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.
Hello everyone.
So glad to join the group, and be able to chat with others who can relate.
I've been dealing with Hep C for almost 25 years. I also developed an autoimmune disorder about 5 years ago, which is very debilitating, etc..
The last few months I was hoping to see a hepatologist, and finally get treatment. However, my GI told me just last week, that my body has 'cleared the virus" and that I was "cured". It's actually officially now written in my medical record.(??!!!) His exact words were "Go out and enjoy your life, you don't have the virus anymore!"
Of course, this was quite shocking to me, and I am extremely happy to hear this. I have been told through the years, that my viral load was extemely low, hardly detectable, and treatment wasn't necessary.
This all came about because about 6 months ago, I was told by a local Hep C group I attend, to ask for my Genotype, becasue I certainly must have one. So, I finally asked my PCP fo order that specific test. After the results came, he said the viral load was too low to find one, and to schedule a follow up with my GI. (the one who told me my body cleared the virus).
Naturally, I'm so hoping it's true He is one of the leading Hep C GI's here, but not officially a Hepatologist. I've had severe brain fog for almost 2 years at least.. At first, I thought it was from the Hep C... but now I'm wondering if it's due to my autoimmune disorder? Of course, hearing this has me extremely hopeful, but somewhat cautious too. (?) I don't mean to be negative, just a realist.
Any advice or replies would be deeply appreciated.
Thanks again, and
Blessings to you all....(*_*)
So glad to join the group, and be able to chat with others who can relate.
I've been dealing with Hep C for almost 25 years. I also developed an autoimmune disorder about 5 years ago, which is very debilitating, etc..
The last few months I was hoping to see a hepatologist, and finally get treatment. However, my GI told me just last week, that my body has 'cleared the virus" and that I was "cured". It's actually officially now written in my medical record.(??!!!) His exact words were "Go out and enjoy your life, you don't have the virus anymore!"
Of course, this was quite shocking to me, and I am extremely happy to hear this. I have been told through the years, that my viral load was extemely low, hardly detectable, and treatment wasn't necessary.
This all came about because about 6 months ago, I was told by a local Hep C group I attend, to ask for my Genotype, becasue I certainly must have one. So, I finally asked my PCP fo order that specific test. After the results came, he said the viral load was too low to find one, and to schedule a follow up with my GI. (the one who told me my body cleared the virus).
Naturally, I'm so hoping it's true He is one of the leading Hep C GI's here, but not officially a Hepatologist. I've had severe brain fog for almost 2 years at least.. At first, I thought it was from the Hep C... but now I'm wondering if it's due to my autoimmune disorder? Of course, hearing this has me extremely hopeful, but somewhat cautious too. (?) I don't mean to be negative, just a realist.
Any advice or replies would be deeply appreciated.
Thanks again, and
Blessings to you all....(*_*)
From what I understand, any detectable VL is still positive for the virus. Also been told that the amount of VL doesn't matter, you're either pos or neg.
Brain fog - I dunno!
Yes, I feel very lucky,..but still somehow feel very exhausted all the time.
@ msartnut, I never really knew if I ever had a high viral load. I was told it was low every time I tested.
Thanks for the kind words, I sure hope the brain fog clears up too.
Blessings to all...:)