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worried out of my mind...hep C antibodies positive for my son
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?
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?
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
My best
......Kim
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
It is going to be okay.
Blessings,
Pat
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.
I am still waiting. Still worrying and driving myself crazy. No word from doctor yet.
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
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
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