Worried sustained responder

[sagelady1]

I was treated for HCV 1a with peg intron and ribavirin for a year back in 2001-2002. I was undetected at 4 weeks into treatment. Sustained responder at 6 ,12, 18 months post treatment and still undetected at 2 years post treatment in 2004.
My question is this. I have been worried because the PCR testing goes so much lower now. Should I be retested? Or can I go on with my life confident that the follow up I had was sufficient?
Thank you in advance for your reply. Please be gentle with your reply. I have terrible health anxiety ;)

[sagelady1]

Thank you Will and can do man. You have made me feel so much better. I figured at the 2 year mark if it was back it would have exceeded the 600 threshold. But it sure helps to hear it from someone else.

I don't know either of your status  re: HCV. ( SR, in treatment, etc) But I wish you both the best. You are both doing a great service to heppers. I remember leaning heavily on those in my cyber family as I went through treatment. And then remained active for a number of years to give back what a reaped from such a wonderful community. Family and friends are great, but unless you are living with the dragon, or slaying it, you have no idea.
Sage lady

I tried posting my original question to the "ask the experts". Originally looking for a Dr's response. So if you see it posted again or elsewhere, this is why. Your response has been more than sufficient to put this topic to rest. Thank you.

[can-do-man]

Hey Will :)

[willbb]

Hey can man :)

[can-do-man]

You are fine, the old test went to 615 I believe, You viral load would have been much higher then that so no need to worry. Congrats.

[willbb]

Hi..

have been worried because the PCR testing goes so much lower now. Should I be retested
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No...there is no need whatsoever to be re-tested if you were UND  @ 2yrs .post tx.   Even tho the PCR's are much more sensitive today if you had relapsed  your viral load would have shown much higher than the sensitivity of any of the old tests..Most likely in the hundreds of thousands or millions.

Congrats on your SVR  you have nothing to worry about .
Enjoy your HCV free life.

Will