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Hi Sven, I remember requesting a qualitative test over the duration. It was impossible. UK NHS say they are phasing them out and won’t offer them any more. I was <15 over 2 tests.
I think I did find one eventually that could detect approx <4 - 6, a private test, but that involved paying around $250+ , plus travel and the results could take up to 3 weeks to come through, so I gave it a miss. But it was the response of medics when I asked if it was possible that got me, ie a cross between bullshit and a response that suggested I had asked to go on a mission to the moon on a 5 star spaceship
As Dr Banerjee at Perspectum diagnostics (LiverMultiScan) said "Liver disease diagnostics are at least 20 years behind other conditions such as cancer and heart disease" Nothing much has changed since then as yet, unfortunately.I feel it's not worth not taking advise at face value from Drs in a health authority or private practise. They may just not be able to access what you need. I have been totally blessed to have MonkMed / Fix HepC Drs D & F to advise me, I would ask any NHS medics (when possible as one deserted me mid tx) and Dr D & F for advise and then make my own decision after some thought to my next way forward, really, I do not know what I would have done without the latter two, I wonder how UK patients in particular deal with the stress of NHS only.
Yes, testing VL seems so variable. My current hospital is <12 Det/Und so quite sensitive but trying to get one these days seems to be getting harder. I know of a UK patient who after one post tx test, now has to wait 6 months for the next!
Meanwhile, I was told no VL test until 12 weeks post tx, so I did 'poor man's ' and have only had LFTs since EOT. Next week brings the hospital multi-test, these last days of waiting are going very slow!
Things are looking good for you, good luck with your next results.
LGps Dr F, I see you picked up some choice lingo in Barcelona
You are so right LG about the testing here in the UK. Its a bloody minefield! There seems to be no consistency of testing for VL. It is almost as if samples are sent to a variety of private labs and it just depends on how that particular lab operates. i am probably totally wrong, it is just an impression I have.
My first results through the GP when I needed the base readings prior to SOT were all present in the print off. I just assumed the next tests at 4 weeks would be the same but was unpleasantly surprised to find they were quite different. When it came to VL the lab had mentioned having to dilute the sample as there was insufficient and that there was a possibility the test had been compromised as a result. For me it seemed totally pointless as a lay person. How can one provide results where the sample is diluted I do not see how this works efficiently enough to give any accuracy!!! So requested if my GP could do a form for me to retest the VL. Seems totally crazy that one of the most important elements to seeing if tx is working effectively is so variable for us all. Am waiting for my GP to tell me she has been told not to do so many tests for me, costing the surgery too much!!! Maybe just being pessimistic hope so!
I do also wonder whether all the testing the NHS does isn’t being syphoned off by private companies just as other areas are disappearing into private hands! Have never understood the logic behind handing over something to people who are more than likely going to charge more, if not immediately certainly in the long term!!!! If there is insufficient profit will they just water it all down?!
Dr Freeman I hear your pain!!!!!!!
I feel it too albeit not in the bollocks!!! It is both frustrating and heartbreaking when tx does not work as one was expecting. Hence all our frayed nerves every time waiting for results. Hope does drive us on and eventually with a little help and support we get there. Thank you for being here it would be an even longer road without you 
Sven and anyone having such tests done guess we just keep fighting till we get it. Right? Power to you!
Thank you everyone
Nads
Diagnosed Hep C genotype 1b early 1990’s. Treated 1998 peg Interferon/Riba non responder
( Meds stopped after 4 or 5 months.
Fibroscan April 2013- 7.3kPa repeated May 2015- 5.8kPa mild scaring
May 2015 ALT 59 AST 56
21/7/2016 ALT 36 AST 44 BIL14
VL 939000
thanks FixhepC +Monkmed started Sof/Led 16/8/2016.)
OCT 3 AST33 VL UND
OCT 11 ALT 29 AST 36 VL UND
NOV 10 ALT 27 AST 37 VL UND
JAN 30 2017 ALT 23 AST 29 VL UND
SVR12 ALT 23 AST 27 VL UND!!
SVR 24 UND!!!TY EVERYONE!Sven, I appreciate what your GI said. It’s what we all know even if we don’t say it out loud too often. I’m with you … we all have good reason to dance. It’s our way of kicking the beastie in the “cajones” for a change, as the good doctor James put it.
Matt
I’ve just caught up with your news Sven and your wonderful undetectedness. Love the fighter in you and also loved your tribute to your father. Enjoy the feeling
Well here is the PCR RNA Qualitative! ok 11 weeks+ down 5 days to go! We’ll roll like I like it, a 575hp Cobra rocking your world and only in first gear
Sven! 1st gear, it’s alright, 2nd gear, hold tight, 3rd gear, outta sight!
faster Sven! Congrats bro!
Hi Sven, Fitz & Matt,
You are making a great team together! Congratulations!
I like a lot reading your posts and also your sense of humor
BR
RHF
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