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[Sally_sally]

I am gonna be ok.. Right now im scared to death.. I had blood work done then the doctor called today and said i have hepatitis c.. Is it cure able? My mom is having a hard time knowing this...

[alb572]

Hi Sally,
Hang in there it will get better. I'm 28, was where you are now just couple months ago (was diagnosed in June). I would never expect this happen to me, so it was a rough to accept at first.  But with time and more knowledge of what we are dealing with it will become not as scary as it seems at first. This crappy virus is curable, and with new drugs coming up the possiblity of the positive outcome is even greater. So again, hang in there, it is not as hopeless as it can seem at first.
Alex

[portann]

Hi again, Sally,

Have a look at these sites for basic info:

http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/hepatitis_C.asp

http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/hep_c/fa_questions.html

http://www.medhelp.org/health_videos/Hepatitis-Overview/show/2487

Susan

[adamben101]

HI Sally.  Every single one of us had that point in time where a Dr told us we had Hep C.  Shocking.  I think I lost 10 lbs in a week when I learned last year.  As Susan said, youre best bet is to keep learning.  The human brain has an amazing way of coping.  Even with all the stress of the situation, I calmed down and just accepted it and set out to learn as much as possible.  That was a year ago that I learned I have it.  Now I'm about to start some kind of treatment, most likely a study with some great drugs.  This disease is curable, and untreated it's one of the slowest diseases we know about.  So seeing your age, I think time is on your side.  Take one step at a time and remember there are a ton of people here that went through it and are happy to help you, no matter what your questions or concerns are.  Your mom is welcome to join here too.  :)

[kittyface]

Welcome to the forum.  We will help you get through this.  Take a deep breath, exhale slowly.  Everything will be okay.  Did the doctor say you have antibodies to Hep C (HCV)?  If so, you may not have an active case.  You'll have to do a PCR test to determine that.  Also, be sure to find a hepatologist (liver doctor) or at least a GI who specializes in treating HCV.

Even if you do have an active case, HCV is a very slow progressing disease and curable. If there was ever a good time to have the virus it's now -- the next few years will bring many new drugs that decrease treatment time and increase odds of clearing the virus.

This forum is filled with folks who are in various stages of HCV and/or treatment.  Many of these knowledgeable and supportive people have been here for years and know as much or more than doctors.   You might begin by typing "newly diagnosed Hep C" in the search field and reading the vast amount of questions and answers.  

Be proactive for your overall health and try to eat a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise.  And most importantly, don't drink ANY alcohol as it's very damaging to your liver when you have HCV.

Come back, let us know that results of your PCR, and ask any questions.  We care.

Kittyface

[portann]

You're going to be okay if you start learning about this asap and take your mom along on your learning curve.

It's a slow-moving virus that is ONLY spread through blood-to-blood contact. You're in no danger and there's no need to panic (easy to say, I know).

Unless you had a special test called HCV RNA PCR, you may not even have hepatitis but only the antibodies, like after you get the flu.

Lots to learn but the first thing you need to find out is whether you really have it, so make sure your doctor orders that HCV RNA PCR.

In the meantime, don't drink alcohol as this can affect your liver more than usual, IF it turns out you do have hepatitis c.

So first the HCV RNA test and then take it from there by posting questions here. Okay?

Susan

P.S. I'm a mom and I'd hate for my kids to have hepatitis like I did but what can you do. Now I'm clinically cured and they're super happy about that. If you have it, you'll clinically cure it, too, so tell your mom that.