I love the way your mind works to get tested by another doc! I did that while i was in a double-blind clinical trial!

And, I sure hope he is wrong cause I was undetected at EOT and am waiting for my FOUR WEEK POST test. My doc said that i can celebrate if that is UD, so I'm really confused by this...

Of course the goal is SVR and truth is we have to be grateful that we are only having to treat for 12 weeks instead of 48 or more!! Waiting is TORTURE, but when i get frustrated with waiting i remind myself of so many who are waiting to be treated or get insurance approval etc. and focus on my gratitude.

It is pretty well understood that viral breakthrough happens after tx. The buggers are being bombarded & attacked when you are taking the meds but may come out of hiding EOT. I agree that the VL test should be done during tx to gauge how it is working & when you go undie but the most important test is the one at SVR 12 (which used to be SVR 24 but has been revised with these new meds). My primary care doc will do VL tests if my GI doesn't but my ins. dictates how often I can have VL labs done. I've rec'd lab bills in excess of $500.00 that I had to pay for when VL was tested monthly & they wouldn't negotiate the cost. Ins. did cover the test being done on a more frequent basis when I was being monitored on tx. I don't think anyone is being overconfident however. These drugs WORK!!!!!

I think some Dr.s don't want to order proceedures, submit for billings unless they feel it's necessary. That is the case in Canada.
I will only have a VL draw at week 4 to determine that I should continue or stop. The next one will be at week 12.
Then SVR 4 and 12.

My schedule is exactly like yours, Kramer. I have always thought that when we are doing tx, especially this S&O, the virus is indeed being bombarded to he!! and back, so yes, we, at least the majority of us, are gonna be UD at some point during tx. That Sovaldi is such a powerhouse! It's those 4 weeks after EOT and 12 weeks after EOT that tell the whole story.

We're all on the front line doing the S&O - our data is going to be Phase III of the Cosmos trial, more or less. But I have great faith in this for all of us. I am feeling really strong now (finally - had a nasty upper respiratory infection for a month in the middle of tx). 13 days to go.

Bella - I am really surprised that your doc is doing NO VL tests during your tx. I find that quite odd. The other labs (CBC and CMP) DO tell the docs that things are working - esp. the huge reductions in ALT and AST, but... jeez. I'd do the same thing you are - get another doc to order a VL test.

Kramer - Am I understanding correctly that they will test you VL at 4 weeks into tx and stop tx if you're not UD?? I am very surprised. Many docs here in the US do not test until EOT or later because why stop a tx that is tolerable?? To save $$ on the remainder of the drugs??

On INF-based tx they tested because if it wasn't working, why make the patient continue to suffer the sides, but that's not an issue on S&O.

If your responding to tx and your vl is dropping enought that they know you will should clear by 12 weeks you continue tx. Next vl is 12 weeks. At least that's how it is for me. Peace

Thanks ya'll for the input, I guess each doc.has his/her own program they like to go by. I just gotta be patient . I get my third and final prescription tomorrow, just 32 days to go! whoop!!!!

Arabella, the time has flown by & you are coming up on the last 1/3 of tx! I'm sure you've got this but will be watching for news when it's official.

WG no. They will stop treatment at week 4 if my VL has not dropped to around 15. That's pretty standard. If it's not close to that or below then chances are not thought to be good to get SVR.

BTW This woman runs another HCV support group I belong to and reports this:
( I qualify by saying although these results demonstrate the power of this combo, it really depends on the persons genetic profile and health circumstances).

Forum moderator - Hepatitis
Partner received liver transplant May 1, 2011, FL
Began Hep C Treatment: Sovaldi/Olysio March 3, 2014
Beginning Viral Load = 3,700,000
Week 1 Viral Load = 302
Week 2 Viral Load = 36
Week 3 Viral Load =

ooops must ahve been some "symbols" DS didn't like
I try again!
MamaLama, Forum moderator - Hepatitis
Partner received liver transplant May 1, 2011, FL
Began Hep C Treatment: Sovaldi/Olysio March 3, 2014
Beginning Viral Load = 3,700,000
Week 1 Viral Load = 302
Week 2 Viral Load = 36
Week 3 Viral Load = less than 15 Detected
Week 4 Viral Load = less than 15 Undetected