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Post Info TOPIC: Understanding Labs
Judy S


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RE: Understanding Labs
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Thank you Isiscat.  I'm anal about keeping all of my labs and any surgery records here.  I have about 5 inches of hard copies in my file cabinet, and also scanned them all into my computer and saved on disc.  Been doing that for past 15 or so years.  I've even made charts, lol.  I'm definitely trying to steer clear of any self-fulfilling prophecy, so trying to relax.  Very good advice; thank you! 



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Geno 1a; VL 4.7 million in Feb 2012. Started PegIntron & Ribavirin 3-9-12. Added Victrelis 4-6-12. UND since Week 8. Stopped tx Wk 23. UND 4 Wks post-tx. Relapsed 12-weeks-post.

52 y/o F, started Epclusa 11-10-19, F0/F1.  EOT 2-1-2020. UND. All liver function tests normal.
jwmaher


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where can I find a list of the abbreviation for the different phases for your progression or not?

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Isiscat2011


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Judy:  Except for low lymphs, which you should ask doc about, things look very good.  I assume doc knows about your low blood pressure but might want to remind her when you talk.

It is great that you are following your labs and I recommend paying attention to your own medical care.  Word of caution, though: Those numbers can get disturbingly low during tx.  They are expected to.  While the numbers are important, so are other things such as the severity of side effects and any unusual side effects. 

So, try not to judge how things are going based solely on the numbers or you could get into a self fulfilling prophecy.  It is the big picture that is important.  Try to relax and take it one day at a time.  I know that is really hard after the initial scare you had, but if your doc thought this tx was too risky she would have stopped it already.  As they tell the astronauts before they launch into space, you are good to go buddy.  biggrin



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Diagnosed in 2011, Incivek triple in 2011, tx discontinued, Genotype 1a, CT, VL 7mill, cirrhosis dx in 2012, age 67, waiting for new DAAs.
news


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Tio,

This is sad news, indeed. Please stay in touch and we'll all look for the next alternative. Assuming you want to give it another try, something is bound to come along soon.

Alan



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Geno 1A  Started Pegasys/Ribavirin/Incivek Nov. 20, 2011 .  Completed July 28, 2012 (36 weeks). For a treatment history, see:  https://jshare.johnshopkins.edu/xythoswfs/webview/_xy-9921874_1

SVR on January 14, 2013!!
Judy S


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That is very encouraging to hear, Tio; thank you!  However, I'm so sorry that you are not responding!  Oh goodness, and this is your 3rd time on tx?  How long have you been on, this last time?  Were you using Victrelis or Incivek?

Is there any chance for you to do one of the trials for the newer drugs?



__________________

Geno 1a; VL 4.7 million in Feb 2012. Started PegIntron & Ribavirin 3-9-12. Added Victrelis 4-6-12. UND since Week 8. Stopped tx Wk 23. UND 4 Wks post-tx. Relapsed 12-weeks-post.

52 y/o F, started Epclusa 11-10-19, F0/F1.  EOT 2-1-2020. UND. All liver function tests normal.
Tio


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One thing that might be a good sign is that you did have quite a reaction.  In my case I had hardly any reaction to interferon, (this was my third time on tx. in 6 years) and yesterday my dr. told me I need to stop tx. because I am not responding to interferon, hence, my tx. in doing no good for me.  I have heard that people with a strong reaction to interferon can be a sign that the drug is working for them.  I am not sure of the facts on this, but the flu like symptoms and such that many (not me) of us have felt are probably signs that the body in mounting an attack against the virus.  Best of luck to you.  I have a feeling it will work for you.  Hang in there. :)



-- Edited by Tio on Friday 16th of March 2012 01:47:20 AM

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Judy S


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Hello, I started tx last Friday and ended up in hospital a few hours after my first PegIntron injection.  Worst reaction my Dr said that any of her pts have ever had......always love hearing stuff like that, lol.  Anyhow, I was hoping you guys could tell me which things you check for the most with your blood work.  My dr says I am to have my blood drawn every 2 weeks.

My AST and ALT levels have always been very slightly high or just within range, for past decade.  My last VL count was about 4 million.  I understand those......I'm more concerned with CBC numbers.  I know that one thing you check for is Platelets.

While in the hospital after PegIntron last Friday, several things were quite low, including my b/p of 86/40/.   My Lymphocytes, for example.  Here are some of the results:

Lymph - 0.21     Scale - 1.5 - 3.5

Platelets - 143   Scale - 130 - 400

Hematocrit - 37  Scale -  37 - 47

WBC -  4.5          Scale - 4.8 - 10.0

RBC - 4.41           Scale - 4.23 - 5.40  

I do not have any health problems whatsoever other than HCV.  Seems to me that everything looks so low, and I've just begun tx.  My normal b/p is 90/60 and I keep forgetting to ask my Dr if any of these drugs lower b/p, as well.  I'm 44 years old.  I'm taking PegIntron and Ribavirin and will begin Victrelis on Apr. 9.  Thank you in advance for any help you may be able to offer with lab readings.

Hugs,

Judy  :)

             

 

 



-- Edited by Judy S on Friday 16th of March 2012 03:04:28 AM

__________________

Geno 1a; VL 4.7 million in Feb 2012. Started PegIntron & Ribavirin 3-9-12. Added Victrelis 4-6-12. UND since Week 8. Stopped tx Wk 23. UND 4 Wks post-tx. Relapsed 12-weeks-post.

52 y/o F, started Epclusa 11-10-19, F0/F1.  EOT 2-1-2020. UND. All liver function tests normal.
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