need clarification

[seekandushallfind]

i was told by a spealist i was cured that i am no longer affected by hep c. but then i had a test done at my regular doc and they said it was positive. is it always gonna show  up positive? i was told by another person living with this that his doctors say the same thing so he goes to spealist and they tell him he is fine that some test proves that. i am confused but i want to be make sure i am not hurting others by accidental transmission. i cant afford my spealist again but is there a test my doctor can do just to make sure? i was pregnant when the specialist told me my body fought it off on its own but could that of been a blessing for my daughter or could she still b infected like i am/was gosh i dont even know what to think ? i wish i had the money to go talk to a specialist but i dont. any help would b greatly appreciated. i can afford my regular doctor so if there is a test to run to put my mind at ease i would definately like to know what it is so i can get the ball running. thanks for any help

[IAmTheWalrus]

I am not a doctor, but here is the common understanding on HCV infection versus positive antibody test.

Once exposed to HCV you will always show up positive on HCV antibody tests, which is the first test in diagnosing HCV.and the one likely to be admisistered by a general practitioner. Just because you test postitive on this does not mean that you have an active infection. Another test, a viral load test (PCR), will tell if the virus is actively replicating in your body.

Some people clear this virus on their own, some clear it after months of treatment, and some do not clear with treatment.

You might want to get a copy of the records from the specialist you saw that said you were not "affected" anymore and find out what tests he ran to conclude this. The test results should be in your medical records and available to you (at no, or minimal copying charge) if you ask at the specialists office. You can always get another test, the viral PCR test. LabCorp Quantasure is one very sensitive test as is Qwest Diagnostics Heptimax test.

[WifeOfSoulKiss]

I have never heard of someones body fighting off the Hep.C on its own. Have you thought of getting on some type of sate insurance? Like Medi-cal? I do not know what state you live in but there are different types for different states. I suggest you try getting on state health insurance and get in to see a specialist right away. -good luck to you