Help just founding out that I have Hep C

[Debbie223]

I just found out that I tested postive for Hep C, I am in shock right now and have been going pretty insane over the last few days. I have to wait now I guess for the next two weeks to find out what the final blood test results are. Have a ultra-sound scheduled on Tuesday.  I do have doctor's appt on Monday to get information. I don't know how long I have had it maybe years. I did do some not so body friendly drugs when I was in my early teens.

My questions is how do I figure out the best course of treatment? Where is the best place to gather useful information? This news is going to cause me to make some major lifestyle changes.

I am happily married and am so worried about how this could in the long run effect my marriage. I love my husband and we have a active sex life. We have been together 12 years.

Any advise or input anyone out there can give me would be grateful.

One other question, how do you find a support group. I want so badly to talk directly with someone who has gone through this and can help with the right questions to ask the Doctor.

I am grateful for this site.

Deb

[HectorSF]

Hi Debbie.

This forum and the document below can get you started and take you a long way along the path of learning all you can about HCV.
"First Steps with HCV for the Newly Diagnosed"
http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/Newly%20Diagnosed.pdf

Empower yourself by educating yourself as much as you can about this disease and find knowledgeable and caring doctors to assist you in your treatment.

All the best.
Cheers!
Hector

[Trinity4]

Merrybe is right.  Shock and grief are normal.  It takes some time to digest what is going on and what your options are.  Blood tests will show genotype and viral load - biopsy will show stage and grade of liver disease if present.  Once you know where you stand you and your doctor can make the best decisions for your future good health.  I have stated many times on this forum that no amount of fretting will change a darn thing.  I know my saying that doesn't make it any easier but I initially put myself through way too much torment.   This disease is what it is and at some point you will begin to accept what is going on and move forward with a course of treatment if necessary.  This forum is wonderful, lots of compassionate, caring, loving people.  I think I'm becoming addicted to it.  Hmmm - imagine me having an addictive personality!! LOL   Yes, the truth is there will be some major lifestyle changes ahead for you.  In my case, it has worked out to be a very positive thing.  You stated you have a happy and loving marriage and he's going to continue to love you no matter what lies ahead.  Most docs tell you that if you have been in a long and monogamous relationship than you don't have to change your sexual habits.  The transmission of HCV though sexual contact is extremely low.   Anyway, just wanted to let you know you are not alone and we have shared the same feelings you are having right now.  Ask as many questions as you can and keep a positive attititude which is especially important if you start treatment.
Take good Care
Trinity  

[merryBe]

sorry for your news, shock and grief is normal.

up at top right of this page click on Health pages...lots of helpful stuff and links.

start with www.janis7hepc.com  for a general education.

best course depends on many factors, your health, the state of your disease, etc etc.
after you have genotype and PCR testing, and a liver biopsy, you'll know better how and when to treat. Learn as much as you can and make a choice with a qualified hepatologist.

[mar148]

Your reaction is very normal, your whole life flashing around you.  I have been married 27 years, 51 years old, 2 children in their 20's.  None of them have hep c.  I don't know how I got it, so it was quite a shock when giving blood I was told I have it.  I have completed treated, six months since I am type 3 and am awaiting results.  

You will feel much better when you have the specific type, viral load and treatment options and make an informed decision.  The more you know and once you have a plan you feel more in control and positive.  Also remember, most people have this for many years, never know it and 75 or 80 percent do not progress to a serious level of liver disease.

Good luck, there are millions of us out there.  Mary Ellen

[working dog]

slow down...you can most likely take your time...find out what geno type you are....then get a biopsy to find out the stage and grade of your liver...don't drink at all...not a bit...and after finding out everything you can see if you want to treat now or later or never...looks like better treatments coming up in the next few years....good luck...billy

[Mary4now]

How did you find out?  Its almost impossible to really know how you got it, unless you had a transfusion or knew exactly what when where when you were doing what when.  Anyway, it really doesnt matter really.  What matters is that you get all your tests done, examine the results and determine the best way to move forward. You have to remember this is a treatable disease and most people die with the virus not from it.  It does have some nasty reprocussions, but you have to see what the tests say when they come back.  It is a waiting game, you wait for test results before treatement and test results after treatment.  Alot of people here have alot of experience and expertise and will chime in.  I have not treated I found out at the end of December and I am still weighing my options.  I am trying to get in on a trial study, because the genotype (of which there are 6 I believe) is geno 1 and that is the hardest to treat the % of clearing the virus range from 40 to 60% and the treatment can be rough it is Chemo and takes a toll on your body.  There is so much information you will learn and then you will calm down and take the steps you need to.  You can ask your doctor if there are any support groups in your area.  Its alot to deal with.  Please just take it easy and take some time to digest all of it.  Ask any questions you might have and my doc recommended the liver foundation for information.  I am careful not to get to crazy with all the info, cuz i get overwhelmed. Oh yeah I immediately got prescribed Lexapro an anti depressant because I was off the chart anxious...... I've calmed down..... good luck, keep asking questions and keep posting.  We are all in the same boat so to speak... Welcome (sorry) but do feel welcome, everyone here is here to support each other.....XX  M4now