Pregnant

[Surface]

Ok, this is my situation.

I found out I was pregnant at 7 weeks...upon receiving my blood test results, I have learned that I have Hep C.  

I'm 20 years old, living on my own with my fiance, disabled from degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis and 3 herniated discs that are compressing all the nerves in my left leg.  My hubby-to-be is paying my bills and taking care of my sorry butt.  I'm in lots of pain (esp. now without any meds) but I'm a happy girl.

My doctor sucks.  I'm not just saying this, throughout my whole ordeal with my back, he's never talked about specific problems with me or offered his opinion on what exactly I should do to fix it....and now, he's only concerned with what this virus can do to my baby. I'm concerned about baby too but I'd really love to know what I need to do now to preserve my liver!!!  So I switched doctors...she says, "I don't know what you think I can do for you."

I'm pretty lost.  I don't have anything but PA Access until I'm married and I can't start treatment until the baby is born...but do I want to start ASAP after I have the baby??

I'm just looking for some insight or personal experience.  and I just kind of needed to vent because I haven't told a lot of people about my diagnosis...my mom told her bf and now he won't even drink after me...ignorant jerk.

[Alady1620]

Smart move going to the MFS.  I think you will find that kind of ob more sensitive to your issues.  Let us know how it turns out.

[nygirl7]

I also had two children while I was hcv positive and had no idea.  both came out just fine and upon testing were negative.

It's not that it's impossible for it to happen but I guess because the chances are pretty low the doctors are more concerned with other things.  Plus...since there isn't anything you can really do about it worrying will probably hurt the baby more.

You're chances are pretty good so try and relax and go with them.

[Surface]

Thanks for the advice everyone.  I switched doctors and she doesn't care either...So I'm paying a visit to my mama's doctor (because he's old, so he's been doing this a while).  I'm going to a maternal fetal specailist next week on Friday, so I'll update you =-)

[Alady1620]

I found out I had hep c when I was pregnant with my twins.  Neither of them have it.  My understanding is that there is only a 5 percent chance of passing it on from mother to child during birth.  The chances are that your unborn child will be fine.  You may want to consider seeing a maternal fetal specialist during your pregnancy.

Sorry to hear about your back problems.  My doctor ok'd Tylenol PM when I was preggers.  It's not that strong but it might provide you with some relief.  It could at least take the edge off your pain.

Good luck to you and congrats on your pregnancy.

[daisy may]

Sounds like great advice from all.I got hep c& b when I was young(16) and have had 4 kids (ages 2-20)They are all healthy. I did have high viral loads but my enzymes were fairly stable.Educate yourself and get a good Dr.I know it's scary having to take meds. while pregnant and with hep.c but it can be done with good medical care.I take Dilantin & Effexor.(Hep. c Tx  if you need it comes after baby, when you can manage)Do you know how your liver is functioning? ie:liver enzymes & viral load.This is all alot to take in but you're doing the right thing by getting support and info.Take care of yourself and baby-good luck.

[meki]

My first post went away - sniffle.

Everyone's advice is GREAT!

Pay attention to it!

Much luck and hope!

Meki

[goldyn]

I have 5 kids and my last one in 2000 i probably had a high viral load i didnt find out i had hepc until
2003 and all thank the good Lord were clear...you need to focus on having a a nice healthy baby and when your done and you feel strong engough you can see what you have to do .. there are test you can do now such as viral load and geno type testing that are just blood test and also a liver  enzyme test that they can do..
                                     Blessing
                                                Goldyn

[ksk3926]

I did not know I had hep C when I was pregnant. I had a normal pregnancy and delivery and my son did not get Hep C from me. I wouldn't worry too much about passing this onto your baby. You can't treat when you are pregnant, so as cocksparrow said concentrate on having a healthy baby, and consider treatment afterwards. In the meantime, you can spend some time finding a better doctor to treat with. Kathy

[CockSparrow]

Sorry to hear about your troubles. Peoples reaction to this virus sux ay.
Especially when it comes from those who should know better.
I havnt told many because of this. I'd look for another Doc if I were you, one of the HepC orgs in your area should be able to give some info.

Its unlikely that your baby will contract HCV, 95% dont.  
You are young and HepC is a slow moving disease so dont be in too much of a hurry to treat, the drugs can be a little nasty. Put baby first for a while then consider Tx.

Staying away from alcohol, Pain Medication as many are liver toxic (this could difficult in your case) and following a healthy low fat diet is about all you can do for your liver.
But you should get advice from a decent Liver Doctor a Hepatologist preferably.

Wishing you well
CS