viral load

[Guest guest]

Those numbers come from the lastest studies done by the CDC and yes it is scarey

.. The medications added are in clinical trials right now but show up to 60%

response rates . The treatment I am referring to is any interferon based drug

along with ribavirin . There are other factors that will contribute to whether a

person responds to treatment or not , like geno typing , life syle (alcahol ,

eating right etc) , age and length of infection factor in too. I can get the

percentage rate data from the CDC if you would like to see them . I am not

trying to scare anyone but to inform and educate

Re: viral load

>

>

> OK, so I cleared at 12 weeks. Continuing tx to 48 weeks. What is the

> percentage that 6 months post-tx my viral load will rebound. Anyone know?

>

>

>

> On 9/15/05, Bhprice425@... <Bhprice425@...> wrote:

> >

> > yes, it happens....rebound

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi :

Like always, I'm going to be different and say I disagree with the

33% relapse rate for geno 1. There's no way you can give a flat

figure like that because there are too many variables.

Older people relapse more than younger....the ones with cirrhosis

relapse more than the ones with less damage....Ribavirin

dose...compliance....med interruptions.....body weight...heavier

people relapse more....comorbidities like Insulin Resistance,

diabetes, untreated depression and anemia all lower SVR.

See what I mean? We would have to see which group you fit

into....and then it would depend on what study you look at.

I know....now you're going to say.... " but Silvia...how about if I

have none of the above, I'm young and handsome what's the chance I'll

relapse? " .

and my answer to that would have to be....Stop looking at relapse

rate and concentrate on the fact that YOU CLEARED AT 4 WEEKS! That

gives you the very best odds of staying clear.(even better than those

that clear at 12 weeks). You did the toughest part already....You

cleared....now let's just make sure you stay there. Keep doing

everything the same. Drink the water, meds at the same time, watch

your lab, etc.

and if you pray...do that too. Use everything you've got to stay

clear...then you can come back and tell everybody nanananana....LOL

Silvia

> >

> > yes, it happens....rebound

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Thanks Silvia. (I actually cleared at 12 weeks.)

Anyway, I saw my hepatologist on Friday, and asked her. Here's what she

said, for what it's worth. She said that since I cleared at 12 weeks, I had

a 90% chance at an SVR. If I'm still clear at 24 weeks, it's 95% and if

still clear at 48 weeks, it's 98%. That's what she said, so who knows.

On 9/17/05, silvianursey <Bhprice425@...> wrote:

>

>

> Hi :

> Like always, I'm going to be different and say I disagree with the

> 33% relapse rate for geno 1. There's no way you can give a flat

> figure like that because there are too many variables.

>

> Older people relapse more than younger....the ones with cirrhosis

> relapse more than the ones with less damage....Ribavirin

> dose...compliance....med interruptions.....body weight...heavier

> people relapse more....comorbidities like Insulin Resistance,

> diabetes, untreated depression and anemia all lower SVR.

> See what I mean? We would have to see which group you fit

> into....and then it would depend on what study you look at.

>

> I know....now you're going to say.... " but Silvia...how about if I

> have none of the above, I'm young and handsome what's the chance I'll

> relapse? " .

>

> and my answer to that would have to be....Stop looking at relapse

> rate and concentrate on the fact that YOU CLEARED AT 4 WEEKS! That

> gives you the very best odds of staying clear.(even better than those

> that clear at 12 weeks). You did the toughest part already....You

> cleared....now let's just make sure you stay there. Keep doing

> everything the same. Drink the water, meds at the same time, watch

> your lab, etc.

> and if you pray...do that too. Use everything you've got to stay

> clear...then you can come back and tell everybody nanananana....LOL

> Silvia

>

>

>

>

> > >

> > > yes, it happens....rebound

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

She's the one that knows the condition of your liver better so

I would believe her over me.....LOL

Though I have to say I have never heard it explained the way she

did. The NIH says 97-98% chance of staying clear if you're clear 6

months AFTER you finish treatment.

Either way sounds good...

Silvia

> > > >

> > > > yes, it happens....rebound

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

[Guest guest]

Jeri,

I'm not sure what the log value is refering to. Usually during

treatmnet the drs. will look for a '2 log drop' in viral load to tell

if the treatment is working. You viral load is in the low range.

Viral loads will change like the wind, a good life style may keep it

low; a stressful life or poor diet may cause it to go up. High or low

is not an indication of faster progressing damage or a more serious

condition. Here is a link to HCV Advocate's Fact Sheet library.

