worried out of my mind...hep C antibodies positive for my son

[Viv41]

Hello all,

Looking for some desperately needed reassurance while we wait for results. My son is 16 and he has autoimmune alopecia. We wanted him to try an arthritis medicine called xeljanz. As part of the process, he had a lot of bloodwork done and his hep c antibodies test came out positive. This is a good kid, no drugs or sex or any risky behavior. Since my husband and I had him through IVF and the screening process covers hepc, hiv etc. I am assuming neither of us have it. I don't know his s/co ratio or anything. Doctor reordered the antibody test along with the RNA test. They said results in 2 to 3 days. The test was done on Tuesday. I am terrified and and cannot sleep, eat...anything. Hubby and son are in a similar state. Any chance this could be a false positive?

[Viv41]

Thanks Jimmy. I subscribe to alopecia world and NAAF and that's where we even learned about Xeljanz and other JAK inhibitors helping alopecia. Hope it helps my son too. Thanks so much for our responses.

[Viv41]

Thanks Pat. Your thoughtful comments were very uplifting for me! I hope the meds work too.

[JimmyMose]

I just went to a small festival near Jamestown NY. Had a lot of fun while the weather was nice.

[JimmyMose]

Awesome. Best wishes for your son in treating his alopecia.  If you have concerns with treatment hopefully you can find another health community at MedHelp that can offer support.

[patra_]

congratulations!!! What wonderful news!  Hope this med works for your son.

Blessings,

Pat

[Viv41]

Thanks Pat. RNA came  back negative today!!!!!!! So relieved. Now we can actually start xeljanz for his alopecia and hopefully get good results. Has been a nerve racking journey. But i learned a lot in the process. So thankful to God!!

[Livelife777]

Viv you are a caring and loving mom.  I'm sure your son will be accepting given time as you are his role model.  At 16 everything in life is overwhelming and complicated.  Given time he will find his way with acceptance, love and guidance.
My best
......Kim

[patra_]

The RNA PCR rest takes longer.  where I live (in FL)  the tests are sent to Calif to be performed so it takes us 12 to 14 days to get a response.  Don't be in a rush -- better they take the time to do it correctly!

It is going to be okay.

Blessings,

Pat

[Viv41]

Thanks for your well meaning and kind response Pat. It was not in the least offensive. It was very warm and caring.

I am still waiting. Still worrying and driving myself crazy. No word from doctor yet.

[patra_]

I am late to this party - nothing new for me in that.  What I wanted to say has pretty much been said by others already.  

FIRST, though,  it is part of a Mom's job to worry, but it is ALSO a part to stand firm in front of her child(ren) and say, "we WILL get through this - one step at a time, maybe not as easily as we wish but we will, and together, as a family."  Also, hugs and smiles give your child confidence!  YOU can do this - you are a Mom and, never mind what kind of person, or woman, we are before, motherhood gives strength we never knew we had!  Deep breath, smile at your son and husband and move forward, one step at a time!  

Next, have you all suggested to your son to shave his head, and wear a masculine earring thingy, like so many young people?  I am not talking about the 'gang member' look, but surely you have noticed in Tv shows and news pictures, where young, successful boys and men are dressed nicely, even 'Gentleman Quarter' lay and have smooth shaven heads and faces?  

My point is that youth doesn't like to be different, but, sometimes, one can become a trendsetter instead of a follower.  He may not be interested in the idea, but it is worth a thought and a discussion.  

Next, the Antibody tests in my area are $28.00, if your insurance doesn't cover them - this for you and your husband.  My husband just had one in June as, now that I am SVR (Hep C Speak for cured), I (notice 'I' - he was not in the least concerned) wanted to be sure I had not given the Hep C to him while I was still infected.   I do think that you and your Husband should have the antibody tests just for your own peace of mind, or, in case either one (or both) have ever had a blood transfusion, etc in your past.  So many people get Hep C and don't know it for years and years - or ever.

As to how he got it, it doesn't matter - what matters is IF he has it, to get him treated for it, although, it sounds like that will NOT be a problem from the results of that second Antibody test.

Again, it sounds like the first test was a false positive - as he had other things going on, but, in any instance, we are here to support you, so that you can support him and your husband.

Chin up, my dear, dry those eyes, and move forward.  YOU can do this!

