I'm having trouble understandingmy VL test result#'s

[indy531]

could someone chime in? I've gone to the websites that allow you to figure out the log. but I don't understand the test I have: HCV RNA:QN TMA >7500    H   3.88     H   <0.70 log IU/ml

Does this mean my VL is 7500? I asked my hep doc and he said the 'numbers don't matter, it's your biopsy results that are the gold standard' . I am 1a, 0/3 and I begin tx on 9/23; meds being delivered tomorrow. TIA.

[hondapatches]

That's right the biopsy is what counts. My alt and ast were very low and my viral load was only 335 thousand, He told me most all people are in the millions. When my biopsy came back I had scarring and inbetween stage 3 and 4 closer to 4. So I had to start the treatment again.

[indy531]

Thank you for the help and words of encouragement! I will be treating w/Vic. and I will be my hep MD's 1st patient on a PI. As he put it" We'll knock that virus silly w/the lead in, and then deliver the death blow w/the PI. This is a great time for you to treat and you may never be healthier to get rid of this disease'. I'm terrified of possible side effects, since I have to work a physically demanding job as a teacher ( sometimes I feel like a 1930's marathon dancer-administration is almost fascist.

[lynda607]

3.88 is the log10 calculation which equals 7500 IU/mL.  That is a very low viral load.  While it's true with triple therapy many people with a high viral seem to be UND after 4 weeks of the PI it's my guess since you'll be treating with Victrelis you'll be UND with the P/R lead in by 4 weeks and that gives you bonus points and excellent odds for an SVR.