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Hepatitis C
Good Afternoon, All.
A few years ago I went in for a routine blood test. The normal stuff. I figured everything was fine. Two weeks after that, I received a call from my Health Care Provider and he stated everything came back normal, except Hepatitis C. I was distraught and immediately fell into an anxiety state. I had to come in for further testing. Apparently there was an antibody test that they perform and then a viral test if the anti body test were to come back positive. With further testing and weeks of anxiety and discomfort, they provider called to advise me that the test came back negative. I was relieved, but for the past few years it's always been in the back of my mind. Why did it come up positive in first place? Do I have it now? Should I be tested again? Well two days ago, I had a visit with my doctor and he told me that I'm thinking way too much into this and that he would test me again for peace of mind. He requested for viral load only, bypassing the actual antibody test because obviously, this would show up positive again. Am I over analyzing this? I sit by the phone and look at it each minute. Making myself sick, thinking I may still have Hep C, even though prior tests were negative. My boyfriend is starting to fear for my mental state because I'm one of those, "what if" type of people. How long will it take for the test to come back? They sent it to a lab 5 miles from my home. Should I be worried? I haven't injected illegal drugs or gotten any tattoos. My boyfriend was also checked a year ago and he was clean.
A few years ago I went in for a routine blood test. The normal stuff. I figured everything was fine. Two weeks after that, I received a call from my Health Care Provider and he stated everything came back normal, except Hepatitis C. I was distraught and immediately fell into an anxiety state. I had to come in for further testing. Apparently there was an antibody test that they perform and then a viral test if the anti body test were to come back positive. With further testing and weeks of anxiety and discomfort, they provider called to advise me that the test came back negative. I was relieved, but for the past few years it's always been in the back of my mind. Why did it come up positive in first place? Do I have it now? Should I be tested again? Well two days ago, I had a visit with my doctor and he told me that I'm thinking way too much into this and that he would test me again for peace of mind. He requested for viral load only, bypassing the actual antibody test because obviously, this would show up positive again. Am I over analyzing this? I sit by the phone and look at it each minute. Making myself sick, thinking I may still have Hep C, even though prior tests were negative. My boyfriend is starting to fear for my mental state because I'm one of those, "what if" type of people. How long will it take for the test to come back? They sent it to a lab 5 miles from my home. Should I be worried? I haven't injected illegal drugs or gotten any tattoos. My boyfriend was also checked a year ago and he was clean.
Hello, all! I just wanted to announce the good news! The results came back negative. I'm in much relief, however, the anxiety I went through was no joke. With all this happening again, I'm wondering why there isn't enough awareness about Hepatitis C!? I'd definitely like to make a donation to Hep C Awareness, but I'm unsure of a legit company! Do you guys have any suggestions on where I can make a dontation to help research a better treatment/cure for this? I'd like to be more proactive and help people with this situation. Donating to find a cure is the least I can do! Please let me know guys! :)
To add to my last comment, "to live a normal life," was not my intention to offend anyone. I'm saying that because I live a life of worry, about almost everything! I know this disease is hard to deal with much research and people's stories. I do know a couple people who deal with this and I've stuck by their side. So again, I didn't mean to offend anyone.
Thank you guys! It's just a very scary situation. I'm a hypochondriac as it is, so this doesn't make it any better. I'm praying and hoping the test will come back negative again. This way, I can finally take a chill pill and not worry about it. I'm sure I'm making myself sicker than I should. It just really worries me that it once, came up positive. I do have a tattoo, but this was done years ago, in a professional shop. He said that was probably where I was exposed, but my body fought it off. I never got a another tattoo since, nor will I. You can't trust anyone, even a professional shop! I'll update soon once I receive results! Hopefully I can be at peace with myself and continue to live a normal, worry-free life! Thanks guys for your positive feedback! :)
It takes about 4 or 5 days for the results to come usually.
There is about 20-25% that clear the virus on their own, so maybe you were in that category. Once you have had Hep C you will always test positive for the antibody, like with chickenpox or any other virus.
It's good that your doc tested you again so you can have peace of mind, but it will probably come back negative again...I wouldn't worry too much, but easier said then done, I know!
There is about 20-25% that clear the virus on their own, so maybe you were in that category. Once you have had Hep C you will always test positive for the antibody, like with chickenpox or any other virus.
It's good that your doc tested you again so you can have peace of mind, but it will probably come back negative again...I wouldn't worry too much, but easier said then done, I know!
How long will it take for the test to come back?
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Possibly a good question for your doctor...
As far as the PCR test coming back Neg. last time that means you did not have HCV.
The positive antibodies test back then could have either been a "false positive" or you may at one time been infected with HCV and your own body fought it off ( this happens to approx.( 15 -25 % )
The only way you could be HCV infected currently is if you somehow were exposed after your last Neg.PCR result and if there has been no risk factors this is unlikely..
Good luck with the result and then possibly a good time to move on from the worry..
Best ..
Will
-------------------------------------------
Possibly a good question for your doctor...
As far as the PCR test coming back Neg. last time that means you did not have HCV.
The positive antibodies test back then could have either been a "false positive" or you may at one time been infected with HCV and your own body fought it off ( this happens to approx.( 15 -25 % )
The only way you could be HCV infected currently is if you somehow were exposed after your last Neg.PCR result and if there has been no risk factors this is unlikely..
Good luck with the result and then possibly a good time to move on from the worry..
Best ..
Will
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