The doctors say his viral load is so low it is virtually undetectable and it's so low they cannot even distinguish the genotype...should he get treatment anyway? Wouldn't he have a better chance of eradicating it if it is so low? Thoughts?
2006-08-22 12:45:58 · 7 answers · asked by Nicolleta 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
Just to clarrify it is Hep C not HIV and I know there is not a cure but a small percentage of people do actually eradicate it. Thought since his is so low maybe he could be in that percentage. Also the doc does not want to do treatment because he is so healthy and just wants to watch it. I think it is silly to wait until it is bad.....when it would be more effective to treat now....? Please only answer if you sort of know about this stuff.....Thanks..
2006-08-22 13:01:39 · update #1
Actually if the virus is active and he has a low viral count, it would be best to treat now than later, especially if his genotype is 1a or 1b.
Chances are the doctor is waiting to see if he will either clear the virus on his own (build up antibodies) or the infection may still be in it's early stages.
I assume the doctor said he will see your friend in 6 months to retest.
By then they will know if it is chronic active or has resolved on its own (body built up antibodies)
HCV is curable. A viral detection test after a successful treatment outcome of post 2 years chemo will be <10....anything above 10> would indicate virons are still active.
Many doctors don't use the word cure, but the doctor seen in my pic is my gastrointerologist, was the president of the southeast texas chapter of the liver foundation and knows his stuff. He told me I would be "cured" if the virus did not come back within post two years of chemo.
I am now going on 5 years with no relapse. (cured)
2006-08-22 14:52:27 · answer #1 · answered by giggling.willow 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hepatitis C should be treated by an epidemiologist (infectious disease) physician. Treatment can certainly put Hep C into remission for years & years & years. Pick a doc whom you feel very comfortable with and then follow his advice as to when & what treatment is best for YOU.
2006-08-22 22:13:37 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes
2006-08-22 19:49:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to ask another Doctor this question. There are too many bad answers out there and not one is all right, thats for sure. Yahoo answers fails to deliver for your question.
2006-08-22 22:20:38 · answer #4 · answered by mulderlx 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hep c as far as I know is not curable, but managable it sounds to me like you are talking about HIV not hepatitis C
2006-08-22 19:52:02 · answer #5 · answered by boo_did_i_skeer_yah 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
get a second oppinion if it is low there is always a chance it could get worse.
2006-08-22 19:53:05 · answer #6 · answered by mac 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are a little bit confused. §
2006-08-22 19:57:18 · answer #7 · answered by Apollo 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