PCR Question

What is the specific reason we all need to have PCR's done every 3 months? If we relapse is it important to know what month we relapsed for any purpose?

Why cant a PCR be done after 6 months of tx instead of the anxiety of after tx and every three months after??

I am due to go...and just didnt want to go till 6 months were up.

Thanks
Charm

[jdwithhcv]

I don't know the specific reason but I'm pretty sure it would make me crazy to have to wait 6 months post tx for a PCR.  I suppose the sooner a doctor realizes the patient has relapsed the sooner he/she can make a new treatment plan  Anyhow, I would never have the patience to wait, but that is just me!

jd

[charm27]

Thanks JD. I guess I just woke up this morning and feeling CHICKEN!!
I dont want to go....but I will....

I just felt like it was slow torture...and thinking maybe a one shot deal would be better.
Thanks for your input.

Charm

[charm27]

Thanks ELaine, I know we all think differently. Like I said woke up feeling CHICKEN!
My approach was a one shot deal for me would be less stressful.
I should go and I will........

Peace and well wishes
Charm

[Deb_c430]

I can understand how you feel, after the long awful tx you have had, I can understand giving your mind a rest.  try and forget it all for awhile.

You know me well,  it will begin to drive you nuts,  think you need to go but when your ready,    

Hugs

Debski!

[Marcia2202]

My doctor told me that the one really needed is the 6 months. And if the patient chooses not to have any before that, they don't make them.

I will do one after 1 month and then 6 months. I would love to have one in between, but I only have 2.

[Trish77]

That's a good question .... and pondering it, all I can think of is that the results help to give an insight on the outcomes of treatment across various spectrums.  I guess, for me, if I went detectable again, I'd be interested to know how long I held out for.  I do find it valuable to read the results of those who made it past the 12 week PCR and then relapsed after that ... it reminds me that while the 12 week PCR is pretty much bona fide, it ain't over til it's over.  I'm off for my 12 week PCR this month too, Charm.  I can hardly wait actually because it will settle me down a bit.  I say I'm not thinking about it much until I realize how much peace that 12 week PCR will give me.  It will also hit me like a ton of bricks too though if the 6 month one is positive because that 12 week one gives you an increased sense of hope.  What a ride, eh?  

Hang in there, Charm .. just wear your chicken-resistant cape to this one. :)

Trish

[can-do-man]

I really think its more for data. I was like you charm after all those weeks was not in any hurry. I waited almost 4 months. Even though my CBC's made me feel i had already relapsed.

[rita863]

Charm, I certainly know the 'chicken' feeling i had all last week, and ya know i went had the blood test and just got the call yesterday, all week I really has tried to push it behind me,  Work was busy, Justine was going back to school, Selling the house etc. ectc.

I wish you all the best my friend, I want to be yelling SVRRR with you.

Now here is my question, My doc said 4 weeks then three months and after three months he  considers SVR?  So is it three or six?

Peace
rita

[jmjm530]

We had one member who waited I believe close to 2 years after treatment to test. Many others, like myself, tested at week 4. I guess it really depends on how soon you want to know and with how much certainty. At week 4 post, you can be fairly certain (90%) of an SVR. At week 12 you can be pretty much as certain as at week 24 (98-99%). At one year post, the degree of certainty approaches 100%.

-- Jim

[rita863]

Were there many who cleared at 4 and then relapsed after?

So charm, now i am getting nervous,  I guess i have been so busy with all thats happening i have never really read all the details!

[Debbie223]

I am so with you... the waiting is a killer. I am due to go in March...working on thinking postive..

[Rockerforlife]

If your LFT enzymes are still in the same low numbers at the time you stopped TX...usally they are in the 20`s. the odds are really high your are still clear....what are your LFT numbers now compared to EOT?

[jacksonblue]

best of luck have relapsed 3 times always at 4 week i think jim has it right

[comeagain]

I will only get one 24 week post tx I did EOT and  was UND.  Last thursday I did  post 4week regular blood tests neuthrophils, bilrubin. WBC, alt , asat, redbloodcount platelets etc.
If my alt has skyrocket they will give me a PCR asap if not another test as last thursday 12 w post and then PCR at 24weeks post tx.

I´ve just decided to ask for a test or go elsewhere and take one (alat asat) 8 weeks post aswell.

At first treatment they did a test 12 weeks not before after EOT and I had got it back and my alat was twice as high as it ever has been during 16 years of checking up.

Bottomline you can always take alat tests regular since it cheap and give an indication of what is happening, just wanna add this to everyone on treatment, this is after treatment.
During  tx  those values are not to be trusted as much or at all as a indication since the meds can higher aswelll as lower the alat asat .

[charm27]

My liver enzymes have always been between 60 =70 before tx. During tx they were in the 30's and EOT still are. I believe Deb said she relapsed at month 11.
Im not trying to be negative here so dont get me wrong. Thanks Jim I wasnt aware of those percentages.
At least for whatever its worth I know Im not the only chicken. I have 2 hepatologists 1 says you arent clear till a year-other says 6 months.
Hepatologist said if clear at a month we have some hope, at 3 months we have more hope and if we are clear at 6 we can start humming a tune.!
Im not nervous...I guess just want it over with.(The same thing I imagine)
Keepyou posted- I did clear somewhere between week 6 and 7.
We shall see.
Thank you ALL!!!
Charm
P.S>- One doc is an alarmist! The other very laid back! So its hard to find medium ground with them.

