may be infected

I developed a rash, my skin doctor fells is hepatitis c. If true ,what can i expect after my first blood test? How long can a person live with this? Scared.

[Jakied]

First of all, take a deep breath and relax.

Do you have a risk factor for Hbv or Hcv?  Such as unprotected sex (mainly hep B risk) or intravenous drug use (mainly hep C risk)?

If so, how long ago?  If you have a risk factor, get tested for hep and hope for the best.  Antibody tests are reliable after three months or so.

Don't jump to conclusions, though.  GET TESTED if you have a risk factor.

[copyman]

i have never heard of a doctor diagnosing HCV from a rash. wait until you have the test results before thinking about "how long a person can live with this".  

[meki]

I have never heard of a rash being used to diagnose Hepatitis C.

However - new things amaze me each and every day.

Have your doctor take a Hep Panel.

And have them test you for your VIRAL LOAD - your liver enzymes (basically do a PCR and a full blood test CBC)

If you are HepC Positive, you'll need to know your: Genotype, Viral load.

Then come back and ask what questions you need answered.

Don't worry overmuch though until you know your damage level. Some people have HEPC for 20-40 years before they begin to get ill - some NEVER get ill.

Take a deep breath. Breathe - panic later --- like when the sky actually falls.

Good luck on being neg for HCV.

Meki