Aa
Question about today's results
Had hiv and hep c test for a completely unrelated problem (had to see it my immune system was compromised for new medication)
Test came back positive for hep c antibodies ( 1.18 the number was). As my name implies I have no clue what this means. Doc sent new blood for further results. From what I've summed up from googling, I guess I have to wait. But I wondered if it was common to see this number have definate positive for HCV. ***** waiting for results obviously. Can't eat yet and I'm certain I won't sleep tonight.
I have also heard of exposure with no infection, and different #s with immune dissorders. I have Multiple Sclerosis, and I have recently recieved Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment, a blood derived plasma infusion. From what I asked my neurologists prior (a month ago), there is vitually no risk of infection through that. I have never used IV drugs, but I have had unprotected sex with gf's in the past. Girl's lie about their past sometimes, sh*t happens. I did for the most part trust my past partners. Might be dumb at this point.
Anyway, I so friggin new to this, and I'm sure everyone was just as scared as me at some point. **Is it either probable that I have it, or possible that I don't?** Not looking for iron-clad diagnosis over the net, I would appreciate even educated speculation at this point, thanks in advance. Again, results said normal antibodies was 0-.78, mine came back 1.18.
ps -I don't know where this will post, kind of jumped on the site and posted as soon as I could....
This discussion is related to hep c test.
Test came back positive for hep c antibodies ( 1.18 the number was). As my name implies I have no clue what this means. Doc sent new blood for further results. From what I've summed up from googling, I guess I have to wait. But I wondered if it was common to see this number have definate positive for HCV. ***** waiting for results obviously. Can't eat yet and I'm certain I won't sleep tonight.
I have also heard of exposure with no infection, and different #s with immune dissorders. I have Multiple Sclerosis, and I have recently recieved Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment, a blood derived plasma infusion. From what I asked my neurologists prior (a month ago), there is vitually no risk of infection through that. I have never used IV drugs, but I have had unprotected sex with gf's in the past. Girl's lie about their past sometimes, sh*t happens. I did for the most part trust my past partners. Might be dumb at this point.
Anyway, I so friggin new to this, and I'm sure everyone was just as scared as me at some point. **Is it either probable that I have it, or possible that I don't?** Not looking for iron-clad diagnosis over the net, I would appreciate even educated speculation at this point, thanks in advance. Again, results said normal antibodies was 0-.78, mine came back 1.18.
ps -I don't know where this will post, kind of jumped on the site and posted as soon as I could....
This discussion is related to hep c test.
Happy new year too me!! RIBA came back negative! No offenses but I was kinda scared to death. I got enough on my plate without that....I thank you all for your support and help through this. Can't believe insurance protocol would allow such anxiety. What am I talking about? I not only believe it, I expect it.. lol. Anyway, I won't disappear, I'll be around periodically, I'm sure in the MS forums. Thanks again, and special thanks to Billy. You eased my mind considerably my friend 8^). Happy New Years all!!
Hi Totalnood, (great name) You came to the right place, this forum is better than church! I sincerely hope this comes back as a false positive and it sounds like there is a good chance it will be but if it’s the real deal, you may feel comforted to know that many people have no idea and will never know how they became infected. I was diagnosed almost 2 years ago; I’ve never used intravenous needles and never had a blood transfusion. Could have been a tattoo I received over 15 years ago but you can drive yourself crazy trying to figure out how you became infected. The bottom line is we are all better off using that energy to fight the virus. Unless you’ve had “blood drawing sex”, you can rule out your promiscuous past partners (pardon the alliteration). Also, if indeed you are HCV Pos with an active viral load, consider yourself lucky to have been diagnosed so early, many people don’t find out until it’s too late. Hope you respond well to the new MS treatment, keep us posted. Best Wishes, TOA
Thanks again for your time, Bill. And yes, I'm sure it would not be the end of the world. At the very least, I would make new friends..;^)
I'm just a little freaked because I've heard rumors of the promiscuity of one of my ex's, unbenowst to me at the time. Unprotected sex was few and far between w/ me.
My main concern was the fact I'm starting a new MS treatment Dec. 30th, and if my immune system is compromised, it may leave me wide open for Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopothy: a dibilitating, deadly brain infection. Being Friday, I cannot call my Neurologist to inform him of possible Hep and whether it would affect treatment. Also, a stop order may not be possible on the meds, as infusion appointment is set, meds are pre-ordered and very expensive. Anyway now I'm just rambling...thanks again Bill for putting my mind at ease a bit. I will try to eat and sleep. What a messy weekend eh? ... 8^) Seriously, thanks..
