Hi Karen: I believe you will be able to make a stand. I don't know your starting viral load, and it would have been nice to have been tested at week 1 and/or two, but I've seen Incivek drive the virus from a high viral load to UND within 2 weeks. So, it's possible you were UND even before the 4 week point -- a very good sign if you were. Agree with frijole that the decompensated liver is a concern. However, it's possible the virus has been long gone. Cheers, GB
I just read your other post, Karen, about the banding and trip to the ER. My heart goes out to you. I think you are making the right - probably the only choice you can make. Take care of yourself.
bean
42 weeks is hard. I couldn't go pass 24wks if I wanted to. Congratulations on making it that far and keep us posted....
You have already beaten this thing. Now it's on to recovery and allowing your body and soul to heal from the treatment!
Hey Karen, wishing you all the best, you are a true warrior and tough as nails.
Take care of you and I wish you a speedy recovery
Keith
keep us posted...remember to keep up on the water intake...also after all the tx it will take time to recuperate...just don't get too anxious...at 6 weeks post i started feeling way better...but still recuperating at almost 24 weeks post...good luck...billy
Have to admit, I have pondered stopping early myself. Karen, you have had quite a time of it. I don't think anyone had hemoglobin as low as you. I really don't know how you made it through sometimes. Still, the decompensated liver is a scary thing. I respect your decision. However, I am sure you feel exactly like I do -- you don't ever want to do this again.
Because of that, I am pushing on to 48 -- but I have not had it as rough as you.
bean
Hi karen..I agree also that being UND. @ Wk. 4 is the ace in the hole for you. As you know this is highly predictive of success.
Remember ..the prescribing protocol for chirrotics only says that 48 wks. "may" be beneficial to SVR,however the RVR is so very important.
You have done all you possibly could,your chances are excellent and now it is time to recover....
Good luck..
Will
Hi there, you were und at 4 weeks, thats a huge plus in your favor. Its really hard to trump being an eRVR and though 48 weeks is recommended thats not a number thats been really been tested. While i did Vic and was also a eRVR my doctor though anything over 36 weeks was just a added plus. Sure doing 48 would be nice but at what cost? You have made it a lot farther then most people could being what you have been through.
You have done 42 weeks, if thats not enough I really don't believe the extra 6 will matter much. I keep going back to the fact you were und at week 4, that was a great response. Don't risk anymore by pushing it, your chances are really good for that SVR.... Let the healing begin, you should start feeling better soon........ Wishing you all the best, your going to make it.
Hey you have been UND all the way & you are UND now so it ought to be a slam dunk.
I know one thing though: You deserve a medal of honor for all you have been through. I was skimming through your old posts and I am amazed how functional you were for the entire wild ride! That bit back in March with your Transplant Hospital must have been a nightmare what with your Hgb levels tanked and making calls in between classes! I barely know what to say. What a woman. No: What a warrior! You have really fought the fight. It is inspirational and very encouraging.