ~tigerdream~

[tigerdream]

Thanks so much everyone! I have gotten something slightly different and useful from every comment, thats what I love about this forum, somehow I always feel better just getting some input. I have made an appointment with a gastroenterology Doc yesterday, as I had been seeing a General Practitioner since just moving to this area and State, thats why I appreciate your comments/opinions too as I don't really have friends here yet. I will be getting a biopsy again soon and am hoping for the best as always. Thanks emop, ponygirl, mofo, suzi, and everyone for thier tidbits here and there. As always hoping for an end to this for us all, peace and happiness to you. ~tigerdream~

[mofo]

If your last biopsy was seven years ago, it would seem prudent to have another.  It's usually recommended every three years, and in your case, it might give you some extra confidence on where you stand.

[ponygirl]

Good News!!! You have your genotype, age, gender, viral load all in your favor! My doctor considers anything under 2 million low. He also pushes all geno 2's and 3's into treatment regardless of their liver biopsy because the svr rate is so high. Congratulations. You hit the HCV lucky jackpot!

[JennyPenny]

Hi there. Your viral load is considered to be low/medium, depending on who you talk to. It has no bearing on how severe your disease is or how slow or fast you will progress. The lower the viral load, the easier it is to clear the virus while you do treatment. Viral load is used to confirm that you have chronic HCV and to monitor whether treatment is working. The fact that your labs are normal usually means you have a benign form of the disease and may never progress. If I were you, I'd have a biopsy to compare to the one 7 years ago and if you have little or no progression, revisit the treatment issue at that time with your doctor.

Susie
www.hepcassoc.org

[emop]

If you got it, you got it...it doesn't go away...and will probably get worse over time which will put you at a higher risk and may be harder to treat.  I wouldn't wait too long, get all your affairs in order and do it.  I'm going on week 7 and so far it hasn't been too bad. I haven't missed work (although I was late a few times). Before treatment your doctor should do a liver biopsy which will tell him how he should treat you. I read these posts almost everyday for about 5 months before I started tx, and have found answers to almost everyone of my questions prior to tx. and it sure helps while on tx to know your not alone. THANKS EVERYONE!