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Post Info TOPIC: Not officially diagnosed yet
Tig


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Not officially diagnosed yet
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Hi Bokey,

Welcome back! The classifications of HCV can be confusing, so I've included a link to some information on it. They allow for the expansion of different genotypes, so you will see lists that include each GT and a, b, or c. Those are the classifications they have developed for current and future use. The list below (GT patterns) are the current list of known genotypes. If there is only an "a" pattern, they usually call it by the number, in your case, "3". If they start seeing another (more) sub species of the type 3 genotype, they would start specifying it as 3B. But right now they haven't seen that happening. So for now it's simply GT 3.

GT 3 can be one of the more difficult genotypes to tackle, but there are some proven protocols that are highly successful. Each GT has its own quirks for sure!  We have members with GT 3, that have treated and achieved SVR, as well as currently going through Tx. I'm sure you will hear from them too. Regardless of genotype, it's a great time to treat. There is also ongoing research and studies developing new treatments all the time. It's a very promising time for people everywhere.

Stay in touch and feel free to share your lab results when you get them. The more we know, the better and more informed our opinions. I'm glad you're here and look forward to following your progress once you get started! Good luck!

 

Genotype patterns

It is believed that theHhepatitis C virus has evolved over a period of several thousand years. This would explain the current general global patterns of genotypes and subtypes:

1a - mostly found in North & South America; also common in Australia
1b - mostly found in Europe and Asia.
2a - is the most common genotype 2 in Japan and China.
2b - is the most common genotype 2 in the U.S. and Northern Europe.
2c - the most common genotype 2 in Western and Southern Europe.
3a - highly prevalent here in Australia (40% of cases) and South Asia.
4a - highly prevalent in Egypt
4c - highly prevalent in Central Africa
5a - highly prevalent only in South Africa
6a - restricted to Hong Kong, Macau and Vietnam
7a and 7b - common in Thailand
8a, 8b & 9a - prevalent in Vietnam
10a & 11a - found in Indonesia

It's believed that of the estimated 160,000 Australians with HCV, approx. 35% have subtype '1a', 15% have '1b', 7% have '2', 35% have '3' (mostly being 3a). The remaining people would have other genotypes.

http://www.hepatitiscentral.com/hcv/genotype/explained.html

 

Treating GT 3:

http://www.hepatitisc.uw.edu/go/treatment-infection/treatment-genotype-3/core-concept/all

 http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/823712

Tig      



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Tig

67yo GT1A - 5 Mil - A2/F3 - (1996) Intron A - Non Responder, (2013) Peg/Riba/Vic SOT:05/23/13 EOT:12/04/13 SVR 9+ years!

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bokeygirl


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Hello friends! Its been a while since Ive posted but as always I lurk lol. I finally got my lab results back I have HCV GENOTYPE 3. I cant understand all my lab results very well but that is the most I got out of it...is there supossed to be a letter as well in the genotype? The specialist for HCV is at my doctors wedensday evenings so since this wed is christmas eve ill most likely go next to turn in my results im lucky the office I go to knows many studies and they help work with pharmaceutical companiesbfor different treatment plans and options...fingers crossed it works well i heard this genotype is rather tricky...

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Tig


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Hi Maria,

Welcome to the forum from me too! Thanks for sharing your story with us, that helps us understand your situation better and allows us to provide better informed opinions. Your blood work shows that you have tested positive for the Hep C antibodies. The next logical test will be a RNA Quantitative Viral Load. That will not only confirm the antibody test but will show the quantity of HCV virus in your blood. Your test calls for a Qualitative test to confirm the diagnosis. That test will only indicate a positive or negative result, but can serve to confirm as well. One thing to consider is whether you are still in the acute phase of the infection or moved to what is called the chronic phase, which is what long term carriers of the virus are considered, "Chronic". That generally occurs during the first 6-12 months following infection.  There is a possibility for people to clear the virus on their own during the "Acute" phase of the infection, up to 20-30% of people can achieve this. There are some tests your doctor should perform to determine how you will respond to treatment and to actually find out what genotype (kind) you have. The AST-ALT levels will fluctuate during the acute phase, which may explain the high levels you currently exhibit. That's one of the indicators doctors see before testing for HCV. 

If you have any questions, please ask. Be sure to check our search function, it's full of great stuff. I see Mike has provided you some great suggestions already, they should be most helpful. Once you have had the chance to talk to your doctor, please check back with us to discuss it. We have some very knowledgeable people here and we are anxious to provide you with all the support and friendship you might need! Remember this is a very slow, progressive disease and can take years to cause damage. You have found out early and you have time to get this resolved safely, so don't worry! Stay positive, the treatment options really have improved. They are much easier and are very successful! Good luck...

