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.
Ive been told more then once (not by doctors) that people with MS take the same drug (interferon) and they usually sleep through the side effects. Do they use some of the same drugs and dose? Because the only way I could sleep through these side effects is sleeping 48 weeks.
My heart does go out to them; they are taking the drugs to relieve symptoms not as hopes of a cure
My heart does go out to them; they are taking the drugs to relieve symptoms not as hopes of a cure
Compared to MS I rather have the hep c but both! Yikes. I guess it makes me appreciate what I have- or don't have.
Within the last month or two, I had a blood infusion, Intravenous ImmuneglobulinG. It's an infusion derived from plasma of over 200 donors. While the risk of HCV transmission through this particular treatment is estimated at 1/100,000, I'm hoping that may have kicked off a false-pos. I've heard many viral particles can set off the first test, and that the first test isn't super-accurate. To me, the fact that .78 happens with negative results means that exposure doesn't necessarily mean diagnosis. I'm not writing myself off just yet; the first test came back equivocal, and I have 200+ people's blood/antibodies coursing my veins. At the least I'll have my denial for a few more days so I can get through family christmas. I've been taking prescription narcotics to pass out asleep, and I haven't barely eaten...
I'm calling my doc wednesday for hopefully the results in the presence of a therapist so I don't do anything stupid.
How long does the second test usually take to come back??? Never thought MS would be the least of my worries, it has barely affected me anyways. Thanks all for your support, I'll keep ya posted, 8^(.
I'm going with the false positive. It does seem more likely. maybe you had been exposed to it years ago and beat it and the new transfusions put you over the edge of false positive.
You seem to be going at everything all at once. What a committment,seems like it would be hard to do. The holiday and your family doesn't seem to be helping.
People on this site understand, there are people here that have gone through lots and still keep a positive attitude.
My lab work take about a week. I always ask for my own copy
keep us posted
Cute dog btw, mcslo. And Nic, I hope your dad is doing ok. I'm kind of a wealth of knowledge on the ms subject, don't hesitate to ask me anything. It is much better off than even ten years ago with treatments and advances, etc. There is no magic bullet, the cure will come from many sources all over the world. Or at least soon enough they will find a way to completely arrest it until a cure comes. Many lifestyle changes can affect progression and symptoms also....
Thank you all again and Happy 2010!! 8^)
as for you hcv antibody test-- possibly you have had hep c and cleared the infection!
my friend has MS and since tx makes her sleepy..her dr prescibed provigil..really buzzes her up..like an amphetimine.she saves it for when really needs that 'extra' energy.
Good luck to you