Hi, I am so sorry to hear. I know what a shock it can be. First, please breath, it is not a death sentence.
Have you had both tests? One checks for antibodies. Other checks for viral load and geno type.
Someone else will be a long soon to give particulars. I just didn't want you to have to wait.
You may be one of the lucky people who was able to fight it off but if you have a geno type, vital load then you do have it.
It is not a death sentence. Many new drugs to cure it are now available.. Much shorter periods of time, less side effects.
So far I have heard headaches and fatigue.
When I treated 5 years ago it was Incivek, Interferon, Riba. I am cured however it was a very hard treatment with alot of side effects.
Hang in there!
Hi Blaine have you only had an antibody test or have you had the test for the hep c virus itself the HCV RNA by PCR?
Testing positive for antibodies to the hepatitis C virus does not mean you're currently infected. Having a positive antibody test only means that you may have been exposed to the virus at some point in your life. About 25% of people are able to beat the virus on their own without needing any treatment but they will still test positive for antibodies to hep c. The only way to know you are currently infected is to have the test for the hep c virus the HCV RNA test.
If you have had the HCV RNA test you may have been told your viral load and had an additional test to find out your genotype which would be something like 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b etc....
As to the tramadol that is a separate issue. Tramadol is a semi-synthetic opioid and a schedule IV drug I have heard that doctors are trying to reduce prescribing of additive opioid based medicines to reduce incidence of addiction and accidental overdose so you should ask your doctor about options available to you now that they have discontinued this medicine for you.
Hep c is now much easier to treat than in the past. Treatment can be as simple as one pill a day for possibly as she was eight weeks and you would be cured of the hepatitis C virus assuming you are infected. Find out if you are currently infected and ask your doctor about treating your hepatitis c if you are infected.
The majority of people report to side effects on treatment with the most common complaint being occasional mild headaches. Cure rates with these new medicines are as high as 98% or better.
Good luck
I'll add that my experience on treatment with Harvoni was outstanding. I actually felt better on the meds than I had in years. Actually, felt better on them than I do now and I'm coming up on 2 years of SVR.
Best wishes.