I just got tested and i was positive?

[axelbeats]

I'm curious about hepatitis C, i just found out that i have it and i don't know what to do. I'm scared because can it only be through blood? Also why does it say that usually people with HIV contract HCV?

[Carlhcv]

Medicaid is turning everyone down for hep C drugs. It is best to find a way to make yourself ineligible for medicaid by too much income or too many assets. Then get assistance from the drug companies. I was in your shoes not long ago but my financial situation has improved and I just purchased premium Blue Cross for $1,150 per month for 60 year old single non smoker. I've been told that they are approving the new meds. I've probably had HCV for 30 years. I most likely got it from a tattoo but it could be from my hernia surgeries in Canada or my extensive dental work. Like it's been said, many of us do not know how we got it or how long we've been infected. If you've been a heavy drinker then you are more likely to have liver damage. Thankfully I have never been much of a drinker. That's my story. Good luck to you and to the original poster.  

[flower1007]

Thank you for the link :)

[flyinlynn]

Hi Flower
Medicare or maybe Medicade I am not up to speed on all the names for different situations would be if you are retired or SS disabled the ACA affordable care act aka Obama care is just regular insurance. I would certinally hope you are covered but go find out for sure call the numbers on your id cards. But even if not or your copay is too high if your doctor is prescribing Sovaldi or Harvoni you can go to this site from Gilead pharmacuticals the makers of those meds

http://www.mysupportpath.com

They provide payment assistance for those who qualify if they can't get insurance coverage.

Good luck
Lynn

[flower1007]

Thank you for your reply... aim at point where i get overwhelmed because i cant get the thought of my liver being attacked by this disease. I just had a friend die from this disease a few months ago and it sparked all these thoughts and feelings where it gets me depressed she was only 45 so it makes me wonder how long and how young was she when she contracted this, i currently have medical through the state because aim unemployed at the moment so i had to get medical through Obama care i don't know if that's the same as medicare.

[flyinlynn]

Hi Flower
I probably have had hep c since 1978 and have known since 1989 so yes many here have been living with hep c although some here while having it for that length of time may have only recently found out.

When you say you are on "medical" do you mean Medicare?

Anyway yes the newest treatments are covered under insurance but it may be a struggle to get covered especially if your liver is in better shape. The new medicines Sovaldi and Harvoni may not even require the use of interferon and Ribavirin depending on how must liver damage you have and your genotype.

Good luck
Lynn

[flower1007]

Hi iam 44 years old and was diagnosed with hep c  6years ago i had a biopsy done and the doc told me my liver was good and to do the treatment so i did for 6 months 3 months later it was back i no longer have insurance so iam on medical i will be seeing their doctor in December, does anyone know if any of the hep c  treatments are covered by medical and is there anyone out there who has been living with this decease for more than 20 years???

[sue4hula]

Hi there and welcome.  There isn't a lot to add to the excellent advice provided above.  

It is scary and overwhelming when you friend out you may have cleared or chronic HCV.  Do your research, ask lots of questions and know that the treatment for HCV is amazing and powerful!  When I was diagnosed 16 years ago, there was little treatment available.  Like. Lynn, I am also an early cirrhotic, but feeling good and working full time.  I am 9 weeks post treatment (3rd time around) and hope I have reached (SVR-our version of cured).  If I have, I will rejoice.  If I haven't, I will look forward to the new meds just out with great cure rates!  

You , myself and everyone else on here can celebrate a likely HCV future!
You've found a great support group here.  We all stand together, regardless of circumstance.  It's a family.  You're part of it now!  It's one upside to HCV- blessings come in many ways.  :)

[cheflady]

Hello and welcome i agree you have been given sound advice, and indeed educating yourself is the best place to start. Read some of the posts and the replies that they were given ask as many questions as you want there will always be plenty of people to help you and support you. Wishing you well Jules

[Dee1956]

Hello, welcome.  You have been given good advice.  I just wanted to add that do as much research as you can.
Ask questions.  There are many many kind caring people on here more than willing to help you out.
Some are new like you, some are treating, some just finished.
You definitely first want to find out if you have a viral load.  You may be one of the lucky people who were able to fight it off.
It has happened on here several times.
Take Care
Dee

[flyinlynn]

Hi Axel and welcome

First did you test only for the antibody or for the actual virus? Having the antibody means you were once exposed but about 25% of people are able to beat the virus and are no longer infected or infectious. However once exposed you will always test positive. So next you need to confirm if you have the virus circulating in your blood. Your do get should have you get a viral load test and also a genotype test to find out the best course of treatment if you are infected.

Yes hep c is blood borne but a significant amount of people have no clue when or where the got it. Also as far as HIV there is an association of people who have HIV who also have Hep C but not the reverse so don't let that worry you but you may want to get tested to put your mind at ease.

Here is a link to web md about hep c it should give you a start on understanding what is going on.

http://www.m.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-hepatitis-c-treatment

The good news is if you do have hep c there are new very effective treatments recently available that can successfully treat the majority of patients with limited side effects. Many of us here have had hep c for many years here it is a slow acting virus but best to be rid of it if you can. I probably caught hep c in 1978 and I am still here, still living an active life and working full time although I was diagnosed with cirrhosis from hep c in 2008.

So take a breath and exhale you will be fine no matter if you have hep c or were only exposed at some point.

Good luck
Lynn