Newly Tested

[CameraNut]

Took so long to find a nickname not taken I gave up. Just came back and finally got signed up.  I had my yearly physical 3/10/15. On 3/13 got a call saying I was positive on the HCV antibody test with the number being 13.7. All my liver enzymes and everything else in my blood test were very good. I have been reading everything I can find so I will be fairly knowledgeable with I visit my doctor on March 26. I have been looking all over and cannot find out if 13.7 is high, low, or what. How high do the numbers go? All kinds of info is available on viral load numbers, which I am sure to find out in the near future.  I have a very good primary doctor and I am sure he will start the usual tests and discuss options when I see him. Any advice from the community will be appreciated.

[sue4hula]

Welcome to the site and to a great site for resources and support.  Everyone has shared with you what comes next.  I remember when I found out in 1998.  I reeled for awhile.  Try to take it one step at a time.  My husband is negative and we've been together 30 years.  

I've done some tough treatments in the past and can vouch that the present treatments are amazing with exciting outcomes!  I'm now in my 2nd week of  my 4th treatment and have high hopes for clearing the virus this time!

It's good to hear your primary MD tested you during your physical. Sounds like a good doc.  IF it turns out you do have a viral load, It appears he will get you to a good doc to get you on the road to treatment!

Take care!

[otterwatcher]

so you can test positive but not have hcv any longer,25% of folk recover spontaneously-the next test will tell you if you do still have the virus.
I had hcv and my husband had fought it off so I was the only one requiring treatment.Fingers crossed for you for the next test being a negative.

[Livelife777]

Welcome CameraNut.    Married 20 years, 2 children, no one has Hep C.
Hubby is likely OK but if you are both + treatment is readily available and
the outcome is curable.
Best to you
.....Kim

[flyinlynn]

Just to add your husband being vaccinated against hep A and B is fine but affords no protection to hep c. There is currently no vaccine for hep c. However hep c is not considered to be an STD there are many people here how have been married for many rears where one spouse has hep c and the other does not. So odds are in your favor your husband does not have hep c

[CameraNut]

Thanks, I'll keep watch here and it will all make more sense after my appointment this week and I get started on the next tests. Sure was a shocking call to get Friday morning.  

[flyinlynn]

Hi and welcome

As was said the antibody test number doesn't mean much and in fact until you theat for the Hep c virus you may not be infected. All having a positive antibody test means you have been exposed to hep c the next test is the HCV RNA by PCR to see if you are actively infected with the virus. This will also give you your viral load how many copies of the virus are circulating in your body.

So take a breath and again welcome. There is  no better time to treat hep c than now with the new recently approved meds that are well tolerated and highly effective.

Good luck
Lynn

[Carlhcv]

Hello! My doctor never gave me a number. He called me himself and said that I tested positive for HCV and referred me to a specialist. As mentioned, you now need further blood work and the RNA test is expensive if you don't have insurance. You need to have that done though first. Stick around as this forum is like a big family that watches out for each other. You will find tons of data and real world experience here and hep C can be cured. I am on week five of treatment with no side effects to speak of. Good luck and keep us informed.

[CameraNut]

Thanks to everyone for the quick replies. I am sure my doc will proceed with all the tests that are done next.  I was just wondering if 13.7 was a high number or how high the number could go. I can't find any reference to this question. I have a list made up and my husband is going since he will surely need to be checked. He has had the A/B vaccine.

[AWorriedMom]

Sorry, pushed post before I properly welcomed you. Like Can-Do says, treatment has never been easier and more successful. Best wishes to you.

[AWorriedMom]

The number 13.7 is your signal-to-ratio cutoff number. The higher it is, the more chance your antibody test is a true positive. You are in the range  for that outcome. It does not mean that you actually have the virus. The viral load test will tell you that. It just means that you have been exposed to the virus and the likeliehood of a false positive is low.

[can-do-man]

Since you have tested positive for the antibodies the next step is to have a HCV RNA PCR blood test to see if you have the actual virus. This test will show if you have a viral load. Keep in mind about 25% of people clear this on their own. As for your numbers they are not important.

If you do have the actual virus then you need to be seen by a GI who treats HCV patients. Try not to worry as treatment and cure rates have never been better and easier. Welcome here and wishing you the very best.