Major VL change before tx

[jules2551]

Hi everyone!  I went today to get all of my baseline work done for tx.  My original VL was around 750,000 and this report says 35,645?  Could this possibly be right?  That is more than a log drop correct?  My mind is baffled here.  All I have done is 9 phlebotomies nothing else.  The last two weeks I haven't had to even do them because I was back down to normal range.  I just don't understand this.

Have a great day!
Jules

[dingdinground2]

I agree, my VL was 2 mil, and between state 1-2 liver damage-I did treatment for 48 weeks ribo/peg to eliminate further damage,  UD between week 4-8. Rid the virus and save your liver,

[jules2551]

OH i am definitely going to do tx.  I have been waiting so long but 24 vs 48 sounds great!  I am not going to argue!  I am just not convinced with todays VL.  I have to redo it to make sure

[orphanedhawk]

In  my opinion one should not base treatment decisions on viral load, ever.
The decision should be based primarily on liver damage.
I know I'm a bit biased as my viral load was 750,000 when diagnosed with decompensated cirrhosis.
Others with higher viral loads had no, or little damage.

[jules2551]

Could the phlebotomies have done this? In the last 11 wks I have had 9 pints of blood taken out.  Could there be a correlation?

[willbb]

so with 4 wk lead in I could get by with 24 wks
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With the 4 week lead in with just Peg/Riba(that is standard when doing Vic..it starts on the 5th week) you would need to be UND. at week 4 (RVR)  to possibly do 24,,however it sounds like your doctor is very experienced with treating HCV  and he seems to be recommending 48 (possibly because of the fibrosis damage)

Will

[jules2551]

I think I will call Dr next week to write order for Quest Labs just to see if there is any difference.  I don't care I will pay for it if insurance doesn't.  But if it comes back the same I would be estatic!  24 instead of 48 OMG.  

We expect the worst and hope for the best!  Man that would be fantastic.  

Stupid Question...so with 4 wk lead in I could get by with 24 wks?