Hepatitis B/C Tests, Concerns and Symptoms

[DNWTD]

Hello,

I'm in a very difficult situation and would like some help, i would also like those reading what i describe next to have a very level headed view on my situation as I've not really discussed this with anyone as i never wanted to believe it could be true. I would also greatly appreciate solid information in regards to my concerns because even though symptoms can be the result of many issues i believe mine should be taking seriously as i had no liver issues or pain prior to the incident ill describe below.

Ten months ago i had a needle stick issue in a medical setting to which i would rather not go into in detail but basically a hep+ patient had a blood draw before i did in a medical setting and when i had my blood test done the needle was already out on the desk ready to have my blood taken. I had prior issues with this medical service which i believe was the source of malpractice and medical negligence. As i said I'm not going to go into detail but a Hep+ patient had a blood draw before me and ever since that day last August i have had numerous symptoms that i never had before to which i will list below. So I'd like this post to be viewed as a needle stick injury so i can get the right information i would greatly appreciate that. This is important because two family members have somewhat become ill also with similar symptoms and I'm worried that this incident has left me and my family exposed to something untoward and potentially serious.

Symptoms:
- around about four to six weeks since the incident described above i came down with what felt like the flu only with this i felt mild pains in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen where the liver is situated.
- This pain has been there ever since on and off but very mild
- I've become almost anorexic and suffered noticeable weight loss
- unexplained rashes
- Itchy skin
- constant fatigue - this probably the worst symptom I'm just constantly tired and its not like me.
- general abdominal pain i.e stomach etc on and off.
- Muscle aches/wasting
- Night sweats
- Yellowish looking stools on a few occasions notably when all other symptoms play up.

This has all happened in the past nine months and its showing no signs of getting any better im actually in a rather bad state health wise compared to how i was before i received blood tests though the incident i have explained above.

I've been to my GP and explained everything and he has run numerous tests looking at CRP, Liver function tests and so on, I've been to ER had ultrasounds which were all normal. On one of my liver tests my enzymes were slightly raised but have all been normal on all other occasions tested since the incident.

What I want information on is how reliable are my specific tests for HIV, HepB and HepC? I had my final set of tests nine months from incident which are below.

HIV antibody - Negative (9 Months)
HepB antigen - Negative (9 Months)
HepC antibody - Negative (9 Months)

What do this tests mean nine months out from incident? and how reliable is the HepB antigen and HepC antibody at nine months? I would appreciate answers I can understand as I have no clue what these mean only that they are negative nine months out. Do I need further testing if symptoms persist?

I'd like to thank those who read and respond to my concerns here, I just would greatly appreciate some more specific information.

Kind Regards

[keepingOnkeepingOn]

Here is how I interpret that.
HIV antibody - Negative
HepB antigen - Negative
HepC antibody - Negative

Have a great day.

[flyinlynn]

We know a lot about hep c for not being medical professionals.

If you want the best answer ask your doctor as opposed to an internet patient community forum. We are not here to diagnose your condition that is up to your doctor. We here support each other going through treatment.

They know what the hell as you put it is going on and a lot about hep c.

[hrsepwrguy]

"i believe is Hep C which is not showing up on my blood antibody test"

If that's how you feel get a HCV RNA by PCR test, same for you winniepooh, I not here to deal with off the hook anxiety, I'm here to deal with legitimate concerns, if you continue with this nonsense I will report it

[DNWTD]

i was submitted to hospital again last night and again slightly elevated ALT and in conjunction with the liver pain and what i said above from way back last august coming down with the flu etc this i believe is Hep C which is not showing up on my blood antibody test i just wish there was someone on this forum that would explain a bit better what the hell is going on and who knows about hepC.

[hrsepwrguy]

There are several on the market, on average there about 99.5% accurate, if you want to know the reliability of a specific brand, look it up.

[DNWTD]

thanks for your response appreciate your short and firm answer how reliable is the antibody test for hep c just so im aware?

[hrsepwrguy]

"What do this tests mean nine months out from incident?"

They mean you don't have hep c, as for the rest of the questions please address them in the appropriate forum

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Hepatitis-B/show/223

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/HIV-Prevention/show/79