Hi everyone!

Today, I got lab results of a test run after 13 weeks of tx. The results are:

RESULTS: <135; UNITS: COPIES/ML; REFERENCE RANGE: <135

RESULTS: <50; UNITS: IU/ML; REFERENCE RANGE: <50

I'm feeling pretty good today even though shot #16 was 5 hours ago!

Best wishes!

Wes

[This message has been edited by Wes1212 (edited 12-09-2002).]

It looks as if congratulations are in order Wes! Being that I don't know your particular situation would you mind reiterating genotype and viral load at the beginning of your treatment?

Continued success and big smiles to you! Diann

Hi D!

I was diagnosed in Fall 1998 with 500,000 copies/mL; Biopsy indicated only mild inflammation. I began taking Milk Thistle 3 times/day.

PCR in Spring 2002 indicated 800,000 copies/mL; Genotype was identified as 3a.

Treatment was started in Aug 2002.

My liver enzymes were normalized within first 2 weeks of treatment.

My doctor is still wanting to treat for 56 weeks. I still don't like the doctor!

Thank you!

Wes

I can't understand why in the world your doctor would want to treat you for 56 weeks. Have you asked what the reason is?

There is no evidence that this would have significant benefit and it could put you at risk unnecessarily. No study I am aware of has shown benefit to a genotype 3 beyond the 24 weeks. There might be some benefit to someone with cirrhosis, but you do not have cirrhosis.

Please do discuss this with the doc and remember that the choice is yours.

thanbey
www.hcop.org (http://www.hcop.org)

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www.hcop.org (http://www.hcop.org)
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My doctor told me that incidents of people relapsing after treatment is reason to believe they are not clearing themselves of the virus adequately.

I think he said something like it would be a good idea to keep the drug in circulation for a period longer than the time when most relapses occur.

He said if the drug was being well tolerated that it would be a good idea to introduce that "safety factor" (hello pj)

Sorry, but the studies done so far do not support your doctor's theory.

The recommendation for a genotype 3 to treat for 24 weeks is based on studies that go out much furhter than that. No increase in response has been found.

thanbey
www.hcop.org (http://www.hcop.org)

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www.hcop.org (http://www.hcop.org)
preapproved by moderator1

Yeah, I've seen his bill and have been suspecting that he has webbed feet as well.

When I asked him why he was going to leave me taking tegretol and reduce the interferon (low wbc and anc), he got all huffy teary eyed and didn't let me get another word in. He actually told me not to consult another doctor unless I was planning to change completely.

I'll ask him about that again when I see him next.

Thanks T!

Wes

Wes-
looking good, I guess this means you are going to be on that respounder list, great for you.
be well-

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--Get Outdoors-Enjoy Life----Neil

I am so happy for you!!!! What great news, you made my day!!!!

Take care and keep going strong,

Jeannie

Wes,

Any doctor that threatens you with a consequence for seeking another opinion is acting unethically. A second opinion is a right.

In the three years or so I have been coming here, this is probably one of only a few times I have made such a statement.

Run, don't walk to another doctor's office and do not look back.

thanbey
www.hcop.org (http://www.hcop.org)

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www.hcop.org (http://www.hcop.org)
preapproved by moderator1