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Hep C antibodies but no virus in blood now whathappens?

I am pregnant with my 3rd child. After my initial blood workup my Ob/Gyn told meI tested positive for Hep C antibodies. I went back for followup blood tests and they came back thatI do not have any virus in my blood. My liver function also came back normal. I have been all over the map with my emotions. I dont know how I contracted it, or how long ago. My best guess is when I had my navel pierced about 12 years ago. My Dr. said she will test me a few more times during the pregnancy and I will have to be tested periodically. Does this mean I have it definitely, or that I was exposed to it but my immune system knocked it out? Is there a way to test the amount of antibodies to see how long I have had it. Is it all a waiting game from here on out?

J
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Avatar universal
i had hep c test it came back positive. BUT I HAD ANOTHER AND IT WAS GONE, just antibodies. so i gave blood to research why we are so special and our bodies cleared it. only 20% do this.
it was the biggest emotional ride, but to not have it now i just hope my blood helps researchers find a way to help others too!
Helpful - 1
2 Comments
Hey, nic221279!! I, basically, have a very similar story to yours and stumbled on it while googling "how to offer my blood to researchers studying a cure for hep c". How admirable of you to have already done that, thank you! People like you are what humanity truly should be; acting in a completely selfless way with the intention to help others in need. You're awesome! I was wondering, how do I, where do I go, or who do I contact to do the same thing you did? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Again, thank you, on behalf of everyone, for what you did for others. Respect and admiration don't even begin to cover what I feel for you and what you did!
Apparently, this thing doesn't like quotation marks or apostrophes, lol, so please keep that in mind while trying to decipher this message and I'm sorry it looks crazy, lol.
Hi Tori this I am old thread originally started in 2006 and you responded to a comment from 2012 it is doubtful the poster you at addressing will see your post.
Avatar universal
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.
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
1:29 PM

I'm confused also, In 1998 while seeing a specialist because of severe neck and back pain from a car accident, I tested positive for Hep-C, which scared the crap out of me because one of my co-workers was in stage 4 of Hep-C and my best friends brother in law had recently died of liver damage due to complications from Hep-C.  The doc asked if I ever used a needle, I admitted I did, twice when I was 17, 20 years prior, tried heroin twice when I was a 17 yr old runaway from a sexually and physically abusive home.  Became a born again Christian 6 mo later and never did drugs again.  All the tests came back positive, so they had me go in and have a viral load done, don't know how sensitive it was, but was very angry with God, because here I was 20 years later, supporting 6 kids by myself, no family, no support and worked very hard on becoming emotionally and spiritually better so that I would be a better parent than my own, plus at 17, with my childhood, how could I have avoided screwing up like that, the only 2 times in my life.  I cried out to God, then seriously, 20 minutes later at 10 pm that evening, the doctor called my house to tell me that there was 0% of the virus in my blood.  I asked him how that could happen, he said he had no explanation for it, but that my immune system got rid of the virus.  10 years later I took another viral load, it came back negative, or no viral load, not low, but no according to my doctor, but don't know the sensitivity thing that you guys are talking about, 10 years later I had another one that came back 0, from what I was told and with a warning that my insurance would not pay for another test since I couldn't justify the expense.  I wasn't worried until now, is it possible to still have a trace that could come back at anytime to infect me?  Any information would be appreciated.  On disability for the spinal damage from the car accident, so don't need the worry of Hep C, or the possibility I could have transferred to my children unknowingly.  Thanks.
Helpful - 0
683231 tn?1467323017
You may want to consider starting a new question this thread was started in 2005 just go to the top of the page a click on the green post a question link you could even copy this question there.

That being said if you were cured of hep c when retested 24 weeks after you completed treatment the possibility of relapse is very remote. Another posibility is to become reinfected anew with hep c but other than that it is very unlikely you have hep c.

Good luck and let us know
Lynn
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I  gave birth 16 years ago c secretion I had epideral it was 2 weeks later I came very ill. They had me on a lot of pain medications cause they didn't know what was causing the pain I was getting injection and taking oral pain meds around the clock. Two weeks later in the pain clinic they saw a wet spot in the middle of my back  and the more they examined the area they said I was leaking spinal fluid  they did a blood patch and the pain went away. I was diagnosed  a weak later with Hep c . My dr told me I had a very high viral load and treated me with interferon injections  for 6 months after treatment they tested me again and. No viral load . He said I was cured . Now 16 years later I've been feeling under the weather  and they are retesting me for hepatitis along with other autoimmune diseases. Could my hep c have came back . Can some one please help me .
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I just recently got a positive test result for Hep C with my doctor.  I was understandably baffled bc I just had a healthy baby girl 3 months ago.  During my pregnancy I did every test possible making sure that myself and my baby were normal and healthy and my OBGYN knew that I was a previous drug user bc I was on suboxone but had been clean for several years.  Everything came back normal and my daughter was born healthy and didn't even have any reaction to the suboxone I was taking and she's flourishing great has been to her pediatrician and everything has been good.  So recently I switched to a new dr to get my suboxone from and during routine bloodwork they tell me i tested positive for hep c!! How is this even possible and why hadn't it come up before.  Now some many years back when I started on suboxone I was given a shot that was supposed to help my body fight off Hep C had I ever been exposed to it as a precautionary thing.  I am still waiting to see a specialist this only happened a week ago but the whole thing really confuses me.  I took my 3 month daughter to get bloodwork done and that was a nightmare she hated it of course and still waiting to hear the results of that.  I am just so confused and scared...anyone have any imput on my situation?
Helpful - 0
1747881 tn?1546175878
"If I did have Hep C 5 years ago and my body fought it off, I know I would carry the antibodies still. So is that what is showing up?"

