tested + for hep c

[RKinaz]

The first time I was + so the Doc had me retested and it com back + as well. I have an appointment in two weeks to see the Gastro. I'm not sure what to expect my first visit. Do they test for a viral load first time? Any comments or suggestions for my first visit are very appreciated.

I am not sure how long I have had Hep or exactly how I become infected. I went in for something else and asked while there if they would do a std test. I saw a different doc because my reg doc was not in. When I asked for a std test the new doc said to include a Hep test. That is how I found out. Now, after reading about this virus it really worries me. I guess now its one step at a time. If treatment is needed I will surely loose my job because of the side effects. I'm just rambling now so I'll stop here and say again, any help is really appreciated.

[RKinaz]

Sorry my browser had a problem and I did not realize it posted this twice.

[RKinaz]

I have a problem understanding my recent results. I tried to start a Hep C chart but could only enter some of the results. Some that are shown on the chart is not listed on my test. Here are the results from my recent test. ALT 9 -- AST 15 -- Bilirubin 0.7 -- Albumin 4.5 -- AFP Tumor marker 1.5 -- Ferritin 215. There are more but they all seem to be in the mid range. If you need more on that, just ask.

I do not see VL listed. What it has is HCV RNA 12600 H
It says the range of the Heptimax (TM) is  5 IU/ml to 69,000,000 which I suppose is the testing range limit. Then Underneat that is HCV RNA 4.10 H and the range is LogIU/mL

If any of you can help with my first blood test it is appreciated. Other than that my Sodium and Chloride is a little low but I think my PCP said it was due to a duretic. However I did have that under control and I don't know if HEP has an influnce on them. OK thats all I have now, Thanks

[RKinaz]

I have a problem understanding my recent results. I tried to start a Hep C chart but could only enter some of the results. Some that are shown on the chart is not listed on my test. Here are the results from my recent test. ALT 9 -- AST 15 -- Bilirubin 0.7 -- Albumin 4.5 -- AFP Tumor marker 1.5 -- Ferritin 215. There are more but they all seem to be in the mid range. If you need more on that, just ask.

I do not see VL listed. What it has is HCV RNA 12600 H
It says the range of the Heptimax (TM) is  5 IU/ml to 69,000,000 which I suppose is the testing range limit. Then Underneat that is HCV RNA 4.10 H and the range is LogIU/mL

If any of you can help with my first blood test it is appreciated. Other than that my Sodium and Chloride is a little low but I think my PCP said it was due to a duretic. However I did have that under control and I don't know if HEP has an influnce on them. OK thats all I have now, Thanks

[RKinaz]

Bill, you know if there is such a thing as a break, from what I've read I think you're right. I can only hope this part is for sure. I know soon enough but the suspense at times is is a bit overwhelming. I bookmarked those pages and again thank you. I bought two books so between them and websites I have a lot of reading to do. Reading was never one of my past times but it looks like it will be now! Janis and friends is very informative and I need to learn how to navigate this site better as well.

In my later years I know how important it is to ask and keep copies of records. In this case it is extremely important so I'll just have to become an even better book keeper. I use to have a mind like a vault the problem now is, I forget the combination to get it out!

Thanks and best of luck right back at you

Rod

[RKinaz]

It is reassuring to say the least reading what you and others face each day. Your approach and finding ways to deal with this is very comforting. At this point my goal is to better understand this disease and weigh my options. The only way I know is through others like you and of course read, read, and read some more.

With regards to work, i'm sure many people continue while others simply can not. My job requires full concentration all day. Should I stumble injury to others is very probable. That is a risk I choose not to take. On treatment just the water consumption is a huge factor since a bathroom is not always handy. I could go on but treatment and my work would be extremely difficult.

I am at retirement age so should treatment be necessary I would probably leave and tackle this full time. Funny I never imagined this to be a way of starting retirement. Got to laugh about it I suppose since I'm going to live with it. It will be my bud for now but it knows it is going to get kicked out eventually.

Oh, I don't drink anymore, haven't for several years. Most of my family is gone and support from friends is almost non existent. Sad to say but that is the way it is at this point. My best hope for support is from people  like you on forums and hopefully I find some new friends or one best friend in my area.

This week will certainly be eye opening to say the least. I'm not sure how long initial test results take, but will soon know. I think I will not be one to actually miss the experience as you said but -- you never know. Thanks for the well wishes Toa, and best of luck to you as well.

Rod

[Bill1954]

Hi Rod—

If it’s possible to catch a break with this disease, you’ve done it with genotype 2. As suggested above, it’s the most responsive to antiviral therapy, and requires only 24 weeks rather than the 48 week minimum of interferon that other types will need.

