Worried, ?'s about Hep C

[myebunny]

   I have a few questions about Hep C. My mother went to donate plasma and received a letter stating she can not donate. She tested positive for Hep C. My mom seems to think that the test was a false positve. She has been on pain pills for years now, such as Ultram and Vicodin. My question is.......Can being on painkillers for a long period of time be the reason she tested positve? Being that these drugs can affect your liver.
  I told her she needs to see the doctor about it, but she is afraid that if she is positive for Hep c the doctor will take her off her pain meds. Which she takes for back pain. Do you think the Doc would take her off the pain meds?
  I just feel she needs to talk to the doctor. If it is the case she has Hep C then she needs meds to help take care of that..right? I'm really worried about her. Not sure how long she has had this or how bad it is.
  Thanks to anyone that can answer my questions.

[myebunny]

I forgot one more thing, she drinks alcohol also. Let just say more than you should. Is that another factor in the situation?

[FloridaMouse]

Although the drugs and alcohol will screw up the liver, it will not cause someone to be positive for the Hep C antibody.  She needs to have more blood work and a biopsy or fibroscan before making a determination on whether or not to treat.  

By the way, I take Ultram for rheumatoid arthritis pain and I have advanced liver disease.  So she won't necessarily be taken off her pain meds.

Missy

[myebunny]

Thanks for responding. I will tell her she just needs to see the doctor. Then we will know more.

Thanks again