TOPIC: Blood Test, Wow! Do I ever feel Stupid!

Hey friends,
I'm sharing this with y'all so nobody else makes the same mistake I did. I went this morning to get my 8 week blood test results and my doctor said we don't have them. You see, here in the US my doctor had me going every two weeks for blood tests. That's probably standard across the board, IDK. I'm a hard stick so it's always really embarrassing or shameful for me to get blood work done and maybe get stuck more than once or twice. Anyways, as a result, I figured hell they don't need that much blood, it's overkill. So I made up my mind that I would just hit what I felt were the important blood draws, like 4 weeks, 8 weeks etc. Bottom line is today I was told that I f'd up by not going every two weeks because they don't take your viral load every single time you give blood. Ouch! As a result, I only have a 4 week UND but nothing else. Don't let this happen to you!! If you're a hard stick so f'kn what, go and give up the blood test. The phlebotomists get paid to deal with hard sticks, you won't be the first and you're definitely not the last!!

Don't beat up on yourself! If your LFTs are normal chances are you're ok.
All I got was 4 weeks then 12 (EOT), and then 12 weeks after which is coming up.

No worries Fretboard,

If you have 4 weeks Undetected, that is the holy grail bro! You are undetected and will still treat for another 8 weeks? That is the overkill factor that locks in the cure dude. Make sure you do 12 weeks, or even 16 (or 20)! If insurance cuts you off at 8 weeks, keep taking your Generic meds for another 4 or 8 weeks.

Personally, I would take the 20 weeks if you can, since you had some fibrosis, and have the meds. Unless you are having issues, it can only help your chances. The longer you treat, the better your chances (up to 24 weeks) You are on schedule for a cure!

I did 6 weeks (UND), then EOT (UND) and now SVR 16 (UND). The early UND is key, 4 weeks it is looking good for you!

Hi Fretboard,

If you were UND at 4 weeks don't sweat it, you'll be fine for the rest of treatment. Here's what Dr James said about it.

"The new DAA medications do not require a lot of monitoring (unless Ribavirin is involved). Once you fall to UND (Undetectable) you will remain undetectable for the duration of treatment so further measurements are a waste of your time and money."

fixhepc.com/forum/viral-load-and-svr/287...-what-to-expect.html

Maybe try to renegotiate testing frequency with your doctor but you may need to humour them to ensure you get the important SVR tests later.

Yes, I really appreciate the comments!! I'm fairly sure I'm gonna be alright, because my hands aren't swollen anymore. As long as my hands or my feet don't swell up, I'm thinking I'm still UND. Either way I'll find out in a week or so. Thanks again!!

Really your not. I have only seen, personally, maybe 10% of people getting tested every 2 weeks. Why would you want to, I mean what good is it unless your really having issues otherwise every 4 weeks is good.
Right?

Sven wrote:
Absolutely right! Wish my doctor would read this!