Just try to stay calm, and start lining your ducks up. I felt the same way you did, but my insurance did surprisingly cover my Treatment, and I got rid of my Hep C in 2012.
Dont be afraid of the meds, because they will save your life! But since your Bilirubin is elevated, that would be indicative that it is time to Treat.
Are they much elevated? Mine were slightly elevated on and off, for 20 yrs, and I had this horrible itching under the skin in my upper arms, especially when I was pregnant, from the elevated Bilirubin. It will normalize once your virus goes Undetected...you can do this,a nd we are here for you~

The bilirubin total was 2.7 I don't really know what any of it means. I don't have yellowing of the eyes or skin like I've read researching this. I'm just overwhelmed and thank goodness we have insurance, but researching HVC, the medicines needed to treat this is over the moon. I'm just going to take it day by day and test by test. I'm just praying my liver isn't too far gone. Thank you all again.

Oh, okay...I'm glad you wrote back~ that # doesn't look so high...I took a glance at my old labs, and mine were a bit less, but I think they can elevate a lot more then that.
I am absolutely sure that it is NOT too late for you to treat, and have many happy years to travel in yr RV, just like you planned.
I am surprised they are doing an endoscopy, instead of a biopsy, so I am guessing perhaps you are not in the U.S. but maybe in New Zealand or Australia? An endoscopy is the cam, they put down the throat, looking for varices, I'm pretty sure.
Generally there are other signs that you are heading down "cirrhosis road"...like for me, my platelets slowly got lower until theu went below the normal range, and this drop took place over a course of about 5 yrs. I do think, once I went into menopause, the damage quickened, so I am thinking the estrogen was protecting my liver,until that dip.
If you did have cirrhosis, yr platelets would tend to be under 80(000)...do you know what # yr platelets are at, on yr labs? Once my platelets were too low, I began to bleed a lot, when I flossed, and small cuts started taking forever to heal. I didn't have cirrhosis, by the way, my biopsy showed me to be a Stage 2 with grade 3 inflammation.
A person with cirrhosis usually has some edema in the legs, starting with the ankles. And the belly can fill with fluid, becuz the liver is clogged, so the fluid cant be filtered, so it goes other places, and this is called ascites. I am sure you have already researched all of this, but I will do a bit of copy and paste, since my writing can get wacky:
Edema and ascites

"As cirrhosis of the liver becomes severe, signals are sent to the kidneys to retain salt and water in the body. The excess salt and water first accumulates in the tissue beneath the skin of the ankles and legs because of the effect of gravity when standing or sitting. This accumulation of fluid is called edema or pitting edema. (Pitting edema refers to the fact that pressing a fingertip firmly against an ankle or leg with edema causes an indentation in the skin that persists for some time after release of the pressure. Actually, any type of pressure, such as from the elastic band of a sock, may be enough to cause pitting.) The swelling often is worse at the end of a day after standing or sitting and may lessen overnight as a result of the loss of the effects of gravity when lying down. As cirrhosis worsens and more salt and water are retained, fluid also may accumulate in the abdominal cavity between the abdominal wall and the abdominal organs. This accumulation of fluid (called ascites) causes swelling of the abdomen, abdominal discomfort, and increased weight."
Anyhoo, I remember my socks did begn to make these deep impressions, and now that I am Hep C Free, I dont have that anymore. Keep the faith, so manyof us are getting cured now,a nd the new Treatment is only 12 weeks!!!

I am from Texas. My blood platelets are low 92. I've never had the swelling in legs. I'm seeing a blood doctor also for the platelets. The doctor is doing the endoscopy first to see if there is damage and if he doesn't see anything, then I do a biopsy. I'm just hoping medications is all I need and not be too far gone.

Thank you msartnut. You are very sweet. I will definitely have to stop by if we are ever out that way!

Welcome to DS jaro. Just take one thing/day at a time. You'll do ok.

God bless you.

I was in the same boat 13 years ago, then it was even more misunderstood and you couldnt talk to anyone. Things have changed so much and people are still misinformed but it is 10x s easier. I had the same situation and not knowing how I got it ,tattos , old boyfriend shared toothbrush with, mains , pedis, who know, who cares...Its there and now we kick the little buggers A--!.......

I know how you are feeling. I have recently been diagnosed and have no clue how I got it. Im at the point now that it doesnt even matter. My husband and I have been together 11 years and he tested negative. Phew! Talk about a load of my shoulders! I too still feel "dirty" I have a 2 year old and I am constantly worried about infecting her in some way. I am super cautious about everything. The good news is I will start treatment fairly soon. Hopefully, my next appt in two months. My dr didnt think I needed a biopsy. I figured why would I? Im gonna treat anyway. I am a new member to this site and find it really helpful. Keep coming back and share what you are feeling!

Welcome, welcome!
You've come to the right place for comfort. I was Dx'd in the summer of 2012. Everyone was so kind, and full of answers; knowledgable and extremely understanding. Don't matter where you got it, it's how we choose to fight it. Attitude is crucial.... :) I haven't treated yet, i'm waiting for newer meds on the horizon..
Hang tuff. You're in the right place. Peeps

Thank you all for your support and the information you provide. I had absolutely NO idea where to go, what to do, etc.. I will report back the results of these tests I'm taking....

Good luck jaro ! Keep us posted !

You can get help with the meds Just ask your doctor. I did. You half to apply for it. I had Hepatitis 3 years ago, and the meds cost alot. \, and the shots you take cost the most. Good luck and DON'T GIVE UP. Becky

yeap the new treatment works. i finished my treatment (triple terapy ) 6 motns ago and it works. You can do it! at the begining it is hard but at the end you become a stronger person.

Hi Jaro,
Sorry you have to be here but, you have come to the right place. You are not a leper!! Sounds like you have a wonderful supportive husband and that's great you will need him. Chin up and keep a positive outlook .
Hugs
Debbie

Try not to over stress. I had HCV for abt 40 yrs but liver was only Stage 2, Grade 2 when I finally had a biopsy. There are new drugs coming out that are not nearly as hard on you as Interferon and Riba. I did a Trial of one of the new combinations over 2 yrs ago. The virus was cleared from my body in the first week and has I'm still clear today. Do your research. There was a Thread on here recently w/ definitions of most of the abbreviations ppl use here. It would be helpful to find it or maybe someone who's more savvy that I would bring it back up for you. I was married over 10 yrs before Tx. My husband was tested and he is negative. It is not sexually transmitted. Just blood to blood contact. Take the proper precautions w/ blood and all will be fine! There's no shame, its not your fault anymore than diabetes or cancer would be your fault. This disease progress very slowly so take your time and make informed decisions about treatment. All will be well..