Pre and Post Treatment Tests for HEPATITIS C

[NewbieNeedsHelp]

What are all the test I should have before and after treatment to know what condition my Hepatitis C is in?
I am going for a biopsy. I've had blood tests but what have others had done on a regular basis? Please let me know what I need to know!

[sunqueen]

Shew!

I had to have an ultrasound, endoscopy, colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy before I could have the biopsy. It got to the point where I was ready to pummel the next person who suggested placing any hose-like object into any orifice. It was all good though, especially since I was also having other GI issues.  I found the diagnosis and then all of the tests were way too overwhelming and couldn't deal with educating myself. My attitude was poke, prod, take the 1,000,000 vials of blood and then get this thing out of me. I went to the stupid pre-treat class and they said "you'll be fine. Take Tylenol." My doctor said "you'll be fine. you'll work, no problem"

Now, eight shots into treatment, I wish I had spent the time and energy to learn.  All of the advice above is absolutely correct. The more you know, the more confidently you'll be able to take on anything thrust your way. I can say this with all sincerity because I remained blissfully ignorant until I started to treat and was almost convince I wouldn't live through the first few weeks. The truth is, I'm fine. Fine is relative when you're treating.

You'll be fine too. Knowledge is power. Stick around.

[Isobella]

If you go to Health Pages in the upper right hand corner of this page you will find a list of common acronyms that are used. Makes it easier to understand the lingo.  

Gaining knowledge is the best thing you can do right now and this is the best place to do it.

Your girl will be impressed with your new found knowledge...altho if she is like me, I always think I know better than my hubby!!! lol!

Good luck with the biopsy.  The worry beforehand is so much worse than the actual procedure for most.  

Let us know how you do.  Take care and best of luck!!

Isobella

[Trish77]

I wouldn't decide to proceed with treatment at all without having your biopsy result, your genotype and your viral load test - which is a PCR test.

I would suggest you spend some time finding out what your various treatment options are and not rush into anything.  This treatment is no small potatoes and the outcome is important.  The treatment drugs cost money, can have difficult side effects and require definite committment on your part.  You'll do better if you truly understand what's involved and make an informed choice that is good for YOU.  Going into treatment is not a small decision .. and it is NOT necessary to begin immediately after being diagnosed with Hepatitis C on that basis alone.

Your biopsy results will tell you how much liver damage you may have and will help you be aware of any urgency there may be.  Your genotype will tell you how long you will need to be in treatment, as Marcia has posted.

There are also clinical trials going on and you might want to look into the various ones and consider your options there too.  Many of us here are or have been in trials and can share information with you.

Good luck.

Trish

[Marcia2202]

I would advise you to read on this site. They have excellent detailed info about HCV.
www.hepctrust.org.uk. Read as much as you can about the disease, so you are prepared. Knowledge is power. The more you know, the better you will be able to evaluate if you have a competent medical team.

Read stuff together with your girl... she will also feel that you are doing this together. Bounce back and forth on the knowledge you gain. It is always better with two heads, than one. One might pick up something the other doesn't. You can beat this thing!!

Before treatment  
1. HCV genotype   to determine how long to treat
2. Viral Load (VL)
3. CBC (Complete Blood Count)
4. Biopsy   to determine damage of liver
5. cardiograph


On treatment this is the minimum you should have, the doctor might order more often  

1. Viral Load   at  4 weeks (the morning before doing shot 5)
2. CBC  every 4 weeks, if your counts don't drop    
3. Viral Load   at 12 weeks (the morning before doing shot 13)
4. Viral Load   at 24 weeks (the morning before doing shot 25)
5. Viral Load   at EOT         (one week after doing shot 48)
If you do 24 weeks of treatment it is one week after doing shot 24)

If you are genotype 1 or 4, you have to do 48 weeks of tx
If you are genotype 2 or 3, you have to do 24 weeks of tx.



Marcia