Aa
RNA test
Hello, writing you from Europe, Grand duchy of Luxembourg.
I have been positive for hepatitis C antobodies with result 1,1 and then 1,3. Then there was RNA test done 4 time and all of them said "negative" and with result of 50 Ul/ml. Then, in september this year I gave borth to baby and doctors forbid me to breastfeed my baby, saying that I have infection of hepatitic and I may pass it on to my child. It caused lots of distress and deepend postpartum depression. Anyway, baby is bottle fed. What is you opinio about brestfeeding and hepaititc C positive for antibodies, but negative for RNA test?
Should I start treatement with interferon??!
Thank you
Diana
I have been positive for hepatitis C antobodies with result 1,1 and then 1,3. Then there was RNA test done 4 time and all of them said "negative" and with result of 50 Ul/ml. Then, in september this year I gave borth to baby and doctors forbid me to breastfeed my baby, saying that I have infection of hepatitic and I may pass it on to my child. It caused lots of distress and deepend postpartum depression. Anyway, baby is bottle fed. What is you opinio about brestfeeding and hepaititc C positive for antibodies, but negative for RNA test?
Should I start treatement with interferon??!
Thank you
Diana
What I found out when I had twins was that the risk is in childbirth, not breastfeeding. There is no virus in breastmilk (although there are antibodies, which is fine). I nursed my twins for 2 and a half years and they are both negative. Another thing I found out was that if they do get it from childbirth (5-7% risk), if you breastfeed their immune system will work better, increasing their chances of clearing the virus themselves.
The first OB I went to when I was pregnant said that I could not breastfeed, I SOBBED the whole way home that apt. At my next apt. with him he asked if he could test me for hiv. I said that I had already been tested for it multiple times and I hadn't engaged in any high risk behavior for years. He asked me if I had been to a wedding recently. I said "no, why". He said (this is a true story) everyone kisses each other at weddings and if someone had a cut on their mouth....
There was a student in the room at the time and I remember exchanging the most incredulous look with her. After that apt I decided not to trust that guys opinion on HCV and breastfeeding if he thinks kissing people at a wedding is high risk behavior for HIV.
So I changed OB's. She said that breastfeeding wasn't a risk, not only that but she really wanted me to breastfeed. I also did alot of research online.
My heart goes out to you, it would have killed me not to be able to nurse my babies.
The first OB I went to when I was pregnant said that I could not breastfeed, I SOBBED the whole way home that apt. At my next apt. with him he asked if he could test me for hiv. I said that I had already been tested for it multiple times and I hadn't engaged in any high risk behavior for years. He asked me if I had been to a wedding recently. I said "no, why". He said (this is a true story) everyone kisses each other at weddings and if someone had a cut on their mouth....
There was a student in the room at the time and I remember exchanging the most incredulous look with her. After that apt I decided not to trust that guys opinion on HCV and breastfeeding if he thinks kissing people at a wedding is high risk behavior for HIV.
So I changed OB's. She said that breastfeeding wasn't a risk, not only that but she really wanted me to breastfeed. I also did alot of research online.
My heart goes out to you, it would have killed me not to be able to nurse my babies.
From what you relate, I don't understand why your doctors will not allow you to breast feed your baby. If you RNA negative four times after the antibody testing, then it does not appear you have Hepatitis C. That's because many people carry the antibodies who have cleared the virus naturally. These people do not need interferon treatment or any kind of treatment because they do not have Hepatitis C. You appear to be one of these lucky people.
Most of us here are not doctors, just patients. My suggestion would be to get copies of all your tests results and and see a liver specialist to confirm what your actual Hepatitis C status is. Liver specialists are called "Hepatologists" and they are far more knowledgeable than your average doctor in what these tests mean. Again, it apears that you have nothing to worry about and should be able to breast feed if you want. But again, do confirm with a liver specialist.
-- Jim
Most of us here are not doctors, just patients. My suggestion would be to get copies of all your tests results and and see a liver specialist to confirm what your actual Hepatitis C status is. Liver specialists are called "Hepatologists" and they are far more knowledgeable than your average doctor in what these tests mean. Again, it apears that you have nothing to worry about and should be able to breast feed if you want. But again, do confirm with a liver specialist.
-- Jim
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Hepatitis C Community
Learn about this treatable virus.
Getting tested for this viral infection.
3 key steps to getting on treatment.
4 steps to getting on therapy.
What you need to know about Hep C drugs.
How the drugs might affect you.
These tips may up your chances of a cure.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
