Confused with testing

I posted a while back that my EIA was reactive during a screening for school. My doctor, from the walk-in clinic, did a HCV RNA by PCR that was non-reactive. He told me that I must have had Hep C and been one of the lucky ones to spontaneously resolve it. I was excited and posted the news here.

Since then, I have contacted the health department and was told to have those tests confirmed. They contacted me to let me know that my EIA was reactive with a low signal-to-cut-off ratio, so they have to deem it indeterminate. They are running a RIBA and another PCR test, and I should have the results on Monday.

I also applied for life insurance less than a year ago and asked for a copy of my lab work. My AST was 31 and ALT 54 (high). I am concerned because these doubled from less than one year before that, where my AST and ALT were 18 and 28.

What could all of this mean? Should I get a primary physician and have these liver enzymes rechecked or just wait to hear from the state lab? I am so worried since I am not working and have no health insurance. My husband's employer does not offer group coverage.

TIA,
Lisa

[NYgirl]

He's right don't worry until you get some bad results to worry about right?

My alt and ast were in the 200s. That is how they found out something was wrong with me.  Oddly enough I knew so little about this disease that at the time - those numbers didn't bother me at all.

It's easy to say don't sweat it but please try not to.  I mean really we could get hit by an asteroid tonight and then you would have wasted your last night on something that didn't even matter ;-)

[NYgirl]

If you DO turn out to be positive...there are ways and programs that the drug companies have to help you.  Is there a clinic of any kind around that will help you get started and tested and things like that?

The government has to help someone with something besides sending billions of dollars to the war in (which country today)...  ;-)

[NYgirl]

oh my GOD thank God I didn't do that in PERSON!  ;-)

What a huge faux pas that would have been!!!!!!

I'm sorry I don't think it was a concious thing I honestly don't even think I was paying attention to who posted - and the male gender just popped out for some reason.

I don't think that brain fog can quite be an excuse for a mistake like THAT one!

100 apologies to the FEMALE KALIO WOMAN!

(I am red in embarrassment right now...either that or a huge case of RibaRash has overtaken me!)

[couldn't think of a nickname]

I have some insight into your condition from a different perspective. I am licensed in life and health insurance, and I have seen different scenarios. Obviously, I haven't dealt with every company out there, but the ones I have dealt with ALL TEST FOR HCV AND HIV. For HIV, there is a disclosure form to let you know they will test you for it. If HCV comes back positive, you would know-they would either decline you, are at most rate you. HCV is a knock-out question for many types of insurance. Remember, enzymes can fluctuate even in non-HCV people.

Having said that, for peace of mind, get confirmation.

p.s. I should add that insurance is regulated by each individual state, and it is not unusual at all for requirements/procedures to vary from state to state.

[couldn't think of a nickname]

I meant to say in the previous post that if HCV came up positive on an insurance app., they would AT LEAST rate you, (not at most) or decline you.

One other thing......insurance companies test for everything, and in many cases, it is now a violation of law to intentionally mislead an ins. co. The medical information bureau is a source frequently used, and that is something that an agent should mention.

Also, many questions are "within the last 5 years, or 10 years," etc, and everything is at the time of the app.

I have had people tell me they don't smoke, then the policy comes back tobacco, and they say "well, I only have one once in a while". They find it.

[jmjm530]

How about after someone SVR's? In your experience do the life insurance companies still rate or decline you? And related, are you required to state on your application form that you've had Hep C once you're cured?

Regarding health insurance -- it does vary state by state -- but many states have legislature allowing continuous coverage for any pre-exiting conditions as long as you've had continuous insurance coverage. And even if you haven't had continuous coverage, some state mandate that the insurance companies have to offer anyone cov erage for a pre-existing condition after a waiting period of let's say six months.

BTW, since the men's room incident,  I was trying to be consitent by keeping my answer MUCH SHORTER THAN YOURS and hopefully I succeeded if we include your clarification post. LOL.

-- Jim

[couldn't think of a nickname]

LOL!

First, in my state, if you had prior GROUP coverage, and it is being replaced by group coverage, there is no pre-ex.

On life insurance, I have never had the issue of SVR come up, but I remember someone on here saying there was a 5 year period of SVR needed. That might vary too.

On the questions, they might not ask about HCV in particular, but it might be asked as part of a liver disease question, and here is an example: (not from an app., just an example)

"in the past X (5, 10, whatever) years, have you had any.....liver disease.....
If you had it during that window, the answer is yes.

If it asks for the last 5 years, and you have SVR for 6 years, then the answer is no.

It is always best to ask the agent, and listen to the question carefully. Better to be safe than sorry.

[LTCC]

I have a copy of my lab work that shows where the HIV test was negative, but there is no area for HCV. My policy was approved before I even had the first EIA test run, so I am not misleading or trying to mislead an insurance company. I only even had the screening done because I am entering nursing school and needed to have it done for school.