Tig



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Tig

67yo GT1A - 5 Mil - A2/F3 - (1996) Intron A - Non Responder, (2013) Peg/Riba/Vic SOT:05/23/13 EOT:12/04/13 SVR 9+ years!

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wmlj1960


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bokeygirl wrote:

Im also trying to understand your signature so I can understand your journey as well.

 

For a list of most abbreviations members use in the signatures click HERE.

That will help you learn / understand some of the abbreviations a little quicker. I still use it as reference often.

Then you can make your own signature as follows:

1 click on user details shown at the top of each page (circled in red in the picture)

2 click on signature (circled in green)

3 enter your information in the message body box (circled in blue).

4 be sure to click on "Save Changes" at the bottom right of that message body box.

Hope this helps Maria! Welcome to the forum! 

 

Signature Create.jpg

 

 



-- Edited by wmlj1960 on Friday 17th of October 2014 07:25:22 PM

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60 yo, geno 1a, Dx 1994 HCV-HIV co-inf, Dx 2013 decompensated cirrhosis
Tx #1 - 24wks Sov+Riba /SOT 7-24-2014/UND@EOT/DETECTED@EOT+16 wks
Tx #2 - 24wks Harvoni /SOT 7-25-2015/UND@EOT,+12,+24,+52 = SVR

Mike

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LC


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We knew what you meant anyhow. Phones sure are trickier than sitting down at a keyboard.

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Genotype 1a, VL 1,151,923.  51 years old.  Started treatment on AbbVie TOPAZ II clinical trial Oct 10, 2014!  Undetected at weeks 2 and 4! 
bokeygirl


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Are cancer free* thank you so much for catching that!
Im using my phone, sorry.

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LC


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bokeygirl wrote:

 are

 aren't* biggrin that looks like something I'd accidently do 



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Genotype 1a, VL 1,151,923.  51 years old.  Started treatment on AbbVie TOPAZ II clinical trial Oct 10, 2014!  Undetected at weeks 2 and 4! 
LC


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Hi Maria, if you have it, you might still be in the acute phase. I read that normally lasts about 6 months. I used to have pretty bad taste in boyfriends as well. If you had to get it, you sure picked a good time in terms of treatments available. You probably have plenty of time to wait for a non-Interferon treatment if you need the medicine or need to wait.

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Genotype 1a, VL 1,151,923.  51 years old.  Started treatment on AbbVie TOPAZ II clinical trial Oct 10, 2014!  Undetected at weeks 2 and 4! 
bokeygirl


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Thanks guys! I know eventually Ill get used to it, the positive energy from you guys is a big help, I appreciate the good vibes.

Ill definitely use this forum as a good source of information and support. Looking through posts already I have learned a lot.

Im sending positive vibes for all of you and thank you for sharing your story Duane, I hope results are cancer in December.

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Beacon


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Welcome Maria I believe you have found one of the most knowledgeable HCV forums on the web. There is extensive information here and people who can help with any HCV related issues. Many people have exposed themselves to this virus through IV use and I myself am one who did also. When you first find out you kind of panic but then things settle down.



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GT 1a, was tx naïve, cirrhotic(Fibrosure), 64 y.o. Started Harvoni 12/12/14 for 12 wks. EOT weeks 4, 13, and 24 HCV not detected! HVC not detected EOT plus one year.

A smooth sea doesn't make for a skillful sailor.

 
Milliganus


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Welcome Maria,

You have found a great resource here.  Everyone here understands the initial fear of hearing we have Hep C.  However there is no need to overreact because there are actually new drugs either approved or in development which can cure it.

 

I second Duane's advice.  Find a good doctor, lay down all drugs & alcohol, and take care of your body.   If you do these things now, you have an excellent chance for living a long and vibrant life.  

Many of us here made similar poor choices, but there is much hope too.  Keep us posted on your progress.

Blessing.



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Marcy

Long-term HCV, GT1a, IL28B C/T, T/G;  VL 2 mil.  Merck C-Edge Clinical trial  EOT 10/01/14. +24= UND
Dzdayscomin


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Well im 53 i found out i had hep c early in 2012 it was from a blood transfusion in 1983, i never used drugs and that is the only known possibility.

By the time i found out, I was diagnosed with end stage liver disease  (decompensated cirhosiss ) i was put on the transplant list in Nov. 2012 my current meld score is as of today 22 be cause after being treated with sovaldi and olysio for 12 weeks and then 12 weeks after tx 8/29/2014 i was SVR (cured) then 7 days later 9/5/2014 i was diagnosed with HCC (primary liver cancer) 9/24 had cancer surgery to ablate the tumor which they think was successful, but won't  know until 12/5 if it's  gone, or if there is more cancer developed. ...so I'm  now on the fast track to transplant and should happen by 12/2015 but there are no guarantees that it will work out that way...more cancer could disqualify me,  but we only think of the positive outcome as there is no point in dwelling on the worst as it won't  do anything but cause stress and unhappiness in a situation I have zero control over other than the power of prayer and positive thinking and support...which is why i am here because the members of this forum excel at supporting others and providing quality information I can use to improve my situation....and the ability to share my experiences to thers to help them deal with all things that come with HCV and liver disease.

