Aa
Genotype 1a/1b
Hi...this is what I know.
I've had HCV for 20+ years and found out just under a year ago. I finally got into the specialist last July and found out 09/05/07 that I'm genotype 1a/1b with a high viral load (doctor's words). From reading these forums briefly, I already know that I should find out exactly what my viral load is and what is considered high. The doc has recommended 48 weeks of Pegetron and I have a liver biopsy scheduled for 09/17/07. Then I'll know what shape my liver is in.
I've been doing some research and spending the weekend reading as much as I can and trying to be smart about this.
Did anyone get a second opinion? (Here in Canada it doesn't cost anything to do that but it sure takes a helluva long time.)
Did any of you have treatment recommended and decide to wait and why?
Not sure what else to ask because I don't know what I don't know.. if you know what I mean! Wondering what any of you can recommend to be sure I find out before I start any treatment.
Thanks in advance and best of it to all of you.
Trish
I've had HCV for 20+ years and found out just under a year ago. I finally got into the specialist last July and found out 09/05/07 that I'm genotype 1a/1b with a high viral load (doctor's words). From reading these forums briefly, I already know that I should find out exactly what my viral load is and what is considered high. The doc has recommended 48 weeks of Pegetron and I have a liver biopsy scheduled for 09/17/07. Then I'll know what shape my liver is in.
I've been doing some research and spending the weekend reading as much as I can and trying to be smart about this.
Did anyone get a second opinion? (Here in Canada it doesn't cost anything to do that but it sure takes a helluva long time.)
Did any of you have treatment recommended and decide to wait and why?
Not sure what else to ask because I don't know what I don't know.. if you know what I mean! Wondering what any of you can recommend to be sure I find out before I start any treatment.
Thanks in advance and best of it to all of you.
Trish
Hi PSP...yes in Ontario...Southern Ontario, an hour drive from TO. Thank you. My doc is a Gastroenterologist, a Hep C specialist. Does that make him a hepatologist? (SO much to learn.) Thank you very much, appreciated.
what Province are you in? I am in Ontario\...If you are too I can give you my hepatologist name and number
"The doc made it seem like the biopsy was inconsequential with regards to treatment indicating it was required regardless of the biopsy results."
We are not doctors here, but a lot of doctors are woefully under informed about HCV treatment and the current state of the art. The bx is far from inconsequential. In fact, its your ONLY accurate guide to making a time line decision.
- If your bx shows liver histology at Stage 2 or lower, you have the time to wait until the new drugs currently in trial become generally available. HCV progresses slowly. Starting treatment with SOC at this stage makes little sense you could easily wait until the new drugs are available.
- If your bx shows Stage 3 or higher, then time is a more important factor. You don't want to let another year or two pass if you are on the edge of cirrhosis!
The good news is that if VX-950 pans out in Phase III trials next year, then its likely to become available in 2009. The opportunity to participate in the Phase II trials is another option.
We are not doctors here, but a lot of doctors are woefully under informed about HCV treatment and the current state of the art. The bx is far from inconsequential. In fact, its your ONLY accurate guide to making a time line decision.
- If your bx shows liver histology at Stage 2 or lower, you have the time to wait until the new drugs currently in trial become generally available. HCV progresses slowly. Starting treatment with SOC at this stage makes little sense you could easily wait until the new drugs are available.
- If your bx shows Stage 3 or higher, then time is a more important factor. You don't want to let another year or two pass if you are on the edge of cirrhosis!
The good news is that if VX-950 pans out in Phase III trials next year, then its likely to become available in 2009. The opportunity to participate in the Phase II trials is another option.
The doc made it seem like the biopsy was inconsequential with regards to treatment indicating it was required regardless of the biopsy results. However, from reading many things here, I feel otherwise and I do plan to wait for the biopsy results before making decisions. I note you're 46.. same as me.
I know I can do it ... I have conquered plenty in this life already and I have three great kids that are my motivation. I've registered for my fall course regardless and I have been doing exactly what you suggest...I've been gearing up for it and getting ready to do battle in whatever form that turns out to be but reserving my energies until I know exactly where I need to direct them. Now I'll just sit tight for awhile...keep reading things and wait til the bx results are in.
Thank you for the info and encouragement and good luck to you too.
I know I can do it ... I have conquered plenty in this life already and I have three great kids that are my motivation. I've registered for my fall course regardless and I have been doing exactly what you suggest...I've been gearing up for it and getting ready to do battle in whatever form that turns out to be but reserving my energies until I know exactly where I need to direct them. Now I'll just sit tight for awhile...keep reading things and wait til the bx results are in.
Thank you for the info and encouragement and good luck to you too.
Susan, what shape was your liver in when you started treating? 7 rounds.....blessings to YOU.
Have you been doing okay? I haven't heard from you and was wondering. I sent you an email, but didn't hear back. Did you change your name now to nygirl7, from just being nygirl?
Susan400
Trish, I used to be a genotype 1A/1B as well, but after my 7th round of treating, I ditched the 1B and still have the 1A to deal with. Blessings to you.
Susan400
Trish, I used to be a genotype 1A/1B as well, but after my 7th round of treating, I ditched the 1B and still have the 1A to deal with. Blessings to you.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Hepatitis Social Community
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
