HEP C

[joebruin]

I donated blood foy my own  fibroid surgery and learned that I Hep c Antibody  was detected 3x.  HCV confirmed by RIBA was negative.  My OB GYN consulted w/ GI and she oredered viral load, viral rna quant.  Liver enzyme  came back normal; surgery postponed and she referred me to gatroenterology.  I consulted with my primary MD, and he had mentioned that the test shows no detection, but shows I was exposed somewhere.  I don't have tattoos, no drugs, and I just don't know how. Other test are still pending and I am scheduled to see a gastroenterology in a little over a week.  I am anxiously waiting; anxiously researced the internet ; can you tell me what to expect or to ask the
gastroenterologist?  

[Jakied]

If your Riba test is neg, there is almost NO chance you have Hcv.  I am willing to say

your viral load will be 'undetected.'  A neg Riba almost always means no active virus.

your screening test is probably a 'false pos.'  

[eureka254]

Welcome to the forum.  Many people w/Hep C do NOT know how or when it was contracted -- you'll find in the end that it's really not important in the whole scheme of things.  And, don't panic -- it's quite possible that your antibodies fought off the infection on it's own (some 30-40% of exposed individuals spontaneously clear the infection by themselves).  The viral rna quantification will tell you whether you have an active infection or not.

If your rna turns out negative, congratulations are in order.  If not, and they do detect an active virus by rna, still no need to panic -- Hep C is, as my husband's nurse calls it, an "indolent disease" -- it's a slow progressing disease.  And it's good that your Ob/Gyn referred to you a GI -- if you indeed have active HCV, a GI or hepatologist is the specialist to see.  They will help guide you in the next steps if indeed you have HCV.
Best of luck.

~eureka