Genotype 1a/1b

[Trish77]

Hi...this is what I know.  
I've had HCV for 20+ years and found out just under a year ago.  I finally got into the specialist last July and found out 09/05/07 that I'm genotype 1a/1b with a high viral load (doctor's words).  From reading these forums briefly, I already know that I should find out exactly what my viral load is and what is considered high.  The doc has recommended 48 weeks of Pegetron and I have a liver biopsy scheduled for 09/17/07.  Then I'll know what shape my liver is in.

I've been doing some research and spending the weekend reading as much as I can and trying to be smart about this.  
Did anyone get a second opinion?  (Here in Canada it doesn't cost anything to do that but it sure takes a helluva long time.)
Did any of you have treatment recommended and decide to wait and why?

Not sure what else to ask because I don't know what I don't know.. if you know what I mean!  Wondering what any of you can recommend to be sure I find out before I start any treatment.  

Thanks in advance and best of it to all of you.

Trish

[Trish77]

Hm.  That gives me pause.  He wasn't necessarily going to do a biopsy as he considered my viral load high enough that drugs were going to be required regardless of the results of a biopsy.  I asked for one anyway because I want to KNOW what shape my liver is in.  So he went ahead with it.  Starting to wonder...if I need to pull in a second opinion.  

[t-hcw]

Your viral load can go up and down and doesn't tell you much about the condition of your liver. The biopsy will tell you a lot more. Most doctors want to see a biopsy first.