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Viral Load
My Doctor said when I started out in Feb 2006 that my virial load was 800000, now it is down to 8000, is there a chance that it will become undetectable in the next 5 months, he says he does not see it happening. Please share with me your opinions. Also what does B12 do for Hep c and where can I get it? I feel so tired all the time I had to quit my job. I'm a mess.
Your viral load drop from 800'000 to 8000 is a 2-log drop. The general consensus is that if you do not have a 2-log drop by week 12 or if you have a 2-log drop by week 12 but are not undetectable by week 24, then there is so little chance of success that termination of treatment is recommended.
Here is an article from Clinical Care Options which I think will interest you. It is called "Understanding HCV Nonresponse and Identifying Candidates for Retreatment". Registration is required but free.
http://www.tiny.cc/ilRHl
Since your biopsy showed early stages of cirrhosis, I would be proactive. Try to get an appointment with a hepatologist, if you are not going to one already, to discuss your options. Check out what trials are being run with new drugs such as protease inhibitors and see if that can be something for you.
You did have some response to treatment since you had a 2-log drop. If you weigh more than 230 lbs, you may want to discuss a higher dose of ribavirin with your doctor next time around. (Not suggesting that you do, just trying to look at all possibilities.) You do need to treat with a different regime next time around, since SOC (standard of care) does not seem to do it for you.
Keep at it, there are a lot of people around who have succeeded, even when they lost the first round. There is so much happening in the field of treating this virus, so becoming an informed and proactive patient can be important in getting the treatment you need to win this battle. This forum is a very good place for support and information. I wish you the best.
Here is an article from Clinical Care Options which I think will interest you. It is called "Understanding HCV Nonresponse and Identifying Candidates for Retreatment". Registration is required but free.
http://www.tiny.cc/ilRHl
Since your biopsy showed early stages of cirrhosis, I would be proactive. Try to get an appointment with a hepatologist, if you are not going to one already, to discuss your options. Check out what trials are being run with new drugs such as protease inhibitors and see if that can be something for you.
You did have some response to treatment since you had a 2-log drop. If you weigh more than 230 lbs, you may want to discuss a higher dose of ribavirin with your doctor next time around. (Not suggesting that you do, just trying to look at all possibilities.) You do need to treat with a different regime next time around, since SOC (standard of care) does not seem to do it for you.
Keep at it, there are a lot of people around who have succeeded, even when they lost the first round. There is so much happening in the field of treating this virus, so becoming an informed and proactive patient can be important in getting the treatment you need to win this battle. This forum is a very good place for support and information. I wish you the best.
Hi sorry it took so long to reply, I just haven't been feeling my best.
First day of treatment was 2/12/2007, base line was 800,000, I get a viral load done every three months, unsure of the results except for Sept. was 8000. I forget the genotype, sorry I am treating for a year with interferon 180mcg sq weekly, Ribavirin 600mg am and 600mg pm. Yes I have has a biopsy done, and I have early stages of cirrisshos(?). Sorry with my memory this is the best I can do. Thanks for helping me, I feel so alone in all this. No friends or family support. Thanks again. Have a good night.
First day of treatment was 2/12/2007, base line was 800,000, I get a viral load done every three months, unsure of the results except for Sept. was 8000. I forget the genotype, sorry I am treating for a year with interferon 180mcg sq weekly, Ribavirin 600mg am and 600mg pm. Yes I have has a biopsy done, and I have early stages of cirrisshos(?). Sorry with my memory this is the best I can do. Thanks for helping me, I feel so alone in all this. No friends or family support. Thanks again. Have a good night.
I am a little confused about the dates and viral load numbers you have given. Would you please clarify this for me?
What date and year was your first day of treatment?
What was your baseline viral load (before taking the first shot)?
Which dates have you since taken viral load tests?
What were the results?
What genotype are you?
How long are you treating?
What doses of interferon and ribavirin?
Have you had a biopsy done?
If you provide these answers, we will help you look at your viral load decrease, to the best of our ability. Remember we are also hep C patients.
What date and year was your first day of treatment?
What was your baseline viral load (before taking the first shot)?
Which dates have you since taken viral load tests?
What were the results?
What genotype are you?
How long are you treating?
What doses of interferon and ribavirin?
Have you had a biopsy done?
If you provide these answers, we will help you look at your viral load decrease, to the best of our ability. Remember we are also hep C patients.
Also I am diabetic, it's hard to controll with the INF, another thing brain fog made me forget to add. lol
I have tried for SSI and been denied three times as I have back problems and depression and anxiety all before I found out I had Hep C. I just wish I had more hope that the inf was going to do it's job for me before Feb. No I am not on Procrit, my doc says I don't need it yet. I am surley going to ask about the B12, I need something, it takes all me energy just to get out of bed. Thanks to all who have replied to my post. I feel confortable here. Good Day all.
B12 has helped me a great deal. I give myself an injection every two weeks. It really increases energy. Since I don't have anemia but do have macrocytosis on treatment, it helps with that. It has managed to decreased my red cell distribution to normal range.
Your doctor will have it. Mine allows me to inject myself. It's harder than IFN to inject because the needle is larger and you have to shoot IM versus subcu with the IFN. Best to shoot in the booty but I can't reach it so i shoot in the upper thigh.
Your doctor will have it. Mine allows me to inject myself. It's harder than IFN to inject because the needle is larger and you have to shoot IM versus subcu with the IFN. Best to shoot in the booty but I can't reach it so i shoot in the upper thigh.
Please see if you can get temporary disability. Since you have quit your job already you might want to get advice from an attorney.
Maybe you get in a clinical trial. Many are doing great with the trials. Your doctor has B12 shots. I get one once a month, that is all my insurance will allow. It's not too hard for me to get them because I have been a lacto vegetarian for 42 years, very liver friendly. B12 shots help to give you energy. How are your hemoglobin lab results? Are you taking Procrit? Best wishes to you.
Maybe you get in a clinical trial. Many are doing great with the trials. Your doctor has B12 shots. I get one once a month, that is all my insurance will allow. It's not too hard for me to get them because I have been a lacto vegetarian for 42 years, very liver friendly. B12 shots help to give you energy. How are your hemoglobin lab results? Are you taking Procrit? Best wishes to you.
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