A good diagnosis?

[Loopy Wafflehead]

So this doesnt involve me but it does my lover. He finally after alot of encouragement and love went in to finish his HEP C testing. His doctor feels the virus maybe innactive right now so , he went in for his viral load test ( First one I might add) . I havent been around for quite sometime for those of you who may remember me.  I was curious is innactive the same as remission? I do know that HEP C is still contagious in this phase but what precisely happens now? His doctor recommended no therapy , its been near 6 yrs. since he contracted HCV . He never had treatment how can HCV just go into inactive like that? Thank you to who all may reply.

[Kalio1]

Has he had a biopsy? That is the only way to tell if he has liver damage. I don't have any idea what the doctor means by "inactive" you either have it or you don't. The only way to clear the virus is with Interferon/ribavirin treatment. A small percentage of people do clear the virus on their own, but if he has a viral load then he is not one of them. I'd get a second opinion from a doctor who specializes in liver issues and hep c, a Heptologist would be ideal but a gastroentrologist is alright too. Maybe he means it isn't causing symptoms so he considers it to be inactive? The reason it is called a "silent killer" is that it can do it's damage and the patient has no symptoms so they don't know it is happening. Do you know his genotype and viral load? Does he have copies of his blood work?

[HCA]

The doctor may mean that your partner is positive for anti-bodies yet negative for replicating virus.This is the same status as someone who has 'cleared' on treatment.They are not contagious and have no ongoing inflammation.
Some people clear the virus during the first weeks of infection and that could be the case here.
Of course the doctor may mean something completely different so go back and ask questions till you are satisfied that you understand.

[sass_blue]

My understanding is this: _ I was a carrier of hep c (had inactive hep c) for 10 years which meant that I had the anti-bodies and was contagious althought the virus was naot active (causing any damage to my organs or replicating).  After that time I became an active carrier thus my viral load increased and I began to show signs of liver problems (high LFT's etc).  I now have a high viral load and I am on treatment.  Whilst I was inactive I had 6 monthly LFT tests and yearly appointments with my liver specialist.

[Kalio1]

Your name seems new around here so I want to welcome you to the forum. It is always nice to have new people join in the conversation. I wanted to point out there is no "inactive" status category for Hepatitis C. You either have the virus and it is replicating or you don't have the virus. You can not have an "inactive" Hepatitis C status, there is no such category. That distinction is possible in those with Hepatitis B but not with Hepatitis C.
It is possible that you felt fine and did not have smptoms but that did not mean your virus was "inactive" it was replicating and active even if you didn't feel the effects. This is one reason it has the "silent killer" distinction, it can be causing your body damage but give no outwardly signs, which lulls people into thinking they are fine and the Hep C virus not replicating and that isn't possible. The only way to stop replication of the virus is to suppress and hopefully eradicate it with Interferon/Ribivirin treatment.

[Loopy Wafflehead]

Thank you for the welcome all. he had gone for viral load blood work this past Monday. Geneotype has not been done yet , nor a liver biopsy but I think due to the fact he has to go to a Gastroenterologist that that maybe what is going to be happening soon but I dont want to scare him and tell him that yet or he wont go. NO he hasnt displayed any outward symptons in the past 6 years either ..I thought he would but I guess that doesnt always happen.  I will let you all know when I find out more because you all seem very well versed in this problem and helpful. I dont know what more to do other than be supportive , encouragin and love him to help him through this. Any ideas?  Thank you everyone.

[Kalio1]

The best thing you can do if you ask me is what you are doing. You are learning about it and knowledge is power. You also seem sensitive to his sensitivity about the whole subject and I think your gentle approach is a sound one. The fact that he has tested, done bloodwork and is scheduled to see a gastro is great and I think you should take some credit for that.
Once he has all the info gathered, he can decide what approach he will take to managing his disease. If he hesitates about the biopsy, remind him it probably is good news and will help him sleep better, plus he will know for sure where he stands with his disease at this oint in time and monitor it. He is very lucky to have you in his corner.

[Loopy Wafflehead]

Thank you for the sincerity you words are a great help as is the advice. I will keep on keeping on  and will keep and you everyone else here in my prayers.

[Loopy Wafflehead]

Wow arent I full of typos today?  Anyways heres a cute little thing I found that maybe will give some of you a laugh.          http://beverlys.net/LJ/BuggingYou.swf

[Kalio1]

thanks for the laugh. Here's one for you. Bet you can't make it through without at least a smile!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjXi6X-moxE

[Misa333]

Hi, My name is Misa and I have a question for anyone who can answer it. I have been in remission for around 4 years now, my doctor says I am cured, I no longer have Hep C. My question is am I still contagious because as far as I know there is no cure and I have started dating someone new who want to know this.

[Bill1954]

Hi Misa,

It’s hard to answer your question definitively without reviewing your lab results. Have you previously undergone treatment for Hep C?

The question you want to ask your doctor is if you are currently HCV RNA negative; if so, you are not contagious. Remember that any of us can become reinfected with this virus; clearance of Hep C does not confer immunity.

If your concern is being contagious in sexual context, HCV is rarely transmitted sexually, especially with monogamous partners.

Remember, HCV RNA is what’s important, not antibody status; you will most likely carry antibodies for life, but that does not mean you are contagious OR infected.

Good luck—

Bill

[Misa333]

I am new to this forum so hello all. I know I should already know all about this disease since I have been dealing with it for many years now but I don't. I ask my liver doctor questions but she swears I am cured from her trial study I was in. All information I have about this disease states it is a silent killer and even though I am in remission I still have chronic hep c. I know Hep C can be transmitted through sex but the man I was dating for many years never got it from me and I have been told that it is hard to get it through sex. I need to know if I need to use protection for the rest of my life to keep others safe from this disease. Anyone out there to answer my question?

[alagirl]

Ok.  There is no remission with hepc and there is no inactive status.  It does damage the entire time you have it, and not just to your liver.  

When someone is first infected with hepatitis c a small percentage are able to cure or clear the virus on their own.  A very small percentage.  And if this happens, it occurs within about three months of infection.

Those who don't clear have an active virus from that point on until and unless they undergo treatment and are successful with it.  What would definitively tell you which group you are in is to request a "viral load" blood test, or PCR from your doctor, instead of a hepatitis panel.  and if she won't do it, go to someone who will so you'll know what's going on.  If the test shows that you have no viral load then you cleared the virus.  The presence of ANY VIRAL LOAD whatsoever means you have active hepatitis c and the only way to clear it is through treatment, typically involving interferon and ribavirin at this point.

[Carsongavin]

You are a misinformed fool. You have no idea what you are talking about. Your reply should be banned from this forum. As a Ph.D. I am disturbed your post was even allowed.

[FlGuy]

It's obvious to me that with carsongavin's longstanding history of erudite posting here she must be correct and, apparently, her admonishment of alagirl is well placed.  She's a Ph.D for goodenss sake.

[kath121963]

i have hep c for 23 years now with no treatment what is the long term effect of this does anyone know

[tulsatime]

Hi, To answer your question Long term affects are liver damage. You need to stay on top of this dragon for sure. Are you seeing a Dr?