12 Week Viral Load 950

[skersj]

Since at 12 weeks I am still detectable, what are my chances of SVR?

[zazza]

I don't agree with Trinity here. I think as a slow responder you should do the full 72, and not try to find some treatment extension plan which is not backed up by studies.

I became UND myself somewhere between week 13 and week 15, and sure enough, it was tempting to do 52, 56, or maybe 60 weeks. This was also suggested to me by one of my doctors. But in the end, I decided to do the full 72, just to be sure I had done everything I could to win the battle against HCV. I am SVR now, and it certainly was worth those 72 weeks on tx.

It is interesting however which week you become UND, as the odds of getting SVR are greater the sooner you become UND.

[skersj]

Although this tx is no picnic, if my blood work stays stable, I am more willing to go 72 weeks in hopes of NOT RELAPSING than to cut it short and start all over again and never know "what if?"  My doctor wants to test every 4 weeks. Hopefully my body will hold out and that will be close enough.  I let them know at my 12 wk check, I am interested in going 48 wks past UND. He suggested at the time before we knew I still was detectable that we might go just a full year but said since we were not on a study, we have option of going 72. . (Hope my insurance feels the same!)  I am being seen at a Liver/Kidney Transplant Center and they tell me the marjority of their patients are HCV+.
Although I felt really bad wk 7 - 10, for some reason, I feel great now even though hgb is low. I pray every day, my that my body is strong enough. I can tell my strength is not what it was before treatment.

[skersj]

Have you taken the Procrit? Does it help with shortness of breath? Sometimes when first beginnning an activity, my heart feels like it is going to burst and I can't breathe, but once I get warmed up, it gets better unless I run alot. I played a very competitive match for 3 hours a couple of weeks ago and the last 30 minutes, I could tell I wouldn't be able to go very much longer no matter how hard I pushed myself. I was wondering how much it would help and how many shots before most people see a difference?

[zazza]

Testing every 4 weeks is fine. That is what I decided to do when I was detectable at week 12.

Tx sure is no picnic, but it is doable - one day at a time. I can't believe I am already 8 months post tx. Just do one day at a time and then suddenly you are all done and it is all behind you.

[skersj]

Are you SVR!!!!?

[Trinity4]

I have no experience with Procrit but many have said it certainly helped with the shortness of breath and fatigue caused by anemia.  I'm sure others will speak.