Hepatitis 9 week antibody test

[Teeehooo]

Hi, first time on here. I'm from Australia and male.
I am extremely scared.
I know everyone says that hep c is not sexually transmitted.
I Was with a sex worker. I gave her oral sex and stimulated her with my hands (vaginal and anal)  I inserted my fingers.
I don't recall any blood or cuts on either of us.
I became sick approx 1 month later with flu like symptoms including nausea, fatigue, stomach twinges. I have got sore joints especially my right elbow and hand. I now have got pain in my right side rib area. I had dark urine for a while and at one stage had yellow stools. I am having concentration issues and much more. Urine and stools are normal now. I wake 2-3 times a night.
Flu like symptoms are gone but still have pain in right side.
I did a hiv,hepatitis b (hbsag) hep c antibody test at 9 weeks.
I also did a full std/sti check at same time. All came back negative.
I've done liver function test on 4 occasions.... The 1st test showed elevated serum ferritin.everything else was good... Since that first test all other tests have shown normal results.
Does this sound like I could have hep c or something else?
I'm too scared to have another test in case it's positive. It has now been 6 months since exposure
Please, if anyone can give me their thoughts.

[flyinlynn]

I suggest you seek counceling for anxiety

“Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy.”

[Teeehooo]

Hi everyone, for some reason I still feel worried about hep c. My midsection seems to have pains especially onright hand side where the liver is. Doctors tell me it's stress and anxiety. But I still feel these pains. It sometimes feels full and sometimes it feels like a scratching feeling on my right ribs and lower back.
Do you guys know of any reason someone would not develop antibodies within 23 weeks? I thought I was a healthy person before all this happened. (Apart from my obvious anxiety problem)
Any information would help..I do realise I had a very low risk exposure and 2 negative tests....I just can't put it to rest as I keep feeling different sensations in liver area.

[Livelife777]

Teeehooo you are in the clear.  
Yes, that's enough time and no worries
Stay well
.....Kim

[Teeehooo]

Hi.. I retested for antibodies and result was non reactive to hep c and hep b. I did this test after 23 weeks to possible exposure. Do you think that is long enough to rule out hep c infection.
Thanks

[Teeehooo]

Thanks Lynn,

I feel I need all the luck right now. My fear is controlling my life.
Australia still has not started treating people with new medicines as yet...government hasn't fully approved them as yet.
I will get tested. Somehow I willfind the courage.

[flyinlynn]

while there is a small chance for hep c to be transmitted in th esetting of a long term monogamus couple th echanced do somewhat increase in other situations although still not likely.

With the new meds recently approved hep c can be treated and cured by most with a short term low side effect treatment. So even if you some how do test positive, get treated, get cured

You have nothing to fear but fear itself

Good luck
Lynn

[Teeehooo]

Hi and thanks for responding.
I'm trying to build the courage to retest but just can't do it. Too scared of a positive result..
All doctors and people that I speak to say I have not got hep c... But they don't feel or know what I feel. They just say things like "it's in your mind" due to my exposure they think no way I could have Hep c.
It may be just anxiety?? Not sur

I know the only way to know is to retest...im just way to scared.

[dontworry_behappy1]

If your concerned get a Hepatitis C RNA PCR (viral load test).  That test can detect Hepatitis C at 3 weeks.  Otherwise, wait till 6 months and retest.  

If your Hep C RNA PCR is negative …..you don't have Hepatitis C.

Hope this helps.

FYI: The only way to tell if you have Hepatitis C is by getting tested.