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How to read HEPTIMAX results?
Hello everyone-I was recently diagnosed w/HCV & just had the HEPTIMAX RNA test. I got the results back but just like someone else on here had stated; I do not see my GI for 3 wks.! I'm not sure which numbers you need to help me figure out what the results mean but I would GREATLY appreciate ANY HELP! Heres what I can gather so far:
===> HCV RNA, PCR QUANT (OUT OF RANGE) 664857 (H) HCV VIRAL LOG 5.823 (H) <1.000 LOG IU/ML
Sure hope someone who knows can help me descypher this????? Thank you all in advance for your time & help!
===> HCV RNA, PCR QUANT (OUT OF RANGE) 664857 (H) HCV VIRAL LOG 5.823 (H) <1.000 LOG IU/ML
Sure hope someone who knows can help me descypher this????? Thank you all in advance for your time & help!
I was reently diagonoised with heb c and I am waiting on which type I have. I just don't know how to feel right now. I don't know what is up and what is down. I know where I got it and the person I got it from was my rapist and he is in prison. I feel like people are saying deadman walking. Or at least that is what I am saying to myself. I will read your posts and get educated. I already feel sorry for my doctors and people who are going to be helping me treat this I ask lots of questions and do not take crap or excuses. HELP!
I'll try and keep this simple because information can be overwhelming at this stage.
1. You have Hepatitis C.
2. You need to find out what type of Hepatitis C you have. This is referred to as "genoTYPE". Ask your GI what your genotype is. If they haven't run a test for it, ask them to.
3. Depending on several factors, you will probably want a liver biopsy. Especially if you're genotype 1. This is a procedure usually done in a hospital but without an overnight stay. The biopsy will tell you how much liver damage you have.
4. Based on your genotype, biopsy results, and other criteria, you will then be able to make a more informed decision what to do next. Some decide to treat right away, some decide to wait. Both sides have pros and cons. You will want to learn what those pros and cons are before making any decisions.
5. Ideally, and especially if you do decide to treat, you should think about getting a referral to a liver specialist (hepatologist). In general, they have more experience than GI's in how to evaluate and treat people for Hepatitis C.
1. You have Hepatitis C.
2. You need to find out what type of Hepatitis C you have. This is referred to as "genoTYPE". Ask your GI what your genotype is. If they haven't run a test for it, ask them to.
3. Depending on several factors, you will probably want a liver biopsy. Especially if you're genotype 1. This is a procedure usually done in a hospital but without an overnight stay. The biopsy will tell you how much liver damage you have.
4. Based on your genotype, biopsy results, and other criteria, you will then be able to make a more informed decision what to do next. Some decide to treat right away, some decide to wait. Both sides have pros and cons. You will want to learn what those pros and cons are before making any decisions.
5. Ideally, and especially if you do decide to treat, you should think about getting a referral to a liver specialist (hepatologist). In general, they have more experience than GI's in how to evaluate and treat people for Hepatitis C.
you have found a very good site
i looked for months to find it and have found the information and feedback make this 'adventure' tolerable.
i've been 24 weeks with g-type 3a and am waiting for test results for 5 weeks- as meki said- a bunch of hurry up an wait.
i hope your treatment is not too difficult, although i found it basically impossible to work (construction) after the first month or so on meds, managable fatique with slight headache have been my main side effects.
i recommend to try and minimize both physical and mental stress as you start this procedure, although you should stay active i found 'over-energizing' to be a strain on my body-let the meds work
good luck-stay strong
i looked for months to find it and have found the information and feedback make this 'adventure' tolerable.
i've been 24 weeks with g-type 3a and am waiting for test results for 5 weeks- as meki said- a bunch of hurry up an wait.
i hope your treatment is not too difficult, although i found it basically impossible to work (construction) after the first month or so on meds, managable fatique with slight headache have been my main side effects.
i recommend to try and minimize both physical and mental stress as you start this procedure, although you should stay active i found 'over-energizing' to be a strain on my body-let the meds work
good luck-stay strong
You aren't alone - just remember that. The people on this forum would do anything that they can to help you. We've ALL been there, exactly where you are right now. Same fears and questions - so ask away. The best thing you can do is to educate yourself as much as you can about this disease and it's treatment. HepC can be a very isolating disease because of the social stigma that unfortunately is often attached to it - and we in here all understand what it's like to need to cry or vent or whine about it all so we can come in here where people UNDERSTAND what we are going through.