There are a couple of sheets on viral load and lab tests.

http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets.asp

Glenn

>

> Hi all! I picked up my viral load results and can't make heads or

tails out of it. It says my log value is 5.4 log IU and the viral

load is 257,000 IU/mL. Can anyone explain this or send me to a site

to help. What comes next?? I'm tired and depressed. I'm fighting

the depression, but sleeping as much I can. Jeri

>

> Jeri

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the info Glenn. Jeri

Jeri

[Guest guest]

you might be surprised that your tiredness is a big part of Hep C, although

everyone gets tired, so its hard to tell---

My Hep C support group here in southern california says that the best time to

take the treatment is when its best for you,,, ie , good job, good spiritual

situation, and good health, that kind of thing. My viral load is only 175,000

and all other test are really good, but elected to go on treatment just because

all the above is really good for me right now, especially my job, as I can take

naps at work.

to answer your question, does viral load matter---I belive that it a case by

case situation, as the virus can turn on any of us at any time, and in general

doctors use all of the tests to determine your rate of decay---mostly the liver

biopsy is the best way to determine rate of decay, but not recommended to be

done more than two years at a time.

Henry <henryabel@...> wrote: Hi, my

viral load has been steadily increasing, even though my liver

function tests have been going up and down and recently they went

down. My viral load used to be in the hundreds of thousands, within a

couple of years it went up to almost 4 million. I have not had any

hepatitis C symptoms. Should I be worried? Is it ok for me to

postpone the treatment for about a year? Does viral load matter?

Thanks in advance

---------------------------------

Get your own web address for just $1.99/1st yr. We'll help. Small

Business.

[Guest guest]

Hi, you mentioned a Hep C support group in So Cal...where do they meet and how

do I plug in? I am in Orange County. Moved out here last year for a job, and

really don't know many people here yet as it is.

---------------------------------

Stay in the know. Pulse on the new .com. Check it out.

[Guest guest]

>

> Just had to let everyone know.... Week 20 finished.. Viral Load " UN-

> DETECTABLE " I am so excited. All the crap Ive been going through and

> its working. Doctor is really pleased too. I hope that it lasts.

> God bless all of you for all of your support.

>

>

that is great to hear , I just had my first visit

to mydoc after 5, this will be my 6th wk and she was real pleased also

that a month ago i was 20 mil and now it is undectetable also so i feel

like you at the moment and have a big smile on my face and have to share

along with you. after reading some of the experiences of some i can't

help but wonder if after the treatment 2 months down the road won't

start getting higher like on some.

I know everyone is different and affects people in

different ways but thats what makes us indiviuals.but for right now i'll

keep the smile on my face as i hope u do too and keep eveyone here in

my prayers that eveything will work out for us all.

keep the faith and god bless you and all

who read this.

joyce

[Guest guest]

I don't even know what my viral load is. My doctors don't set much store by it. It doesn't really tell you much unless you're on tx & even then my doctor didn't get it tested either time I was on tx. This was my first doc, a G I & a very good one - he's dead now & SuZie's still here(he was in his forties).He ran the Liver Function Tests every couple of weeks & after four months, when they showed no better he stopped tx. My second doc - Dr Idiot - doesn't believe in it either. I asked him about it & he said that the LFTs would show the improvement, if any, earlier & better than viral load. So if I was you, I wouldn't worry too much,

SuZie

Next time I'm coming back as a cat

viral load

had a nice night at my works x-mas party only to come home to dr mesage teling me i had 14 million hec c viral load

[Guest guest]

Good Morning Suzie, Group I never really knew my viral load either, I was told the same, that unless on treatment, it pretty much didn't matter. To who, was always my question, for if it concerns me, it matters, to me. I am ESLD now, unable to treat, and when I was being evaluated for a transplant, I asked the nurse what my viral load was. I was amazed when she said it was 65 thousand. When I hear everyone in the millions. I asked the nurse, are you sure your looking at my records? My meld score is 11 at the moment, I was a 14, Now I have to wait till my meld goes back up before I can be listed. Something strange my hep doctor ,at the transplant center said to me, because I was so concerned about being listed. Just in case, you know. He said, even if I am not listed and needed a liver, I would get one. This shocked me! Then why do we jump through these hoops, that these Gosh darn doctors, at the transplant hospitals that upset us so, I know I

