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 went in for a routine Pap at the Health Dept. She asked do I want to go ahead and have an HIV test. I was afraid because my husband and I divorced after 20 yrs of marriage because he had an affair with a woman who was very permiscuoius. I agreed to do it and then was asked how about Hep C? I said ok, but was not worried about that since I had been faithful and neither one of us used drugs. I forgot about a blood transfusion I received back in 1977.
I was shocked speechless when I got a phone call stating that I had tested positive to Hep C.
I was still in disbelief and was sure there was some kind of mix-up.
First thing they did was order bloodwork and requested my genotype and viral load. This came back 1a with a raised 3above the a. My viral load s 5,370000.
When the nurse saw my Alpha-Fetaprotein at 91.1H she immediately asked me if I had a virus on the day I gave the blood. She immediately wanted an ultrasound because she thought I already had liver cancer and the Hep C was aggravating it. This shocked me also because cancer does not run in my family. She immediately wanted to start me on Thiamine, folic acid and a multi vitamin. When I asked her about Milk Thistle or some kind of liver cleanse she stated it would do no good, the liver is not metabolizing. All we can do is treat the symptoms. She said I'm sorry and sent me on my way.
When I went in for the ultrasound 9/17 the lady performing the test was being very thorough and measuring all my organs when I finally spoke up. I knew she could not give me any diagnosis but I asked her for her opinion on what she saw................she said I have nothing to worry about. I could take this 2 ways so after remaining quiet I asked her again what she meant. She said she saw nothing abnormal.
I was also wondering if the fact that I ruptured my spleen in 1977 in a car accident, would this be reason to alert the nurse to some abnormal test results she noticed on my last blood work?
I have always had to be sure the Dr. knows that I do not have a spleen because I will always have a very high WBC due to this.
I left feeling happy that everything looked normal but when I got home and read some more on DS I have now read that I may need a biopsy. But I thouight the US was for showing damage to the liver also?
PLEASE! PLEASE! Give me your insight!
My first post but I already feel comforted fom thr fact that this is a caring and loving site!
I was shocked speechless when I got a phone call stating that I had tested positive to Hep C.
I was still in disbelief and was sure there was some kind of mix-up.
First thing they did was order bloodwork and requested my genotype and viral load. This came back 1a with a raised 3above the a. My viral load s 5,370000.
When the nurse saw my Alpha-Fetaprotein at 91.1H she immediately asked me if I had a virus on the day I gave the blood. She immediately wanted an ultrasound because she thought I already had liver cancer and the Hep C was aggravating it. This shocked me also because cancer does not run in my family. She immediately wanted to start me on Thiamine, folic acid and a multi vitamin. When I asked her about Milk Thistle or some kind of liver cleanse she stated it would do no good, the liver is not metabolizing. All we can do is treat the symptoms. She said I'm sorry and sent me on my way.
When I went in for the ultrasound 9/17 the lady performing the test was being very thorough and measuring all my organs when I finally spoke up. I knew she could not give me any diagnosis but I asked her for her opinion on what she saw................she said I have nothing to worry about. I could take this 2 ways so after remaining quiet I asked her again what she meant. She said she saw nothing abnormal.
I was also wondering if the fact that I ruptured my spleen in 1977 in a car accident, would this be reason to alert the nurse to some abnormal test results she noticed on my last blood work?
I have always had to be sure the Dr. knows that I do not have a spleen because I will always have a very high WBC due to this.
I left feeling happy that everything looked normal but when I got home and read some more on DS I have now read that I may need a biopsy. But I thouight the US was for showing damage to the liver also?
PLEASE! PLEASE! Give me your insight!
My first post but I already feel comforted fom thr fact that this is a caring and loving site!
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theatre and I are there already. I'm having a very berry tea with crackers, cheese and cherry tomatoes and she's having a joint with some beer and we're both on really comfy recliners on thick pile carpet. we need some help with the decor if anyone is around??
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I'm trying to exercise daily. I was doing fairly well until I sprained my ankle 2 weeks ago but now I'm getting back on the horse. Today I walked over a mile with my arm weights that are about 22lbs total. I was out of shape and it was hard on my arms. I also did my 30 situps. I'm also going to drink a lot of water and try to eat healthy. I do tend to have a sweet tooth but I'm cutting...
Thanks again! opti(Vicki)
Find out what's happening on the inside of your liver.
Biopsy is still considered the gold standard, no matter how good or close the other tests may be.