Got it. Thanks. 

The only test you need to determine SVR is the one done 12 weeks after you finish (end of treatment or EOT). If it is undetected and it will be, you're done. No more viral load tests are necessary. Any additional tests are up to you and your doctor. Lets call them "curiosity" tests. I have had them done, but that's my VA doctor's decision. A couple of years ago, SVR was considered viable after 24 weeks. Now, as you know, the time frame has been reduced to 12. Insurance companies may not authorize them following a confirmed SVR12 because the odds of relapse are minute and they're expensive. I know many of us want a 6 month and/or one year test just to quell the curiosity aspect, but they aren't required. If there was ever an actual relapse, the AST/ALT would elevate, indicating the need for additional testing. Those odds after SVR12 are <.5% (point 5 or less). You are considered cured and can enjoy your HCV free life! Hope this helps...

Mike....

  So test 3 months after stopping and also 12 months after stopping? ??

Yeah!!  What a feeling, last pill and UND all the way!!

marjim48 wrote:

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 Anything need after that?

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 Yes. Continue to treat yourself as being sick and be good to your body with healthy diet, adequate hydration and non-stressful exercise. You are free from the HCV virus damaging your liver at this point but it will take time for your liver to recover from HCV's wrath, and it needs your help to do so. Congratulations on a job well done completing treatment. Based on my, and many others experience with Harvoni, we'll be looking forward to you joining the SVR club at EOT + 12.

Hi Miriam,

Once you reach the 12 week mark after treatment, they will do a full set of labs, including the viral load. When that comes back undetected, you are considered SVR12. That's the end of HCV for you. Some people have another viral load at EOT +24. That used to be routine but has been determined to be unnecessary because the odds of relapse after SVR12 are extremely remote. Follow your doctors advice regarding further care if there are any other issues, but HCV shouldn't be one of them. Good luck!!

Thanks to all. It was very important to me to have a group like this and be able to ask questions and also vent at times.  Next gastroenterologist  appointment  is Dec 15 for follow up.  Anything need after that?

Great news, Miriam, we`re happy for you too!! 

The waiting game is one we`re all familiar with here, and it certainly doesn`t make things any easier.  Ahhh, but the relief when you finally hear the good news you`ve been hoping for!!! 

Congratulations!! 

So happy for you Miriam. Looks like your liver's in pretty good shape too. Now you can sit down and digest all that's happened - it will begin to look better and better in hindsight.

Big hugs,

Syd

 Yay yay yay

congrats

A

Congratualtions on your UND, it is so rare to hear a fail these day, it is a shock when someone does. Enjoy life, you have regained your body! Life begins not at 40 for us, but when we hear those magical words UND!

Congratulations! Very, Very happy for you!

Whoa, wait a minute!  I didn't read down far enough. Great news! Keep it coming!

Yeah, what Canuck said.

So happy 

Wonderful news!

It is all quite the trip when you think of it as already mentioned. There are so many things we all went through and will still go through but it was all worth it.

Congrats on UND

SF

I asked the expert what's ahead and now things really look good! You can't dispute this kind of vision, lol!

Ah, the waiting.  

As usual, Canuck nails it...the struggle to get treatment, the anticipation beforehand, the exhilaration of actually getting started, the jubilation of going undetected, then the waiting, more anxiety and - finally - the joy of SVR.  

Quite the emotional rollercoaster!

THAT's the way we do it Marjim!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congrats. You did it this time with the good stuff!!

We heard you tho, that funny "no more pills to take to day", and then, the waiting. But, that is the funny thing about treatment, the fear AND the jubilation, not funny at all really, it's such a curious mix to experience (but gee ... do - I - sense just a wee bit of jubilation today? I - think - so!). Another lovely EOT UND party, thanks to you. And another to come at EOT+12 (I just love these invitations). But really girl you had it made with that grand party at week4!!

Your EOT+12 will be a grand party too. But do not wait, celebrate everyday. We will! Big clink to you (even tho I cannot use wine glasses in any usual fashion). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jj737I8oYMA   C.

Gastroenterologist  just called with results.  "UNDETECTED "!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Miriam,

Like most phases of this experience, it's hard not to worry about the next step.  If you can, try not to second guess. You will have your results in no time.  If not, you will be retested.  