went through hell be evaluated at Duke, extensive testing, lots of blood, only to be told by Duke transplant center, that they felt I would not be able to handle the stress of a transplant. I took it well, in stride, because my doctor is higher up, God. And simply went on to a different transplant center. Which I'm glad happened, because Duke was so uncaring, snobbish, would not give me the true reason other than I could not handle the stress. I've raised 8 children, played secretary for the township for two terms,dealt with Hep c for 30, but in two days of evaluation, they can decide how, who,and why. It's all so crazy. But, I'm a fighter, I'll never give up. And to those who walk my shoes, don't let these doctor intimidate you. Speak your mind, even if they don't want to hear it, you do. My question to group, would be, if she, the nurse was reading my viral load, why would it be so low, yet I am ESLD? Respectfully Star1956suzie <suzieandsandy@...> wrote: I don't even know what my viral load is. My doctors don't set much store by it. It doesn't really tell you much unless you're on tx & even then my doctor didn't get it tested either time I was on tx. This was my first doc, a G I & a very good one - he's dead now & SuZie's still here(he was in his

forties).He ran the Liver Function Tests every couple of weeks & after four months, when they showed no better he stopped tx. My second doc - Dr Idiot - doesn't believe in it either. I asked him about it & he said that the LFTs would show the improvement, if any, earlier & better than viral load. So if I was you, I wouldn't worry too much, SuZie Next time I'm coming back as a cat viral load had a nice night at my works x-mas party only to come home to dr mesage teling me i had 14 million hec c viral load

Have a burning question? Go to Answers and get answers from real people who know.

[Guest guest]

Mitch's Hep Dr Was Big On Vl But Didn't Test Genotypes. He Felt Too Many Gave Up

Hope Or Didn't Fight As Much When They Knew They Had Harder Types And Vice Versa

With The 'easy Types'. So We Never Knew His Genotype. Have A Great Day

Everyone Love And Hugs. D

[suzieandsandy@...] wrote:

I don't even know what my viral load is. My doctors don't set much store by it.

It doesn't really tell you much unless you're on tx & even then my doctor didn't

get it tested either time I was on tx. This was my first doc, a G I & a very

good one - he's dead now & SuZie's still here(he was in his forties).He ran the

Liver Function Tests every couple of weeks & after four months, when they showed

no better he stopped tx. My second doc - Dr Idiot - doesn't believe in it

either. I asked him about it & he said that the LFTs would show the

improvement, if any, earlier & better than viral load. So if I was you, I

wouldn't worry too much,

SuZie

Next time I'm coming back as a cat

viral load

had a nice night at my works x-mas party only to come home to dr mesage teling

me i had 14 million hec c viral load

[Guest guest]

Hello Star, Kathy B here in Milwaukee.. I see your birth year is mine wow.. Star I had my transplant in 2004 March 30th as a matter of fact.. I am still clear of Hepatitis C and from what I was told my viral load was way down to right before the big event..And is most certainly the reason that I', Girl friend don't complain, your going to get your new liver Hon.. Most people wit years for one.. Kathy Boo

-- Re: viral load

Good Morning Suzie, Group

I never really knew my viral load either, I was told the same, that unless on treatment, it pretty much didn't matter. To who, was always my question, for if it concerns me, it matters, to me. I am ESLD now, unable to treat, and when I was being evaluated for a transplant, I asked the nurse what my viral load was. I was amazed when she said it was 65 thousand. When I hear everyone in the millions. I asked the nurse, are you sure your looking at my records? My meld score is 11 at the moment, I was a 14, Now I have to wait till my meld goes back up before I can be listed. Something strange my hep doctor ,at the transplant center said to me, because I was so concerned about being listed. Just in case, you know. He said, even if I am not listed and needed a liver, I would get one. This shocked me!

Then why do we jump through these hoops, that these Gosh darn doctors, at the transplant hospitals that upset us so, I know I went through hell be evaluated at Duke, extensive testing, lots of blood, only to be told by Duke transplant center, that they felt I would not be able to handle the stress of a transplant. I took it well, in stride, because my doctor is higher up, God. And simply went on to a different transplant center. Which I'm glad happened, because Duke was so uncaring, snobbish, would not give me the true reason other than I could not handle the stress. I've raised 8 children, played secretary for the township for two terms,dealt with Hep c for 30, but in two days of evaluation, they can decide how, who,and why. It's all so crazy.

But, I'm a fighter, I'll never give up. And to those who walk my shoes, don't let these doctor intimidate you. Speak your mind, even if they don't want to hear it, you do.

My question to group, would be, if she, the nurse was reading my viral load, why would it be so low, yet I am ESLD?

