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.
I really need to vent!! I feel like someone is playing a cruel joke on me!!
1 1/2 weeks ago the nightmare began! I got the call from my doctor that I tested positive for Hep C antibody, of course that sent me into pure panic! I was told I needed to go for more tests to see if the virus was actually in my system. O.K. I go to the lab have my blood drawn and go home crying hoping that by the weekend I would know what my fate was. Next day I get a call from the lab telling me that I have to return because the fridge broke and they need a new sample of blood. I take a deep breathe and go back that Friday. O.K. so I have to go the weekend with not knowing. I'll be alright. A whole week goes by still no results. Another weekend uptight and stressed! All I can think about is what is lurking in my body. Thank goodness I have found this wonderful site. I think it's the only thing that has kept me sane. All weekend I think O.K I go see the doctor monday morning, he must have the results by now. I get up, get ready and drive myself to the doctor hoping and praying that I get good news or at least news that I can handle. As I walk into the office I am shaking inside, the doctor see's me and immediately comes out to see me "I'm thinking he's going to hug me and tell me I'm o.k. but no he tells me that he still has not recieved the blood work back. We call to find out what the hold up was and what do we get for a response? "Oh, we were not sure what you wanted us to test", they repeated the same test he orginally ordered that came up with a positive for the antibody!! Can you believe this??? My doctor was furious!! What a bunch of idiots!! I had to go for a 3rd time today to have my blood drawn (a different lab) to see if I'm positive for the virus! I'm sick over this. I just want to know- do I or don't I have this dragon?? Here I go another week waiting!! The stress has brought on a flare up! I'm in so much agony right now! My hands, ankles, knees, shoulders are killing me!!
Thanks everyone for letting me get this off my chest! UGH!!!
1 1/2 weeks ago the nightmare began! I got the call from my doctor that I tested positive for Hep C antibody, of course that sent me into pure panic! I was told I needed to go for more tests to see if the virus was actually in my system. O.K. I go to the lab have my blood drawn and go home crying hoping that by the weekend I would know what my fate was. Next day I get a call from the lab telling me that I have to return because the fridge broke and they need a new sample of blood. I take a deep breathe and go back that Friday. O.K. so I have to go the weekend with not knowing. I'll be alright. A whole week goes by still no results. Another weekend uptight and stressed! All I can think about is what is lurking in my body. Thank goodness I have found this wonderful site. I think it's the only thing that has kept me sane. All weekend I think O.K I go see the doctor monday morning, he must have the results by now. I get up, get ready and drive myself to the doctor hoping and praying that I get good news or at least news that I can handle. As I walk into the office I am shaking inside, the doctor see's me and immediately comes out to see me "I'm thinking he's going to hug me and tell me I'm o.k. but no he tells me that he still has not recieved the blood work back. We call to find out what the hold up was and what do we get for a response? "Oh, we were not sure what you wanted us to test", they repeated the same test he orginally ordered that came up with a positive for the antibody!! Can you believe this??? My doctor was furious!! What a bunch of idiots!! I had to go for a 3rd time today to have my blood drawn (a different lab) to see if I'm positive for the virus! I'm sick over this. I just want to know- do I or don't I have this dragon?? Here I go another week waiting!! The stress has brought on a flare up! I'm in so much agony right now! My hands, ankles, knees, shoulders are killing me!!
Thanks everyone for letting me get this off my chest! UGH!!!
Take care and keep us informed...K
big big hugs,
Scared Rabbit
Best wishes, hang in there!
We are here for you
Gator Buzz
Thanks so much for your support!! I have to laugh! All day long my right side has been killing me! You know where your liver is! Am I losing my mind or what? LOL!!
If they did a PCR test, please know that it may take up to 2 weeks.
This is a special test, the blood needs to be froze for a period of time ect..
Look it up on the net.
"Polymerase Chain Reaction blood test."
Keep us posted.
Mckenzie
type 1a
status: undie
one day at the time
ps: whenever you do have the results, don't forget to ask what genotype you are and your viral load.
Yes my left side hurts it seems to be worse when I eat the wrong
food like (grease, red meat, salt ,
anything other than fruit and a lot of water, chicken ext
apples really help me (peal them) the granny apples are my fave
I wish the very best for you
I did not like my first hepc doctor, wasn't comfortable at all so I went and found another & that worked out well.
My liver enzymes were high for two years when I had to go to the clinic, they check for my bipolar levels. Never got the test there for hepc and they fed me valproric acid for two years which I found does liver damage. The doctor who treats you I have found makes a big difference.
I wish you all the luck & I'm glad you are here, the support is so very important, I could not have done this with out it, it is a life saver for sure.