hepatitis

Please,what mean when HCV RNA is negative? Thank you

[cuteus]

it means just that, negative, nothing there to measure, zero, nada. For those that test positive for the antibodies and negative in the RNA test, it means the virus never became a chronic infection. The immune system cleared it out.

[adika]

Thank you,but I still don't understend because I have hepatitis B and C positive only this RNA is negative,I still have a disease?What can I do?I'm from Croatia.

[cuteus]

if your Rna PCR(polymerase chain reaction) test is negative now, it means that you have cleared the virus on your own or with the current treatement of interferon + ribavirin. You will always test positive for the antibodies as a sign that you were once exposed to HCV. I don't know much about hep b, though.
How sensitive was the RNA test? how low was the detection range? was it a qualitative( positive or negative) or a quantitative(counts the number of RNA particles in the blood.) If the test used a range of <50 IU/ML, it is pretty good indication that you are not hep c infected at this time. How long ago do you think you were exposed to hep c?

[cuteus]

and... you only need to use this thread to post your questions for today, this site limits the number of questions daily, so it is best to keep using the already opened ones. ;-}
Do you have copies of your bloodwork? if not, try to get them as soon as you can.

[wassailer]

Good afternoon,
I am kind of in the same situation.  I think my body has beat the virus on its own, however I was wondering if anyone has heard of the virus coming back or recommends taking any sort of other meds to help prevent the virus from coming back, or if I am just being paranoid?  I have been doing research on “herbal” medications as I am pretty leery of what is out there. I have seen some good and bad things with herbals.  Thanks.

[wassailer]

Jim-
Thanks again for all of your help.  It is good to know that there are still good people out there who are willing to help.  I have to go to work right now, but I will let you know what happens.  Thanks again.
-Wassailer

[jmjm530]

I'll just add that first you want to make sure you really don't have the virus anymore. Best thing is to take a PCR Quantitative or Qualitative test with a sensitivity of 50 IU/ml or less. These are the only blood tests that can actually give you the answers.

As suggested, if the virus is gone it won't come back, however a liver-friendly lifestyle is a good idea. That means either no alcohol or limiting it to a couple of drinks a week; no smoking; a healthy diet; exercise; and keeping your weight as close to ideal as possible.

A lot of people take a simple multi-vitamin but best to avoid any that contain iron, including cooking with iron pots. Too much iron and the liver do not go together well.

As far as herbs, milk thistle and other supplements -- be careful before you leap.

I personally don't take it (made me sleepy) but many people use milk thistle and most doctors have no problems with it. It seems to have a liver-friendly component and may be of some benefit.

Many people also swear by herbs, but the problem is knowing exactly what you're taking. I ran into a problem with an unknown concoction by a well known japanese acupuncturist/herbologist. That's not to say herbs are bad, just that *some* may be bad.

Lastly, stay away from any "internet cures" for liver disease unless you research it really well. A lot of bad ideas (or simply scams) like colloidal silver and ozone therapy may sound teriffic but only if you read the manufacturer's brochure. :)

Bottom line, before you change anything in your life or diet, always ask yourself what is the potential good versus the potential harm. If you can't answer that question right off the bat, that should give you pause to think a little more before you leap.

-- Jim

[wassailer]

Jim,
Thanks for your input.  I think I will have those tests done just to be on the safe side.  Iron even from cooking in it?  I had not idea the body was that sensitive.  Anything I need to do for as you said "liver friendly" lifestyle sounds good to me.  As for the herbal info, I have heard of the milk thistle, and a few other things it is just hard to find good research on some of this stuff.  Any place you would suggest?  I am going to schedule that test for this week, I will let you know what comes about.  Thanks again for all of your help

-Wassailer

[jmjm530]

Let us know if you run into any questions about the tests and how they turn out. If you live near a Quest Diagnostics collection center, you can simply order either their HEPTIMAX test or their Qualitative test which has a sensitivity of around 5 IU/ml or below.

As far as the lifestyle changes, I know it's quick, tempting (and the American way :) ) to start popping vitamins, herbs, etc, but my personal opinion is to first start with those things we know the most about. Things that have proven benefits and no known risks. Things like stopping or limiting drinking, stop smoking, exercise, keep a proper weight, eat a balanced, healthy diet. If you fall down in too many of the aforementioned areas, don't expect vitamins or supplements to bail you out.

I'm not a big supplement/herb person so I'll leave others to point you in that direction. But again, don't rush into anything without taking your time to check it out.

And yes, iron cookwear can cause your iron levels to rise. If you want, and as long as you're having a blood test anyway, you might want to check your iron and iron stores. The tests are: (1) serum iron; (2) Ferritin; and (3) transferr Saturation.

-- Jim

[cuteus]

if you have tested negative for hcv by PCR tests for at least a yr, you have no virus to "restore" per general medical consensus. It is not like the varicella roster virus. There is no reason for you to take anything for hcv. But, there are reasons to still be friendly to your liver and eat healthy foods, and supplements and limit alcohol intake.
If you test positive for the virus after a year of negatives, it will probably be because of a new infection.

[go-girl]

caco se, dobro, I hope. Do you have a large hospital near you where they may do a study for hep c, or find a good hepatologist or gasternologist, you need to have it all properly explained to you, I don't know if the bloodwork in Croatia is done in the same way as here. What all did you have done?

[Tallblonde]

I strongly recommmend the following website for doing research on herbs and supplements:

www.lef.org  (The Life Extension Foundation)

Enter hepatitis C into the search engine and it'll take you to a lot of current research and recommended herb/vitamin protocols.

Susan