Hep - C -new diagnosis

[Newbee-c]

I have just been diagnosed with hep-c. A big surprise to me! I am a recovering addict and will been clean for 17 years on March 26th 2006.
My Dr noticed that my liver fuction test were elevated starting in 1999 but he they were never abnormally high. He just decided recently we should look for Hep-c because I have been a drug and alcohol counselor for 16 years and have worked and been around many people with hep-c.
When I got clean in 1989 I decided I wanted to help other addicts with the disease of addiction. I went on and got my masters degree. I am currently an L.C.S.W and run the treatment part of a large drug court program.
Toward the end of my using days I did use needles with other addicts. Could it take 17 years for hep-c to finally show up?
I have just been diagnosed and I am very freaked out. We got my viral load back and it was 2335000. Is that a high number?. Do I need treatment right away. I don't even know what my genotype is. I have an appointment for a liver biopsy in April. I have not noticed many symptoms such as depression or inability to eat well. Do I tell my clients that I counsel that I have hep-c. Do I even tell my work I have it?
I have had my wife checked and we have allways been loyal to each other. She does not have the disease. Can she get it from me through sex?
Is it possible through treatment to put this disease in full remission.
What do you think my next steps should be? Are there any special diets. I don't use drugs or drink any alcohol. Is this a death sentance? How many years once people are diagnosed do the average live? Should I stop worring about retirement? Should I ask my Dr. about taking anti-depressants. Thanks for your time. STRESSED OUT!! I thought I got away clean from my past boy what a surprise. Newbee-c

[Kevin Pho, MD]

There is a hepatitis support forum on Med Help that may be of use to you:
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/hepatitis/wwwboard.html

To answer your questions:
1) Hepatitis C may have been present earlier, but only recently diagnosed.

2) A viral load of that level is high.  Treatment certainly should be considered.  Obtaining your genotype will help with determining the effectiveness of treatment and prognosis.

3) A liver biopsy is a required next step.  

4) Regarding privacy concerns, you should not be required to report your own medical conditions to anyone.  

5) Yes, hepatitis C can be transmitted through sex.

6) It seems like you are going through the reasonable next steps. Your GI physician should be able to guide treatment.  The biopsy and genotype are recommended tests.  I would also consider visiting the hepatitis support forum.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b

[Kalio1]

I think you should be more clear and explain to patients that Hep C is NOT trasmitted via sexual contact unless there is blood exchanged! Particularly monogamous couples who do not engage in sexual activity with others and do not engage in sex involving blood exchange very rarely pass HEP C to one another.
To state unequivocally that "yes, you can transmit it sexually" is bad information and gives people the impression HCV is easily transmittable sexually and it is NOT.
You should know better!

[kevinmd]

The above comment is correct.  Hepatitis C can be transmitted during sex, but this is an uncommon form of transmission.  Safe sexual practices should be observed.

Apologies,
Kevin

[Newbee-c]

Hi again maybe you can't answer this question. I asked what the life expectancy % wise of newly diagnosed patients with a viral load of over 2 million. How many people end up dying of this disease once they have it? What is you best guess? I am 49 years old now. do I have 5 maybe 10 years. Can you give me some type of percentages. I just heard recently that someone died of hep-c in our area.

[Kalio1]

Hep C is NOT a death sentence. It is not possible to answer your question, the hep c virus is nonlinear, it behaves differently in different people. Most it causes no symptoms and progresses very very slowly. In others it will progress faster and cause more extensive liver damage and/or immune system damage, so there is no way to give you a % that is realistic.

Manage your disease head on! You are more likely to die of something OTHER THAN Hep C and live to a ripe old age. You are only 49, if you havent already, get a good Heptologist who treats lots of Hep C patients and look at all your options. Your viral load is in the mid range, but remember it fluctuates.
Educate yourself about Hep C, empower yourself with knowledge and make a game plan as to how to proceed. You can treat and attempt to clear the virus. You can wait and watch your liver carefully for newer medications that are being developed right now and look promising.
Hep C is not a death sentence, proactively deal with your Hep C and you will feel much better and much more in control.
If you havent alreadly, stop all alcohol use as alcohol acts as an accelerant to the Hep C virus. Good luck.
YOu might want to visit the MedHelp Hepatitis forum, there are lots of people there with Hep C.

PS. I am your age, just completed treatment and cleared the virus by the 12th week of treatment.

[Newbee-c]

Kalio-1: Thanks for your response. I don't have to worry about alcohol because alcohol is a "DRUG" and I am a recovering drug addict. I have not tasted alcohol in over 16 years. 17 years on March 25th 2006. My clean date is March 25th 1989. I just want answers "NOW". My addict brain is already telling me I have the worst geno-type and I have 6 months to live. I will take it easy on myself and "GOD WILLING" I will only need 12 weeks of treatment.