Duane



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53yr M 1a acq 12/83 cirr pre tx MELD 17  tx nv diag 1/29/12  tx S/O 3/5/14  trans list.

EOT 5/28/14 UND 6/12/14 SVR 8/29/14 MELD 14 dx HCC 9/5/2014 tumor ablation 9/24/14

In the 10K lakes State It's not about us but those around us.
bokeygirl


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Thank you so much Duane for the help and kind words. Part of me coming to PR was to get away from the drug use, I dont know where to find it and thank god I never learned to inject myself. The last time I used was Sep 11, my last day in Fl. I quit cold turkey went througj horrible withdrawls but it was well worth it, taking yourself from the environment and knowing you cant find it helps with the recovery process...its honestly saved me. Im going to avoid alcohol at all costs I was indulging once or twice a week but after recieving my results I WILL abstain.

I smoke as well so Im trying to cut back.

Im just nerves amd your words have helped calm me down. I cant wait to start battling this.

Im also trying to understand your signature so I can understand your journey as well.

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Dzdayscomin


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Welcome we are here as a community to help and support each other, it is a positive HCV result but i think you need a PCR test to show the extent.

Your AST /ALT are very high which shows a high degree of inflamation and damage occurring, but don't  get scared because the rest of your labs are not frighteningly high or low.

Best thing to do now is start treating your liver better, #1 would be no alcohol period, drinking and HEP C is a disaster and will increase the damage at a much higher rate. Also without judgement stop the drug use if you see what it's done and what it can do no reason not to. At least seek help to get off the IV use.

You need to see a hepatologist and learn about diet and treatment to cure you.

There are very many smart people that can help you understand the disease and the road to the cure as well as side effects, and insurance issues etc.

It is all done with you in mind because many have got here the same way you have but it does not make you any less of an important human being that needs people that understand all about this.

If you have questions about anything regardless of how stupid it may seem....ask away because just about every one of us have done it with the same caring thoughtful response,

We are already thinking and praying you find the peace and help you need.

Duane

Edit....oops looks like that was a PCR test so it just didn't state the viral load....or else I'm reading it wrong.....but like i said there are some really smart folks on here (just not me ) and one of the Mods. Is actually a physician and always contributes.



-- Edited by Dzdayscomin on Friday 17th of October 2014 02:35:43 AM

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53yr M 1a acq 12/83 cirr pre tx MELD 17  tx nv diag 1/29/12  tx S/O 3/5/14  trans list.

EOT 5/28/14 UND 6/12/14 SVR 8/29/14 MELD 14 dx HCC 9/5/2014 tumor ablation 9/24/14

In the 10K lakes State It's not about us but those around us.
bokeygirl


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Here are my lab reports any insight would be great Ive just been anxious although I have my appointment tomorrow.



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bokeygirl


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Hi Everyone =)

 

My names Maria and Im really glad to gave found a forum where there seems to be so many educated and experienced users. I just wanted to share a little background and recieve some advice.

I just moved to Puerto Rico from Florida. In March I started using drugs IV for the first time. My ex introduced me to it and after the first couple months he shared with me that he did have HepC. His whole family uses and they gave it to one another by sharing needles. To be honest I didnt know to much about the disease and they made it seem like nothing just "be healthy" and youll be okay we're just fine. I find it funny now cause cause prescription drug abuse, no eating, the lifestyle..didnt seem like a very healthy lifestyle. Well my boyfriend and I were still cautious we would buy me new needles, mark mine, I never shared with anyonw but somehow we slipped somewhere. 

 

When I first arrived here I got on medicaid, I used to have private insurance but lost it once I started using and quit my job. (I made some poor choices) So once I was approved I went to see a doctor since I hadnt gone since before I was using. I had a painful lump in my right armpit that was very swollen, I could hardly lift my arm so he decided to have me do some labs, I requested for him to test me for HepC so he added it along with testing for A and B. I recieved my results yesterday and looking over Im positive that I am. Ill post them here so you can take a look. Im seeing him early tomorrow morning 4am (its a 24 hour clinic) would the next steps be more in depth bloodwork? I want to share some different test results with you guys to see your opinions Im scared cause Ive probably had it for 6 months now and you can see the effects in my bloodwork...it seems like some thyroid issues as well as that lump in my armpit. Was this common for any of you?

 

Ill keep you all informed after my doctors visit, thank you so much for your time.

Maria 

 



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