This whole process is nerve wracking and strange, but like all of the past steps, you can do it!

We'll be waiting to hear.

Tig is spot on.   Being UND at week 4 correlates with SVR close to 100%.   Week 12 is a formality so the only important one at this stage is EOT+12 and you have less than 1% chance of failure at this stage.

Hi Miriam,

They are always changing testing procedures and some community labs have to send things out versus doing the tests locally. Without knowing more about the capability of each lab, I would be guessing. Don't worry, things will be done correctly or done again. 

Being undetected at the 4 week mark is an excellent sign of drug effectiveness. Most people become undetected at some point during treatment, but others haven't until finished. Being undetected at EOT+4 almost assures SVR12. Sometimes the wait after finishing treatment is the hardest. There's a feeling of safety while on treatment, hopes are always high and expectations are great. Then comes EOT and those pesky voices coming from one shoulder or the other. Do your best to listen to the "right" shoulder, not the "wrong" one. The fact remains, treatment has never been as effective as it is now. 

Hang in there, it won't be long and you'll be clinking glasses in celebration. Better start planning that next big Low Country Bash and polishing your dancing shoes! You're going to be needing them! 

Just wondering. ....I had my 12 week bloodwork done last week at Quest.   After 4 weeks I was undetected.   Waiting for new numbers to come in. Is it possible  for become undetected  after 12 weeks when 4 week was good. Is the 12 week just a formality? Next bloodwork at 3 months after stopping pills?

This blood work  was different.  I am still in South Carolina and went to Quest  here. When I reminded the technician about one of the tests being frozen and sent out, she said that now it can stay unfrozen for 36 hours.  I don't know  if that's something they just changed.   Made me a bit nervous. 

Go Miram!  Wow, time flies.

Re the slightly disappointed feeling, I can identify with that as I had the same but give it time as you've had HCV since 1996 (same year as me) so it's going to take time for your liver to heal.

Enjoy the meal, and go light on the wine!

Pablo

Miriam,

Done deal.  Glad to hear it.  Some people almost miss it as it was such a positive knowing you are eradicating the beast.  I didn't miss it at all.  

It took a little time, but I turned a corner and started feeling better fast as the riba wore off.  Hard as it may seem, getting exercise really helps and keeping up with the water and healthy habits is an ongoing plus.

We are all looking forward to you test results.

Congratulation, Miriam.

Cheddy

Seems like yesterday we were discussing how to take your meds on your trip and lo and behold, all done. Good for you! I bought mussels at the grocery store today and thought of you lol

Hi Miriam,

Congratulations! It's hard to believe the time has come to reach for the last pill. Doesn't seem possible, but who's counting! I'm happy to hear that you're done and not ending the whole process with fireworks and exhilaration isn't all bad is it? That tells me it wasn't real difficult and aside from your doctor issues and the traveling in the beginning, it seems you navigated treatment smoothly. We don't want a lot of drama on treatment!

Enjoy the parties in your future. Maybe you can slip in a bit of celebrating without everyone knowing your reason for doing somersaults across the pool deck! Blame it on the empty wine glass, lol! 

SVR is next....

It's a strange  feeling. ...no feeling of exhilaration,  just ok it's  done. I think maybe because I've  lived with it for so long (diagnosed in '96), it's just part of me. Also scary that I feel no different  since taking it. I thought I would have a lot more energy. Happy that it's  behind me.

Another wine dinner  next week. It's a 5 course meal with wine pairing around a theme. Last month was Guess The Grape.  And out of all those wine aficionados, I guessed the most correctly.  Nobody  realized that I never actually  tasted any wine.  Swirled, sniffed and wrote my answer. Then switched  glasses with my husband's  empty one.

Congratulations Marjim! Wonderful news.

Marjim,

LOVELY!! Last pill down the hatch! That nice but suddenly blank feeling, of not having to swallow another one tomorrow!! Oh it is a grand day! Your EOT+12 will follow suit to your 4 week UND, and you can please invite all of us to your party! BTW, I don't eat mussels, nor wine, but other than that I am open for anything you plan. I am so pleased you got this treatment completed. You deserved annihilation of this virus the first time 'round - but you've got 'er done now! Congrats.  C.

Just took my last pill (12 weeks).   3 month bloodwork tomorrow.  Was undetected at 4 weeks.