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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Lisa3134 05/21/2008

Hello-

It's amazing when you go to a normal lab you get your results so quickly. After 2 long nail biting weeks the results are finally in. I'm positive for Hep C. The doctor said my numbers were very high, whatever that means. He said the good news was that my liver panel was completely normal. He ended the call with I'm sorry and I have to be honest with you "the treatment is very harsh". Thanks Doc for being so honest!

So what happens now? I have an appointment with the GI doctor on June 2nd. I am going to see my primary care doctor tomorrow to get some reassurance and understanding as to what I'm dealing with here.

Can anyone tell me what it means to have high numbers and how can my liver panel be normal with high numbers? Is there a chance that these so called numbers could go down?

I really need some pep talks right now, I'm petrified!!

Thanks-
Lisa

deleted_user 05/21/2008

i dont know anything about the medical stuff, like what the numbers mean or anything.

i just wanted to say hi, and that im hear for you if you need to talk. ..my mom has Hep C.

and im glad to hear your liver looks good. good luck with everything, and remember- im here

-HOKO

deleted_user 05/21/2008

Sorry you got that news Lisa. We're here for you. The next step is to see your GI doc (after being reassured by your GP) and GI doc will go over options with you. Probably a liver bx is next (but it's up to you, not just the doc). One step at a time and each step does take a good deal of time.

As far as your numbers, I know there are sites you can go to that try to explain the numbers but I would suggest that you not get too involved with deciphering the numbers thing - that's what your doc is for. There are so many variations on numbers so it's not easy for us non-docs to come to a specific conclusion. I know that you're mainly interested in trying to find some good news amongst your newly acquired personal information so I will tell you that it is good news that your liver panel is normal. As far as your viral load numbers being very high...a lot of people have high numbers with that.

Good luck, keep researching Hep C but don't get too anxious over your numbers thing. Eat right, don't drink, exercise if you are able and your doc will explain it all to you.

deleted_user 05/21/2008

Ditto to what kary said :)

deleted_user 05/21/2008

it sound liek you are right where I was a year ago. i was diagnosed with high numbers, but a normal liver panel. The high numbers refer to your measurement of virus in your blood. Mine was just under 2 million, which my Hepatologist said is in the very high range. The liver panel measures how well your liver is functioning. So your normal panel is very good news - it means the liver is still working as it should. The next measurement will most likely be a liver biopsy, which will show if physical damage has been done to the liver from the virus. Those results are measured in Stages 0-4, depending on the amount of scarring or further damage, such as cirrhosis, is present. Mine was a 2, meaning I had scarring but no cirrhosis (which would be a 3. You also need to know your Hep C genotype - different types react to treatment differently. Genotypes 1A and 1B are most common in the US. Learn all you can - it seems scary, but the knowledge makes you stronger to decide on treatment (if you choose that route). Your doctor is right - the treatment can be harsh, but not impossible. The whole process from diagnosis to starting treatment for me took about 2 months. Kepp us posted - we're with you!!

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