type2 Relapse should I retreat?

[Mr.Bill]

Hello Everyone , I got my results back after 6 months post treatment . My viral load was 15,000. I was clear at 4 weeks into the tx. I did 19 weeks . My doctor told me to do 24 . I assumed he would want me to start again now ,but he says no. He will not be my doctor because I did not follow up with regular visits during treatment and I stopped tx without telling him .He said I now only have a 20% chance of clearing and I should wait till 2011 for the new drugs. I can get the meds now thru commitment to care. I'm worried that they may not give them to me again in 2011 Of course I'm kicking myself for not doing the 24 weeks. Is he right about the 20% chance . Does anyone know about other type 2s that have retreated??  

[Marcia2202]

I'm not sure about having to go for 48 weeks. It's not like you did the whole treatment and relapsed. You are not considered a relapser, since you did not finish treatment, so I do believe that the 48 week rule does NOT apply to your case.

If I was you, I would retreat now. Nevertheless, I would not be comfortable with only 24 weeks. I would consider doing 32 or 36 weeks. Personally I would not wait until the new drugs come out. Find another doctor and try to explain the situation and find a way out.

Next time it will be very important to be 100% compliant and to go to your appointments and do the blood test, if you want the best outcome.

Wishing you all the best.

Marcia

[copyman]

If you re-treat you will have to do 48 weeks. I don't think the new drugs have been tested on other genotypes. Only type 1's if I'm not mistaken. So I don't eevn know if they will be prescribed for 2 & 3's or if insurance companies will pay for them except for treating 1's ???

Well at least you know you responded. Just needed to treat longer to totally kill all the hidden virons.

good luck

[gypsyjoey]

H.R. Sluggo says, "Not following the doctor's prescribed treatment regimine is NOT good!"  If the doctor treated you again after not following directions, he would open himself to a lawsuit perhaps.

You might contact vertex to see what hepatologists in your area are administering the Telapravir trial.  That would be free treatment with new drugs in phase II and III clinical trials that are kicking Hep-C's butt.  You could also just contact your area hepatologists.  They would know.
Joey