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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ElleeB 10/12/2008

Hello,

This is the first time I have ever done a blog/chat. I need answers and decided to check with this support group. I called the #800 support nurse from the drug company. The nurse I spoke with was not very helpful. I called my doctor's office Friday and they did not return my call. I started treatment on Sept. 9. I have been doing okay with few side effects. My doctor wanted to check the viral load after the fourth injection, which was after three weeks of treatment. I am in good health and was so optimistic. My viral load went from 6.8 to 6.7. My doctor says I am a "slow responder". I have been depressed since receiving those results. I am wondering what results others of you have experienced with the reduction of the viral load and when this happens during the course of treatment. I am thinking that this might be an indication that I will not be successful with the treatment. I am not going to stop the treatment. I just want honest comments from you.

Many thanks!
Ellee B

deleted_user 10/12/2008

I started treatment in may and my doc took regual blood test to make sure my blood was fine, once a week for three wk and every three weeks there after. He took a viral load at 17 weeks. He was sussposed to take it at 12 wk. He said he did not want to take it any eariler because would not get a proper reading . He was right and now Im glad as it is 0. all doctors are different, and Im sure your next test will be much better. It went down, not up and that is a good sign. You will kill this dragon , Im sure of it , please just dont give up, barb

deleted_user 10/12/2008

HI and welcome ElleeB,

i too didn't have my first viral check till week 12. it seems much to early at 3 weeks. wait around and see if others can offer you any more info on this.

i'm glad you have having few sides from tx.

take care,
joe

deleted_user 10/12/2008

Welcome to Ds, ElleB!!!

Don't be depressed. This is just a progression of sorts to battle this nasty virus. Keep on a happy face, you may be slow now, but it is SO early in the game, doctors can be so emotionless, so, don't let that get you down!!!! ..but in the end, I am sure you will win this slaying game!!!

=)

Have hope and be happy!!!

deleted_user 10/13/2008

I so understand your feelings...I would be a bit bummed too-if I did not know that the 12 week mark is the biggie VRL test. So try not to concentrate on the small change at this early stage, and try to focus on the 12 week mark. I would not of made it through my tx without my DS friends here to support me. Although I had a great hubby and family and friends, people here get exadtly what you are going through, and can help in ways others cannot.
Take Care,
5starr!

ElleeB 10/13/2008

THANK YOU!!!! barb's was the first response I received and I just cried!!! I feel so much better with the responses. I think this group is just what I need to help me through this difficult time. Ellee B

deleted_user 10/13/2008

The standard expectation is for you to be at 0 vl at 12 weeks. Most docs will recommend stopping tx if you are not. But if you are very low, some docs will want to continue. So, you have 8 weeks still to go until that point. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I wish you the best of luck. Hugs.

ElleeB 10/13/2008

My doctor said that there is new research that feels one should be tested after the fourth injection. I know the standard has been at 12 weeks. My white blood count was all over the place, which my doctor said was a good sign. That shows that the meds are working.
I'm having blood work done every two weeks. I feel so much better today thanks to all of you!!! Hugs! ElleeB

pepy 10/13/2008

hi ellee
what you dont wanna do right now is stress. try not to worry bout vl so early on in tx. ideally, at 12 wks they like you to be at 0, but even then they can waiver for a few weeks if they see that your vl is coming down. a lotta docs tend to individualise with tx now and so, whilst we can still generalise with length of tx depending on genotype, they seem to take all the other things into account when deciding on the individuals tx. eg. i am genotype 3a and generally would expect tx for 24 wks, but, i have to do at least 48 wks, maybe even 72 wks and i'm only on wk 9 this week. so you and me both have a long way to go still. try not to worry tho. they are the experts.
i hope your journey is not too cluttered with sides and that it goes well with you. you can beat this dragon. all you gotta do is trust and believe. be strong my friend, stay positive and try to smile your way through.
i'm here for you:)
x

deleted_user 10/13/2008

Hang in there Elle. As everyone said, 12 weeks is the actual time you really want to be undetectable. I'm not sure why your doc is making such a big deal out of week 3...that's really very early to know much.

deleted_user 10/13/2008

im wondering if your viral load didnt drop significally because there has been virtually NO time for the medicine to build up in your body and do its dragon slaying thing.

do you know what your geno is? I have genotype 1a, and I only need to do 24wks of tx though.. its a long story lol but as of week 7 I am undetectable.

Be patient with your body, things will happen when they are supposed to. Your body is probably just adjusting still to the treatment.

xoxo keep me updated! Best of luck to you!

deleted_user 10/13/2008

Everybody's viral loads go up and down during TX! Dont concern yourself to much over viral loads so early in TX. I remember during my first TX in 2001 My loads went up and down throughout the whole 13months of TX, I only went clear 1 time,My second TX sucked just as bad, My 3rd TX after 3 months,my viral loads went from 5 mill to 75count, But that only lasted 2 months, Then they shot back into the millions again...Viral Loads are just a measuring tool while on TX's... Oh dont be discouraged my friend,Im not trying to scare you, Im just one of those non-responders with HCV, Just always be strong and positive during your journey we are all here to help!

deleted_user 10/14/2008

Welcome to DS my friend! :)

It looks like my fellow hep c brothers and sisters have done a great job of reasuring you that you need not stress about your viral loads so early in tx.

Many people never were tested at week 3 or 4 or 8 or before week 12 so they could have been slow to start and then picked up the pace when it got closer to that week 12 mark.

Sometimes I wish them darn doc's would not tell us so much...we often start to think the worst and make ourselves sick with worry when really there is no reason to. It is just human nature I supose when your in our shoes you tend to stress and frett much easier than others.

But please please please just try and stay positive and don't get all worked up about things that don't really matter.

Stay strong and come here often. It really is a wonderful place!

Big hugs,
your friend
Brave Rabbit

ElleeB 10/14/2008

I am overwhelmed by the responses I have received. I have never reached out to an internet support group and this is just what I need.
I stumbled on this site by accident, although, there are no accidents.
You are a blessing in my life. I feel the positive energy and sincere caring. I will keep you posted and attempt to be supportive. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!! ElleeB

deleted_user 10/14/2008

welcome elle :)
not to worry and try not to stress.It is not good for you, sweety!Good luck and Gd speed on your journey!
Much love,
Ru

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