just found out

[doug8989]

I just found out last friday I had hep c.  My doctor called today, my VL is 355,345 - which he said is high.  Being referred to hepatogogy and an xray of my liver next week.  The genome test has not come back.  I'm scared but reading these posts help. The doctor was upbeat and positive but still a little scared.
Thanks

[BLACKPRINCE]

Ive had the co-peguses treatment and it my viral load down to 3.7

from 8.8

question is there any treatment new other than co-peg  i had the treatment over a year ago

[cuteus]

It sure is! Welcome aboard! feel free to share anytime you are ready.

[Elko]

    I just found this site. the info is
   great. knowledge is key.

[NYgirl]

Welcome to the luney bin Doug!  ;-)

You have a really nice low viral load (compared to some who have like 25 million).  

If you have a biopsy that should really be about all you need to see if/how much liver damage you have.  I've not heard of an xray of the liver ever though.  The ultrasound would let you know if you have any tumors or problems like that - and then the biopsy will tell you how much inflammation and scaring (fibrosis) exists.

THAT is a very important thing to know and you start on treatment.

Things will get better, I know it's a huge shock - we've ALL been there.

Best of luck and remember we are here for you
Debby

[cuteus]

welcome doug! you have found a great forum and one that is easy to navigate also!

I never heard of anyone getting an xray of the liver. have them explain that one to you. If it was me, I would not expose myself to any radiation that is not needed.  X ray of the liver is not used in any diagnostic procedure that I have read.  Question that one.
gl to you

[worrywortmom]

I to just found out about 2 months ago, and when i found out i couldnt even breath or swallow when crying. It gets better and you have came to the right place! Any questions that you have someone in here has answers, there is also a chat line you can go to with people that have hep-c and they will talk to you and answer any questions that you may have one on one. It is janis and friends, it just takes a minute to sign up and then you can ask away, with out janis and this forum i probably still wouldnt be able to breath. Keep positive and keep your chin up. Things will get easier once you understand what hep-c is and know what to expect.

[jazzgal]

All these fine folks are absolutely correct ... you have found agreat support system ... when I posted that I had elevated readings they all urged me to go to the doctor and be tested ... I have and I did and was negative ... but I knew I had a support system here who would walk me through anything and everything because they have been and are themselves going through it .. so listen, and heed there directives ... I still have elevated readings so I still do not know what is wrong with me ... see the doc again in 8 days.  I do not have insurance so I shop for the best test rates ... the good part of that is I get the results before anyone else, and I do like knowing my numbers before I see the doctor ... Best to all .. and Best of luck Doug

[LvdByGod]

DOUG, the only thing is that the number you have there could be shortened for a higher number in the millions...ask the dr to make sure that the viral number is in the thousands not millions. its always good to get copies of all these tests for your own records too cause drs can make mistakes. also different kinds of tests have different numbering systems...make sure it is stated in international units ((iu)).

like as in, 355,345iu

(that would be considered low...and easier to treat.)

[Tonyz]

Doug

You came to a great forum for support and information..
I would like to give you a great big.....

<font size="7" color="#6600CC">WELCOME</font>

It sounds like your in good hands. Make sure that you get copies of all the test results.

         God Bless

            TonyZ

[doug8989]

thanks guys.   I feel better.

[Tyree2005]

Welcome,

Don't worry you will be fine. You sound like me a few weeks back and I was told the samething. My wonderfull new friends walked and talked me through everything so far and boy was it a help.  So I will welcome you also with open arms and let you know you will get a better understanding here and if they don't know they will find out.  I was even told what to ask the doctors when I go.  Belive me, you will be fine someone is here 24/7.
Much peace and Love to you all
Tyree

[strator]

Try to take it easy on the worry right now. It might seem like things are upside down. Take the opportunity now to get yourself a little knowledge about hep c and the liver.
Don't overload though. That period of first getting diagnosed is a kicker in itself. Take a positive attitude. Don't let the waiting for tests consume you. It's the worrying that makes things harder to manage. You'll get a lot of support and info here.
Best thoughts to you today,
Don

[Snookmiester]

Welcome aboard Doug!

Just to settle the mind a bit, and calm the initial shock of diagnosis, your Dr is wrong about your VL being high.. In fact, it is LOW!! Low VL is a GOOD factor in obtaining SVR,(sustained virological response).

Viral Load Equivalents per Milliliter (EQ/ML)

Conversion to Logarithmic Form

(Viral Load is how many viral particles per ML of blood)

*[HCV-RNA (qPCR)-negative] is defined as less than 100 copies/ml of hepatitis C
viral RNA as measured by the National Genetics Institute assay.

200,000 to 1,000,000 low

1,000,000 to 5,000,000 medium

5,000,000 to 25,000,000 high

above 25,000,000 very high

[Magnum]

I would discuss a liver biopsy with your doctor. That IS the only real definitive test to let you and the doctor know what condition your liver is in. Although I posted I will start Infergen in January, I'm still going for my third liver biopsy Tuesday. I never had any complications with the two previous ones.

It's no big deal at all. Several small shots to numb the area on the side of your chest, then a needle into your liver, a quick snip, and your done. You will have to stay several hours to be sure there's no internal bleeding. Nothing to be afraid of and it is very important in your doctor's treatment course...

Good luck and welcome...

Magnum

[cquest]

This is a double edged sword...you have this virus = bad thing...you found this forum = good thing! Welcome and like everyone said, it takes a little while for the shock to wear off but then you'll get a handle on it and it will be fine!
Cin

[GoofyDad]

Hi Doug. Welcome. Sorry to meet under the circumstances though.

There is no doubt a shockeroo going through you right now. That's certainly normal. A little time and you'll start to pick up some info here and there, adjust a bit, and soon things will start to look less ominous.

The xray sounds interesting to me, I'm not sure that most folks get that. Usually, you will be scheduled for a liver biopsy, which will help measure the damage your liver has sustained to-date. Hopefully, it will be minor.

With minor damage, some folks choose to undergo treatment right away, while others choose to wait. It's possible you could go a very long time without needing treatment, or you may need to treat sooner. This is a complex issue with many variables and no shortage of opinions will be found here!

Also, many of us are watching the Protease Inhibitors, a new class of drug currently in trial. There are no guarantees of course, but these drugs are showing promise to be able eradicate the virus in a shorter treatment cycle and with fewer side effects.

Stick around. We'd like to have you!