I have not received my paperwork for my policy yet from my agent, but I was told that it was approved. If my policy was approved and it turns out that I am HCV positive, I should not be made to feel guilty. I applied for this policy and was approved before even knowing that there was ANYTHING abnormal. I asked for a copy of my labs used for the policy application after getting the first positive EIA. I just wanted to compare my liver enzymes to last year's bloodwork.

The company would have no right to cancel my policy even if my results come back positive at this point.

[couldn't think of a nickname]

I think you misunderstood my whole point. I never implied you misled, but in this business, stuff like that MUST BE stated.

My point was, if your insurance was approved, you would have known. And, HCV might not show up specifically on your results, even if they test you for it.

Like I stated, ALL QUESTIONS ARE AT THE TIME OF THE APP= you are ok. So, the company would not be able to cancel.

I answered a question like this before, and my answer was badly misinterpreted, and I hesitated on answering this one, but my whole intent was to provide you with a greater sense of well-being. I was trying to let you know that if you were HCV positive, you would have known by your insurance results.

[couldn't think of a nickname]

after re-reading your original post, how long has it been since the app. was taken? Unless there are underwriting snags, or it takes a long time to get your blood drawn, it is normally 4 weeks give or take. Seems like an awfully long time to not have a policy, especially since they are supposed to be delivered in a certain amount of time from approval.

[Kel1975]

I got my test results today and am confused. If anyone can help me I would appreciate it. My ALT level is 44 and I realize that is not like ten times but I hear I should be concerned.

[LTCC]

Underwriting waited forever for my only regular doctor (OB/GYN) to finally release my medical records. Since then, I have had trouble getting my agent to bring my policy over and go over it with me. I spoke with the underwriter of the company, who told me it had been approved. I am just waiting to hear from my agent, which I just did yesterday. I just have to meet up with him to go over it.

I am sorry if I came across as rude. I am just really frustrated right now waiting for my results. I do appreciate your comments.

[GoofyDad]

"...and the male gender just popped out for some reason"

My male gender seems to have that problem too :)

I find it best to just put it back and keep on keeping on....

[couldn't think of a nickname]

No prob.....did he say when it was approved?

By the way, if there is something you don't like about the policy, the free look period starts from the time it is delivered. And, I have run into problems myself getting reports from docs. When it has happened (doesn't happen often) I usually keep calling.

[Forseegood]

I gave up long ago trying to guess gender by screen names, an exercise in futility if there ever was one. Met a guy the other day who called himself, Sweetdollface, go figure.

[GoofyDad]

"Met a guy the other day who called himself, Sweetdollface"

Oh sh*t! That was you?!?

[couldn't think of a nickname]

BTW, I AM A GUY! LOL

Didn't want to add to the confusion.

I can prove it. Women are more creative than men. If I were a woman, I'd have a much better screen name than this one.

[Forseegood]

Ha Ha Ha Ha, man, I thought I was the only dork sitting at the puter on a Sat night....

[GoofyDad]

Nope - that makes two. In between laundry. How sad is THAT?

[johnisme]

Hey girl, how ya doing? Ive seen you pic. so i know your all girl... As for your nic. i just figure you don't need glasses.

[couldn't think of a nickname]

What originally spiked my numbers was when I started God's Remedy. Dr. Zhang's protocol didn't make any difference either way, and various vitamins, and stuff.
In my case, less has been more. I think that for most of the first 17 years, my enzymes were normal. Wierd thing is they didn't rise until I found out I had it, and when trying things to help it. I got diagnosed when I had a problem with a gallstone. I had periodic blood tests before that, ultrasounds to check on the gall stone, and no real sx that I know of before then.
BTW, the stones were actually a result of the blood transfusions, not the HCV. They were hemalitic (sp?)

[Forseegood]

Hey John, not bad, how are you? I almost hesitate to ask, but what does nic mean?

[johnisme]

Your screen name, your online id, Hmmmmmmmmmm a non blonde moment are we having???????? LOL

[Forseegood]

You ever heard of the term "idiot-savant" well, these days I'm more on the idiot side, ha ha ha!

[couldn't think of a nickname]

I am geno 1b, and my enzymes have fluctuated, last vl was about 3 mil, got it from blood trans. 21 years ago. My worst symptoms are muscle issues. I do feel that my sx have improved since I started the apple cider vinegar drink every day.
I have tried various things, nothing worked, but never have tried tx. For some reason, the vitamins I tried earlier this year, which were looked at by my doc, and chiro., and also my father's doc which is where I got the idea from in the first place, made me worse. Sx increased in number, and intensity. They started to improve after I quit them. So, for now, it is ACV for me.

[GoofyDad]

You give me too much credit - it's just that experience teaches that folding up some undies now is less painful than the spewage that might emerge later should I skip it.

But I don't throw stuff at kids, so there is at least that.

I think john wondered about your nickname. I had wondered whether you weren't in the eyewear biz myself...

[GoofyDad]

Oooops cross posted. Sorry.

Hey, anyone got a trick for getting skid marks out of white lace?

