^^^^ This!

I felt exactly the same way until I got my <15 result. Since then I've been quite content to wait for 12wk test, which is due to be taken next week....time flies! (I am on 24wks Tx though)

I agree about the uplift and would also include finally having a feeling of being in control of my destiny again.

I’m wondering if you got conflicting results for the two tests or just qualitative detected for the first which looked only at whether there was any presence and then an undetected at levels higher than 12 for the second result but they didn’t bother to look for dectection below 12 because they already knew you had a detected qualitative result?

I think the issue at the moment is that we are at the forefront of what is happening with DAAs particularly in Australia so best practice still needs development and fine tuning. As more people go through the treatment process I don’t doubt that we will see changes to the type and timing of these tests. I was even reading a Hepatology paper the other day where the comment was made that with time we will probably move to DAA treatments where the standard of care is to only test qualitative both pre treatment and then at SRV12 or 24 for most non cirrhosis patients. When you think about it this makes sense in the long term, after all when our GP prescribes antibiotic Tx he doesn’t arrange blood tests before prescribing then tell us to come back in 3 days for further tests to see if they are working. Obviously this is a fair way off for HCV Tx but maybe in 5 or 10 years time?

Hey Life, congratulations on reaching EOT!

Don’t forget to keep your friends updated when you reach your SVR goals.

Hi Chapel,

I can’t find the relevant post (maybe you can?) but from memory Dr Freeman noted that Gilead had in fact used a slightly different form of Ledipasvir (#NOTE: my error, the differing DAA was Sofosbuvir per Chapel’s post below) in their production Harvoni to what they had trialled and the Mesochem product was the same as was used during their approval trials.

But really, the quote from Ed is a few sentences of caution in a 10 min or so chat and is mostly directed at “They could be fake, they could be diluted so not as effective, they could be contaminated…….” so talking about sourcing outside of reliable supply chain. He also comments on the non licensed generics but very generally (without pointing fingers other than at countries that didn’t accept the patents) as I would expect someone who works in the field of clinical trials researcher with a number of patent holding pharma companies to do. There is nothing untoward in this nor any implications against him in my mentioning it. It is simply a fact of research/commercial reality if we want wonderful new drugs like these DAAs developed and trialled. I find his caution in that regard entirely understandable, he can be confident in the efficacy of patent drugs for his patients.

Hi Gerges,

This may also give you additional confidence in Monkmed. It is the U.S. govt’s NIH listing of the Redemption trials.

https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02657694?term=redemption&rank=1

FixHepC is the sponsor and Monkmed is effectively the international coordinator.

Hi Josie,

I’m also in Vic. You have come to the right place for advice about seeking quick treatment and have already been given some good advice about HCV treatment options. The treatment itself can occur where you are currently living and blood tests etc during treatment should be able to be taken by your local pathology lab and processed via their normal channels with only one type that requires sending off to external labs.

However, like Jimmy I’m also concerned about your gastric issues so soon after contracting the virus and wonder if you are still in the acute phase of infection which could result in you either naturally clearing the virus or progressing to the chronic stage which will require medication. This requires further investigation to determine the HCV status and why you are experiencing these problems.

I’m guessing here that your GP has run tests that confirm HCV and then referred you to the public clinic at Monash? As you have health insurance go back to him and request an urgent referral to a private gastroenterologist or hepatologist to investigate further. Once you have done that and determined your HCV status and why you are experiencing the gastro problems you will be in a position to make decisions about treatment. This part of the process will likely require travel to a major centre for appointment(s) with greater Melbourne area including Dandenong and Franston being the most likely area.

If due to the smallish town you live in you were not comfortable with talking to your GP and have gone elsewhere for your diagnosis and referral then either return to that source or consider a virtual (Skype or similar) consultation with a service like GP2U.com.au at least as an initial step to seek expert advice as to who you should consult.

Please only use Phenergan or Stemetil on medical advice of someone who is aware of your HCV status particularly as you say they do not seem effective. When I had gastro problems I found gingerbeer or candied ginger gave some small relief.

Hi Chester, please check your PMs

……for the rest of you: No, I’m not planning on removing my shades and staring at the spotlights