Viral Load

[SteveHepC]

It's been over 2 years since I've had a Viral Load test. I treated for 22 weeks, was negative (Type 2) at 12 weeks, but had a VL of 122,000 post treatment, then 1,000,000 six months later. All my Liver Panel results are good.......Albumin & Protein on the high side, AST & ALT 43 each. MRI indicates a normal sized Liver & Spleen, no Ascities. I can't have a biopsy due to taking anticoagulants.

I've had three short term Brain Fog incidents in the last three weeks. It could be HE, but my Ammonia levels were normal. I am about to have another VL test today, and I am scared. I didn't do very well on treatment. It hit me real hard. If my VL is real high, I know the Doctor will recommend treatment again. It's been three years. I'm looking for people out there who live normal lives with high VL, and just continue to monitor their Liver Panel results that indicate damage.

[SteveHepC]

The Doctors don't like the risk/reward of a biopsy because I could "bleed out." I take 8mg of Coumadin because of a Mechanical Aortic Valve, which causes my blood to coagulate at about 4 times normal. They claim that low levels of Albumin or Total Protein indicates Liver damage, and mine are always on the high end. Also, the MRI showed no abnormalities. I'm waiting now for the results of the VL. A biopsy is not an option.

[goldenrule]

have you ever had a biopsy?? VL will not tell you the amount of liver damage.. and does not suggest how far advanced the disease is. ask for a biopsy, then decide whether you want to retreat...