From what you have said that would be my guess

"Or could the virus have become active again?"

No

"Or could I have gotten re-infected all over again?"

That's possible but doubtful unless your engaging in risky behavior

"Will I pass it to him/her during childbirth?"

There is a 5% chance of vertical transmission during child birth

Have a great day
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi there,

So a lil background on myself. I was tested for hepatitis c several years back, The initial antibody test came back positive so I was sent for more testing. All the tests afterwards came back negative. My doctor told me it could be either a false positive or that I contracted the virus and my body fought it off by itself. I was tested several times after that and everything was negative. Now about 5 years later, I am currently 3 months pregnant and just went in for a routine OB visit and my doctor's office called and told me that my hepatitis c antibody test came back positive. I was sent to the lab for more tests today but have not spoken with my doctor and nobody has told me anything. I am so worried and very confused right now. If I did have Hep C 5 years ago and my body fought it off, I know I would carry the antibodies still. So is that what is showing up? Or could the virus have become active again? Or could I have gotten re-infected all over again? And does anybody know how this will/could affect my unborn baby? Will I pass it to him/her during childbirth? I would be heartbroken if that is the case. I don't know if I could handle the guilt. Please any input would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks you so much.  
Helpful - 0
683231 tn?1467323017
Hi Foxy
This thread was originally started in 2005 and bobbie0226 has not posted since 2012.
If you would like to ask a question select the post a new question link at the top right side on the page and ask a new question of the group.
Also just an FYI you cannot get hepatitis c or any other blood bourn illness from donating blood at least not here in the US. They use all new sterilized equipment to take donations. And as far as receiving donated blood, all blood is now checked for hepatitis C (there has been a test since 1989 I think) as well a other illnesses like hepatitis B and HIV so the chance of contracting one of those by receiving blood is also very small now. Before the test for Hep C was available some people did contract the virus from blood they received.

Anyway welcome to the forum and good luck
Lynn
Helpful - 0
2 Comments
Hi flyinlynn! I'm sorry to intrude, but maybe I'm not doing this right... I thought she said she may have been exposed from a belly button piercing she had done a long time ago. Everything you said was, not only helpful, but right on the money. However, bc we don't have more details into her situation with the piercing, I'm going to assume that it probably wasn't done professionally, but maybe in someone's home, where there aren't any rules or laws requiring them to adhere to sanitation safety. I know I don't have all the details into her particular situation, but I wanted to post a comment as a warning to anyone that reads this to be careful when allowing yourself to be exposed to things like home piercings and tattoos. No one has your safety and best interest at heart like you do and should, and it is always okay to say, "no thank you", especially if your gut tells you something isn't right. It takes one second of one moment to change and impact your life forever. You come first so protect yourself first, no matter what. It breaks my heart reading this girl's story and all bc of a piercing. Which she probably doesn't even have anymore, but this disease can last forever. Please, be careful everyone, and protect yourself!! Thank you for letting me say this...
This is a very old thread and basically buried unless you search and find the post. To best have others see your comments try starting a new question so everyone will see your new comments.
Avatar universal
I think you may have a lawsuit if you can prove you got it from giving blood.
Helpful - 0
179856 tn?1333547362
Kimmikim this thread is from 2005.  If you'd like start a new thread and I'm sure people can offer you their opinions and positive advice. :)
Helpful - 0
3209941 tn?1345654572
im goin thru the same thing........im also confused n will see my g.i on thee 30
Helpful - 0
1747881 tn?1546175878
"Should i get further testing?"   Yes

Approx 20% of all people who come in to contact with HCV are able to clear the virus through their own immune system but will always test positive for the antibodies as explained below

Information on Testing
What to Expect When Getting Tested for Hepatitis C

•Two different types of blood tests are needed to tell if a person has Hepatitis C.
•The initial screening test is a blood test that looks for antibodies to the Hepatitis C virus. Sometimes this test is called a Hepatitis C Antibody Test.
•The test results will take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to come back, although new Rapid Antibody Tests are available in some settings.

What do the Hepatitis C Antibody Test Results Mean?

•A non-reactive or negative antibody test result means that a person is not currently infected with the Hepatitis C virus.

•A reactive or positive antibody test result means a person has been infected with the Hepatitis C virus. Most people who get infected with the virus, stay infected with Hepatitis C. This is known as chronic Hepatitis C. However, some people are able to get rid of or “clear” the virus. Once people have been infected, they will always have antibodies in their blood. This is true if they have cleared the virus or still have the virus in their blood.

