Thanks ldyllic. Im not sure if its acute. Just in case it is, so I wanted to know the importance of six months abstinence vs the early treatment.
My history: I suffered from jaundice back in 2011 and was tested for all types of hepatitis. My hep A (lgG) was positive so they treated me for that. For HCV it was an antibody test not PCR. Also they carried out ultrasound test of liver and said that it was little fatty liver.
After doubts of possible exposure (in November 2012), I had anti body test and subsequently PCR (both positive) in Jan/Feb this year. Genotype is yet to be done.
Your doctor will have to make the call on whether trying to catch the virus during acute phase outweighs the psych risks of giving IFN to someone who only has two months clean and sober. Neither you nor anyone on this board can make that judgement. Find a doctor you trust and do as says in this case.
Oh wow I should have reloaded my screen so I could see your other responses. I am not seeing much support for the how and why you might be Acute and not Chronic.
You were tested for HCV in 2011 and it was negative?
Was this the antibody or a PCR? When did you have the PCR that showed detected and a VL of 3,500,000? And you have fatty liver (??) What is your Genotype?
Knowing when you were exposed or the reason you believe you are in the Acute phase is very important so please post as much detail, the labs and results and time line as soon as possible.
There was an article in CCO (Clinical Care Options) about Management of Acute Hepatitis C Virus Infection (13 Jan 2013). I admit this is the first article I have read about Acute Hepatitis C
http://www.clinicaloptions.com/inPractice/Hepatology/Hepatology/ch8_Mgmt_of_Hep_C_Infection.aspx
It is rather lengthy and rather post the whole it says the identification of acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is complicated by the lack of symptoms during the acute phase. It addresses the factors that have been shown to be associated with spontaneous viral clearance symptoms, co infection with HIV, the role IL28 Genotype plays, optimal dose and duration of interferon or peginterferon monotherapy, treatment duration as a whole, when to initiate therapy and a few other things.
There is a chart that lists the AASLD & EASL Management Guidelines & recommendations regarding patients with acute hepatitis C
http://www.medhelp.org/user_photos/show/384314?personal_page_id=414409
Getting done all types of tests and biopsy here is too expensive (No health insurance). My viral load is 3,500,000 (medium level I beleive). ALT is slightly raised (might be because of fatty liver and drinking). Im really confused what to do. I have contolled my drinking problem and its more than two months I havn't touched it. Keeping in mind the impoetance of six months abstinence, all Im thinking about is, am I losing the opportunity of starting treatment within 20 weaks of exposure?
Getting done all types of tests and biopsy here is too expensive (No health insurance). My viral load is 3,500,000 (medium level I beleive). ALT is slightly raised (might be because of fatty liver and drinking). Im really confused what to do. I have contolled my drinking problem and its more than two months I havn't touched it. Keeping in mind the impoetance of six months abstinence, all Im thinking about is, am I losing the opportunity of starting treatment within 20 weaks of exposure?
Thanks for your repnse Hector, I had unprotected sex (multiple partners) in that period and I also got a minor cut at barber in november. I was last tested for HCV in mid 2011 and it was negative. Between mid 2011 and nov 2012 I was safe and nothing worth mentioning happened. So i concluded that it might still be in accute stage. I also have a fatty liver because of drinking. I want get rid of the virus asap. Should I wait for six months abstinence to complete or should I go for early treatment? Im motivated for treatment.
You have many years to wait for better hepatitis C treatments IF you were recently exposed to hepatitis C. Hepatitis C usually takes 20-40 years to cause irreversible liver damage.
How do you now you were recently exposed to hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a blood borne virus. Meaning that it is transmitted through blood. The most likely way to be exposed is through IV drug use or reused needles or contaminated blood may be used in the developing world.
Hepatitis C is NOT commonly transmitted through sexual practices.
If you are older and were possibly exposed to the virus years ago then it may be wise to treat your hepatitis C sometime soon, as determining how much liver damage you have by having a liver biopsy is very rare in the developing world.
Pakistan is said to have 14% of the population with hepatitis C so it is much more common than here in the US where the percentage is 1.8%.
Genotype 3 is the most common in Pakistan and is currently treated with peg-interferon and Ribavirin for 6 months.
Good luck to you!
Hector