just found out.....

[living_with_a_gift]

i was wondering about the disease in general.... i just found out yesterday as i have previously posted.  i know of so many people telling me to be scared and worried and that this will be the way i die..  but my dr said my viral load or levels are very low.  im not sick nor do i need treatment for this.  how many people live normal lives with this?  i have so many questions and don't know what to ask if that makes any since.  i'm 20 years old and have a child on the way.  if i wasnt pregnant they said it probably wouldnt have shown up for a while longer.  and after i have the baby that my levels could stay the same for good or even drop for that matter because im healthy.  i could really use some insite from those who are living with this as well... not just hear it from a dr...

thanks

[Jakied]

Hcv in women is USUALLY not as severe as in men.  estrogen is a natural defense from hcv.  your baby has a VERY small risk for inheriting hcv from you, probably <1%.  i am sure your doctor can tell you all about that.

Hcv is a blood borne disease, usually transmitted through blood transfusion and drug use.  It is VERY slow progressing from one stage to the next.

If possible, avoid ALL alcohol.  Hcv loves alcohol, like pouring gasoline on a fire.  After your baby is born, see a hepatologist about treatment.  you may be able to wait a few years for the better drugs to be available.  

If your viral load stays low, that may be a reason to treat now.  Better chance of clearence.

This is NOT a death sentence for you.  A hurdle to clear, to be sure, but not the end of the world.

[kcrandy]

check my respone in your thread to lady laurie