Genotype

[Ampz]

Hello all,
I was told 7 weeks ago that I have hepatitis C. Since then I've had a biopsy and blood tests for genotyping.
Tuesday I went back to go over the results, and of course I was dreading the visit because I was expecting the worse.
What follows is apparently good news, but I'm still concerned and don't know how to take the results.
I was probably infected in 1970 or 1972. (tattoos & blood transfusion)

Liver Biopsy:
Chronic hepatitis compatible with hepatitis C etiology, Grade I, activity without fibrosis.

Microscopic Description:
Biopsy shows intact architecture with very mild portal inflammation. No active hepatocyte necrosis is seen. No increased fibrosis is identified. With adequate controls, iron stain shows no significant intracellular iron accumulation.

The Genotyping report:
Insufficient HCV RNA
Comment: Patient's specimen has INSUFFICIENT Hepatitis C Virus RNA to perform Genotyping. Genotyping can only be performed on samples with HCV RNA levels above 600 IU/mL. This assay should only be used for known HCV Positive patients.

My physician wants to repeat the blood tests in one year and the biopsy in three years. He told me not to drink alcohol and limit my red meat intake and no iron supplements.
He was also pretty excited and told me he usually doesn't give patients good news... I feel very fortunate at this point, but a bit perplexed and somewhat stunned.
Does anyone have anything to add to the list or any suggestions?
Thanks.
Ampz

[landfill]

One other thought.  My dr says he frequently asks a pathologist in infectious diseases to look at the specimen when things are contradictory.  Apparently there's room for interpretation and the pathologists can disagree even though they're both competant.  Whoever looked at yours said "very mild inflammation".  Maybe somebody else would call it normal.

[Ampz]

Landfill,
Thanks for your input. My previous blood test indicated a viral load of 40 IU/mL. I'm not sure why a genotyping was ordered when the test requires at least 600 IU/mL to get enough RNA. Maybe my doctor wasn't familiar with the Lab's requirements.
He also told me exactly what you said in your last two sentences,  that I may be clearing the virus without TX.
I will ask him about the more sensitive test anyway. Thanks for mentioning it.
Ampz

[landfill]

I think you need another blood test.  The inflammation in your liver suggests an active infection but the Quant test says you're below 600 IU/ml.  My understanding is that it's rare to have viremia with a count that low.  He may want to run the sensitive Qual test which detects 5 copies/ml.  If you're undetectable again maybe he should look for another cause of the hepatitis.  Fifteen percent of infected people get rid of the virus without intervention but they're positive for the antibody forever.  Maybe you're one of them.

[Ampz]

Thanks for the uplifting comments Joni. I did a lot of soul searching/re-evaluating of my life and began to appreciate all the little things that we normally tend to overlook during the day to day rush... all in the past seven weeks. Did some brooding as well... my pet Siberian Husky of 13 1/2 years passed away the week after I was told I had HCV, plus I drank probably 25 drinks a week or so and stopped that immediately. So I did feel a lot of emptiness too.
I was reading alot about the interferon/ribviron treatments and was fully expecting to start those this week after my doctor visit.
It's been a rough 7 weeks.
I appreciate your advice and compassion, thank you.
Ampz

[Revenire]

Great results -- enjoy them. It appears you have time on your side -- BIG TIME!

[jonihs]

Congratuations!!! Follow your Dr.s orders and good cheer. Personally I would find all I could about liver friendly diet and lifestyle, and as much as possible, be happy and enjoy life. And take nothing for granted. Smell the roses etc.    My best, Joni