Viral Load

[m_strings]

Hi Everyone:

I received my lab results in the mail.  Viral load is 4,950,000 IU/ML.  Genotype 1a.  I'm guessing neither one is great news.  If I understand correctly, however, the viral load is in the medium to high range.  Is that correct?  Any input on viral load is appreciated.

Also, I tried to enter my viral load on the Hep C tracker.  The tracker only allows up to 2 million.  Does anyone know why that is?

I see my hepatologist at 3:30pm Central Time.  I'm anxious to get the results of my biopsy.  

[Trinity4]

I can't answer for Portann but in my opinion if m-string didn't want her weight to be public knowledge she would not have started a weight tracker which is on her profile for public view.  Additionally, it is can be very relevant to achieving SVR.  In your case you were fortunate it did not hamper your UND status while in other cases it can.  There was no malice in Portann's reference to m-string's weight.
Trinity

[Kathy73]

The reason I have differing week denotions is because my doctor's office messed up and I was VL tested at 14 weeks instead of the normal 12. My doctor's office is taking the results as being 12 instead of 14. I'm continuing treatment until 48 weeks. I agree with the problems with txing, but am happy that I did start treatment and am having good results. I'm now at a 85% chance of SVR which seem like pretty good odds.

[m_strings]

I forgot to add: My doc gave me odds of 65% in light of the biopsy results.  Sustained response odds: 55-60%.  So it's slightly better than chance.  

[m_strings]

So what preexisting conditions are you referring to?  Other than being overweight and having mildly high BP from time to time that is now controlled on meds, I am healthy.  

[Kathy73]

I started treatment at over 250 lbs and am 1a too. The only good side effect from this treatment has been that I'm easily losing 2 lbs a week. That seems to be the side from Pegasys. Also, not drinking alcohol with all the calories involved helped. As I stated above, I'm UND at 14/48. I was pretty rattled at different threads on this website as far as obese BMI and clearing, but I think it depends on the person. Please don't let that part get you down.

[m_strings]

I'm happy having options.  Thanks for sharing my relief.  My hepatologist and I did talk about the watch-and-wait approach.  However, having no major liver damage now is one very strong argument for starting treatment early as opposed to later.  But waiting is certainly an option I've considered.  Oh, and thanks for calling me young!  :>)

I don't have insulin resistance at this point, or at least not to my knowledge.  As for taking a "walk or two around the block"... I do more than that.  But more than 20-30 min a day treadmill with my schedule and level of fatigue is unrealistic.  I've been trying to lose weight for more than 20 years and it's tough going.  I've considered lap-band.  (See my other post on this site.)  The one plus with a Hep C diagnosis (if there is such a thing) is that I have begun losing weight simply by eliminating alcohol from my diet and trying to stick to liver and heart-healthy options.  I am almost obsessive with it.  I actually don't consume a lot of calories right now.  (I certainly consumed much more when I drank.)  I don't eat junk food or fast food.  I know some weight will have to come off.  Other than Hep C and higher than normal BP from time to time, I'm healthy.  Cholesterol level is great and heart looks good.  I'm just not convinced it's wise to wait until I'm at a certain weight level to start treatment.  

What other concerns are there about starting treatment with an obese BMI?

[portann]

Great news about your biopsy results. What a relief. This gives you more options in terms of going full-steam ahead with tx or taking a watch-and-wait approach.

Although you have positive factors for tx (female, young), I believe that you're 241 pounds and  that your BMI is in the obese category.

As a Genotype 1, our odds are lower than those other lucky genotypes. It's likely that insulin resistance, if you have it, will work against your odds.

Therefore, I'd urge you to pull back a little and go for a walk or two around the block. If you wait for better meds to  be on the market, possibly within two years, you'd have time to lose weight and get into top-notch shape for tx.

[m_strings]

Another Journey:

Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm elated!  At the same time, I know there are many others who don't have as fortunate results, so it's a bitter sweet thing.  The next step is to join the ranks of those in treatment.  I'm ready to move forward...

[AnotherJourney]

Good news on the biopsy. It definetly gives you some options. Keep us posted.

[m_strings]

And now for the results...

I'm in Stage 1!  That was such good news.  I'm so relieved.  My doc suggested this is a really good time to start treatment (48 weeks).  He's also going to get info about one of the drug trials going on and things I may be a good candidate.  I may opt to go that route.  

Thanks everyone for your support and advice!!

[m_strings]

Thanks NY Girl!  I hadn't heard of a double genotype.  That's interesting.  I appreciate you sharing your experience and advice.  I'll be sure to keep my results.

[nygirl7]

Copyman is right don't put any real thought into the VL except to track the important "hit" dates and where you should be.   Some people start with extremely low vl's (like me) and don't clear until very late (had to extend to 72 weeks even though I was double dosing much meds).  I was a geno 1A and also 1B and have been cured (SVR) now for over two years (double geno doesn't mean anything really).

That is all that matters.  

Get your biopsy results and keep all test results in a hard copy file for future use.  They will come in handy as you learn how to read them.

[Kathy73]

Good luck on the biopsy!

[m_strings]

Thanks Copyman.  That's helpful.

[m_strings]

Kathy:  That is incredible!  Congratulations!!  (And it's very inspirational to hear as well.)  I appreciate your comment.

[copyman]

Any input on viral load is appreciated:

The viral load means nothing. No correlation with liver damage or how bad you have the virus.

When it does come into play is when you are treating and to see how you are responding to treatment.

Best of luck

[Kathy73]

I'm a 1.a also and started off with 11,000,000 VL. I'm on week 15/48 and was UND at 12/48. Good luck!