Labs all Perfect

[Gonna beat it]

Went to the Doc yesterday, labs all perfect, doesn't even look like I'm being treated, in 3 weeks she has ordered a quantitative Hep C to see if there has been a drop in viral load. She was real happy about the results, I asked if there was a correlation between labs being normal and treatment not being successful she said not at all, it just makes it easier to treat me, without the nasty drops, in RBC and WBC. Have a great day!

Diana

[jennkPA]

Personally, I would never base the effectiveness of the medication on the damage it's doing to my body. During 14 weeks of treatment so far, my hemoglobin has not dropped below 12.7, and the only other thing that has been low is my WBC, though not terribly so. I have not had any major or unbearable (uncomfortable and very annoying, yes, but not unbearable) sx. I acheived UND at 12 week PCR. (I understand this is all anecdotal, this is only so you know you're not the only one who is reacting so well).  So please don't get discouraged, the tx could very well be working, we are all effected very differently, it just doesn't always seem that way when so many people comment on similar major issues they are having with sx. Remember, there are percentages for these things that you can see in the paperwork for the meds, which I know are now changing with further study, but 11% of patients on Pegasys and Copegus (on the doses you're taking) become anemic--you are twice as likely to lose your hair or get headaches--just wanted to balance out the field a bit here, I don't want anyone discouraged because they don't have "enough" sx. Of course, everyone's opinion is valuable.

[Gonna beat it]

Thanks so much for the positive, I value everyones opinion, I am so anxious to get that blood work done, I feel lousy most of the time, I cough alot at nite, does that count for sx, lol. In three weeks I'll know if its working just say a prayer for me.




Diana

[Snookmiester]

I just ain't buyin the theory that unless your anemic, the Riba isn't working...That is pure BS!!
At end of tx, my Hemoglobin had only fallen to 12, this was as low as it dropped for the entire 48 weeks of tx. I was Rx'd 1000mg of Copeg, and took 1200mg the first 12 weeks. From then on I did a sort of pulse method where I would up it for a few days, say to 1600mg, then drop back down. Another member here also dabbled in this, and fortunately we both obtained SVR..
Even at that high of a Riba level, I did not need Procrit, or become clinically anemic.
If anyone of us walk into our Dr's office right now, that Dr will state that only a low percentage of people undergoing tx need rescue drugs.

[sfbaygirl]

Good news! Did your liver enymes drop? Mine did a little at a time.

I don't think everyone has anemia or low hgb, but a lot of us do. Fishdoc's case was a new one for a lot of us, that's why it is being discussed again here. You are week 6?

Has your Hgb dropped at all? I was one of the lucky ones to have it drop 5pts in 2 weeks and talk about feeling like a walking corpse! YOu sure don't need that on top of sx's your having now. My hgb has been at 13 for over a month now. Now I'm hoping my riba is enough. I am taking 1000 and weigh 143. Those studies Jim mentioned do make us all wonder. I know there are those here that had no drops in Hgb and have achieved SVR.

Waiting for that PCR is a tough one! I remember mine. I was freaked out about taking it early and being dectectable. All turned out well. Yours' will too!

[NYgirl]

Nobody is saying that you HAVE to have anemia in order for SVR but a complete lack of any sides COULD show an insufficient absorption of the Riba.

Since we know that the riba keeps the viral replication from happening - it makes SENSE to want the most possible serum level you can tolerate and the most absorption of the riba too.

More bang for the buck.

Since the sides appear to be the SYMPTOMS of Riba absoprtion - I'll go with my doc who told me that taking a higher dosage and tolerating the anemia like I did was the right move.  He was quite pleased that I talked my GI into giving me the one extra pill - thought it was a very worthwhile gamble, even though my numbers have historically sucked.

So I think Dr. J. is one of those who believe this theory.

That is why I think it's as much "fact" as anything else on this board.

Does it apply to everyone? Yeah right.

[NYgirl]

Painterlady - the riba absorption is DEFINITELY going on with you LOL.  That is so totally one thing you don't have to worry about!

Having had a a 6 point in ten days - I know how totally devastating it can be so make sure you are VERY careful on stairs and don't drive and stuff if you absolutely don't have to.

Once I started fainting whenever I'd go to stand up I finally went to the doctors and got the Epo.  Fainting in the shower was not a pleasant deal LOL.

Regarding GBI - if she is very new on treatment the riba just may not have gotten in there enough yet to cause the drops - that is my thinking (hoping, not that I'm wishing her anemia but you know what I mean).