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My Hepatitis C RNA Results. Please Help
Hello Everyone,
I just got my Hepatitis C Lab Test report. This is my second test that I took since my Hepatitis Findings. My Hepatitis RNA came 131,000 IU/ml. My previous result was 240 IU/ml. I really don't know what is going on my doctor have referred me to a Hepatitis Specialists, but I have to wait until Tuesday for an appointment. I really want to know this ASAP, that where do I stand with hepatitis C. Have it grown a lot? What stage am I on? I am also pregnant, and how does it affect my baby? I really need to answer these question. Please if anyone know the answer please write back and also please excuse my gramer because I don't know what I am writing.
I just got my Hepatitis C Lab Test report. This is my second test that I took since my Hepatitis Findings. My Hepatitis RNA came 131,000 IU/ml. My previous result was 240 IU/ml. I really don't know what is going on my doctor have referred me to a Hepatitis Specialists, but I have to wait until Tuesday for an appointment. I really want to know this ASAP, that where do I stand with hepatitis C. Have it grown a lot? What stage am I on? I am also pregnant, and how does it affect my baby? I really need to answer these question. Please if anyone know the answer please write back and also please excuse my gramer because I don't know what I am writing.
Jassi,
This is a hard concept to explain; unlike many viral diseases such as HIV/AIDS, for example, Hep C (HCV) progression is NOT measured by RNA viral load.
HCV disease progression is measured by the amount of damage the patient’s liver has sustained. This damage can be measured by liver biopsy; it sounds scary but it’s a fairly simple outpatient procedure that takes just a few moments to perform, followed by several hours of rest and observation. The biopsy itself is generally painless, and over in a few seconds.
To give you an example of other patient viral loads, some patients here report viral loads in the 40’s and 50’s, while others have loads closer to 40 to 50 million. There is no correlation between disease severity and viral load; a person’s VL can be 20 million and have no liver damage. On the other hand, I’ve never had a viral load over 120,000, and I have significant damage. I hope this helps explain a little.
Others will have differing opinions in here; I was told by my Hepatologist that there are no specific dietary guidelines to follow for HCV patients; the best thing a patient can do is try to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight; you’re pregnancy changes this equation a little ;o), but this can be discussed in depth with your doctor.
In my opinion, the healthiest attitude you can take is to enjoy your pregnancy and new child; you have enough on your plate right now. Take this time to be a mom, and if you get a chance, continue to educate yourself about HCV. We can help with that to some degree, along with your doctor of course. If you haven’t already, take a look at the following site:
http://janis7hepc.com/
(Scroll down and click any item of interest in the blue box.) This should help you better understand what you’re up against.
Take care, and keep asking questions,
Bill
This is a hard concept to explain; unlike many viral diseases such as HIV/AIDS, for example, Hep C (HCV) progression is NOT measured by RNA viral load.
HCV disease progression is measured by the amount of damage the patient’s liver has sustained. This damage can be measured by liver biopsy; it sounds scary but it’s a fairly simple outpatient procedure that takes just a few moments to perform, followed by several hours of rest and observation. The biopsy itself is generally painless, and over in a few seconds.
To give you an example of other patient viral loads, some patients here report viral loads in the 40’s and 50’s, while others have loads closer to 40 to 50 million. There is no correlation between disease severity and viral load; a person’s VL can be 20 million and have no liver damage. On the other hand, I’ve never had a viral load over 120,000, and I have significant damage. I hope this helps explain a little.
Others will have differing opinions in here; I was told by my Hepatologist that there are no specific dietary guidelines to follow for HCV patients; the best thing a patient can do is try to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight; you’re pregnancy changes this equation a little ;o), but this can be discussed in depth with your doctor.
In my opinion, the healthiest attitude you can take is to enjoy your pregnancy and new child; you have enough on your plate right now. Take this time to be a mom, and if you get a chance, continue to educate yourself about HCV. We can help with that to some degree, along with your doctor of course. If you haven’t already, take a look at the following site:
http://janis7hepc.com/
(Scroll down and click any item of interest in the blue box.) This should help you better understand what you’re up against.
