HCV PCR RNA

Hello Doc, I am 32 years old Male from India, Well my story began few years back, I was detected Anti-HCV Positive ( Anti-HIV & Anti-HBV Negative) and was recommended to go for HCV Quantitative and Genotyping but my reports gave conflicted results stating Genotype 3A and Non-Detectable Viremia. I have been already tested four times for HCV PCR RNA (Qualitative) in different Labs (Best Private Labs)  in India and result is negative but my symptoms of HCV (dry mouth, depression, irregular bowel movement) were not disappearing, When I inquired the Lab about sensitivity of kits, Lab technician mentioned that sensitivity of kit is <50 IU/ml. I am taking normal diet. All my other blood reports were normal, LFT are in normal range. I don't know whether I still got virus in my blood or not, OR May be Labs were not using good quality HCV testing kits. Have anybody faced same problem yet ? Can you suggest a good Lab in India for HCV PCR RNA if you know. Confused.........

[Douglas Dieterich, MD]

I think the folks above got it right. I dont know labs in India but 4 times is plenty. Whatever you have it is not HCV! Go get some help! DTD

[dynamo17]

since when are dry mouth and depression symptoms of hep c? Sounds more like anxiety

[libra7]

thanks aw may be ?? I am in some depression right now.

[Dayzdreamer]

Libra I have a friend that had hepatitis but they could not find enough of the virus to tell  the genotype. During the first 6 months you have acute hepatitis and it could be trying to heal itself. After the 6 months it is called chronic hepatitis. I know she was confused if the lab was reading things right.  She ended up curing the virus on here own.  She still had the symptoms from hepatitis c. The liver isn’t fuctioning properly and does effect your digestive system.   It is common to have irregular bowl movements.

I agree with Dr. Dieterich.  It is possible to be misdiagnosed with hep c or the genotype may be wrong. If you show negative on 3 of the four test I would say look for another cause. Are you seeing a Gastroenologist or Hepatologist?  I am going to go ahead and post the rest of this as it can help with the dry mouth and answer dynamo’s question about anxiety. I wish you the best.

Drugs and Depression
Whether due to the physical aspects of Hepatitis C, its emotional associations, social impact or the virus’ treatment regimen, many people living with Hepatitis C confront depression. A common side effect of antidepressant medication, xerostomia (dry mouth) is often seen in people battling depression. Additionally, depression can have its own influence on personal hygiene. According to Richard Darling, DDS, “One-third of hepatitis patients on medication suffer depression and, thus, impaired perception of self-care. They may take less care of their teeth, and problems will occur.”
I think depression with hepatitis c is more prone to happen if you have a history of depression or depression in your family. It is common for those who go on the Interferon and ribovin to suffer depression. Doctors like you to be on a antidepressant before you start treatment. Just the virus you are dealing with and the odds you cure it without any side effects from the treatment is enough to make one depressed. Being diagonosed positive effects ones life tremendously.
Dynamo this may help you understand why you think it more anxiety than depression. Fatigue can be described as a sense of excessive tiredness and lack of energy. Many people with hepatitis C will experience fatigue at some stage. Fatigue can impact on work, family relations and other activities. It can cause you to be withdrawn, moody, cranky and irritable, have outbursts of anger and a lack of energy or feelings of physical weakness. A good night’s rest will not always help you overcome fatigue. Fatigue may also be linked to other factors, such as depression.
Tips for Helping Xerostomia
Since saliva acts to protect your teeth from bacteria, there is plenty of reason to avoid a chronic dry mouth.
1. Regularly sip water and sugarless drinks.
2. During meals, sip water to help with chewing and swallowing.
3. Chew sugarless gum or suck on hard sugarless candy to help stimulate saliva flow.
4. Avoid caffeine, tobacco and alcohol because they all dry the mouth.
5. During the night, use a humidifier.
6. Avoid spicy and salty foods as these can exacerbate a dry mouth.
7. Reduce bacteria and plaque in your mouth by brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. (I use Biotene toothpaste and mouth wash. It helps dry mouth and bacteria growth)
8. Minimize sugary, sticky foods, and brush immediately after their consumption.
9. Visit your dentist at least twice a year.
10. Discuss a salivary substitute with your healthcare provider.

[libra7]

Thanks to all  for your comments , I am planning once again for test.

[EmilyBaker]

A related discussion, Hep C RNA was started.