hep-c viral load 9 million have questions

[worrywortmom]

I was just recently diognoised with hep-c and my viral load is 9 million. I would like to here from people that have had that high of a load, and responed to treatment. Don't know what genotype yet. But my doctor said probably a genotype 1, given my past backround, and that with that high of a load I have a good chance of not responding. Could you please tell me how long it takes to get the results for the genotype test. Sonogram was neg and my liver emzyme was slightly elevated. If treatment doesn't work will the high levels of the virus cause liver damage sooner than if the levels were low? If all goes well with the rest of my blood tests i will start treatment in two months, I cant seem to get my mind off of this. But I'm trying to keep my spirits high.  I'm afraid to tell my work, dont know it they can get rid of me or not? Where does hipaa fit in. Can they tell other associates? I dont have much of a support system most of my family lives out of town and my husband just keeps saying its going to be alright. I dont want to here that, what if it isn't!
Cant talk to him about it he keeps telling me give it a rest. i have lots of questions and know answers, please help!

[hepcnjcent]

Hi Everyone
I have been a silent reader on this site since April.  I am genotype 1b w/ a starting viral load of 8 million.  Started treatment on October 1st.  Just got  my 4 week PCR and I am at 7,000.  Doctor is very happy with these results.  ??????

[honey11]

Hey,,,Geno 1 here also,,,Beginning viral load 8.5 million. Finished tx last year in January,,,3month post pcr,,,negative,,,,,6 month post,,,,negative!  You can do this.  Take care of yourself,,,one day at a time,,,is all you need to get through.

[strator]

Welcome, this board is wonderful. The help and caring here has done wonders for my worries.
Speaking of worries- it can be pretty overwhelming with all the new info and facing all the 'whatifs, shouldI, didI,willI's.' I've heard it suggested to break things down, including worries. Don't let the stress of the disease or treatment if that's the case rent too much space in your head. Pick one thing to focus on in just an 'okay let's check the first thing on the list' attitude. It has helped me and believe me that is not how I attacked anything in my life before others began to teach me how to manage something like this. Don't jump ahead of yourself with things like telling work. Better you have a handle on it first. If and when that time comes, you'll be suprised how much confidence a little knowledge and support can give you. From your name it sounds like you would face anything for your children, right? Well that means you already have what it takes to face anything for you.
BTW- first thing to check of your list- you now do have a support system.
God Bless,
Don

[nyhepc]

one thing not all the general public knows is that we can get out bloodwork results directly from the lab....well, at least in NY. these are the routine CBC,etc, that are done locally. need to sign a release. i take mine over at 8am and go back at noon for results. the genotype is sent away, to CA i think, and took 10 days. it would be good to educate yourself on the various bloodtests (cbc and cmp especially)so you understand what the numbers mean.  some dr's offices get very possessive over their information, they figure we don't know how to interpret it. Surprise!!! we do.
welcome..you've stumbled on a wonderful place

lorrie

[debdeb47]

I don't think you should tell your employer anything, unless you are a nurse, or something.  If you decide to treat, then you can cross that bridge, as you'll feel terrible for awhile.  Anyone can be fired for any reason, unless you are able to claim it's a disablity discrimination, so why would they ever need to know?  There's a huge stigma and it's no one's business.  But that's just me.

[GoofyDad]

Hey did someone mention me? I ruz rust out rookin for a fwesh liver, rhuuurp!

I suppose I missed this thread earlier because I shyed away fom the 'wart' in the title. Nothing to do with you, worrywortmom, just an unfortunate situation arising from my one and only date with a high school cheerleader. Decorum prevents me from saying much more.

I think you had some questions about work. I see no need to tell anyone anything at this point - unless you're in a position where it might matter, like a surgeon or a dentist or something. But based on your comments I don't see that being the case.

If you reach a point where you're going to start treatment, you might consider saying something - but that's a discussion for another day.

Glad you found us - but I wish it were under better circumstances. If you happen to run across my post from last week poking fun at gals from Fresno for not wearing deodorant - well that was just a friendly joke with a friend here. Say, you're not French Canadian, are you? ;-)