Hep C antibodies but no virus in blood now whathappens?

[littlelion]

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

[hrsepwrguy]

"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

[Tasha521]

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.  

[flyinlynn]

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

[ToriU84]

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...

[flyinlynn]

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.

[foxyladynumber1]

I think you may have a lawsuit if you can prove you got it from giving blood.

[nygirl7]

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. :)

[kimmikim]

im goin thru the same thing........im also confused n will see my g.i on thee 30