Cleared the virus??? RIBA positive, HCV RNA negative

[ayako]

Please help. I have tested positive for Hep C antibodies, but my HCV RNA test came back negative. My doctor said that I'm one of the lucky ones who cleared the virus spontaneously, but she made an appointment for me to see a liver specialist anyways (it is in two months!)
I did a lot of research on internet hoping to read similar stories, instead I find information that even if you test negative for the viral load in your blood, you still might have it in your liver.
I'm so confused and disappointed right now... Please help me.

[ayako]

Thank you so very much for your response! I did feel like winning the lottery because I was prepared for the worst.
I will try to search the previous discussions as you suggested.
Lots of thanks!

[thissuks88]

Do you happen to know what your liver enzymes read when you where tested any time? Your are really lucky! I have tested positive for the antibodies and I havnt had the viral load test yet but my liver enzymes are running slightly high. Between 40-70 so, I dont think that ive cleared it because of that but I sure do wish. If you did, you more or less one some type of lottery so to speak and dont do anything else again to put yourself at risk if you can help it. And if it was an honest mistake, well, just be careful and be aware from now on, which im sure you will be. Cause they way im taking it, just cause you cleared doesnt mean that you cant contract it again and you'll always be able to beat it. I was just wondering if you had any test with a liver enzymes count on it. Thanks!

[ayako]

That's a good question. In fact I don't know about my liver enzyme levels and my doctor didn't explain to me any of these. I just went on my lab test results (it's online), and found the results, but I'm afraid that I can't interpret them. Do you know how to interpret them? There are many numbers, which one's specifically indicates the liver enzymes?

[ayako]

alt 25
ast 26

what does it mean?

[eureka254]

Those alt and ast numbers are good results, within normal ranges.  Though normal LFTs do not rule out active infection, it does reinforce the likelihood that you do not have chronic hep c since you stated your status is RNA negative.  Hope your liver specialist visit confirms that for you.  ~eureka

[ayako]

Thank you for letting me know! Can't wait to see that doctor, till then will try to calm my nerves down. I have to tell you that I got incredible help from total strangers like you.
Best!

[Mary4now]

I know aren't they a great group, easing your mind and supporting

[thissuks88]

Thats good, mine where like between 40 and 70, and ive had them tested three times within the yr and a half so your probably in good shape. But it just reinforces my thoughts of me not clearing the virus. Which in my case isnt too good. But im really happy for you cause they say that mine are slightly elevated and they are twice they number of you. So, if you do got the virus. Its not effecting your liver too much evidently. Your good though, im almost certain of it, but im not very knowledgable about this and im learning from all these wonderful people as well. Sometimes I write too much though and they dont answer me back I think...lol!!

[spectda]

congratulations on the great news. You don't need to worry about this any longer.
Good luck,
Dave

[docdoc723]

AST aspartate aminotransferase
ALT alanine amimotransferase.  Both are enzyme specic for hepatocytes (liver cells).  They are only detectable when liver cells die and burst spilling their enzyme contents.  The levels you list are not that high.  I do not specialize in this area of medicine but it is my understanding most people will have some detectable levels of ast/alt even if healthy.  Drinking causes a pattern of elevated ast/.alt where one enzyme is consistantly higher than the other...  Bottom line the higher the measured level of these enzymes the more active damage that is occuring in your liver.  People with severe cirrosis (scarred down liver) may have normal enzyme levels despite having a fried liver, this is because there are not many healthy liver cells left to die and release the enzymes.  If you were this sick you would have many more signs of disease than just slightly elevated liver enzymes.  I don't know and can not find the right answer to how to proceed when hep ab positive, but RNA neg.  I think people like us should continue to insist our primary care providers run yearly tests to be sure we do not reactivate a the infection.