It isn't ever "good" news to be diagnosed with a disease but if you had to get one this one is not that bad usually...it's a very slowly progressing disease and there IS a potential cure. I had two different genotypes (lucky me) and still I managed to be cured when at first I was sure it would be impossible!
The good news is yo'uve stumbled into a great place with great people!
Good luck!
It isn't ever "good" news to be diagnosed with a disease but if you had to get one this one is not that bad usually...it's a very slowly progressing disease and there IS a potential cure. I had two different genotypes (lucky me) and still I managed to be cured when at first I was sure it would be impossible!
The good news is yo'uve stumbled into a great place with great people!
Good luck!
Just FYI the main genotypes are 1a / 1b / 2a / 3a
There are others - but the main genotypes that are mostly what folks have are those.
When you determine what Genotype you are - then the Hepatologist or GI who will deal with your treatment --- will determine what standard of care your genotype will get.
The average treatment for 1a 1b is 48 weeks or more of Pegylated Interferon Alfa 2-a...
For 2a / 3a it is 24 weeks.
There are a lot of discussions as to why so long or so short --- but the general gist of it is the strain of the virus.
One of the main things for you to do is to get used to the idea... And to learn about it as much as possible... Don't let it warp you too much.
Most of us go through the typical grief stages --- anger - disbelief - frustration - misery - depression - understanding and then acceptance.
Don't be surprised if you also do that.
Make sure you have someone you can talk to about this... Whether a friend or a professional.
Not everyone knows how they got this virus --- and not everyone who gets the virus got it from sex or drugs --- or any reason they can figure out...
Don't put yourself down.
Learn about it - figure out what you want to do --- there are many options... To treat - not to treat - Pharmaceutical medicines - alternative medicines -- etc.
Each person has to decide what is best for them.
For some folks - treating is not a good option - for others - it is the only way.
You will probably get an order to get a biopsy or get a fibroscan or ultrasound to determine or help determine the level of damage - IF any that you may have.
Then you need to read what the side effects are ---- from the people here on the forum.... And then you have to realize that NOT EVERYONE goes online to figure out what their side effects are ---- those that don't have side effects don't bother to come looking for answers to their problems. LOL!
Anyhow --- Keep a really good sense of humor. That's probably the best piece of advice I can give you --- above everything else ---- keep a good sense of humor.
Don't panic...
Learn all of your options --- get some really good coffee and read the forums.
Don't be surprised or upset if you know more about this disease in a few months than your doctors... It's not abnormal.
Not everyone has the same side effects or symptoms.
Very very nice to meet you and again - welcome to the forums - the folks here are just superb - awesome and very informative.
REmember that everyone is different - so that means there will be differing opinions on this forum and on others.
Read what you can - and make up your own mind.
Meki
There are others - but the main genotypes that are mostly what folks have are those.
When you determine what Genotype you are - then the Hepatologist or GI who will deal with your treatment --- will determine what standard of care your genotype will get.
The average treatment for 1a 1b is 48 weeks or more of Pegylated Interferon Alfa 2-a...
For 2a / 3a it is 24 weeks.
There are a lot of discussions as to why so long or so short --- but the general gist of it is the strain of the virus.
One of the main things for you to do is to get used to the idea... And to learn about it as much as possible... Don't let it warp you too much.
Most of us go through the typical grief stages --- anger - disbelief - frustration - misery - depression - understanding and then acceptance.
Don't be surprised if you also do that.
Make sure you have someone you can talk to about this... Whether a friend or a professional.
Not everyone knows how they got this virus --- and not everyone who gets the virus got it from sex or drugs --- or any reason they can figure out...
Don't put yourself down.