Respectfully

Star1956suzie <suzieandsandy > wrote:

I don't even know what my viral load is. My doctors don't set much store by it. It doesn't really tell you much unless you're on tx & even then my doctor didn't get it tested either time I was on tx. This was my first doc, a G I & a very good one - he's dead now & SuZie's still here(he was in his forties).He ran the Liver Function Tests every couple of weeks & after four months, when they showed no better he stopped tx. My second doc - Dr Idiot - doesn't believe in it either. I asked him about it & he said that the LFTs would show the improvement, if any, earlier & better than viral load. So if I was you, I wouldn't worry too much,

SuZie

Next time I'm coming back as a cat

viral load

had a nice night at my works x-mas party only to come home to dr mesage teling me i had 14 million hec c viral load

Have a burning question? Go to Answers and get answers from real people who know.

[Guest guest]

Hi Star/Group. I'm the same.. I asked for my Ammonia level and she (TP Co-ordinator) said they don't test for that.. I know... I should've pressed her and said why not?.... but I'm still in the process of mending my relationship with the NEW CREW, after I got pretty verbal with them regarding communications and the fact they say I CRS....I agree my memory is failing...but the CRS syndrome is NOT a dumoing ground for the shortcomings or errors. If I do something wrong...I'm the first to step up and 'take my licks', but don't EVEN think of blaming me, when it's not my fault. Does that make me a paranoid, arguementative, bi-polar crazed individual... for wanting to establish the truth? So I don't want to rock the boat. I will ask again. Later..... Do they check anyone elses ammonia? I thought that was the BIG BAD POISON that would back up and kill me... if not

kept in check, so why would they not test? You don't have to answer that, they do.... Believe it or not... I'm really HAPPY IN HOUSTON!!! hahahaha Del Star Cook <whomeinnc@...> wrote: Good Morning Suzie, Group I never really knew my viral load either, I was told the same, that unless on treatment, it pretty much didn't matter. To who, was always my question, for if it concerns me, it matters, to me.

I am ESLD now, unable to treat, and when I was being evaluated for a transplant, I asked the nurse what my viral load was. I was amazed when she said it was 65 thousand. When I hear everyone in the millions. I asked the nurse, are you sure your looking at my records? My meld score is 11 at the moment, I was a 14, Now I have to wait till my meld goes back up before I can be listed. Something strange my hep doctor ,at the transplant center said to me, because I was so concerned about being listed. Just in case, you know. He said, even if I am not listed and needed a liver, I would get one. This shocked me! Then why do we jump through these hoops, that these Gosh darn doctors, at the transplant hospitals that upset us so, I know I went through hell be evaluated at Duke, extensive testing, lots of blood, only to be told by Duke transplant center, that they felt I would not be able to handle the stress of a transplant. I took it well, in stride, because my doctor

is higher up, God. And simply went on to a different transplant center. Which I'm glad happened, because Duke was so uncaring, snobbish, would not give me the true reason other than I could not handle the stress. I've raised 8 children, played secretary for the township for two terms,dealt with Hep c for 30, but in two days of evaluation, they can decide how, who,and why. It's all so crazy. But, I'm a fighter, I'll never give up. And to those who walk my shoes, don't let these doctor intimidate you. Speak your mind, even if they don't want to hear it, you do. My question to group, would be, if she, the nurse was reading my viral load, why would it be so low, yet I am ESLD? Respectfully Star1956suzie <suzieandsandy > wrote: I don't even know what my viral load is. My doctors don't set much store by it. It doesn't really tell you much unless you're on tx & even then my doctor didn't get it tested either time I was on tx. This was my first doc, a G I & a very good one - he's dead now & SuZie's still here(he was in his forties).He ran the Liver Function Tests every couple of weeks & after four months, when they showed no better he stopped tx. My second doc - Dr Idiot - doesn't believe in it either. I asked him about it & he said that the LFTs would show the improvement, if any, earlier & better than viral load. So if I was you, I wouldn't worry too much, SuZie Next time I'm coming back as a cat viral load had a nice night at my works x-mas party only to come home to dr mesage teling me i had 14 million hec c viral load Have a burning

question? Go to Answers and get answers from real people who know.

Any questions? Get answers on any topic at Answers. Try it now.

[Guest guest]

Yes they check Ammonia levels, it is an expensive test and the levels can change rapidly, but I have drawn a lot of Ammonia levels on people with liver disease. This might be a preference of thr Doc, but they can test for it.

Re: viral load

Hi Star/Group.

I'm the same.. I asked for my Ammonia level and she (TP Co-ordinator) said they don't test for that.. I know... I should've pressed her and said why not?.... but I'm still in the process of mending my relationship with the NEW CREW, after I got pretty verbal with them regarding communications and the fact they say I CRS....I agree my memory is failing...but the CRS syndrome is NOT a dumoing ground for the shortcomings or errors.