Take care, and keep asking questions,
Bill
In general, Hepatitis C is a very slow moving disease. Given your blood tests, it's possible you haven't had it very long ,which in most cases would mean little or no liver damage. A liver specialist who has the advantage of your entire medical history should be able to add more to this, and perform whatever tests they feel are necessary to help the diagnosis.
As to diet, other than eating "healthy" -- lots of different interpretations to that (and I'm sure you will hear some soon :) -- I wouldn't rush to change anything, or add supplements, etc, -- certainly not before talking to the liver specialist. In that regard, many of us were only advised to take a simple multi-vitamin without Iron, but not sure how that works if you're pregnant, as it's one experience I haven't had.
And again, because you're pregnant, I would think eating right for the baby is as -- or more important -- than any diet modifications for the hepatitis. So probably a good idea to run your diet (and all medications, vitamins, supplements, etc) by not just your liver specialist, but your obstetrician as well. Of course, you should not drink any alcohol when you're pregnant and make sure to discuss the post-pregnancy alcohol issue with your liver specialist.
Good luck with your appointment and do let us know what the liver specialist says on Tuesday.
-- Jim
As to diet, other than eating "healthy" -- lots of different interpretations to that (and I'm sure you will hear some soon :) -- I wouldn't rush to change anything, or add supplements, etc, -- certainly not before talking to the liver specialist. In that regard, many of us were only advised to take a simple multi-vitamin without Iron, but not sure how that works if you're pregnant, as it's one experience I haven't had.
And again, because you're pregnant, I would think eating right for the baby is as -- or more important -- than any diet modifications for the hepatitis. So probably a good idea to run your diet (and all medications, vitamins, supplements, etc) by not just your liver specialist, but your obstetrician as well. Of course, you should not drink any alcohol when you're pregnant and make sure to discuss the post-pregnancy alcohol issue with your liver specialist.
Good luck with your appointment and do let us know what the liver specialist says on Tuesday.
-- Jim
MY special thanks to Bill, Meki, Jim, and Elaine.
Thanks a lot guys.
Also guys my previous test was back in Feb. How fast is my disease moving?
Do you guys recommend any diet which my help in Hep C.
Thanks once again
Thanks a lot guys.
Also guys my previous test was back in Feb. How fast is my disease moving?
Do you guys recommend any diet which my help in Hep C.
Thanks once again
Jassi - Bill's right on.
There are quite a few of us mothers who were infected prior to birth of child - and we did not have vertical transmission. There is one mother on board who had a vertical transmission with one child.
You will need a biopsy to determine if you've had any damage... And you'll need to know your genotype.
Chances are you will have to wait to treat until after birth --- for right now --- eat healthy - live healthy and be aware of what is happening in your body.
Take extra special care of your body - so that your child is super healthy.
You're going to a Hep specialist - so you should be fine - they are not exactly personable people --- their people skills sometimes stink --- LMAO -- but they understand livers... and that's all that matters.
Patience with this disease is the utmost concern. Patience at each step to get from square one and beyond.
Your Viral Load (VL) looks like it went down ==== which is always a good thing. But they fluctuate often.
So much luck to you - welcome to the board.
Hugs,
Meki
There are quite a few of us mothers who were infected prior to birth of child - and we did not have vertical transmission. There is one mother on board who had a vertical transmission with one child.
You will need a biopsy to determine if you've had any damage... And you'll need to know your genotype.
Chances are you will have to wait to treat until after birth --- for right now --- eat healthy - live healthy and be aware of what is happening in your body.
Take extra special care of your body - so that your child is super healthy.
You're going to a Hep specialist - so you should be fine - they are not exactly personable people --- their people skills sometimes stink --- LMAO -- but they understand livers... and that's all that matters.
Patience with this disease is the utmost concern. Patience at each step to get from square one and beyond.
Your Viral Load (VL) looks like it went down ==== which is always a good thing. But they fluctuate often.
So much luck to you - welcome to the board.
Hugs,
Meki
Jassi
You said “…please excuse my gramer because I don't know what I am writing.” That’s OK- most of us don’t know what we’re saying, so we’ll understand each other fine ;o).