Learn about it - figure out what you want to do --- there are many options... To treat - not to treat - Pharmaceutical medicines - alternative medicines -- etc.
Each person has to decide what is best for them.
For some folks - treating is not a good option - for others - it is the only way.
You will probably get an order to get a biopsy or get a fibroscan or ultrasound to determine or help determine the level of damage - IF any that you may have.
Then you need to read what the side effects are ---- from the people here on the forum.... And then you have to realize that NOT EVERYONE goes online to figure out what their side effects are ---- those that don't have side effects don't bother to come looking for answers to their problems. LOL!
Anyhow --- Keep a really good sense of humor. That's probably the best piece of advice I can give you --- above everything else ---- keep a good sense of humor.
Don't panic...
Learn all of your options --- get some really good coffee and read the forums.
Don't be surprised or upset if you know more about this disease in a few months than your doctors... It's not abnormal.
Not everyone has the same side effects or symptoms.
Very very nice to meet you and again - welcome to the forums - the folks here are just superb - awesome and very informative.
REmember that everyone is different - so that means there will be differing opinions on this forum and on others.
Read what you can - and make up your own mind.
Meki
Oh yes the waiting game, I'm still waiting, and sometimes I think thats the vortex I have entered.... The wait zone... Please dont freak out,,,, it does no good, actually it is better all the way around if you can find that peaceful place in yourself......(I remember when my first indicator came about, the whole room started pulsing and there was an extreme kind of light around everything, its as if everything was about to change, I freaked) It is what it is and you will be OK...... it is a slow progressing disease, and there are ways to treat it. First find out all you can about your current condition, actually the condition of your liver,,, love your liver..... get all your tests back and then take it step by step, figure out what is the best course of action for you.....You may be able to get into a drug study, I'm hoping I can when I'm ready to treat...... Think good thoughts and remember your not alone.... XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX M4now
I know it's a shock to hear that you have a chronic virus, but it is a very slow moving disease and their are many new and powerful treatments that will be available in the near future.
As Meki said, it is a waiting game.
Just as their are many varieties of animal within a species, there are a number of varieties of the HCV virus. These different varieties are called genotypes.
This forum is a good place to get questions answered, so ask away.
Eric
As Meki said, it is a waiting game.
Just as their are many varieties of animal within a species, there are a number of varieties of the HCV virus. These different varieties are called genotypes.
This forum is a good place to get questions answered, so ask away.
Eric
All I can say is get used to the HURRY UP AND WAIT GAME.
The sad thing is --- YOU WILL get more educated than most doctors on HCV.
Take the time to read through this forum... I mean - literally read all of the posts ---- start a month or two back and just read them... Get to know the folks --- how much information is here at your fingertips.
YOU ARE SO WELCOME...
Genotyping --- wow --- ok - you're on the superhighway of information here... So grab some coffee --- Kick back and learn about HepC.... You've got a lot of work to do...
Check these websites: google JANIS AND FRIENDS... go to that website.
Go to HCVADVOCATE
Those sites will give you some information.
Genotypes --- HCV is basically like dogs ---- there are many breeds of dogs. They are ALL dogs --- but a black lab is not a German Shepherd.
Some genotypes are easier (supposedly) to treat than others.
From right now - wow --- I remember being in your shoes --- Life is going to be one big learning curve.
And yeah --- Days --- weeks ---everything seems like an eternity.
But - you will get to know about this disease --- and we're all here with you.
Hugs,
Meki
The sad thing is --- YOU WILL get more educated than most doctors on HCV.
Take the time to read through this forum... I mean - literally read all of the posts ---- start a month or two back and just read them... Get to know the folks --- how much information is here at your fingertips.
YOU ARE SO WELCOME...
Genotyping --- wow --- ok - you're on the superhighway of information here... So grab some coffee --- Kick back and learn about HepC.... You've got a lot of work to do...
Check these websites: google JANIS AND FRIENDS... go to that website.
Go to HCVADVOCATE
Those sites will give you some information.
Genotypes --- HCV is basically like dogs ---- there are many breeds of dogs. They are ALL dogs --- but a black lab is not a German Shepherd.