If I do something wrong...I'm the first to step up and 'take my licks', but don't EVEN think of blaming me, when it's not my fault. Does that make me a paranoid, arguementative, bi-polar crazed individual... for wanting to establish the truth?

So I don't want to rock the boat. I will ask again. Later.....

Do they check anyone elses ammonia? I thought that was the BIG BAD POISON that would back up and kill me kept in check, so why would they not test?

You don't have to answer that, they do....

Believe it or not... I'm really HAPPY IN HOUSTON!!! hahahaha

Del

Star Cook <whomeinnc > wrote:

Good Morning Suzie, Group

I never really knew my viral load either, I was told the same, that unless on treatment, it pretty much didn't matter. To who, was always my question, for if it concerns me, it matters, to me. I am ESLD now, unable to treat, and when I was being evaluated for a transplant, I asked the nurse what my viral load was. I was amazed when she said it was 65 thousand. When I hear everyone in the millions. I asked the nurse, are you sure your looking at my records? My meld score is 11 at the moment, I was a 14, Now I have to wait till my meld goes back up before I can be listed. Something strange my hep doctor ,at the transplant center said to me, because I was so concerned about being listed. Just in case, you know. He said, even if I am not listed and needed a liver, I would get one. This shocked me!

Then why do we jump through these hoops, that these Gosh darn doctors, at the transplant hospitals that upset us so, I know I went through hell be evaluated at Duke, extensive testing, lots of blood, only to be told by Duke transplant center, that they felt I would not be able to handle the stress of a transplant. I took it well, in stride, because my doctor is higher up, God. And simply went on to a different transplant center. Which I'm glad happened, because Duke was so uncaring, snobbish, would not give me the true reason other than I could not handle the stress. I've raised 8 children, played secretary for the township for two terms,dealt with Hep c for 30, but in two days of evaluation, they can decide how, who,and why. It's all so crazy.

But, I'm a fighter, I'll never give up. And to those who walk my shoes, don't let these doctor intimidate you. Speak your mind, even if they don't want to hear it, you do.

My question to group, would be, if she, the nurse was reading my viral load, why would it be so low, yet I am ESLD?

Respectfully

Star1956suzie <suzieandsandy > wrote:

Answers and get answers from real people who know.

Any questions? Get answers on any topic at Answers. Try it now.

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition.Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.15.18/585 - Release Date: 12/13/2006 11:49 AM

[Guest guest]

Good Afternoon Del, They have done an ammonia test on me, because I told them, I wanted every test done, to find out what my meld score was. This is one of the test conducted. My ammonia level was 55. My local Internal medicine doctor conducted these tests. Respectfully Star1956Del Compton <go_deliman@...> wrote: Hi Star/Group. I'm the same.. I asked for my Ammonia level and she (TP Co-ordinator) said they don't test for that.. I

know... I should've pressed her and said why not?.... but I'm still in the process of mending my relationship with the NEW CREW, after I got pretty verbal with them regarding communications and the fact they say I CRS....I agree my memory is failing...but the CRS syndrome is NOT a dumoing ground for the shortcomings or errors. If I do something wrong...I'm the first to step up and 'take my licks', but don't EVEN think of blaming me, when it's not my fault. Does that make me a paranoid, arguementative, bi-polar crazed individual... for wanting to establish the truth? So I don't want to rock the boat. I will ask again. Later..... Do they check anyone elses ammonia? I thought that was the BIG BAD POISON that would back up and kill me... if not kept in check, so why would they not test? You don't have to answer that, they do.... Believe it or

not... I'm really HAPPY IN HOUSTON!!! hahahaha Del Star Cook <whomeinnc > wrote: Good Morning Suzie, Group I never really knew my viral load either, I was told the same, that unless on treatment, it pretty much didn't matter. To who, was always my question, for if it concerns me, it matters, to me. I am ESLD now, unable to treat, and when I was being evaluated for a transplant, I asked the nurse what my viral load was. I was amazed when she said it was 65 thousand. When I hear everyone in the millions. I asked the nurse, are you sure your looking at my records? My meld score is 11 at the moment, I was a 14, Now I have to wait till my meld goes back up before I can be listed. Something strange my hep doctor ,at the transplant center said to

me, because I was so concerned about being listed. Just in case, you know. He said, even if I am not listed and needed a liver, I would get one. This shocked me! Then why do we jump through these hoops, that these Gosh darn doctors, at the transplant hospitals that upset us so, I know I went through hell be evaluated at Duke, extensive testing, lots of blood, only to be told by Duke transplant center, that they felt I would not be able to handle the stress of a transplant. I took it well, in stride, because my doctor is higher up, God. And simply went on to a different transplant center. Which I'm glad happened, because Duke was so uncaring, snobbish, would not give me the true reason other than I could not handle the stress. I've raised 8 children, played secretary for the township for two terms,dealt with Hep c for 30, but in two days of evaluation, they can decide how, who,and why. It's all so crazy. But, I'm a fighter, I'll never give up.

