Post-treatment blood tests

[Todd4004]

Hi Everyone,

It's been a tough journey but I'm well on my way to beating the beast! Of course I'm super appreciative of my gastroenterologist, but his bedside manner leaves a lot to be desired. I got an EOT-Und. during my last appointment and he told me to come back in six months for my next blood test. He wasn't at all interested in the fact that I really wanted an earlier test at either 4 or 12 weeks post-treatment. Just not knowing for so long if I've relapsed would drive me crazy.

I can get an STD test at a local health clinic for $25 that includes Hep C testing. I was thinking about going this route instead of having to argue with my gastroenterologist or go though the hassle and costs of making a new appointment with my primary care doctor. From my understanding, the STD test shows that you are either reactive or unreactive to Hep C.

Do any of you think this would be an acceptable way to check for an SVR 4 and 12?

Thanks for your replies,
 
Todd

2008 - first detected
2013 - telaprevir nightmare
Feb 27, 2015 - S/O + 1200 mg ribavirin - 6,000,000 VC
April 11, 2015 - Und.
May 21, 2015 - EOT - Und.

[dragonslayer]

Todd, what you want is a viral load test; what the clinic is most likely testing for is HCV antibodies, which we already know youll test positive for since all that means is the patient was exposed to HCV..   All of us will test positive for that. Its no indication at all as to what your viral load is..

Try and beseech your doctor to order you a viral load test at least at 12 wks post treatment.. After all, that is the date commonly used with Harvoni to establish SVR...6 mos is the date that used to be used with Interferon based treatments, but SVR12 is the new common marker for SVR, and he should really order you that test..  If that doesnt work, some have had luck speaking to one of the nurses and asking them for the order.

Best of luck...

[Todd4004]

Thanks Paul,

You saved me a hassle there by not going with the STD tests. I asked my Hep doc if he would do the 4 or 12 week test and he blew up and got very nasty. I don't think I'll be going back to him for any reason. I reckon I'm going to go to my primary care doctor or maybe try to get an online physician write me up an order for a viral load test.

Thanks again...

[Lynn K]

You could consider if all else fails just going to a lab and paying for a hep c viral load test HCV RNA by PCR but I believe the test would cost around $400 so if you do decide to go that route call around for pricing.

Unfortunate your doctor is not willing to at least do the SVR 12.

Another less expensive option would be to get a liver function test. While not a precise indicator of virus returning last year when I relapsed I received my liver function test back first before the viral load. My ALT had returned to above normal. Again there could be different reasons for an elevation in liver enzymes but for me it probably did indicate that I has relapsed.

Good luck and wishing you SVR
Lynn