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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No labs?

Brigid13
Brigid13
My dr. has been on vacation since I started Harvoni (April 1). He's back and when I called to get a lab slip, he said they don't do blood work until 3 or 4 weeks after I finish. Is that normal? I guess it wouldn't change anything, but I want to see it working.Also, if it didn't work completely at 8 weeks, couldn't they add 4 more? Or should I just trust what he says? I didn't talk to him -- he left me a message, so I didn't get to ask why.
Dawter
Dawter
What is your fibrosis level and did you ever have treatment before?
Dawter
Dawter
I am going to say you are probably safe if you are treatment nave and have a low viral count. But if you have failed treatment before, especially treatment with an NS5a inhibitor or if you have cirrhosis, I would insistent on a test every 4 weeks.
Brigid13
Brigid13
Tx naive, viral load between 2 and 4 mil. Fibrosis level between 1 and almost 3, depending on the test. Different results with same test twice.
walkintheup1
walkintheup1
9other than blood count I won't be tested till around that long too different drs do different
TomrrowsHope
TomrrowsHope
It is my life and I would want to know at 4 weeks as MOST everyone has labs then ,if not even before that...it is not necessary to have one done before 4weeks ..you should know what direction you are going in at 4 weeks ...Yes I would request if not demand a blood test at 4 weeks and if he doesn't schedule one < I went to my PCP to get one done...you will need to know before EOT to order and arrange another extension on TX if you are high on VL count at 4wks (so I have seen)...I was blessed and undie at 4 weeks.,.you can even have two Dr's ...like I say it is my life...I find a way...
lovefall
lovefall
For your own mental calm, I would try and as Dawter suggested, get a lab check from your PCP if you can.

I am still baffled by all the different ways doctors are handling treatments.

I still think insurance plays a MAJOR factor controlling the doctors about ordering tests......
WE ARE HUMAN - WE HAVE FEELINGS - my gosh, they would want to be tested?
Not sure what meds you are on, but since I as in one of the 1st groups to be on these meds SOV/Riba, I went for labs almost weekly, which was a real pain - but I did it.

I am baffled at how they handle things now....Once the girl took off my order for the Viral Load and I was still NOT in the undetected spot, so I was VERYupset.....The lab would not take that test as they had no order.....The Doc apologized when I saw him, but I had to wait even longer then.

I will keep you in my prayers.