Here are my stats

[daniel2u]

As of 8/03 I was genotypef1 grade 2 stage II.  
as of 5/16/08                                             6/3/08
Viral Load: 4,390,000                                 1,730,000
ALT: 48                                                     33
AST: 35                                                    37 or 32 (can't read the doctors writing
Bilirubin: 0.3                                              0.7
Albumin: 3.6                                              3.9

I have to research what all of this means.  Doctor says that I have to go down one log by 12 weeks  in order to continue tx.  
Also, in trackers I did not know how to enter the numbers 4,390,000 and   1,730,000 so I just entered  them   at 4 and 1 million.  If there is a more accurate way to record them please let me know.  It is 8:00 so I will have to  research this information later.  If any one of you are any good at interpreting this information you are welcome to do so.
Daniel
                                            

[fretboard]

It used to be used as a subtype, I think you probably have to be scientific in nature to figure it out or even understand it.  Guess I better get with the times, yeah I'm HepC 1.  LOL   Maybe someone else will chime in with the answer to that.  later  

"Serological determination of hepatitis C virus (HCV) subtypes has been hampered by the lack of suitable assays. Therefore, a recombinant immunoblot assay has been established for serological differentiation of HCV subtypes 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, and 4a".

[daniel2u]

Fretboard
What does the A in genotype 1A stand for.  I don't remember my doctor mentioning anything like that.  
Daniel

[fretboard]

I think you're doing good, since I haven't tx'd yet I don't have anything to compare you to but your numbers look alot like mine.  Looking at your VL, it started at almost 4.5 million and now it's under 2 million.  I think you're doing as well as you can expect, I notice you're scores intently as I'm almost about the same levels as you are in, at least in March of this year my VL was.  My grade and stage are really close, keep in mind that those scores on my profile are from 6/05.  I'm a geno 1A and if you look at my profile, you'll see the similiarities.  Good Luck  

[daniel2u]

Is there anything I can do to increase the odds of dropping two logs in the next four weeks?
Daniel

[daniel2u]

Thanks everyone for your comments.  I look at it like this I did not
5/16/08  was a pre tx blood test and my viral load was 4,390,000.    
However, I did not start  PEG-IFN Alpha2a injections and  Ribavirin until 5/28/08.  
One week after I began tx  was my first blood test. That was 5/4/08.  Do after one week of tx VL went from 4,390,000 to  1,730,000    I believe the the date 6/3/08 is when the lab test was complete.  Thanks for well wish I hope you don't mind me coming back with more questions and advice.  I am determined.  
Daniel

[HectorSF]

Daniel,

I'm assuming this is your 4 week results?
All is looking good as far as your liver is concerned. Hopefully your VL will start dropping rapidly so your VL is undetectable by week 12.

ALT (7 to 56)                               48            33
AST (5 to 40)                               35            37 or 32
Total bilirubin: 0.3 to 1.9 mg/dL     0.3              0.7
Albumin range (3.5 to 5)
All look within norms.

log(4,390,000) = 6.64
log(1,730,000) = 6.24
Log10 variation 0.40
(I think this is correct. Someone will correct me if I have errored here).

2 log drop from intial VL = 43,900
You want to get to a least 43, 900 by week 12. Preferably undetectable.

"Doctor says that I have to go down one log by 12 weeks  in order to continue tx."  
Actually ff the viral load goes down less than 2 log (less than 100 fold) by week 12 you are a "null responder". A "null response" is a less than 2 log decline in viral load by week 12. Patients who do not achieve an EVR will not achieve undetectable HCV RNA with continued treatment and are referred to as having a "null response". The lack of an EVR is therefore an excellent marker for nonresponse and has become a widely accepted indication for stopping treatment. (I'm in this category unfortunately).

Most patients with genotype 1 who achieve undetectable HCV RNA do so after Week 4 of treatment. Previous studies have demonstrated that approximately 35% of genotype 1 patients achieve undetectable HCV RNA between Week 4 and 12 of treatment. Recently, these patients have been termed as having a “complete” EVR. Another 15% of genotype 1 patients achieve undetectable HCV RNA between Week 12 and 24 of treatment and have been referred to as “slow to respond.” - Mitchell Shiffman M.D.

Keep up the good work!
Hang in there!
Hector

[NashPred]

As far as the  Tracker goes, you can enter one number as 4.39 and the other number as 1.73.

[copyman]

you doctor does not sound that informed and up to date. you need a 2 log drop by week 12 but for the best chance to be cured UNdetectable by 12 weeks. You HAVE to be undectactable by 24 weeks or stop. wishing you the best

[Trinity4]

Most doctors want to see a 2 log drop by week 12.  If you have a 2 log drop by wk 12 it increases your chances of SVR not to say people who don't get the 2 log at 12 shouldn't continue to treat.  After 24 weeks, if you are not UND, most doctors will discontinue treatment because your chances of clearing the virus are very very low.  All your other numbers look good to me.
Trin

[DB 0]

You need to get under 1 million for a one log drop,so if you have only been on TX for 3 or 4 weeks your getting there.It takes a while for the meds to come up to level.The simple way to figure a 1 log is when a 0 falls off the end,like 6 numbers instead of 7.The ALT and AST should drop some also.