Genotype 4

[zeke58]

Hello.  Anyone have any experience with Hep C, Genotype 4?

[Bali05]

That`s great. It is really important to be comfortable with your decisions.
Is your specialist and GP one and the same person ?
I do recommend finding a good hepatologist that has treated many HepC patients
and stays on top of the latest developements. The landscape of HepC tx is
changing with new meds and tests like the IL28b for example.

[Boobert]

Your not going through anything different than everyone else on this forum when first finding out. I do agree with the biopsy 100% it will just give an idea of where your at and treatment urgency. As you probably read your VL isn't really important until you decide to treat and it does fluctuate.If your able try to see a specialist like a Hepatologist or atleast a GI they are so much more educated on this disease and latest treatments. If you have your bloodwork results post them here and you'll get help with your numbers. There are some pretty sharp people on this forum that have a better understanding on those things more than most GP's sad to say.

[zeke58]

For me, I've decided that I want the liver bx. Went to my GP yesterday discussed it with him, he gave me the pros and cons.  In my mind, the bx will tell ME how far it has progressed or not.  All the blood work, viral load, numbers, etc. is something I'm still working on comprehending.  The bx is a little more understandable.  This is a great site and I've felt more comfortable with my disease since finding you guys but everyone still talks over my head.  So, right now, I can't decide which is more painful; having the disease or learning about it!!  After consulting with my GP, I'm a little bit more at peace with what's going on and I have to be patient with myself during this learning process!   I appreciate all your support and understanding.  I'm grateful you all are here.  BALI:  VL:  673000 approx.  Again, thanks to all.  I'll keep you posted.

[Boobert]

That's very good news for us G4's, apparentely there's no money in it for drug companys unless your infected in a rich country with plenty of health insurance. This sounds very promising, Thanks Bali.

[freenikita]

question: In regards to biopsies, arent they useful as well in the polishing of one's treatment (i.e.  dosage adapted to the individual and his context, length of tx,...)? That's what i understood. If done in the safest environment possible, the test seems to remain the most reliable tool in reference to staging liver disease. Fibrosure, accordind to journals in hepatology are very advanced indeed. Yet compared to bx remains less accurate. Fibrosure is considered a great tool during tx to measure tx progress. Again, this is all new to me as well and I may not know the correct answer. Perso, I was very glad to finally get a bx (much easier than I could have imagined if that can help any :)

But it was my decision and mydocs never did put me in a no choice situation. i dont do too well in these situations. i tend to bite... hehe
Zeke remember that first you must feel comfortable with all the decisions you'll take and that a doc, even if not inclined, is ethically obliged to guide and explain any of your worries, questions, doubts... dont feel forced into anything! thats why i suggested the second opinion...

[Bali05]

Something for GT4s to keep an eye on.
According to the latest issue of my German liver trade mag
TMC-435, an NS3/4A protease inhibitor (unlike Telaprevir)
works very well for GT 4. It is a cross geno PI but however does
not work for GT3.
TMC-435 is currently in phase 3 and as usual all the press
focuses on GT1.