Additionally, genotype 2 patients have a >80% chance of successfully treating; versus the 45% or so for genotype 1.

Stick around, ask questions, and read, read, read. A good site for general HCV education is Janis and Friends; I’ll link you to their ‘newly diagnosed’ page:

http://janis7hepc.com/have_you_been_just_diagnosed.htm

Be sure to also review the pages listed in the right hand side of the page entitled “other HCV information”; they have all kinds of info on viral load, genotype, biopsy etc. Also take time to bookmark their main page for future reference. Another page you’ll want to review is:

http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Hepatitis/Common-Hepatitis-C-Acronyms/show/3?cid=64

This is also available on the right hand side of this page in the box ‘most viewed health pages’. It’ll help you understand the alphabet soup of initials and acronyms used so frequently in here.

Ask for copies of all blood tests, procedures, etc; we can help interpret these as you go along.

Best of luck to you—

[toaofpooh]

Sounds like you have GT 2b which is great news because the traditional treatment has a high success rate for this genotype and will probably require the shortest duration of therapy, only 24 weeks. Until you know your viral load, it is uncertain if you will need treatment. A small percent of people are able to clear the virus in the Acute phase (the first 6 months after becoming infected) and it never develops in to Chronic Hep C. If your Viral Load comes back “undetectable”, then you are one of the lucky few and have nothing to worry about. If you are like the 80% of us who need the help of Interferon and Ribavirin, then feel comforted by the fact that your genotype responds well to the treatment.
I too went to the doctor about a separate issue only to discover I was Hep C Pos. I too am uncertain of how I became infected, could have been a tattoo, I’ll never know and honestly, it is wasted energy trying to figure it out.  I simply feel grateful to have learned about my status before it’s too late. If you do infact need treatment, please don’t assume your job will be threatened, I am on week 4 of treatment and have not missed a single day of work. The first week is tough and I’m sure there are more difficult days ahead but as long as you are determined to beat this thing and surround yourself with loving family and friends, you can totally get through the side effects with little impact on your routine lifestyle. Keep coming here, even if you don’t feel like posting anything, it can be very helpfully. Don’t think everything you read here will apply to you, everyone’s story is different and remember most people are not inclined to post when they are experiencing mild side effects. By now, I’m sure you have learned the importance of not consuming Alcohol but it bears repeating.
Oddly enough, some people say they actually miss the experience when it’s all over.
Best of luck with your Journey, Toa

[RKinaz]

I hope posting back to my original post is ok? I was not certain where to add some info. WriteItDown thanks for the encouragement. I guess as you said one tends to hear the worst here.

My reg doc had me tested but never told me anything except I had Hep and he referred me to a Gastro. My appointment with him is Feb 4. Meanwhile I had my doc's office send me a copy of the results from the original positive test.

Test name = Hep C Viral RNA Qual PCR.  Under, Out of range it has detected. Next paragraph down the header has HCV RNA Genotype, LIPA HCV Genotype LiPA  Genotype 2b. Does it really mean I have 2b? It goes on to say in the small print, Initial banding pattern by LiPA did not conform to any type or subtype prescribed by the manufacturer. The above genotype result was obtained by DNA sequencing of the NS5b region using the TruGene method. There is more but it appears to be methods of testing for lack of a better description.

Any light you all can shed on this is surely appreciated. Next week of course after my visit to the Gastro and test results from him I'll know a lot more. I just wanted to share this bit of info for the time being. Thanks a lot for all you do. Hopefully down the road I can help someone to.

Rod

  

[WriteItDown]

Remember, not everyone has the bad side effects you read about in forums like this. Often times the people who are handling treatment well don't visit places like this as often, so it can skew your idea of how bad treatment is.  Anyway it's different for everyone and you could well be one of the lucky ones who doesn't get such bad side effects -- you should certainly not assume you will lose your job.

Anyway, one step at a time... there are worse diseases, and it's good you know about it.  Best of luck to you!

[RKinaz]

It gives me a basic idea of things to come. I guess all I can do now is wait. Reading this forum has been helpful as well. Thanks again

Rod

[Bill1954]

If you are antibody positive, they will most likely order a viral load test; this can be ordered to ‘reflex to genotype’, meaning that if the result is positive, the sample sill be passed on to a genotype test.

Genotype describes the strain of HCV; this in turn helps determine the duration as well as the efficacy to treatment.

You may be asked to take a liver biopsy at some point in all this; a biopsy can determine the amount of scarring that might have occurred. This can be important; if you have sustained little to no damage, it might be better to postpone treatment at this time. More efficacious drugs are expected soon; they are known as ‘protease inhibitor’ class drugs, you can discuss these with your doctor.

Good luck, and let us know how things go—

Bill