Week 8 Viral Load - Detected

[Username98098]

I got my test results before I see my doctor this coming Thursday. Not sure what he's going to say about this but I'm a bit crushed. It's the first semi-bad news I've had since starting the treatment. Still feel great it's just disturbing that there is a trace of the virus left in my system.
 
My HCV RNA, QUANTITATIVE REAL TIME PCR was 37. But week 4 was undetected. So I was hoping for the same results. It's quite a jump from my original test of 2835477.
I finish up my 12 week meds on May 17th. Wish my doctors appointment was sooner so I could get his feedback on this.

Trying to stay positive but it's just a shock after a great 4th week test.

[dragonslayer]

Try not to worry about on-treatment numbers.. There is a reason why the doctors wait until 12 wks post treatment before checking for SVR and declaring one 'cured'. Several of us tested low level detected not just on treatement, but at end of treatment and, in my case, even at 8 wks post treatment.  And yet, we went on to SVR at 12 wks and thereafter  (check my signature for details).  You will probably have the same fate, so chin up.. Not much to worry about from what youve presented!

One thing which doesnt make a lot of sense is you quote your most recent test showed a level < 15, and also a value of 37.   Typo??

[Lynn K]

There were a couple of people here most notably dragonslayer who we even detected at 8 weeks post treatment but went on to achieve SVR 12

Truely on treatment testing means little to nothing. The only test that matters is the test taken 12 weeks after treatment has ended

Hang in there you are not done yet

[Username98098]

Thanks for the positive words. I read the results right before work this morning and all day at work all I could think about is posting here on the forums for some advice.

Still wondering what the doctor has to say. He's an out of town contagious disease specialist and I can only see him on certain days.

Thank you all for the wisdom and encouragement you pass down!

[Ikickedit!]

I got my test results before I see my doctor this coming Thursday. Not sure what he's going to say about this but I'm a bit crushed. It's the first semi-bad news I've had since starting the treatment. Still feel great it's just disturbing that there is a trace of the virus left in my system.
 
My HCV RNA, QUANTITATIVE REAL TIME PCR was 37. But week 4 was undetected. So I was hoping for the same results. It's quite a jump from my original test of 2835477.
I finish up my 12 week meds on May 17th. Wish my doctors appointment was sooner so I could get his feedback on this.

Trying to stay positive but it's just a shock after a great 4th week test.

I started treatment with Epclusa for genotype 3 (Harvoni 2.0) in late October after  3 different unsuccessful attempts with interferon/ribavirin.  My tests showed declining viral load  (<15 after 8 weeks).  After 12 weeks of treatment my results were 'not detected' (<1.18) and now 12 weeks post treatment I am still <1.18 which translates to CURED, verified by my dr. yesterday.  Your results look great.  I was apprehensive to believe it after 20 years of fighting and unsuccessful treatments.  To have my dr. verify CURED in writing makes it a reality.  Think positive and allow yourself to be optimistic.   

The medicine treats the virus in your bloodstream and in your liver. Also, your viral load naturally fluctuates in your body.    Your treatment has your viral load down to near undetectable levels and will continue to prevent the virus from replicating until a few weeks after treatment.  You still have time left on the treatment and if you still have detectable levels at the end of May your doctor can extend treatment.  This medicine is much more tolerable than the previous options so stick it out.  The previous treatments almost killed me (9 days in the hospital fighting ischemic colitis) but the new treatment had minimal side effects and now I am cured, an outcome that I did not think was possible. 

[Username98098]

I found out I had HCV in early 2000 and the treatment options and results just never got me onboard. I just lived with it but progressively felt worse. It wasn't until about a year ago a nurses assistant gave me my current doctors number and told me about some of the new treatments. Then I finally started the process this year. Just hopping for the best with those last tests a year from now.

Thanks Everyone!

[DrJames]

Going from <15 to 37 is not good. We do see test abberations but it usually reflects virological breakthrough. It's not the end of the world as there are plenty of retreatment options for GT1. If your end of treatment comes back <15 but detected there is still about a 75% chance you will SVR.

If it does turn out to be a relapse you should chase a 3D retreatment. Zepatier + Sofosbuvir, Viekira + Sofosbuvir or (soon to be approved) Sof/Vel/Vox or G/P are all options. The new Merk 3D regimen looks good but is further away.

[Philadelphia]

Hello and welcome Dr James from all the moderators (and another Australian - me!) Great to have you here. Thanks for joining the forum and bringing your knowledge of HCV and treatment.