Some genotypes are easier (supposedly) to treat than others.
From right now - wow --- I remember being in your shoes --- Life is going to be one big learning curve.
And yeah --- Days --- weeks ---everything seems like an eternity.
But - you will get to know about this disease --- and we're all here with you.
Hugs,
Meki
Nice to meet you also & THANK YOU for responding. This is all so very new to me & as with everyone before me I'm sure is quite a shock! I don't have health insr. so I pay a local Health Ctr. on a sliding scale & not to sound ungrateful for their help but they're not the sharpest of pencils : (
All I know is I went in because of horrible back/neck pain & they started w/blood tests for thyroid ect...(just turned 48) & history of Osterporosis in family.
After initial blood tests/chest/back xrays they couldn't find anything.
I scheduled my FIRST mamogram & after 2 mamorgrams & ultrasound they found a cyst which I have to follow-up in 6 months.
That still didn't give me a reason for such PAIN I was in so a DIFFERENT doctor ordered a test for Lupus-RA-COPD & HEP A,B,C.......EVERYTHING came back 'NON-REACTIVE' except for the HEP C ANTIBODY which read: **PRELIMINARY RESULTS** SEDIMENTATION RATE 15 0-20 mm/hr
ANTI-NUCLEAR ANTIBODIES** RHEUMATOID FACTOR 7.1 0-14 IU/mL
Sorry but after that test came back is when she referred me to a GI-Specialist which ordered the HEPTIMAX RNA QUANT test that I got back today.
I don't see any 'GENO-TYPING' you referred to???
Thank you SO SO MUCH for taking the time to relieve some of my stress! I have no idea what's going on & can't see the GI for another (3 WEEKS) for him to explain the results! As you prob. know (3 WEEKS) seems like an ETERNITY !
Nice to meet you!
All I know is I went in because of horrible back/neck pain & they started w/blood tests for thyroid ect...(just turned 48) & history of Osterporosis in family.
After initial blood tests/chest/back xrays they couldn't find anything.
I scheduled my FIRST mamogram & after 2 mamorgrams & ultrasound they found a cyst which I have to follow-up in 6 months.
That still didn't give me a reason for such PAIN I was in so a DIFFERENT doctor ordered a test for Lupus-RA-COPD & HEP A,B,C.......EVERYTHING came back 'NON-REACTIVE' except for the HEP C ANTIBODY which read: **PRELIMINARY RESULTS** SEDIMENTATION RATE 15 0-20 mm/hr
ANTI-NUCLEAR ANTIBODIES** RHEUMATOID FACTOR 7.1 0-14 IU/mL
Sorry but after that test came back is when she referred me to a GI-Specialist which ordered the HEPTIMAX RNA QUANT test that I got back today.
I don't see any 'GENO-TYPING' you referred to???
Thank you SO SO MUCH for taking the time to relieve some of my stress! I have no idea what's going on & can't see the GI for another (3 WEEKS) for him to explain the results! As you prob. know (3 WEEKS) seems like an ETERNITY !
Nice to meet you!
This is your VIRAL LOAD: 664857
This is your LOG: 5.823
You probably have your Genotyping already.
HCV diagnosis usually works like this:
You get a positive Hep Panel for the presence of Hep antibodies
You get a Genotyping and VIRAL LOAD amount
Viral load is just an indicator of how much of the virus is in your blood. IT IS NOT an indicator of how much damage you already have... It's only an INDICATOR...
Viral load will help determine if you are responding to ANY type of treatment.
Welcome to the forum - and nice to meet you.
Hugs,
Meki
This is your LOG: 5.823
You probably have your Genotyping already.
HCV diagnosis usually works like this:
You get a positive Hep Panel for the presence of Hep antibodies
You get a Genotyping and VIRAL LOAD amount
Viral load is just an indicator of how much of the virus is in your blood. IT IS NOT an indicator of how much damage you already have... It's only an INDICATOR...
Viral load will help determine if you are responding to ANY type of treatment.
Welcome to the forum - and nice to meet you.
Hugs,
Meki
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