Indeterminate

Hello -

I went into my OBGYN a few weeks ago for some routine std testing since I started a new relationship. Everything came back negative except my hepatitis c test came back with a low positive and the RIBA came back indeterminate with a reactive C22-3 band. I was recommended to a GI doctor and they order the more accurate testing (PCR I think?). I just was wondering if anyone else has had a similar expierance and what the outcome was. I am terrified of what is going on right now. I am not eating or going out and I am afraid I may lose this new relationship that I am really enjoying if this comes out positive.

Also, side notes for additional info - I have never used drugs (except for weed), I have not had many sexual partners and only 2 have been without protection, I do have tattoos but they all have been done at tatto parlors where the equipment was sterilized.

Any stories, advice would be appreciated. I feel so alone right now.

[willbb]

Hello  "Hello 500" :)  Sometimes the Riba test comes back "indeterminate",and the usual follow up to this is what your doctor ordered ...the PCR..which will determine  whether you had a false positive or not. The most common result of the indeterminate riba is just that..... a false positive...especially in lieu of low risk factors.

Try to relax ..until you get the results of your PCR ,it could very well be you  do not have HCV.

And you are not alone..there are many of us here that will answer any questions you have or just offer support if needed.

Good luck on the PCR

Will

[Hello500]

Thank you WillBB. I am assuming you have hepatitis c since you are in this community. Could you tell me a little bit about your story? I know it's weird but hearing other's expierances makes me feel alot better.

Thanks!

[willbb]

Well hello ...". Hello "  sorry ..couldn"t resist. Thx for asking about my story.. there is a little bio  on my profile if you are interested in having a look...just click on a members name to look at their profile. There are many people here who are treating .or who have treated and cleared or waiting to treat  and many with tons of knowlege about HCV.

Hopfully your test was a false positive and you can move on...let us know

Will

[adamben101]

Hi.  First off, I know it's hard but relax.  I too have Hep C and remember the days following my hearing of a positive test.  It was scary.  No, it was F'ing scary.  But the best thing you can do is gain as much knowledge here as possible.  It does help.  There will be times when reading stuff scares you and many times when reading makes you feel good.  You should feel good.  IF you have it, and we don't really know that yet, you should feel really good about a lot of things...you're young and that helps, and the new drugs that have just been released are fantastic.  It's a helluva lot better treating now than 10 or 20 years ago, so be happy for that.  I too showed up indeterminate a few times.  I learned I have HCV 2 years ago.  Have had several PCR and on half of them the genotype came back indeterminate.  Don't have a reason for that.  However, I've been pursuing studies to get involved with.  I got rejected from one last fall for the indeterminate reading, but just got accepted to one and I'm happy as can be about it.  It's all oral drugs for 24 weeks.  I'm on day 2.  So hang in there.  Get the testing.  You've got plenty of time to think and make decisions.  Give yourself that time.  HCV is one of the slowest progressive diseases around.  But don't ignore it.  In my mind I gave myself a year to get tested as much as possible and make a decision about treatment.  Well that turned into 18 mos but I'm getting rid of it now.  Use this board.  It's helped a ton in the last year or so.  Good luck!

[Hello500]

Thanks Adamben!

How are the relationships in your life? I know that sounds forward but I guess mantaining relationships with my friends, family and boyfriends makes me the most nervous. Any insight you could provide on that would be appreciated.