I'd say you can expect to wait for the new treatment drugs (the protease inhibitors) to come on the market in 2011. Your system is not stimulated enough by the interferon/riba therapy to clear the virus completely, but the addition of a third drug with a different mode of activity (the PI's target actual viral reproduction specific to the HCV virus) has shown some promise for non-responders and relapsers, getting many retreaters "over the hump", so to speak. Take good care of yourself before then so your condition does not deteriorate further. While you were on treatment, it's hoped that any liver damage did not progress, so that's a good thing, anyway. Hang in there.
So sorry for your relapse. THere are some good things on the horizon if you can wait until probably late 2010. That is when we relapsers will all be lining up for treatment with the new protease inhibitors. I guess you treated with the VA? They are a little behind the times - at least they use some PCR tests with high detection levels. I wonder if they will begin using the PI's when first made available. You might check with them.If you had a liver biopsy, what were the results?
frijole
So sorry to hear your treatment was ineffective. Can you tell us more about this? Did you ever become undetectable for virus during treatment? Did you complete treatment with undetectable status? Also, the type of treatment along with doses. Different situations require different approaches; if you can be more specific, we can offer you some thoughts.
Hang in there, things will get better—
Bill