If the viral load doesn't matter one bit, why does Joe's P.A. order a viral load for every appt. now? They used to only want to know the viral load during TX but they have changed this practice. I assume they have a good reason because this is St. Louis university and they conduct many trials and are very in touch with the latest.. It must matter to some extent or what would be the point?
I still like to have information and weigh it's value for myself. I totally understand the need to keep people that need to TX from getting bad information but I still maintain that the gigantic pool of non responders should be aloud to freely exchange information that might prove helpful to them. Some of us will still be unsuccessful even with the P.I.'s. Others might not even be able to get a chance with a P.I. because of finances or other health problems. I would like to see these posts handled in a more fair and balanced manner so that people that may have something of value to share won't be too intimidated to bring it up. For true non responders, improvement might be your only realistic goal in the foreseeable future. I'm not saying to let the snake oil salesman run rampant, just don't shoot down everyone that breathes the word "alternative." If plan A is impossible we best be searching for a plan B. (Some of us need a C,D,E and F too)
Ev
No one was shooting down alternatives evangelin. Our comments pertained to the relationship between viral load and liver damage and the fact remains there is none. Viral load has no bearing on the progression of fibrosis. That is true fact stated many times in peer reviewed studies.
Why don't you ask your husband's medical team why they regularly track Joe's viral load?
Maybe then you can tell share their view with us.
Trinity
Perhaps his doctors just aren't that up to date on the whole viral load issue because this is not a subjective thing and it has been proven to be true. Like liver enzymes not always being indicative of the inflammation going on. I had a low low viral load and yet I was stage 3 when diagnosed......there has to be validity to it as this is quite common.
One of the smart guys will know the links I am sure.
VL tracking is done to measure effectiveness of tx. As I am sure you know. But to say you survived Hep C as the op did and still have a VL of 11k unfortunately isn't true.
Alternative treatments for Hep C simply don't exist. Alternative treatments to help liver function yes, to kill all the little SOBs no.
I've read posts by people who claim to be in the medical profession who've tried herbs, veterinary treatments, only to beat Hep C with SOC.
Why people think they can fool around with "alternative" treatments for Hep C I do not know. I wonder if people with Ebola Virus, or Yellow fever, are as gullible as heppers.
I would rather start tx with 11k than 500k