Oh, and please don't be offended by anything I have said, or the suggestion about changing his look, it is meant in the best possible way.  if it doesn't work for him, or the family then just accept that it was meant to be helpful and ignore it.

God bless all three of you,

Pat

[hepc4Sandi]

Are you going to Burning Man Jimmy?

[Viv41]

Thanks Vick. Hope everything's ok on Monday.

[Viv41]

Thanks  jimmy. Have a good weekend and enjoy your music festival. I will keep my prayers and hope for closure on monday.

[JimmyMose]

You may want to search all of MedHelp top right search box

As of my reply these are the results
Search Results for alopecia
Posts (1708) Articles (1) Forums & Groups (2) User Journals (16) Blogs (3)

If you browse through them you may find appropriate related info and possible communities or groups to ask or answer questions.

I late and leaving now for a music festival and camping.

[Vick64]

Yay!! That's great news! Good luck with everything!

[JimmyMose]

99+ Yes in my opinion.  Please take a break enjoy yourselves this weekend.  After you get the RNA results on monday. We will be looking for your reply and exuberant excitement.

[Viv41]

Hello all, just wanted to update. The second test they did for antibodies came back NEGATIVE! The doc just called me. The RNA test will come back on Monday, but doc says it is highly unlikely it will show virus.  

Is this good news?Are we truly in the clear?

[Viv41]

Thanks for your response Vick. Good luck on your treatments.

Our bigger picture is the alopecia for which we even started all the testing in the first place. Even after a sustained cure, I am not even sure if he can take any medicines to treat alopecia because we don't want the virus to reactivate.

Called doctor again in the morning and the front office lady says only partial results are in, the doctor is not there and only he can discuss. At this point i am only thinking worst case scenarios and am beyond any reason.

I am crying constantly and this forum is the only place where I am even discussing this. My husband, son, and I are just in this horrible limbo waiting to know.

[Vick64]

I am going through hep c treatments now, (harvoni) I have had hep c for 4 years and to date no damage has been caused to my liver. It is a very slow acting virus, It could take 30 years before issues show themselves. Also your body can cure itself. Him being 16 is really in his favor! Not that it makes it any easier, I understand that! It is very unfortunate that as a young man he has had to take on and tackle so much so young. I think as a mom it is your duty to worry, my mother is great at that as well, but the less you let him see you worry, the easier it will be for him to deal with it! Harvoni is now considered a CURE for hep c! CURE! That's an amazing step for this disease! He is going to be fine! I wouldn't move out of the states I would stay put and maybe get a second opinion on all the issues at hand as soon as u find out the results of the labs. I don't know much about the other medical issue he had, but between you, your husband, your son and y'all's doctors, a plan can be made and executed! Comfort him and let him know it's going to be alright! God gives his toughest battles to his strongest warriors!! God bless you and your family!

[Viv41]

Thanks Kim. It just seems so horrible for this kid to go tnrough so much when hes 16. The alopecia has already reduced his confidence and when finally there is medicine that helps alopecians, he cant even get on it. Im a basket case honestly. Id gladly switch places with him and take all his ailments myself if i could. Its nearly midnight and im still googling frantically. I wouldnt worry so much about hep c if it werent for the alopecia. He cannot even start treatment for it. Oh i really hope the results come tomorrow and this is just a horrible nightmare.

[Livelife777]

Viv.   You can get this virus anywhere.  Most of us that have Hep C have no clue where it originated.  I know as a mom your worried but I must tell you it's not as bad as it seems.  Your son is in no danger as it takes decades for it to damage your liver and we now have a cure.  The treatment is a pill taken for likely 12 weeks and then your cured.
I'm hoping that the test is not correct and that your son is virus free.  At his age everything in life is a challenge and I hope this virus is not one of them.
Keeping my fingers crossed for you.
......Kim

[Viv41]

Besides auto immune alopecia, he has auto immune hypothyroidism and had a cold during the blood draw. Hoping and hoping that it was one of these that cross reacted. Literally driving myself insane wondering about dental visits and his adenoid surgery.

[Viv41]

Thanks for your response. I sincerely hope that is the case also. Praying and hoping constantly.

[hrsepwrguy]

With all the other stuff going on with your son it is highly possible that the antibody test is cross reacting with something else, take a deep breath and try to relax, the RNA test will clear things up.