2nd opinion

I'm concerned about my HEP C status. My risk was through sharing equipment for snorting (methadrone).  I tested after 1 week (RNA PCR) which came back negative. About 5 weeks later I started developing the following symptoms. Bloating, frothy urine, bit of fatigue, pain in upper right side by rib cage, nausea (no vomitting), light stool and slight pain and discomfort under armpits.  I went to my GP and they sent me for liver function test.  Came back fine. At week 6 I went back still concerned and had a hep c antibody test together with more liver function, full blood count.  All negative/normal.  I was also sent for ultrasound at about 7 weeks. Again, all fine.  I was advised by some other experts to get a 3rd gen antibody test as part of a full screen (not sure what a 3rd gen is) and repeat liver function test at 3 months post risk.  Again, all came back fine. Since then I've been diagnosed as having irritable bowel syndrome.  I'm on omeprazole which helped the bloating and discomfort but it comes and goes. I'm taking lepicol which has gotten rid of the nausea/tiredness and discoloured stools to some extent.  My main concern is the frothy urine and occasional pain/discomfort in armpits. Urine was tested with a 'dip stick' and found no biliburin (check that spelling).  I did have a liver function test post 6.5 months and again, all normal.  My question is, should I get restested or is it safe to assume that the symptoms are related to my bowel not functioning?  I've seen nearly all of the GP's at my local surgery and they all say it's not Hep C, it's IBS and that I shouldn't go for another Hep C test.  I was hoping someone else could offer their expert opinion as I really need closure.  I know I should probably get restested but I'm sort of frozen by anxiety, fear and find now that ignoring it helps, a little. Help! :-)

[nygirl7]

You have literally no risk to begin with hardly and have been told by every doctor you do ont have the disease. If you want to get it there are more efficient ways than one off snorting of meth. Be happy and let it go they are right.

[willbb]

" I've seen nearly all of the GP's at my local surgery and they all say it's not Hep C, it's IBS and that I shouldn't go for another Hep C test. "

Their is no other advice to be given!

[James10500]

Did you ask your Docs if these things could by or a result of your Methadrone use.  They call Hep C "the silent killer" because it takes decades for symptoms to show up.  If you feel you need to get tested do it. Try a PCR test this time.

[Diane12855]

Urine issues are not related with the liver nearly as often as they are related to the kidneys. I know that frothy urine suggests the presence of protein. Sorry I can't remember any more about it than that... 33 shots of interferon will do that to you.

Diane

[bazzak467]

thanks all for the swift replies, the methadrone use was a one off but no doctor (of the many) I've seen suggested it could cause frothy urine. I would go for a PCR if I could afford it and public health doctors won't send me for a PCR in fact, they won't even send me for a antibody test. I even contacted the HEP C trust who said I don't have Hep C.  The person I spoke to said that my antibody test at 6 weeks would've shown a positive.  Surely, if I really had Hep C my liver function would've shown some abnormaility and I would've thought that an antibody @ just over 3 months would've revealed something.  Any other opinions or should I move on?

[Diane12855]

Sorry I didn't make this more clear... Hep c is a LIVER disease... if your problem is in the urinary tract... it has nothing to do with Hep C. Don't worry about hep c anymore.

[nygirl7]

You have literally no risk to begin with hardly and have been told by every doctor you do ont have the disease. If you want to get it there are more efficient ways than one off snorting of meth. Be happy and let it go they are right.

[bazzak467]

thanks again for your comments, I really feel assured now and I will do my best to move on! :-)  Besides, the symptoms I've been experiencing have made me value my health ten fold. I've actually read some of your posts before (NY girl and Diane -so nice to meet you) over the past few months of my anxiety. I never knew snorting was a risk in the least (besides the obvious risk).  I was horrified when I discovered it.  Since then I regularly let people know, if it comes up in conversation and most are not aware that snorting is a risk for contracting hep c.  To those of you who are living with the virus, who still come here offering your support and guidance, I just want to say, you're amazing and you inspire people.  Thanks again, I will cross hep c off the list now.