Hepatitis C

[madasacutsnake]

"torture"

It's possible that they are dong a direct examination of your blood for evidence of the virus. This is different from the standard test which looks for antibodies to the virus. Being positive for antibodies to the virus may mean that you have been exposed at one time, formed anti-bodies which then killed the virus ie you have antibodies but are not carrying the virus.

But. It's a very slim hope and given your other symptoms........sorry.

[Klynne]

Originally Posted by cindyleebro

I hope that I am doing this correctly. My name is Cindy and I am 24 years old. I recently got back a letter from donating blood that my blood test came back positive for hepatitis C. Of course when I recieved this, I was stunned. I got on the internet to see what is was. As I read the symptoms, I thought that would explain why I feel so bad all the time. I had many of the symptoms like nausea, fatigue, and abdominal pain all the time. I went to my family doctor yesterday. He took blood referred me to a specailist. The nurse called me back today to tell me that my hemoglobin and blood cell count came back normal. The nurse said that it would be the end of the week before my test confirming HCV would come back. I don't know much about any of this yet. What does the blood cells test and hemoglobin have to do with the HCV? Does those 2 test mean that I might not have HCV? I am confused because I know that something is wrong with me because I feel so terrible all the time! If you have any comments or knowledge, I would love to hear from you. If you have went through similiar to what I have, I would greatly appreciated your opinion or your story. Thanks So Much. It is torcher waiting for test to come back and it is going to be March 15th beofe the specialist can even get me in!

O.k. I have questions for you. Don't get me wrong, I know how scary this stuff is.

Were you a regular blood donar?

Did you feel ill before, or after you were told that you were exposed to HC? Just because you were exposed to something, does not mean you have it. (You are exposed to bacteria and viruses every day. I have a friend that was exposed to tuberculosis. She has never developed it, but her blood work shows that she was exposed. In fact, most hospital workers usually test positive for TB. They don't have it, but they have worked in the hospitals long enough, it is just a matter of time).

I only ask this because when I think something might be wrong, I actually feel physical pain, look stuff up on the internet, and start to freak. Yes, I am a hypochondriac (and a bad speller). I am not saying that you are, but, I get that way.

And, you are very young. From what I know, it takes years to develop full blown HC after you have been exposed. Lurves to you.

[cindyleebro]

I did get the confirmation back that I do have active hepatitis C. Yes, I have had symptoms for a while. Actually when I look back, the last 2 years I had symptoms. The last three months have been really hard for me because my symptoms have really increased. I am the type that I have to be pretty sick to go to the dr. For a couple of years, I just thought I had kidney infections and I would eventually go to the dr. I would give an urine sample and it would come back normal. The doctor would tell me that I am fine. After doing this about three or so times, I just decided that I would not go the doctor and waste my money for him to tell me that I do not have a kidney infection.
This was my second time to give blood. The first time I gave blood(within the last 4 or 5 months), I did not recieve a letter that I had hepatitis C.
Do you have insurance? Have you had to purchase the medicine? If so, can you tell me about what it cost you? I know that all insurances are different, but I am still wondering. I work for the school, so I have pretty good insurance. Thanks, Cindy

[lapietra]

Wow, Cindy - that's very hard news...

Whatever the doctors tell you to do - do it *perfectly*. This virus *can* be beat, but you have to be very diligent and patient - take your meds on time, alll of them, even though they'll probably make you feel like you have the flu for a couple of days after... don't even look at alcohol, stay away from red meat and caffeine and smokers. Also - something my friend learned - don't eat before you take the meds. Lots of water!

You're young and strong - you can do this.