viral loads

[bigmigs]

Prior to liver transplant, I had active hep C. How often is a viral load commonly drawn after your transplant? I had my transplant in 2007. They want to do a biopsy but I want a viral load done first, I understand that a VL is not the only indicator for hep C. I have never had one VL drawn since before my transplant? I have other blood work drawn every 3 months. My prograft level is high. They continue to keep my dosage the same. I know my immune system is compromised.  What is the normal protocol for lab tests, especially VLs?

[bigmigs]

I had no hep c treatment prior to liver transplant. in fact I had no biopsy. 'they waited so long to do biopsy that I had reaction to my own plasma. sounds unbelievable, but true. After transplant, they have never checked viral load one time. Now, I am asking about hep c treatment and they want to do biopsy. I want a VL before I let them do biopsy. My lab results are all within normal limits, but I was told that a new liver would not rid me of the hep c. I think they should have drawn VL in the last 7 years as a preventative measure at least. They did finally reduce my prograft yesterday.

[HippyHal]

Usually biopsies are done for a different reason..they want to evaluate the condition of the liver

If they are concerned that you have damaged your liver since 2007, they would confirm with the biopsy.

before my transplant, my VL was only taken during treatments to see how I was progressing..  I am getting it tested monthly now since I am treating the hepC with olysio/sovaldi

So.. two different tests for two different things..

If your prograf is high, I would ask them why they are keeping it there.. at 6 months post transplant, my level is between 5 - 6...

[patra_]

B:  I cannot answer you from personal knowledge and experience, but many on here are post transplant and will be able to.

First, welcome to the Forum!    Next, did you have treatment prior to transplant, and, if so, was you hepc cured?  What is your genotype?

Not trying to be nosy but those answers will help people give you good, accurate information.

Again, welcome!  you have come to a great place to get information, support and general caring/sharing.    Pat