long term hep

[jodigirl66]

I tried to give blood for the first time in my life and learned that I have hep c. I am working on trying to find a doctor and hopefully will have an appt scheduled for next week. I believe I probably got the disease back in the 80's when I was making really poor life choices. There was a period of about two weeks when my skin turned yellow, my urine was coffee colored and my bowel movements were white.
I was told then that I had hepatitis and that it would run its course. I assumed that when I got better that I was done with it and the disease was gone. I had no education and never gave it another thought until about two weeks ago when I got the letter.
My question is this; Is it possible that I have had this all these years and my liver will be fine? I do have many of the symptoms aches (terrible aches) and headaches and I run low grade fevers frequently that have been unexplained. This has been going on for some time now and has progressively gotten worse. Before this diagnosis, I had a doctor diagnose me with fibromyalsia but I always felt it was something else. If nobody can answer this for me, can you point me in the direction I need to go? I am on pins and needles here and feel like I can't wait until I find a doctor who will see me.

[jodigirl66]

Thank you to all of you. I  am hoping that because my NAT is negative that it means I do not have the virus and that my body cleared it on its own...but am definitely following up with a doctor to be sure.

[belle19]

welcome to the forum.  we are your new family.  some of us are far more informed than others.  it's just nice to have a sounding board when you don't want to bother your family and friends.  it's really helped me to get through my tx so far.  i'm in my 8th week and it's ok.  i feel tired alot and i have a rash on my back.  but i still work parttime and i do cardio 3 times a week.  hang in there.  we're here if you need.  belle

[Vannh9]

I found out through a routine blood test last month. It is believed that I have had this since the 70's. I was sure I had Chronic Fatique because I had seen a gastro doctor 10 years ago for several digestive issues and they never ran a Hep c test. (this still amazes me) I have just started all the testing and don't have any real answers yet except that I definitely have the virus.

This forum has been my sounding board, my knowledge base and when I start to become overwhelmed by fear of the unknown, I come and read the stories of all the courageous people here that are so willing to share their experiences...good and bad. I agree with Frijole that you may have no liver damage at all!!! Take care.

Vann

[jodigirl66]

Thank you very much. I am remaining positive and am hoping for the best

[frijole]

It is possible that you have had hep C since the 80s and your liver is fine.  The only way you will know is to request a liver biopsy.  I presume that you have tested positive for antibodies.  When you find a specialist (hepatologist is best, gastroenterologists treat too but aren't as informed) he will run several more tests.  He will determne if you have a viral load.  You could have cleared when you experienced the hepatitis in which case you will always carry the antibodies.  If you do have a viral load, there will be another test to determine your genotype.

Welcome to the forum.

frijole