And to those who walk my shoes, don't let these doctor intimidate you. Speak your mind, even if they don't want to hear it, you do. My question to group, would be, if she, the nurse was reading my viral load, why would it be so low, yet I am ESLD? Respectfully Star1956suzie <suzieandsandy > wrote: I don't even know what my viral load is. My doctors don't set much store by it. It doesn't really tell you much unless you're on tx & even then my doctor didn't get it tested either time I was on tx. This was my first doc, a G I & a very good one - he's dead now & SuZie's still here(he was in his forties).He ran

the Liver Function Tests every couple of weeks & after four months, when they showed no better he stopped tx. My second doc - Dr Idiot - doesn't believe in it either. I asked him about it & he said that the LFTs would show the improvement, if any, earlier & better than viral load. So if I was you, I wouldn't worry too much, SuZie Next time I'm coming back as a cat viral load had a nice night at my works x-mas party only to come home to dr mesage teling me i had 14 million hec c viral load Have a burning question? Go to Answers and get answers from real people who know. Any questions? Get answers on any topic at Answers. Try it now.

Any questions? Get answers on any topic at Answers. Try it now.

[Guest guest]

Thank you... I'll just keep drinking the Lactulose and try to moniter how I'm doing, as far as swelling, and how well my brain works. Del <kcpapa2@...> wrote: Yes they check Ammonia levels, it is an expensive test and the levels can change rapidly, but I have drawn a lot of Ammonia levels on people with liver disease. This might be a preference of thr Doc, but they can test for it. Re: viral load Hi Star/Group. I'm the same.. I asked for my Ammonia level and she (TP Co-ordinator) said they don't test for that.. I know... I should've pressed her and said why not?.... but I'm still in the process of mending my relationship with the NEW CREW, after I got pretty verbal with them regarding communications and the fact they say I CRS....I agree my memory is failing...but the CRS syndrome is NOT a dumoing ground for the shortcomings or errors. If I do something wrong...I'm the first to step up and 'take my licks', but don't EVEN think of blaming me, when it's not my fault. Does that make me a paranoid, arguementative, bi-polar crazed individual... for wanting to establish the truth? So I don't want to rock the boat. I will ask again. Later..... Do they check anyone elses ammonia? I thought that was the BIG BAD POISON that would back up and kill me kept in check, so why would they not test? You don't have to answer that, they do.... Believe it or not... I'm really HAPPY IN HOUSTON!!! hahahaha Del Star Cook <whomeinnc > wrote: Good Morning Suzie, Group I never really knew my viral load either, I was told the same, that unless on treatment, it pretty much didn't matter. To who, was always my question, for if it concerns me, it matters, to me. I am ESLD now, unable to treat, and when I was being evaluated for a transplant, I asked the nurse what my viral load was. I was amazed when she said it was 65 thousand. When I hear everyone in the millions. I asked the nurse, are you sure your looking at my records? My meld score is 11 at the moment, I was a 14, Now I have to wait till my meld goes back

up before I can be listed. Something strange my hep doctor ,at the transplant center said to me, because I was so concerned about being listed. Just in case, you know. He said, even if I am not listed and needed a liver, I would get one. This shocked me! Then why do we jump through these hoops, that these Gosh darn doctors, at the transplant hospitals that upset us so, I know I went through hell be evaluated at Duke, extensive testing, lots of blood, only to be told by Duke transplant center, that they felt I would not be able to handle the stress of a transplant. I took it well, in stride, because my doctor is higher up, God. And simply went on to a different transplant center. Which I'm glad happened, because Duke was so uncaring, snobbish, would not give me the true reason other than I could not handle the stress. I've raised 8 children, played secretary for the township for two terms,dealt with Hep c for 30, but in two days of evaluation, they can

decide how, who,and why. It's all so crazy. But, I'm a fighter, I'll never give up. And to those who walk my shoes, don't let these doctor intimidate you. Speak your mind, even if they don't want to hear it, you do. My question to group, would be, if she, the nurse was reading my viral load, why would it be so low, yet I am ESLD? Respectfully Star1956suzie <suzieandsandy > wrote: Answers and get answers from real people who know. Any questions? Get answers on any topic at Answers. Try