I'm just a little freaked because I've heard rumors of the promiscuity of one of my ex's, unbenowst to me at the time. Unprotected sex was few and far between w/ me.
My main concern was the fact I'm starting a new MS treatment Dec. 30th, and if my immune system is compromised, it may leave me wide open for Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopothy: a dibilitating, deadly brain infection. Being Friday, I cannot call my Neurologist to inform him of possible Hep and whether it would affect treatment. Also, a stop order may not be possible on the meds, as infusion appointment is set, meds are pre-ordered and very expensive. Anyway now I'm just rambling...thanks again Bill for putting my mind at ease a bit. I will try to eat and sleep. What a messy weekend eh? ... 8^) Seriously, thanks..
Try to relax; I know, easier said that done, but really…
The HCV antibody test is notorious for false positive results, and relies heavily on follow up testing.
It’s designed to test large groups of people in a cost-effective fashion; we don’t fully understand why sometimes it spits out these positive results sometimes. There are other viral particles that kick this off, and for some reason, patients with a positive rheumatoid factor sometimes do as well.
I don’t know exactly how many false positive results are produced per 1000, but it’s relatively high. Additionally, your signal to cut-off ratio is very low:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/c/sc_ratios.htm
right now, my money’s on a good result for you.
Again, hang in there, and try to calm down. Even if it turns out positive, HCV can often be managed… there are worse things in the world that can happen to you :o).
Take care,
Bill
The HCV antibody test is notorious for false positive results, and relies heavily on follow up testing.
It’s designed to test large groups of people in a cost-effective fashion; we don’t fully understand why sometimes it spits out these positive results sometimes. There are other viral particles that kick this off, and for some reason, patients with a positive rheumatoid factor sometimes do as well.
I don’t know exactly how many false positive results are produced per 1000, but it’s relatively high. Additionally, your signal to cut-off ratio is very low:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/c/sc_ratios.htm
right now, my money’s on a good result for you.
Again, hang in there, and try to calm down. Even if it turns out positive, HCV can often be managed… there are worse things in the world that can happen to you :o).
Take care,
Bill
Thank you bill, a little breath of fresh air is good until I can release it when the test come back (if I can). As I've stated, I also have MS. I was on Interferon beta-1a for 7 years, I don't know if it's a related interferon that would knock any hep c back to those levels. I also have a sister who is a nurse, she deals with Hiv, HepC patients, could this be a factor in exposure?
In any event I will keep all informed, and I appreciate the prompt response. Additional input is of course welcome..this is a whole new world to me as it once was to everyone here....8^)
In any event I will keep all informed, and I appreciate the prompt response. Additional input is of course welcome..this is a whole new world to me as it once was to everyone here....8^)
Hi there, Noobster :o)
As you surmised, you’re in for a little wait. The antibody test checks for exposure, not for the actual virus. Antibodies are produced by our own immune response, and aren’t harmful to us in themselves; they only suggest infection.
The reactive response you have is very low; I’m surprised they are even looking further, honestly. The next test will probably be the ‘HCV RNA by PCR’ test; this checks for presence of actual RNA virus.
Hep C (HCV) isn’t typically transmitted sexually; while it can happen in rare instances, it’s highly unlikely. It’s a blood-to-blood disease; unless trauma is involved with sex, it doesn’t seem to happen.
Not much you can do in the meanwhile. The test results can take 7 to 10 days to return to the doctor’s office. Hang in there, and let us know the outcome, if you get the chance.
Best of luck to you,
Bill
As you surmised, you’re in for a little wait. The antibody test checks for exposure, not for the actual virus. Antibodies are produced by our own immune response, and aren’t harmful to us in themselves; they only suggest infection.
The reactive response you have is very low; I’m surprised they are even looking further, honestly. The next test will probably be the ‘HCV RNA by PCR’ test; this checks for presence of actual RNA virus.
Hep C (HCV) isn’t typically transmitted sexually; while it can happen in rare instances, it’s highly unlikely. It’s a blood-to-blood disease; unless trauma is involved with sex, it doesn’t seem to happen.
Not much you can do in the meanwhile. The test results can take 7 to 10 days to return to the doctor’s office. Hang in there, and let us know the outcome, if you get the chance.
Best of luck to you,
Bill
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