Viral fluctuation

[LauraV2000]

So now I am concerned. I have a viral load of 41K, as of 2 weeks ago. I will be going to my new doctor November 25th, and starting treatment ASAP after that. How much can the viral load go up in this short time period? How likely is it going to raise drastically in the next 1.5 months? I can't go any sooner because I am going to Thailand November 6th-22nd. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? I have type 3a, I am 30 yrs old.

And if it fluctuates up and down wildly, why don't people wait to get treated until its lower?

[LauraV2000]

If a low viral load at the beginning of treatment increases the likelyhood of success, it seems that it would be in the insurance company's best interest to watch and wait. Its expensive treatment, more expensive than periodic blood tests. Maybe they should come up with some sort of home testing kit, like a blood sugar monitor :-)

Thanks for your input everyone. I will just try to enjoy my vacation and not think about it, and then start treatment right when I get back.

[copyman]

jim, that does sound like a good stratagy but doubt doctors or med coverage would pay for it. Besides what the studies have shown I have to go by personal experience.  After I found out I had HCV I became very obsessed and had around 15 pcr's in less then 2 years. I would try different supplements for a month or so then get tested again. I figured what the heck, my Insurance was paying for them.  My 1st vl was 8 million. There were times I felt great from the supps, best in years, then run to labcorp to have blood drawn and VL was 20 million! I would have sworn that my VL was going to be low and was always wrong. The lowest my VL ever was is 3 million and at that time I felt like $hit. this may seem strange but I think when you feel bad your VL is lower because your body is fighting the virus. These tests were before I became informed about this disease and now realize they mean nothing unless tx'ing.

[zazza]

Genotype 3a, 30 years old, female, a low viral load of 41'000 IU/ml - I would say you got a whole lot of things going for you. Generally a viral load only fluctuates half a log up or down - which in your case would mean no greater than 130'000 IU/ml which is still a low viral load. So enjoy your vacation and then when you get back go ahead with treatment!

Be sure to get a week 4 viral load taken to see if you are undetectable at that point of treatment or not.

[jmjm530]

Laura: And if it fluctuates up and down wildly, why don't people wait to get treated until its lower?
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I actually think this would be an excellent strategy (especially for those not in a rush) but the logistics would mean frequent pre-treatment VL testing (at least monthly) and having a supply of Peg and riba on hand so that you could start as soon as the targeted VL numbers came in. This also requires a medical team willing to go along. Of course there is no guarantee that someone with let's say a viral load of 20 million IU/ml would one day test at <600,000. That said, I had over 30 million IU/ml around 3 years pre-treatment and around 100,000 IU/ml around two months pre-treatment. Day before treatment VL was 1.5 million. Had I been aware of low VL studies, I might have pushed for treatment immediately after my 100,000 VL results came in.

-- Jim

[Trinity4]

Also agree with copyman.  Look up the studies and you'll see.  Low viral load - extensive liver damage - high viral load minimal liver damage and vice- vesa.  I don't think your yellow brick road is going to OZ either.
Trin

[nygirl7]

Agree with my friend copyman 100% as does every knowledgable person on this forum and every top heptologist on the planet.

[copyman]

Yes I do know this for a fact. Great you have your opinion Billy boy. I will not get into anymore nonsense internet fighting with you. So go find someone else. This will be the LAST time I respond to you. Best of luck

[Mr.Bill]

Do you know this for fact ? I believe that  there are real reasons why the VL fluctuates greatly . Has anyone done  extensive testing with diet or herbs and then done vl tests . How do they know that Vl does not effect the condition of the liver . I 'm not saying that it indicates the condition of the liver . Has anyone has actually monitored VL over a long number of years and also monitored liver condition . I don't agree with the doctors who don't use VL tests until the INTERFERON is used.    It's like the almighty Oz has spoken  and we must forget about VL and not try to reduce because it doesn't really mean anything. Are you sure?

[copyman]

viral load means nothing unless you are treating. It does not corralete with liver damage. It can fluctuate on a daily basis by the millions. you can look at it this way, your immune system is in a constant battle with the hep c virus. some days it is able to kill off more of the virus then other days. if you have the blood drawn the day your system lost the battle you will have a higher viral load. simple as that. best of luck