trying to help hubby

[helphubby82]

My husband has just found out he has hep c he applied for life insurance and tested positve then went to his reg Doctor he ran test and he tested positive,His doctor sent him to a GI Specialist he has taken more blood we seem to think he has had the virus about 30 years never really sick has no pains I got tested the other day I was negative my husband doesnt seem to want to talk about this the Gi doesnt know if he needs a liver biopsy waititng for blood test results what are his chances of 30 years having this

[coeric]

Did you have a follow up appointment with the GI?   The genotype
And viral loads can take a week or longer. You could try to call the doc. Personally I've never had much luck getting beyond the gate keepers.  You could also try and speak with the docs assistant who might be a nurse or medial assistant.  Your husband is fortunate
To have an advocate like you - other than this forum, im on my own.

[helphubby82]

Thanks so much guys its great to talk about this Im so glad I joined this as for the hubby he will do whats right we have 2 boys ages 9 and 13 He will think about them and be motivated you are totally right eureka254 Well I got him to quit drinking so if I can do that I can help him fight this monster! THANKS ALOT FOR SHARING YOUR STORIES

[coeric]

It is a shock to be told you have hepatitis c.  I remember feeling like the world was dropping out below my feet.  Even though it's been 12 years I remember it like it was yesterday.  I did the watchful waited thing and probably waited to long. I was waiting on the new drugs.  Make sure you get copies of all the labs and then bring them here with any questions you have.

[eureka254]

As the old saying goes, you can only lead a horse to water... but don't give up hope, just educate yourself and help support your husband with what you know.  Initially, my husband did not want to do treatment either but in the end he realized for him it was the best option.

Many people go through some difficult emotional and psychological twists and turns when diagnosed, and everyone handles it differently.  It's not unusual to go through shock and guilt feelings... hopefully in time he'll come around to talking freely with you about the situation.

The best you can do is let him know that you're there for him, without judgment or pressure, arm yourself with knowledge so you can advocate for him when he's ready to take the disease head-on, and encourage him to care about himself because you care about him.  

[helphubby82]

Your not freaking me out I appreciate the knowledge Even though I may not like what i hear but we all have to face reality thanks so much for sharing one more question how long did it take to get results from your gi He had the blood work For the genotype the viral levels on aug 8 had not heard anything should he call the DR

[coeric]

Not to freak you out but I do not have jaundice and my bilirubin levels are normal.  I have had a biopsy and also an endoscopy that confirmed cirrhosis.