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[Guest guest]

No,, not to MY knowledge, but I have 'heard' some ppl say that they felt better while on tx,,, I noticed within the first 2 weeks that my leg aches stopped while on tx,, but then my labs went into the potty and I was really sick for the rest of my tx time.. and the leg aches came back... NO, I really dont think so,, but what I said was that Its possible,, Im certainly no expert on Hep c... but it might be so,,, everyone is so different, its hard to say for sure! Does that make sense? lolNikki Cowan <nikkicowan@...> wrote: So is there a direct relationship between lessening of viral load and lessening of symptoms, to your knowledge, Jackie? Nikki well ed, it might be because you are adjusting to the meds. I have heard of ppl who actually did feel much better on tx and you may be one of those.. and yes, it might be because of the viral load being held in check too. Count your blessings hon,, you are one of the lucky ones! Even tho I was undetectible at week 12, I still had side effects all the way through out tx... _ Jackie

[Guest guest]

Yes, it does make sense : ) Hep c is

such a slippery

subject because there are just so many variances between everyone’s

experiences on it. I have been

thinking a lot on this particular part of it because of the way I am

feeling. I was so sick for so

long and now I am mostly not at all, so what does this mean? I wish I

could afford some bloodwork, but with all that is going on it will not be my

turn for a little while. And I

watched my brother’s digression and his experience was so different from

mine, and mine from my husband’s.

To our knowledge my husband has never had a symptom one. We have other friends who have had

terrible symptoms and little if any liver damage.

Another friend cleared on treatment then a couple of years later their liver

failed and they died in a matter of days.

I guess I will just be grateful I feel better and try not to worry.

Nikki

No,, not

to MY knowledge, but I have 'heard' some ppl say that they felt better while on

tx,,, I noticed within the first 2 weeks that my leg aches stopped while on

tx,, but then my labs went into the potty and I was really sick for the rest of

my tx time..

and the leg aches came back... NO, I

really dont think so,, but what I said was that Its possible,, Im certainly no

expert on Hep c... but it

might be so,,, everyone is so different, its hard to say for sure! Does

that make sense? lol

Nikki Cowan <nikkicowansbcglobal (DOT) net> wrote:

So is there a direct relationship between

lessening of viral load and lessening of symptoms, to your knowledge, Jackie?

Nikki

well ed, it might be because you are adjusting to the

meds. I have heard of ppl who

actually did feel much better on tx and you may be one of those.. and

yes, it might be because of the viral load being held in check too. Count your blessings hon,, you are one of

the lucky ones! Even tho I was undetectible at week 12, I still had side

effects all the way through out tx...

_

Jackie

[Guest guest]

These look to be simple flactuations and not meaningful changes. The viral load

varies a lot plus it is not measured exactly and in the same way by different

labs. This is nothing to worry - practically speaking it is the same al this

time - sort of moderately high. Mine varies like that too from 1.7 mil as lowest

to 20 - 30 mil.

Viral Load

I was diagnosed with Hep C back in January of 2007. At that time, my viral load

was at 1.2 million, and then in May, it tested at 1.5 million. During that

period, more specificially, between June of 1996 and July 26, 2007, I was

actively taking methamphetamines. On July 26, 2007, I stopped completely. On

August 29, I believe 39 days into my meth recovery, I had my viral load tested

again. The results just came back today, and my viral load is now just over 9

million. I'm a little freaked out to say the least. Any insights would be great.

Thanks,

Deron

____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _

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[Guest guest]

>

> I was diagnosed with Hep C back in January of 2007. At that time,

my viral load was at 1.2 million, and then in May, it tested at 1.5

million. During that period, more specificially, between June of

1996 and July 26, 2007, I was actively taking methamphetamines. On

July 26, 2007, I stopped completely. On August 29, I believe 39 days

into my meth recovery, I had my viral load tested again. The results

just came back today, and my viral load is now just over 9 million.

I'm a little freaked out to say the least. Any insights would be

great.

>

> Thanks,

>

> Deron

>I was diagnosised with hep c april of 2007. Since then I've done the

ultrasound, biopsy. All that good stuff. In april my viral load was

over 2,000,000. Yet in july they were checked again and my viral load

went down to a little over 1,000,000. I barely started treatment 2

days ago .I only thought i was gonna have to stay on treatment for 24

weeks. 48 weeks. I dont understand my livers at stage 0 my viral load

is not that high. why so long.

>

> kristina

>

______________________________________________________________________

______________

> Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone

who knows. Answers - Check it out.