Elaine-
I agree- Jassi is probably frightened… I hope she sticks around and continues to ask questions and get support. Take care of yourself,
Bill
You said “…please excuse my gramer because I don't know what I am writing.” That’s OK- most of us don’t know what we’re saying, so we’ll understand each other fine ;o).
Elaine-
I agree- Jassi is probably frightened… I hope she sticks around and continues to ask questions and get support. Take care of yourself,
Bill
I have a feeling that everything is going to be OK with both you and the baby. Going to a Hepatitis specialist is a very good idea.
All the best,
-- Jim
All the best,
-- Jim
Hi Jassi,
Your doctor needs to be the one to interpret and diagnose you; however, based on the information you’ve provided, it looks as though you are indeed HCV RNA positive. Bravo for your doctor rechecking the low initial results, though. This indicates to me that he is being thorough.
Although you have experienced a substantial gain in viral load between the two tests, this isn’t unusual; the second viral load is still considered to be very low. Your new specialist will be better able to explain this to you; basically, the viral load is not an important issue *until* you begin treatment; at that point, it becomes an indicator for treatment response (in other words, don’t worry about the numbers at this time).
Another test will be run to determine the genotype, or strain, of the Hep C you appear to have; this will be an important test to help you make treatment decisions.
Regarding pregnancy; the chances of you transmitting the virus to your baby are generally considered to be very low- the statistical incidence seems to be less than 5% (assuming you are not co infected with HIV/AIDS). You will want to wait until after your baby is born before you consider any treatment for Hepatitis C; some of the meds involved are considered to be dangerous to the unborn child. After the baby is born, you may want to consider treatment, based on further lab work and additional discussions with your doctor.
This is generally a very slow moving disease; try to relax, and take your time to make decisions regarding treatment and management. Learn all you can about Hep C; Ask questions here, as well as your new GI doc/ Hepatologist. Make sure you have a good understanding of how this works before making major decisions; this understanding might take a year or so to develop. That’s fine; you most likely have time.
By the way, you’re asking good questions—keep ‘em coming. Try not to worry; you’re doing all the right things right now. Don’t drink *any* alcohol, and make sure you discuss any medications you take with your doctor- this includes over the counter and supplements such as herbs and vitamins.
Take good care,
Bill
Your doctor needs to be the one to interpret and diagnose you; however, based on the information you’ve provided, it looks as though you are indeed HCV RNA positive. Bravo for your doctor rechecking the low initial results, though. This indicates to me that he is being thorough.
Although you have experienced a substantial gain in viral load between the two tests, this isn’t unusual; the second viral load is still considered to be very low. Your new specialist will be better able to explain this to you; basically, the viral load is not an important issue *until* you begin treatment; at that point, it becomes an indicator for treatment response (in other words, don’t worry about the numbers at this time).
Another test will be run to determine the genotype, or strain, of the Hep C you appear to have; this will be an important test to help you make treatment decisions.
Regarding pregnancy; the chances of you transmitting the virus to your baby are generally considered to be very low- the statistical incidence seems to be less than 5% (assuming you are not co infected with HIV/AIDS). You will want to wait until after your baby is born before you consider any treatment for Hepatitis C; some of the meds involved are considered to be dangerous to the unborn child. After the baby is born, you may want to consider treatment, based on further lab work and additional discussions with your doctor.
This is generally a very slow moving disease; try to relax, and take your time to make decisions regarding treatment and management. Learn all you can about Hep C; Ask questions here, as well as your new GI doc/ Hepatologist. Make sure you have a good understanding of how this works before making major decisions; this understanding might take a year or so to develop. That’s fine; you most likely have time.
By the way, you’re asking good questions—keep ‘em coming. Try not to worry; you’re doing all the right things right now. Don’t drink *any* alcohol, and make sure you discuss any medications you take with your doctor- this includes over the counter and supplements such as herbs and vitamins.
Take good care,
Bill
Thanks Jim!
I know there are not any doctor here, but helpful advice from individuals like you is what I am looking for.
Thanks once again!
I know there are not any doctor here, but helpful advice from individuals like you is what I am looking for.
Thanks once again!
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