Not so sure about this with the new tx's: "Those with low viral load have a better chance of responding to treatment." I know it was the way docs believed in the "old days" of Interferon/Riba - then the horrible triple, but with Sovaldi, I don't think this is as much of an issue (high VL going in to tx). I would guess the reason is that Sovaldi kicks a$$ SO FAST... takes millions of those bugs OUT within a very short period of time - and we all hope it stays that way. My doc didn't even test my VL right before tx with S&O, which I started in Feb. He tested it in December simply for info. for my insurance company, knowing we were gonna be going for off label S&O in January. It was over 2.5 million then, but as we all know, it fluctuates constantly - less than 2 IU/mL within 4 weeks of tx ("negative" on that test - same as UD on other ones).

Love your pic, TH!

I know someone, Geno 1a, whose VL prior to tx was something unreal - like 190 MILLION! I saw the labs. He had a transplant in December, and the virus totally went beserk on and in that new liver. It took him 10 weeks on S/O, but he finally did achieve UD - and is was SVR12 a couple months ago - looking forward to SVR24 and beyond.

His story gives hope to everyone. New liver and within a month he was dying from the onslaught of renewed and ferocious, almost vengeful HCV. He's also HIV positive, so he was really in bad shape with the HCV coming back so intensely. He was jaundiced and very sick - now he's feeling great - virus DEAD.

AAL- your time is almost here! Whooo!

CM, that's great news about your friend. I try not to stress too much about tx & it's getting closer. TH, Tulsa, Leo, me...there's a few of us waiting in the wings for our cure & I do believe we'll beat HCV. You, WG, Kramer, Marilyn & others have really put this behind you even as you wait on confirmation of SVR 24. VL has never really meant anything except how you respond to tx & determining when it's time to start tx. Happiness is freedom from HCV. Now the FDA needs to approve our meds & insurance needs to approve our meds to free the rest of us from the dragon's lair.

question ......my insurance is going to change in 6 months but they said I will be covered until January 31, 2015 that would put me at 15 or 16 weeks with insurance...when meds come out....even if I got them starting Oct. 13 that would give me 15 weeks is that long enough for treatment with S&O ?
appreciate any slayers roar of comments :}

@TH. The tx is 12 wks for geno 1a. If you got the meds shipped from the specialty pharma immediately upon approval you might have just enough to see you through to the end of tx but it will be close. The drugs just being approved by the FDA in Oct. may not get onto the insurers formulary right away & may require a letter from your doc stating the reasons you need these meds & requesting pre-approval or an exception to get the meds authorized under the plan. Is Solvadi covered by your ins. now? Since this new pill is a different variation of Solvadi containing Ledispavir it is going to need to be added to the authorized meds.

Oh ....that is a ton of information and thanks for the heads up.....I will call and see if Solvadi is covered...that will definietly be something to ask the NP when I go see her Sept. 23, how I can obtain meds right away...maybe this will work out but like you said it will be close....the NP was interested how we knew so much of this disease and meds....DAHHHHHHH...we're dying out here !!! she really was cool and easy to talk with...she is our age...probably feels lucky she isn't in our shoes... seems like she really wants to help...said it is going to be a tsunami....I love that one..!!