> http://answers./dir/?link=list & sid=396545469

>

>

[Guest guest]

It's very common for viral loads to increase during times of stress, and I

imagine

your stress increased significantly after you were told of your illness.

Couple that with going thru drug withdrawal, and it's no wonder you had an

increase.

Viral loads fluctuate all the time however..they rise and fall on a regular

basis,

and that may not be the best indicator of your overall situation.

Once you have settled down, and have recovered a bit from the physical stress

of dealing

with being away from the meth, I would bet you improve tremendously.

Have you had an ultrasound or biopsy or further testing?

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[Guest guest]

Wow! I am sure you are worried - what did your doctor suggest? Have you had a

biopsy to find out how your liver is doing? That might be a good place to

start...also, if you are now clean, I would suggest helping to heal your liver -

Cabot, a Canadian naturopath, has an excellent book with nutritional info

for the liver called 'The Liver Cleansing Diet' When I first read the book, it

made sense, and I followed her nutritional/dietary suggestions, and my viral

load dropped incredibly - I still chose to undergo treatment - but my viral load

was significantly impacted in a postive way. I would suggest trying a

nutritional approach at this juncture - it sounds like your liver needs help to

work well

Let me know how things go... and please, don't hurt yourself anymore by using

meth - okay? Let's take care of you...you are important!

Deron Giuliani <deron_giuliani@...> wrote:

I was diagnosed with Hep C back in January of 2007. At that time, my

viral load was at 1.2 million, and then in May, it tested at 1.5 million. During

that period, more specificially, between June of 1996 and July 26, 2007, I was

actively taking methamphetamines. On July 26, 2007, I stopped completely. On

August 29, I believe 39 days into my meth recovery, I had my viral load tested

again. The results just came back today, and my viral load is now just over 9

million. I'm a little freaked out to say the least. Any insights would be great.

Thanks,

Deron

__________________________________________________________

Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who knows.

Answers - Check it out.

http://answers./dir/?link=list & sid=396545469

[Guest guest]

Thanks everybody for all your feedback. Now that a couple of listers have

mentioned it, I'm sure it is stress-related. For example, on August 21, 2007, I

lost my best friend after a very long illness. I have had this weird anxious

feeling in my stomach ever since my friend died and it's almost like I'm

expecting myself to be able to fix all of this, as if I could get my friend back

if I just.....but of course there is nothing I can do. So as the serenity

prayer goes, God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change,

the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Anyway, thanks again everybody for your thoughts, it means so much to me. Now,

without any further adieu, I am off to my Narcotics anonymous meeting.

Thanks,

Deron

Re: Viral Load

It's very common for viral loads to increase during times of stress, and I

imagine

your stress increased significantly after you were told of your illness.

Couple that with going thru drug withdrawal, and it's no wonder you had an

increase.

Viral loads fluctuate all the time however..they rise and fall on a regular

basis,

and that may not be the best indicator of your overall situation.

Once you have settled down, and have recovered a bit from the physical stress

of dealing

with being away from the meth, I would bet you improve tremendously.

Have you had an ultrasound or biopsy or further testing?

************ ********* ********* ******** See what's new at http://www.aol. com

[Guest guest]

Hi Jan, Welcome to the Group, you will find many answers to yourquestions here and likely also be asked a few, lol.All kidding aside, there are a great bunch of knowledgeable and caring folks here. You should also have a liver biopsy, pain or not, it will help determine how much damage there is to your liver from the Hep C, and that will help you decide where to go from there.. One thing I can tell you for sure, you are not alone, my friend. Take care, keep in touch,Sheena JAN

DEXTER <jan_dxtr@...> wrote: Thanks for letting join your group, am sure you will be a big help, Also belong to the cholesterol group as my cholesterol was out of wack but after some great suggestions my numbers are now great,In 1992 was told I had the antibodies for non a non b hepatitis, and who knows when I contracted it, and have no syptoms for the past 16 years and have no symptoms now, yet did have a Hepatitis panel done and was positive for Hep C, okay, my bilirubin for as long as I can remember has always been 1.0

1.2 still no symptoms, no malaise, no jaundice, nothing, so the Dr calls and says my viral load is high and wants me to see a gastroenterologist, okay, no problem, not really too worried, who knows how long it has been elevated, my triglycerides were 1305 criticall high and who knows how long they were at those levels, now they are at 172 and going lower through proper diet and exercise, so still not that worried about the elevated viral load, am a nurse just too familiar with Hep c years ago cut out all alcohol and all tylenol just to be safe, any body have any thought would surely appreciate them thanks jan dexter am 59 year white male, 195 lbs, ravishing apetite, no jaundice and no pain in the belly, go figure

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