[johnisme]

Got your xmas present.

http://www.turdtwister.com/?ref=19&sid=100

[GoofyDad]

Hey, you reminded me of a story!

A man came home from work, sat down in his favorite chair, turned on the TV, and said to his wife, "Quick, bring me a beer before it starts."

She looked a little puzzled, but brought him a beer.
When he finished it, he said, "Quick, bring me another beer. It's gonna start."

This time she looked a little angry, but brought him a beer. When it was gone, he said, "Quick, another beer, it's gonna start any second."

"That's it!" She blows her top, "You *******! You waltz in here, flop your fat ass down, don't even say hello to me and then expect me to run around like your slave. Don't you realize that I cook and clean and wash and iron all day long?"

The husband sighed. "Oh sh*t, it's started"

[Forseegood]

I hate to say this, for I know I'll go down as the biggest sexist on this board (and that's sayin something!) but it's guys that mostly get hashmarks, let's tell the truth here, I've always wondered about that...some gene you don't have or what????

[couldn't think of a nickname]

what are your stats and sx again?

[GoofyDad]

LOL you guys. Thanks!

[johnisme]

.......but it's guys that mostly get hashmarks, let's tell the truth here, I've always wondered about that........

Bragging rights my dear

[Forseegood]

Good, we need to stay, at least a little on message, or we'll get in trouble at the trouble gettin place, anyway....

biopsy grade 1 1
labs just slightly elevated, highest they ever got was alt 78 and that's when I went off my regimen for a few months so go figure, I'm continuing to stay on it cause I feel a lot better when I do, in fact, be interested to know what is the regimen that caused you trouble...but it's true, just like conventional tx, maybe health regimens aren't for everybody....

Sides fatigue, just not my best health, sometimes that's an amorphous concept, but I think we all know it when we see it, cept for the people who feel just fine...lucky stiffs....headache and a bit of brain fog....like I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer...certain things like organization skills seem to be impeded...although I can still do things that I'm adapted for as far as work is concerned which has to do with writing....oh yeah, stamina seems to be compromised as well....

[Forseegood]

At least youre a "liberated man" and youre helping wifey with the laundry. Points with me. I remember my dad, the only thing he did when he got home from work is tell us to "pipe down" and sit his a$$ on his chair and read the paper. And my mom held down a job too so she was double scre*ed. It was sooo emabarrassing..I had one of those "mean dads" on the block who yelled at my friends for running accross the front lawn. Oh, the mortification.....

Reminds me of a reworking of some Stones songs for the group as it is now, "Hey, You, Get Off Of My Lawn!" "Jumping Jack Flash I've Got Gas, Gas, Gas" "Let's Take A Nap Together"

Ctoan: I forgot your stats? are you having symptoms? just want to see how similar you are to me.

[RyHunt]

Hello:

My Corporation took out a large Insurance Policy on me and as part of that I went through a Typical Med Exam. Everything turned out fine but the Insurance Downgraded My Policy due to results associated with a High Enzyme Count in my Liver. Not being knowledgeable in this area I totally freaked out! I went to the Internet to check things out and got more freaked out.....Now I have scheduled an appt. with a Doctor for further Testing but has anybody else had this happen? I'm 44 years old and the Policy was for 4.0m but based on the tests they would only give me 3.6m

I don't understand if it was that severe why would they even insure me? They won't tell me anything as I have to formally send a letter in and that could take 30 days.

Any Ideas or is Pacific Life screwing with me for more profits? or is it a combination?

Need Information and I don't know where to turn to since the holidays are upon us and I can't get into the doctor till afterwards.

Please HELP!

[honey11]

What did it show your liver enzymes were?  Just to be on safe side,,,I would probably have your dr run a hep,,,,a,b and c just to be sure you don't have.  Applying for insurance policies,,,unfortunately is how many do find out about an underlying problems.  Please let us know how it turns out.

[RyHunt]

Thank you and I have already scheduled appt.  However it will not be till after the holidays.  So I'm kinda freaked out. I travel all over the world and I have nothing that would put me at risk.  The weird part to me is why would the Insurance company approve me at all if I had a problem?

Thanks again and I will keep this thread posted.

[RyHunt]

Thank you and I have already scheduled appt.  However it will not be till after the holidays.  So I'm kinda freaked out. I travel all over the world and I have done nothing that would put me at risk.  The weird part to me is why would the Insurance company approve me at all if I had a problem?

Thanks again and I will keep this thread posted.

[honey11]

I'm not sure as that is puzzling that the company wouldn't hold off until further testing.  That is why I'm wondering if your liver enzymes are only slightly elevated and they don't see need to do extra tests and just put the policy through at a lower coverage. That is a wild guess because I really have no idea and it would be interesting for you to tell us more as you find out.  Good Luck and I hope all is clear for you!

[cuteus]

high alt results can be due to many conditions, no one can give you an idea of what to look for based on just one number.  Make sure you follow up with your doctor so that he/she can do further testing to rule out illnesses that might affect the enzymes.