Nearing the finish line!

[wed1942]

Hi!
I just finished injection #62. 10 more to go. My doc is saying that they do not taper the meds when you go off and don't keep you on any type of low maintenance dose. That you just stop them. Is this what most of you did when you finished? How long does it take to get your blood counts back up to normal? Right now my H&H is 28.5 and 9.7, which is up from 27.9 and 9.5 two weeks ago. I'm trying to put off taking Procrit.

Also, once you're done how often do they usually do the viral load testing to see if you are staying negative? Have many of you who have been negative while on treatment converted back to positive?

Thanks for the info.

[rita863]

Good luck to both you on getting to the finish line!!!!
72 WOW!!

peace
rita

[IAmTheWalrus]

There has been a lot of discussion about this on the forum, but my doctor did not recommend it.  I could not see clear and convincing evidence that it would be beneficial. I did not taper.

Good luck!

Brent

[wed1942]

Thanks for the feedback

[orleans]

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/Hepatitis-Researcher-or-Anyone-one-else-with-a-good-idea/show/393732

[charm27]

Good luck to both of you. cant imagine doing 72 weeks. ALthough we all have to do what we have to do! I did 55 and dont know how I did.

I wish you a happy result!
Best of luck!

TO ALL THE TROOPERS!!

[Trinity4]

Wed,

Neither of my doctors recommend tapering inf or riba either.  I suppose I could do an additional wk of riba but with all the riba in our system by the end of 72 wks I don't think it makes a bit of difference.  I will stop injections and pills at the same time.  I am also treating 72 wks so if my docs say stop, that's it for me.

From what I read blood counts usually start returning to normal within a couple of months.  

Some people do a 4 wk PCR post EOT.  Some wait until 3 months EOT and some wait until 6 months.   I'm willing to wait for the 3 month PCR.  UND 3 months post EOT is a pretty good indication of SVR.  You definitely want a 6 month PCR.  If UND at six months post EOT you are considered SVR.  1 year UND you are officially cured.  

Can't answer about those that have relasped and how long before that happened.  I'm sure someone can provide that information.

Good luck during the next 10 wks.  I understand your journey, it's so long and quite difficult at times.

Trinity