Hepatitis C Support Group

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne viral disease which can cause liver inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread by blood-to-blood contact with an infected person's blood. Many people with HCV infection have no symptoms and are unaware of the need to seek treatment. Hepatitis C infects an estimated 150-200 million people worldwide.

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Gastrointestinal System
/ Hepatitis C Support Group

Newly diagnosed

DS4me
DS4me
Just got back from the Dr today with the results of the sonogram of my liver and Hep tests. I have elevated liver enzymes... no outward symptoms. I am sure my Dr thought it was alcohol related. Second blood test, enzymes are higher sent me for the sonogram and sent the blood for a Hep test. I got the bad news today - positive for Hep C. I haven't had any blood transfusions and I am not a drug user. In the late 70's I dated a guy that ened up becoming a Herion addict. He based away in the mid 80's in a car accident so I have no idea if that is how I contracted this virus. Beside myself right now. The good news is the sonogram came back that I do not have any liver damage. I have been told to go see a Gastroenterologist. The first available appointment for the dr I was referred to is in January. Any advice is welcome.
MLTTexas
MLTTexas
Welcome! The diagnosis of Hep C is always shocking, but you found out in plenty of time. Yes, go see a gastroenterologist or hepatologist (some are both). But since we are on the edge of new treatments for Hep C being approved and on the market, please don't let a doctor talk you into getting into treatments immediately, unless it's a new treatment that does NOT use interferon. You have plenty of time, since they are seeing no liver damage yet. The best of luck to you, and please stay in touch. Marilyn
MrOSO
MrOSO
Sorry to hear of your diagnosis, but glad you found this group.

Remember that being diagnosed with HCV is not a medical emergency, many of us have had it for decades before finding out. It's the damage to your liver that you need to worry the most about, and it sounds like you are in good shape there.

There are new treatments due to be released soon that will greatly reduce the side effects, while at the same time increasing the chances of success. Between now and your GI's appointment read all you can and ask questions in here. No one is born knowing about HCV. I also found it helpful to write down what I want to ask the doctor, it's easy to get overwhelmed sometimes.

Good Luck,
Bob
hepcme
hepcme
i keep myself maintained by healthy living, otherwise i deal with heavy fatigue and other symptoms, make adjustments at your own pace. learn all you can, living normally is very doable
DS4me
DS4me
Thanks everyone. I was more than just a little shocked to hear the news. When they said the enzymes were up I did a lot of research on the potential reasons and was certain it was one of the medications I was on. I read about Hep A, B and C and of course learned that C is by far the worst one of the three.

Back in the mid 90's I gave blood and got that letter back from the red cross, please do not give blood you have Hepatitis. I took the letter to my doctor and now I can't remember if he did a repeat blood test or dismissed it. I remember him saying you can get a false positive if you ate red meat the day before.