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Avatar universal

Lots of questions

I just found out that I tested positive for Hepatitis c. I don't have an appointment with the GI doc for another 6 weeks and I have a lot of questions.
I see a lot posted about genotypes yet I don't know which one I am. How do I know?
Also do all genotypes have to go through a treatment plan?
When do I discuss my condition with my family?
Please help, I am a nervous wreck.
Thank you.
14 Responses
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Avatar universal
Thank you. I will definitely get back with my GP and will also let him know that I did not appreciate the unnecessary anguish for 6 weeks.
Thanks for sharing . Take care.
Tamie  
Helpful - 0
317787 tn?1473358451
I meant to say I am sorry for all of the anxiety you suffered as you waited.

Also meant to say when I asked why I was not getting IV pain meds, I was told it was because I had HCV.  When I told them I didn't have it the nurse said I would have to talk to my GP.

Sorry I hit send before proof reading, argh :)
Helpful - 0
317787 tn?1473358451
Congratulations! I am so happy for you. I am also irritated for you.  Your doctor could have checked to see if you had a viral load.

I have seen this happen before, it is almost as if the GP thinks you have it, no knowledge that there is another necessary test.

I would definitely make sure to let your GP know you do not have it so they can change your records.

My GP did not change my records so two years after being cured I went in for back surgery with everyone thinking I had HCV, they did not treat me very well, telling me I could not have pain meds because I had HCV.  There is a lot of ignorance out there about HCV

I had to go back to the GP to have my records changed.  
Again, really happy for you.

Have a great life :)
Dee
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
t:  Try to take the positive out of this experience. How much better that your pcp, who did not know enough about hepc, sent you to a specialist who did - even with 6 weeks anxiety, than if he had not mentioned it at all, or fluffed it off as nothing, and then, several years down the road you were found to have this very cureable (now) dragon and it had progressed when it did not need to.  True the nurse should not have been interpreting, but how many of us have asked for an opinion?

Congratulations on the great news!
Helpful - 0
766573 tn?1365166466
The Gastro wondered was not even sure why you even made the appointment? Argh I am so sorry your family doctor put you through the torment of worrying about Hepatitis C all that time when you only tested for Hepatitis C Antibody.
Helpful - 0
2059648 tn?1439766665
Glad to hear you only tested positive for Hepatitis C antibodies.  That you do not have a viral load and don't have Hepatitis C.   Just remember you will test positive for Hepatitis C antibodies for the rest of your life.  Testing positive for Hepatitis C antibodies doesn't mean you have Hepatitis C.  It means sometime in your life your were exposed and cleared the virus on your own.

best to you
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Sent by turtle56 2 hours
Thank you for sending this message because I had forgotten how to get back on here.
My appointment went well. The GI doc was not sure why I even got sent to see him. He had me get the blood test to show Viral Load and it came back normal. Yay! For 6 weeks I worried because the nurse at my family Dr. told me that there couldn't be a false positive. She told me that they would set me up with the GI doc for a treatment plan. She already had me diagnosed with it without doing any other testing! Not happy with her.
The GI doc said I was not a high risk.
I appreciate your concern and help with this situation. Everyone on this forum was great and I wish all of you well.
Thanks again,
Tamie
Helpful - 0
2059648 tn?1439766665
Tell us how the Doctors appointment went.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Well apparently my Family Dr. does not have the answers to my questions. They said my GI Dr. will know and I don't see him until July 21. So I guess I will have to wonder until then. Thank you for your help. I will let you know when I find something out. Tamie
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you very much. I will keep you posted.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi there and welcome to the forum! Nothing more to add to the sound advice already given from above but i just wanted to welcome you. I think while you are waiting to see doc take time if you can to read some of the posts & answers that are on this site it will make you more aware of what the docs say (make more sense) also write down a list of questions that you want to ask & if possible take somebody with you, it might prove helpful in case you forget some stuff. Please keep us posted and good luck. Kind regards Jules
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you very much for your quick reply. I will check with my Dr. and I will watch the video.
Thank you
Helpful - 0
2059648 tn?1439766665
Also, ask your doctor for your viral load results.   If you don't have a viral load...you don't chronic hepatitis C.  You only test positive for Hepatitis C anti-bodies.  20-25 percent of people who test positive for Hepatitis C clear hepatitis C on their own.  These people who test positive will do so for the rest of their life......but they have no viral load...and do not have hepatitis C.
You need to find out of you have a viral load from your doctor.  

Best to you
Helpful - 0
2059648 tn?1439766665
Welcome to the forum and take a deep breath.  Call your doctor and ask for your genotype.  Yes all genotypes have a treatment plan.  You don't have to tell anyone.  Why don't you get all the information before thinking about who to tell. Hepatitis C treatment is on the fast track. Better treatment is becoming available as we speak.  Google "Hepatitis C: Treatment Options & Patient Experiences".  The Liver Foundation has just released this great video you
should watch.  I truly wish something like this video was available when I found out about my Hepatitis C.  Watch it!

Best to you
Helpful - 0
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