So… I understand that any given VL test is simply a reflection of that precise moment in time and that VLs fluctuate daily, weekly, monthly, over time. I think I also read somewhere that VL gives an indication of how well a person’s immune system is fighting off the virus. I’m sure there are other factors. And I get that whatever the VL the most important thing is getting the appropriate medication and taking it – hence my signing up for 24 wks of Redemption 2, (first 12 wks just delivered; second 12 wks already in transit).

However, at my last consult with the Dr. who will be monitoring treatment locally we decided to order another VL test since I’ve only ever had one.

On 4/14/16 my VL was 824,000

On 5/31/16 my VL was 14,413,000

So, a fairly significant jump in 6 weeks time. At the time of the second test I was just at the tail end of about a week and a half of … I dunno, flu? Some sickness … my best guess would be laryngitis because it started at my vocal cords and pretty much stayed there. Is it possible my immune system sort of diverted resources to fight the acute infection leaving the chronic HCV to proliferate with abandon?

Of course, one or even both tests could be wrong but I doubt there’s a way to test that.

So, what’s up with that massive increase in VL? More importantly, does this alter the calculus for my treatment plan? Specifically, does a high VL increase the likelihood of RAV?

(I have a blood specimen stored to test for RAV. The test is available to me. I chose not to do it prior to treatment because my VL was low and I was F2, both of which are in question now)

Thanks in advance for any help or insight.