Hepatitis C Support Group

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne viral disease which can cause liver inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread by blood-to-blood contact with an infected person's blood. Many people with HCV infection have no symptoms and are unaware of the need to seek treatment. Hepatitis C infects an estimated 150-200 million people worldwide.

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An update

Moussa
Moussa
I had my appointment at Alamo Medical Research in San Antonio. Wonderful 540 mile round trip drive. Apparently, there are no trials currently recruiting for genome 3 relapsers. Was able to get my name on a list with a "liaison" person who will let me know if the facility gets a trial for folks like me. The Dr. was, by far, the sharpest MD I have ran into and I did appreciate that.

I go see another specialist in Houston next week to hear what he has to say.

God bless,
Rob
oOoREBoOo
oOoREBoOo
Rob, I hope it works out for you!
deleted_user
deleted_user
thanks for the update, moussa. you would think tht the researchers would want a geno type 3 in any study they were doing cause there aren't that many of you? interesting. you're in my thougts and prayers, q
Barb99999999
Barb99999999
sounds good, hope it works out.
Trissa01
Trissa01
Lots of heartbreaking news today. Its all temporary. There will be good news for all of us eventually.
Good wishes in Houston.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I am praying for you Rob!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Sounds like you are checking with the right people. Good luck
Mckenzie
Mckenzie
I'll pray that you get into some kind of maintenance program or treatment for your genotype.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Good luck to you Rob. Hope all goes well here and better than SA.
kittencaller
kittencaller
You're doing all the right things. I didn't even know there was a genotype 3. Do you have any more information about that? Keep us informed about how you're doing, ok? My prayers go out to you.

How come you had to drive over 500 miles to see a doctor? Weren't there any specialists, hematologists or gastroenterologists you could see locally?
deleted_user
deleted_user
good luck rob.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Good Luck Rob.

Kitten..here is some stuff on geno 3.......




Understanding lab tests

Hepatitis C Genotype

The hepatitis C genotype is a type or "strain" of hepatitis C virus. There are 6 genotypes of hepatitis C around the world. In the United States, 3 genotypes are common:

* Genotype 1
* Genotype 2
* Genotype 3

These can be further specified as:

* Genotype 1a or 1b
* Genotype 2a or 2b
* Genotype 3a or 3b

The genotype of hepatitis C does not change over time. It needs to be tested only once.
Explanation of test results:

Knowing the genotype of hepatitis C for each patient is very important information because hepatitis C treatment works differently for different genotypes. In general, genotype 1 is much more "resistant" to hepatitis C treatment and genotypes 2 and 3 are much more "sensitive" to treatment.
Genotype 1 (more difficult to treat)

* Approximately 72% of Americans with hepatitis C have genotype 1
* Chance of clearing hepatitis C virus is 42-46%
* Treatment usually lasts for 1 year
* Ribavirin dosage usually is higher than that required to treat other genotypes

Genotype 2 (easier to treat)

* Approximately 10% of Americans with hepatitis C have genotype 2
* Chance of clearing hepatitis C virus is 65-80%
* Treatment usually lasts for 6 months
* Ribavirin dosage usually is lower than that required to treat genotype 1

Genotype 3 (easier to treat)

* Approximately 6% of Americans with hepatitis C have genotype 3
* Chance of clearing hepatitis C virus is 65-80%
* Treatment usually lasts for 6 months
* Ribavirin dosage usually is lower than that required to treat genotype 1

http://www.hepatitis.va.gov/vahep?page=diag-tests-03-05