3 Easy Hep C Questions

[Mike999827]

Hello, I was diagnosed with Hep C in 1997 from either sharing needles approximately for the 6 month period before that or as the doctor thinks when snorting cocaine possibly 10 years earlier.  I guess he thinks being diagnosed with it so quickly after sharing needles shouldn't occur especially with the viral load I had, which since it was so long ago I think it was somewhere between 2 and 4 million (genotype 1).  What do you think?  Further, hopefully another easy question.  I had the Ribovarin/Interferon treatment done in 2004/2005 and it was successful. Lots and lots and lots of side effects but I made it through it.  Unfortunately my thyroid doesnt manufacture enough hormone because of the treatment and I will be on synthroid the rest of my life.  I have read also that the treatment can affect your lipid panel.  Not completely sure of that, but mine is definitely screwed up as to prior to the tx it was not.  What do you think?  One last question.  When I go to any Dr. I tell them that I have Hep C but it is in remission because my tests show no viral load.  Is that the right way to refer to it as?  Thank you for your time.

[pooh55811]

"And those of us that do acquire the knowledge to make informed decisions empower ourselves."
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I absolutely agree.

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"I do believe if you had done a little more research on hep c years ago you would have known the protocol 8 years ago dictated that anyone without a detectable viral load after 1 year was considered cured or SVR."
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On the other hand, while true, that last statement, sounds judgmental, accusatory.  What is the point of telling someone that had he done more research 8 years ago, then he would have known that anyone without a detectable VL after a year was considered cured or SVR. Well, for whatever reason, he did not know. Now he does. Mike came onto this forum for information. We should be able to give correct/accurate information without being judgmental or accusatory and without placing blame on the person asking the question.

This is exactly why many people stop posting questions. Instead they send their questions via private message to people who they feel will not be judgmental or accusatory.

[jules2551]

"Also, many doctors are not well educated enough and don't know the meaning of a sustained virological response (SVR) and because they are not well informed they may actually believe the virus can return.  As stupid as that sounds, it does happen."
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As you stated above "many doctors are not well educated".  I think that would prove difficult for the patient to understand the terminology if the Dr. does not understand it.  And yes I agree "those of us that do acquire the knowledge to make informed decsions empower ourselves". 100%.  But I think that is why Mike is here on this forum to ask questions and get a better understanding so he can make informed decisions regarding his health.  

Possibly being more supportive would be more helpful.  

[willbb]

  I agree that is always best to be our own advocates and keep up to date with whatever is at our disposal when it comes to our own health

Will

[nonsensical]

And those of us that do acquire the knowledge to make informed decsions empower ourselves.  

[pooh55811]

Everyone's circumstances are different. Not everyone has access to information at their fingertips. Not everyone knows which questions to ask. What is in the past, is in the past. So you did not previously know this information. Neither did many others. However, what is important is that you are asking the questions now and you are educating yourself and learning the correct information.  

Best of luck going forward free of Hep C.

[nonsensical]

Perhaps using the terminology "remission" and not SVR with your doctors was not definitive enough and they questioned whether you were actually cured. Doctors are prone to testing if in doubt.  Also, many doctors are not well educated enough and don't know the meaning of a sustained virological response (SVR) and because they are not well informed they may actually believe the virus can return.  As stupid as that sounds, it does happen.  Whatever the circumstances you have no need to concern yourself.  You are cured!

Mike, I do believe if you had done a little more research on hepc years ago you would have known the protocol 8 years ago dictated that anyone without a detectable viral load after 1 year was considered cured or SVR.  Now, anyone who is UND six months after completing treatment is considered SVR.