Help

[Shubbo]

Ihave genotype 3a hcv virus and early treated with standard interferon thrice a week by a ordinary doctor. Intially the viral load was 1 million UI which was decreasing up to 67000 IU after l9 month’s long therapy. I stopped it and wait next six months. After six month I went further PCR Quantitive and shocked that the viral load so increased in serum. The load was 5 million IU. Then I approached a Gastroenterologist specialist for treatment. He advised some tests like vitamin D3, CBC and ALT. As per test reports my vitamin D3 level was in severe low level at 7.6ngl, ALT 73 and CBC also were not good. My Dr. suggested increasing my vitamin D3 level through medicine before starting new therapy. After one and half month he started the therapy of PEGASIS and Ribavirin dose. When 9 weeks completed he advised new PCR Quantitive test. Te result was good and hopeful and viral load was 8342 IU. My Dr. further advised me to go on with therapy until 20th week. Then I was tested my further PCR and result was shocked that viral load has increased 22452 IU. I disappointed this result but my Dr. encouraged me and advised to prolong the therapy up to 32nd week. On completion of 32 weeks I again tested plasma through PCR Quantitive the viral load decrease up to 17792 IU.  My therapy is still on until 48th week. Any one can tell me why my hcv could not undetect. Should I do now?  

[ceanothus]

I would also have a lot of doubts about this doctor's plans. If you have hep C it is a good idea to be seeing a hepatologist  (liver specialist) for treatment  rather than a regular gastroenterologist. There have been huge strides made lately in the treatment of this virus but it's too much for most non-specialists to keep up with.  Treatment is important but you don't want to be wearing yourself out with ineffective methods. Please ask for a referral to a Hepatologist, or post your general location and people on thus forum might be able to name a good hepatologist  nearby. Do it soon, you'll be glad you did.

[fretboard]

A low viral load is not what you want, you want an undetectable viral load.  I suggest you teach yourself about hepatitis c because some doctors don't anything about HepC.  Just like I said in my first post, I would quit treatment and quit seeing that doctor.  good luck    

http://www.aasld.org/practiceguidelines/Practice%20Guideline%20Archive/Diagnosis,%20Management%20and%20Treatment%20of%20Hepatitis%20C.pdf

[Shubbo]

According to my doctor my liver histology is very good and my ALT is also normal but VL flctuate in low quantity. I feel better except therapy side effect but worry why i get rid from this virous? Thanks for discussion.

[fretboard]

What benefit does this doctor see in you continuing tx?  It doesn't make any sense!!  I suggest you get a second VL test and if you aren't UND, then quit and quit that doctor too!!  good luck!!

[hrsepwrguy]

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/help/show/1650136

Any one can tell me why my hcv could not undetect. Should I do now?   .

Because you are a partial responder, stop treatment because it is not working and regroup, if your doctor is that up to speed on hep c geno 3 treatment he should know this and if he did attend the 2011 AASLD meeting he should know that there are new drugs in trials with great success in treating geno 2 and 3. How bad is the condition of your liver, has the doctor ever discussed this with you ?