worried again

[PennieLane]

So i went to pick up my test results to bring to my GI doctor so she knows what tests and everything other doctors have already ran and could go from there, and much to my dismay, they did not run the Hep panel test, just a hepatic function test.... which was fine, but i am concerned because now i dont know my hep status exactly...

But 165 days after exposure i did have a hep panel test ran which was:
Hep A antibody: negative
Hep B surface antigen: negative
Hep B core IGM antibody: negative
Hep C antibody: negative


I had symptoms starting 2 months post exposure that lasted for weeks.... if the symptoms were due to hepatitis infection would it be safe to assume that 3 1/2 months afterwards i would have developed antibodies to hepatitis?  

Should i get another Hep Panel test ran?
I did get a home access test for Hep C at one year, would that be reliable?

I haven't tested for HepB at on year though, if i was infected with Hep B (and had the symptoms) and the surface antigen and IGM core antibody were negative after 165 days, is it safe to say I am not infected, or should i test again for HepB?

I ask b/c im still havbing symptoms getting progressively worse (sore muscles, pain in upper right side, headache, fatigue, soreness in neck)... I made an appoiintment with a GI because i thought i had ruled out hepatitis and needed to delve more into the symptoms to find the real problem, now i am thinking hep is my problem again, would that 5 1/2 month (165 day) test be reliable?


Also can hepatitis cause neuropathy? Ive been having a burning sensation in my legs/especially feet, could hep cause this?

please help! im so worried again, im getting a gallbladder sono next week to rule that out, but could hep still be my problem?

[meki]

"But 165 days after exposure i did have a hep panel test ran which was:
Hep A antibody: negative
Hep B surface antigen: negative
Hep B core IGM antibody: negative
Hep C antibody: negative "

That's all pretty negative right there.

You would have positives or numbers there at that point - methinks.

I don't think at 165 days you have to worry too much about HCV - however - that being said - I'm a FIRM BELIEVER in Hep panel screening every 2 years for EVERYONE.

Check gall bladder - kidney issues and also do an all over cancer/tumor screen.

There's a zillion things that could mimic what HCV does to your body --- and still not be HCV.

Sending out lotsa warm thoughts for you - and hoping you'll find what is ailing you and that it won't be a big ado... OK?

I think --- and this is just my personal opinion that HCV is not your concern - BASED SOLELY on your Hep Panel up there... and I think 5 1/2 months is a good indicative amount of time.

Meki

[PennieLane]

Thanks Meki! Thats encouraging.... what about hep B? If you have it do you always test positive for the Hep B Surface Antigen?  I got the test ordered today.... should know in a couple of days, im really nervous... hopefully the one at 5 1/2 months was good enough... wish me luck


If anyone else has an opinion, please let me know, advice is greatly appreciated!!!!

[meki]

HepB is a bit different --- but if you test neg --- you should go get the Vaccine.

HBV is very contagious through bodily fluids - but most have a fairly quick reaction time - at least to my understanding - you'll have to ask on the HBV board.

I wouldn't be thinking Hepatitis anything now --- I'd be trying everything else.

The reason for that is --- at a 51/2 month mark - you've REALLY been told NOPE - ain't in there.

So start looking elsewhere for the complications. Because it's highly unlikely that you've got a form of hep ----- WITH THOSE RESULTS... OK?

Hugs to ya!

Meki