PCR testing

[traveler65]

I keep going round and round with my doc as to the sensitivity of the PCR's he is having run on me. The 4 week one was <50. I asked for him to run a more sensitive test (down to <5) and even mentioned the heptimax test. He still claims that the <50 test is fine and as long as my results are <50 I am UND.
Are there any articles on the web stating that a more sensitive test should be run that I can bring to the doc? I will be having my 12 week Pcr shortly.
Thanks:

[mikesimon]

That's the way I felt and feel. I thought Kalio tempered her statement following that post or backed away, if you will, but then she seemed to get testy or defensive and I want to attribute that to ribavirin because I believe that at the root she is a good person and wants what is best for us all. She and I have had major differences before and both of us got a little nasty and I would prefer not to get to that place again. So I am looking for the best in everyone but I can get very mean easily and I'm trying hard not to let that happen. And, I believe that anyone reading this thread dispassionately will see the truth regarding testing and allow the truth to guide their treatment insofar as they can and that's really the important thing. Mike

[jmjm530]

Just a little OT, is this 'less conflict' thing some of this MO's influence. LOL. What's with you two anyway? If both of you weren't married, you'd make quite a couple :)

-- Jim

[jmjm530]

Our last two posts crossed but thanks for the comments in "C32". I read them after I posted in "C33".

-- Jim

[jmjm530]

Had another thought but since this thread has more or less gone to pot anyway, thought I'd post here rather than above. Since your hematologist and hepo don't seem to see eye-to-eye anyway, maybe bring some of the studies over to the hemo and see if he'll give you that sensitive test. If I were thinking of reducing riba, or if the possibity was looming as it might be with rapidly declining hgb levels, then knowing I was non-detectible to 5 IU/ml, might make the decision to cut back a little on the riba easier, but keep in mind I'm kind of belt and suspenders when it comes to treatment.

-- Jim

[mikesimon]

My accountant did do it. All I had to do was write the checks and that was enough. I think you know how I feel about this thread. I must be changing a bit because I am not as eager to engage in conflict as I formerly was. I suspect that ribavirin might be at play here because as I said I don't think any of us really disagree. I am at a loss to figure out how we got here so I'm going to blame it on ribavirin until it is crystal clear that's not the driving factor. Mike

[jmjm530]

Sometimes you have to try and straighten out the past so that the future will work better.

I was called a name in the past, and I thought this was the appropriate time and place to resolve the issue so it would not crop up in the future. I'm a little surprised at your comments, because you of all people have always stood up both for yourself and others you felt wronged in these types of situations. That's all I'm doing.

Unfortuntaly, "rare" is not an accurate characterization of viremia hiding between the covers of PCR and TMA. If you check out the studies posted above on SOC, or read Mremeet's post regarding trial data. Unfortunatly, trial data is often slow to trickle down to the average GI, and the reason TMA technology is not used as often. Same thing with the 4-week PCR, and individualized treatment (either shorter course or extended). Takes awhile for the average GI to catch on/up.

My hearfelt sympathy regarding the whole tax thing. Personally, I'm just going to pick up the phone and tell my accountant to file an extension. Don't really want to deal with all that right now. Hope this finds you otherwise well.

-- Jim