A new question

[Cati6725]

This is a question I haven't seen.   My Doctor ran a hep c test without my approval or knowledge.  I have chronic pain from a bad injury many years ago, so he runs a comprehensive blood panel once a year(all normal).  Other than that I'm completely healthy. Eat right, good weight, exercise.  I've never done any I've drugs, no transfusions, (although, many surgeries.  I don't know if I had any transfusions.  I was very young.)). I don't drink and never participated in any wild child activity.  I do/did go to nail salons. The hep c diagnosis was a shock!   I'm in my 50's and I have refused any common tests for diseases like breast or colon cancer.  I know this sounds stupid but I do have good reasons.  I wanted to live whatever time I have here on earth in ignorant bliss and with my health decent (as long as God allows).  (Treatment sounds horrible) . I feel violated (this is the 3rd time a Doctor has harmed me for life).   I now have an axe hanging over my head that under no circumstance should be there.  I'm extremely angry.  Question is "do you think this is medical malpractice?".  I don't want money I just want him to understand the stress he put over me for the rest of my life.  I want him to feel some of the hurt so, he thinks before he ever does such a thing again.  Also, has anyone wondered why suddenly the push to get baby boomers tested?  Seems odd a miracle drug that cost a whopping 84k for the treatment just came out. What would you do?

[Dee1956]

Hi, you can ask Emily_MHModerator to delete this

In case I typed it wrong you can go here to ask.

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Improve-MedHelp-Suggestions/show/110

I understand the shock and the horror, the "what did I do to get this?" denial, anger, etc.

There are many kind caring people here would be more than happy to reach out to help you.
If you have no damage you don't have to do anything right now.  Other than educate yourself as to how it can be transmitted; with no damage you can wait..
Wishing you the best
Dee

[Livelife777]

This is a tuff question and I do see both sides of the story.    I had breast cancer at the age of 42, caught it early, and now cancer free.   Was never tested to see if I have the genetic mutation.    My daughter in her 20s, doesn't know if she may, or may not, have the gene.   If I do and she does double masectomy is her only option.  With masectomy you do not get a green card as the cancer can still comeback on the chest wall.  Even if the gene is present, it doesn't mean she will get  breast cancer, but her odds are greater.   She has decided not to get tested, as she feels it will impact her QOL, and instead be diligent in screening, and doing monthly self exams.   My daughter is an engineer and weighed the options heavily.   Know this is not the same situation, but understand where this poster is coming from.    With hep c I think it is of betterment to know, but her doctor should have asked permission to do so.    This virus can affect others since it can be transmitted unknowingly.  When I recently received the hep c diagnosis, it was beyond shocking.    Therefore understand why Cati6725 is upset, and hope in time that although scared its best to be informed.             ...Kim

[Cati6725]

Is there a way to remove post and/or my account?  I shouldn't have posted.  

[AWorriedMom]

You should be thanking your doctor, not accusing him of doing something wrong. Hiding your head in the sand does not help you or anyone who comes in contact with you. Treatment in today's world is easy, short, and successful. Dying from Hep C is ugly, painful and a slow journey through h*ll. To risk that because of denial and fear is quite foolish. And even if you don't treat, there are things you can do to help keep your liver healthy for a longer period of time. The reason you state for not taking the tests are not for good reason. They are foolhardy.

[Willy50]

" I have chronic pain from a bad injury many years ago, so he runs a comprehensive blood panel once a year (all normal)."
====================

Perhaps the new "normal" is adding HCV screening into the comprehensive tests.

Sorry, but it is better to know than not know, nor do I believe you have been harmed.

OTOH..... if he was supposed to do tests, and didn't screen for HCV, it turned out that you had it you might be suing him for damages for not doing what he is supposed to do.
See my point?

This virus gets to many people, no matter whether they avoid alcohol, eat right, etc. No damage for the past period of years does not mean none in the future.

I think your real issue isn't worrying about whether the DR did you wrong, but rather what you want to do with the infection, now that you know. It is a shock, it is new stress, but the new therapies are so great compared to the past treatments, and there will be newer, better, shorter yet to come.

Willy

[hrsepwrguy]

"Also, has anyone wondered why suddenly the push to get baby boomers tested?"

The CDC started recommending testing for all baby boomers in 2012

In August 2012, CDC published Recommendations for the Identification of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection Among Persons Born During 1945–1965 (MMWR 2012;61(RR04);1-18).

Person who should be tested once for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection without prior ascertainment of HCV risk factors include:

    Adults born during 1945 through 1965

http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/HCV/GuidelinesC.htm