Question on EOT PCR and follow up PCR

[H20Lover]

Hello All!

I am nearing the end of treatment with only 4 shots left.  I am wondering now about proper EOT testing.  My stats are on my profile/genotype 2.

The Dr. & I agree that 6-7 days after last shot and last week of Ribavirin that I go for the EOT test.  He has been using the Labcorp that test down to 10 IU/ml.  I have been UND since at least week 4.  He has been very open about frequent PCR’s, but now he is telling me after the EOT draw I will not need another PCR until 24 weeks go by which won’t be until mid October.  

I don’t know if I can wait that long or if I should wait that long.  I have heard if one is going to relapse it is usually within the first few weeks.  I know there are exceptions to that (I believe Myown is an exception).

Should I push this issue or am I just anxious?  He feels I have beat this thing and if it is gone at 6 months then it is gone.  I think I want to know before that, but is knowing before helpful or accurate?  If I relapse, would I not want to know right away?  I would want to retreat again for longer if that happens.

Maybe I am fretting needlessly, but have done everything pretty good up until now and want to continue doing things “right”.  I have been 100% compliant, got close but never needed rescue drugs and I tolerated the meds pretty well considering.

If you all think 6 months is too long to wait, what time frame would be reasonable?  I am meeting with him soon and want to be ready to meet any objections.  Last visit is when he told me 6 months after and it did not really register that that may not be right.

Any advice or opinions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks all!

Pam

[H20Lover]

Thanks so much, I felt too that 3 months seemed reasonable.  That is what I will go for.  Then of course the 6 month one.  Hopefully then once a year at my annual should do it I hope.  

That of course is if I remain undetectable!

As far as sensitivity I believed the test that cruelworld suggested is not approved on my insurance.  I believe the doc said (I had already asked about a more sensitive test) that it is for tissue samples, not serum.  Not sure if this is true or not.

If anyone with UHC has been able to get this extra sensitive test?

Also, what if I do fall between 2 and 10 IU/ml?  Kinda late by then isn't it?  Would I go back on treatment if that happend or wait?

Thanks for those who resonded.

Pam

[sldb]

completed tx 19mths ago, 1st EOT pcr was at 3mths, all other pcr's  done at 6mth intervals.Hep said after 2yr. mark we can go to once a year, but i can have it every 6mths if  i would prefer.  Its so HARD & STRESSFUL waiting for results,even though iam 18mths svr.,Iam not sure what is better to do wait a yr., and worry or continue with 6mth pcr.  

[cruelworld]

try to get a more sensitive  vl test at eot to make sure you dont have
a small viral load hanging around to cause a relapse.  labcorp
has one down to 2 called hcv RNA ultraqual.

[mar148]

Well I finished treatment 2 weeks ago, I took an EOT, I will test at 12 and 24 weeks.  Many people 80-90 percent relapse during the first 12 weeks, so I would ask for a twelve week PCR, it will ease your mind, I believe.  Mary Ellen