how long from stopping to starting treatment

[cjsam]

So I'm about to get my 12 week PCR and preping for the worst.  On three separate occasions I have had to delay my shot a couple days because of low WBC/ Neutrophil counts (that 3rd time is assuming this blood test tomorrow goes ok and I could take shot 12 on friday).  I am prepping for the worst.  If I don''t get UND results, how long should I go before trying treatment again? Is there a set amount?  I am seeing a hepatologist on Monday and will ask her, and I'm  trying to not be pessimistic as far as being UND but at the same time I don't want to be unrealistic or get my hopes up.

[copyman]

i did remember the other post and with the history is why i offered my opinion about stopping at 12 weeks. with the way tx was intterupted a few times my thinking was why continue with tx for 72 weeks when new drugs are most likely less then a year away. Just doesn't make sense if minimal liver damage.
Also I think  with the importance of the 4 week test that most up to date docs are using now,  still detectable at 12 weeks brings the odds of SVR way down. I think in the near future 12 weeks will replace 24 weeks as the point of making decisions to continue tx or not.

[Trinity4]

Here's some history from another post.  

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/low-anc-on-week-12/show/1194684

[nygirl7]

I was not UND at week 12 and continued to 72 and am cured. Others have done the same and have not.  Personally once I was already through the first 12 weeks I didn't want to have to stop and then start over again. Plus i had a very low VL and had easily beaten the 2 log drop.

it really is a very personal decision and if you do not have later stage liver disease (I did) you do have time to wait. Only you can know what you want to do, if you want to continue or stop and then how long to wait.

I guess it all depends on how you feel about it?

[jusjames]

depends on G type if G1 and you are still dect at wk 12 but have had a good log drop i would continue myself even if you have to extend  to 72 wks , why stop and start again ? what will be different?

[copyman]

If you are detectable at 12 weeks there would be no reason to continue tx unless you have severe liver damage

if minimum liver damage then you could wait for the new drugs coming out next year.

good luck with the test

[FlGuy]

People around here have taken differing approaches.  Some have gotten back to traetment in as little as 2 or three weeks.  I think it's more common to wait a number of months.  I waited 9 months but used that time to get in better shape, deal with other aspects in my life and to get mentally prepared for a longer and stronger treatment process.  If you were to start treatment again what will you differently this time?  It's an important question to ask the doc.  For example, how will you avoid dose reductions or interruptions.
One thing is not clear to me; are you in treatment now or are you 12 weeks post treatment?
If you are in treatment now what will the doc do to avoid future interruptions?  Will they extend treatment?