Hep During Early Childhood

[BraxtonTN]

I am a healthy 53 year old male who had hepatitis at the age of 6.  All I can remember is that I was hospitalized for several months and was the youngest person (at one point) to ever receive a liver biopsy.  My enzyme levels were checked daily, and I eventually "was cured".  I received no medical treatment other than isolation.  Many years later, when I began hearing about long term affects of hep, I asked my old family doctor what type of hep I had.  He told me they didn't know.  At the time, there were apparently no tests to narrow down the type.  All he said is that it was non A non B.

As an older adult, I am now experiencing chronic fatigue.  I wake up in the mornings feeling relatively good, but by noon and I have absolutely no energy.  I've been checked for diabetes and that was negative.  No doctor I've seen seems to take the issue seriously.  I'm now wondering if the fatigue may in fact be related to my childhood case of hep.  

Any education or insight would be greatly appreciated!!

[Livelife777]

Braxton   ....As Lynn has stated, everyone whom is a baby boomer should be tested for Hep C. Sometimes the virus (20% or so) can be cured on its own without treatment.  How that happens is the immune system kicks in and creates an atmosphere where the virus can no longer replicate itself.  They likely isolated you in an attempt to keep the virus from becoming contagious to others.   Back in the day no one knew of Hep C, but although not named we were slowly becoming aware of it potential harm in the 80s.
Chronic fatigue is very common in a lot of diseases to numerous to mention.  Typically Hep C has no symptoms until its discovered by accident, or becomes noticeable over time with new or unusual symptoms.   A simple blood test would give you that answer.  I would definately get tested as with time the virus can harm your liver.   Drinking alcohol would also create acceleration of liver damage.  The very good news is that they have just come out in December with a cure, having few to mild side effects.  Would urge you to find out where you stand, if only for piece of mind.  Should you test negative they can research other avenues, to find the cause for your current fatigue.
Good luck and wish you well.      ...Kim

[flyinlynn]

Hi Braxton

Is it possible that you were in an acute phase of hepatitis at that time and have been a chronic carrier ever since?

Have you been tested for hepatitis B or C? It is possible that you could be carrying since that childhood llness? Or possibly contracted at some later time.

Enzyme leveles check to see if you liver is being damaged but not for the presence of the virus itself. How are your liver enzymes now?

From what you have said You may consider being checked for hep C and B if nothing else than to rule them out as possible problems.

Especially as the CDC currently recommends all baby boomers get tested for hepatitis C

http://www.cdc.gov/knowmorehepatitis/Media/PDFs/FactSheet-boomers.pdf

Good luck
Lynn