Just found out

[HeeBGBz]

This is my first post as I only recently have been diagnosed with hep C.  I've known for about a week now.  I haven't talked to a doctor yet.  I've gotten fragments of info from the people at the health department who tested me.  I'm waiting on the results of the viral load thingie and the genotype.  I probably won't know for another week on that.

Needless to say, this is quite a thing to have to deal with flying blind with no info other than what I've gathered online.  Considering I have no insurance and work in a restaurant, I'm not very hopeful at the moment.

  My best guess is that I acquired it about 30 years ago with my first husband (who I know has it and who informed me I probably should be tested) or at the earliest 20 years ago while in the Army.   I've had symptoms for years now and complaints that doctors never could find anything wrong so they would give me anti-depressants.

So I guess if I have to ask a question it would be what is the next step usually after getting the genotype and viral load info?

Thanks for listening.  I will probably become a fixture here, so hi all.

[kcrandy]

i am a vet from kcmo had my tx here as well.  iguess i should have said that first.  oops :O)

[ladywhy]

I have heard that the VA offers excellent tx from other veterans here. I hope a few will pop in with info.

In treatment, it's one of the lessons we have to learn. Patience.....I am learning slowly. It seems we are always waiting for something...and it is best to take deep breaths and try to go with the flow.
Here comes a big HUG! Ya probly could use one now!

Yvonne

[HeeBGBz]

Thanks for the info and advice.  I will respond more soon.  My wireless connection is horrible right now because of the rain and I can only post when the signal pops in.  Also I'm on my way to bed because I have to work 10 hours tomorrow and am not looking forward to it.  My energy is way low.

I appreciate the welcome and the good thoughts.  Thanks. ttyl

[Mary4now]

Hi, I found out about a month ago, and I can understand what you might be going through, keep looking at the posts here for the factual information and one thing I'm noticing is that there are alot of similarities w/ experiences here, but there are also alot of differences.
The genotype will help you and your provider determine the course of tx. for you as some genotypes can be more difficult to treat, but that is not to say those genotypes cannot be cleared because they can.
I have waited a month for my biopsy and its coming up next week.  The blood tests to determine all the specifics re the blood, your WBC, your liver enzymes and genotype take about 2 weeks, I think the genotype is what takes the time.
You might be right about the VA, I wont have insurance either, but I understand that there are resources through University Hospitals, and the some organizations that provide medicine for this virus.  Your provider should be up on this and if they are not, you can get alot of information and help on this site, theres enormous information here.  
Try not to worry, My mom wrote do not worry on the black board so every time I walk past it I read those words of wisdom.  It really is about taking it step by step.  The first thing my Provider said was this is not a death sentence, there is treatement and most people live with the virus, put alot of effort into getting rid of it, and that there is research being done on other treatments,  I only hope sooner than later, since the treatment we now have is pretty serious, takes its toll on the body, but different people have different responses to it.  I wish you the best of luck with this, keep writing and checking out the site and have patience..  with patience we can accomplish anything.  M4now

[kcrandy]

welcome to the forum.

glad you have found this place to get advice and questiones answered from people like yourself who are either finding out they have hcv or are in treatment ( tx )  or have finished tx and stay here to share  their experiences, strengths  and hopes.

i am from kcmo as well and i think you will find there are study programs available here.  i  am not sure about surrounding areas but if you do a google search for hep-c or hcv study programs and then by area you are in and find what is available for you.

many recommend to find a hep specialist or at the least a gi doc  with hep c background and or knowledge.  after you have your vl and geno type,  you might be asked to get a liver biopsy to determine if there is any damage to your liver and if so to what extent.  then you will have  blood test done to determine were you are at internally, i.e. kidneys, blood counts ( whites,reds, etc. ),  lymphnodes, diabetes.  a lot of what will happen to you will determine how these test come out and what the progression or damage if any to your liver will be the determing factor for tx.

what i would say is if you have any blood test or anything else relating to hcv to share them with the group.  there are many in this forum with more knowledge that can let you know what these test results mean and give you good advice as to what to do next.

having this virus is not the end all of viruses, there are treatments available today that does a good job of killing the virus.  i will not say that the tx is easy but i will say it is dueable,  and i have seen many in here make it and get rid of the virus. but that is putting the cart before the horse so to speak.  

i would also recommend getting and researchig as much as you can on  hcv for youself.  knowing as much as you can about this virus will benefit you tremendously in the future.  having knowledge is a powerful thing.

again welcome to the group.  look forward to seeing you thru your journey one that all of us have been thru,  and will be here for you when you need us.   : O )

[HeeBGBz]

I don't know if there is any university hospitals nearby.  I will have to google.  My best chance is probably to get into the VA system.  I just need to do all the paperwork to get started and my attention span is pretty scattered right now.  I don't feel like doing anything and I need to do everything.

I have no patience either.  Why does everything take two weeks?  

Thanks for the reply.

[ladywhy]

Hi and welcome. Yea, finding this out can be overwhelming. Do you live near a Univ. Hosp? They may be able to help you with tx or a clinic in the area? Maybe the health dept. can direct you?
The next step depending on genotype would be a biopsy to check if you have liver damage and if so...how much. It sounds scary...but it doesn't hurt and the waiting afterwards is the worst part. Patience is not my srong suit.
I'm glad you found this site...it has been a great help to me.
I hope I have been somewhat of a help. I wish you the best.
y