[charm27]

Had not a clue that if you are UND at week 4 you have 90% chance.
That should perk alot of people up!

Good odds!
Again thanks Jim & everyone!

[Rockerforlife]

I will bet you 1000 dollars you are clear...you have no virus in your body....my nurse has told me over the 20 years she has been working with hepatitis...if your enymes are stiil low now, as they were at EOT....you are one lucky woman....MARK MY WORDS

[comeagain]

EOT result says nothing more than that you hasn´t got a viral breakthrough.
Charm hasen´t they been taking any enzymes tests on you after tx.

My doc said once that about 90% that relapses do that within the first 8 days after tx, guess that is after last riba. UND 4 weeks is even little more than 90% and 12 weeks if not cirrhotic is 100% SVR some studies claims ,how much you can trust a singel or a few studies is another question .

[Isobella]

You may like my way of testing....it's perfect for us chickens.

I'll let them do their post PCR's whenever they want.  I'll just tell them not to call me with the results. LOL!  Far as I'm concerned-I'll still be UND.

Seriously tho, the only ones I care about are 4 weeks post and 6 months post. And I am sure my head will pop off while I am waiting to hear those magic words.

You're gonna be fine.Heading straight towards SVR.  And to all of you that are just coming off tx....I wish you the same =)

All the best,

Isobella

[Kristina538]

I won't be getting a PCR until 6 months post, but will be getting normal CBC's and LFT's at 4 weeks post and 12 weeks post (and possibly more often depending upon some results; thyroid etc..).    

When I relapsed in '94 my ALT's showed quite a rise at 4 weeks post and quadrupled at 8 weeks post as the virus was re-establishing itself before it settled down again;  so I personally I feel I can gauge a fair bit from the CBC's before the 6 month PCR is due.   I would like to have PCR's done more often with a view to not only tx plans but lifestyle plans and health plans etc;  but am happy to be getting full bloodwork in the meantime.

"Put your chicken-resistant cape on" lol (and pass it to the rest of us when you don't need it any more)....  The stats from Jim certainly helped!!  

[charm27]

Thanks everyone. Im going to put my chicken suit on and Im going tomorrow morning!
Yellow feathers and all.
What ever will be will be.

Thanks for responding ALL of you!

[Deb_c430]

I do love you! Knew you would!    take picture of chicken  suit! I will make you the son I said son guy! XOXO

[charm27]

I cant see the darn chicken suit I posted!! Only you can! Bummer!
Where is it?? On my profile!!

I knew you's like it!

Wish I could see it??

[Deb_c430]

I am not sure I do remember it tho? It was funny!

[jdwithhcv]

If you go to the lab in a Foghorn Leghorn outfit please have somebody take a video of that.  I'd LOVE to see the expression on the vampire's face.

jd

[charm27]

Now I can see a chicken!! jd if ever i do go to the vamp as a chicken or leghorn I will take a pic! I always walk around with my digital camera! What  a rip that would be!!
HA!

[IAmTheWalrus]

I'll be keping my fingers crossed and wearing my chicken suit (closest thing I could find) in the meantime.  I found the post and comments helpful as I'll be playing the same wating game in a while.

Trish - Good luck on your 12 week test coming up!

Brent

[spcecst2]

Happy New Year, I waited six plus some to do my test, if your not going to do another round if you relapse, then I don't believe there is a reason to do a three month, in my case I did three month pcr for round one and round two cause I knew I would want to get back on treatment (which might have helped me get the svr on round three) but after round three I knew I was going be taking taking a break until I could get something new so I waited for the test!!!! You got the svr anyway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[charm27]

Thanks guys! Ths is my first PCR the 4week post tx one. Thats why I must wear my chicken suit!

If I pass this one ( fingers crossed) I will have some more hope.
I know someone that did 72 weeks and finished tx two years ago hasnt gone for PCR yet!
Thanks for the encouragement spcect2!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Walrus-This is my 4  week post! Thanks for the support as well.!
I WISH YOUALL THE LUCK IN THE WORLD !
Thanks.

[can-do-man]

You were und early, don't think hep-c wants to mess with you again. So you will be just fine.

BTW, hope someone is remembering to water ya...... Only the best for you girl

[kickboxingmom]

Your 4 week post IS going to be Great News !Put your Super-Hero Suit on.Throw the chicken suit out.You have nothing to fear.With your positive attitude you will do this and wear no suits.OHHHHHH ! Wear what you want...Will be waiting for your results .Which will only be good and you'll be happy you went.
Tammy

[charm27]

Can-do- Thanks! Just came back had my PCR done this morning.
            Yes someone is watering me! Thanks so for you support!


Tammy-I thank you for all your well wishes thruout my tx!
            Will keeep you posted!
            Feel Well and best to you too!
          

[nygirl7]

Just so you know.............even the two year PCR puts you on pins and needles - just that old nagging worry each and every time.

But once you've had the 3 month you can be pretty sure they rest will come out the same way, negative negative negative.

Just like i am SURE this 4 week is too! Once you get that one under your belt, you'll feel MUCH better about the rest of them!

I can't imagine going 72 weeks then NOT having a PCR that would make me insane - all that not knowing either way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Deb_c430]

I think it was with the funny animal pictures?  it was around that time i think ?     Charm didn't go 72 weeks, though it felt like it to her. She did a year.  

[Deb_c430]

oh you found it cool, so cute