What to do if the Hepatitis C Antibody Test is Reactive

•If the Hepatitis C Antibody Test is reactive, an additional, follow-up test will be needed to see if the Hepatitis C virus is currently in the blood.
•If the additional blood test is:
Negative—this means a person was infected with Hepatitis C, but the virus has now been cleared from his or her body.
Positive—this means a person currently has the virus in his or her blood and is chronically infected.

•If a person has a reactive antibody test and a positive follow-up test, he or she needs to talk to a health care provider experienced in treating Hepatitis C.

http://www.cdc.gov/knowmorehepatitis/LearnMore.htm

The follow up test is called an HCV RNA by PCR test
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hello everyone! My name is Rachel and Im 22goin years old. Ive been having some reoccurring medical issues the past few months and have been getting bloodwork left and right. From my gyno, food allergy testing, communicable disease, and basic (I assume) from my primary physician. Everything theyve tested me for has come out negative and very healthy according to them. BESIDES testing positive for HEP C antibodies. I was shocked to hear that but felt short term relief when she asked if i had been vaccinated in the past. I assumed yes,  saying i had attended public school and school in general for many years. After going home I was wondering why Hep c antibodies had shown up but not A &B..? I researched and soon found out that there is no such thing as a HEP C vaccine at all!? So why would she ask me that? And im all sorts of worried and confused about the entire situation.      She didnt ask for further tests or anything making me feel as if i had nothing to worry about. Is this situation normal? Should i get further testing? Im really worried..
Helpful - 0
1815939 tn?1377991799
Hello and welcome to the forum.

This is a very old thread and it possible no one (that is knowledgeable) will see your post. You will get a better answer if you post in a new thread (see towards the top of the page, orange rectangle that says 'Post a Question').

If possible, type in exactly what the lab result says, all of it. Then people will see if they can answer your question.

Although Hep C is transmitted via blood to blood there are many instance in which someone could contract Hep C. In 40% of the cases, people do not know how they contracted it.  Here is a link that gives some of those routes of transmission:
http://www.epidemic.org/theFacts/hepatitisC/transmission/

If you ever had Hep C you will test positive on the antibody test. It is possible that you had the virus and cleared it on your own (had the virus and your body fought it off).The only way to know for sure if you have active Hep C is to do further testing.

I wish you luck.

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I gave blood and got a letter back from the blood center saying I tested positive for the HCV antibody on a screening test and "indeterminate" on a confirmatory test. The letter also said they used a test called Nucleic Acid Testing, which they said was "highly sensitive" for the virus. That test came up negative. I decided to go to my regular doctor just to see what was going on. All she did was test for the antibody again and obviously it came up positive again and now she wants to do more testing. Why am I testing positive for HCV antibody? Does that mean I actually had the virus at one point? I have given blood several times before and never had that result until now. I don't have any tattoos/piercings and I don't remember anything else that could have given me the virus. And does the negative result on the Nucleic Acid Test mean that I am probably OK?
Helpful - 0
1815939 tn?1377991799
Okay, Will has addressed your question and he is more knowledgeable than I am. I would follow his advice.

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
S/co <1 is  considered Neg. as the test said.  Most often when the result is low like this you have had a false positive test .

The initial Ab test is very sensitive for any antibody and can sometimes cross react with antibodies to other conditions...hence the false positive for HCV

Bring it down to .7?  Why and to cure what?

If you want to confirm you do not have active HCV do a PCR or a Riba test

Will
Helpful - 0
1815939 tn?1377991799
Welcome to the forum!

This is a very old thread. You will get a better answer if you post in a new thread (see towards the top of the page, orange rectangle that says 'Post a Question').

When you post, give us the details, the type of test performed, the exact results of the test, etc. so we can determine what kind of test you had and what it is measuring. If possible, type in exactly what the lab result says, all of it. Then people will see if they can answer your question.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My Anti HCV antibody is showing 0.8 (range 0.0 - 1.0) is negative. How can I bring it under 0.7... any medicines or cures?

Hash
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
thank you guys, that was more informative. i guess i will have to contact the fighting organization to find out what kind of testing they would do. thanks again for your time.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
What is the factual answer that you require? You will always carry and test positive for the antibodies even though you do not have the disease and will not test positive by PCR or TMA which measures active virus.

Unfortunately many organizations will use an antibody test rather then a PCR or TMA to determine eligibility. Many of us deal with this especially regularly with life insurance eligibility or donating of blood. As hrsepwrguy mentioned it's unlikely that one of us will know the rules of the fighting organization.

I am sorry that there is not a better answer and that you as many of us have to face this type of obstacle in life.
-Dave
Helpful - 0
1747881 tn?1546175878
The fact is you will always test positive for the antibodies, now if the fighting organization will accept a negative PCR test as proof you can't pass the virus on then I guess you would be good to go but that is something that can't be answered here you will have to ask the organization.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
i appreciate the replies but it still doesnt answer my question. i need a factual answer if possible before i star training full force.
Helpful - 0
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