Hep C.

[Crackers55]

I have been reading and researching all about hep c, so much to learn as much as I can. I am looking for some answers, if possible? I have been none active seen 2002 , had a miscarriage in 1972, lost loads of blood, and had to have a blood transfused at that time,  And Never done drugs are anything else. Now in 2012 I have tested REACTIVE 24.90 H.  I have never been treated for this at all. And I know it might sound a little stupid, but I am worried about the testing and the effects, and would a person have hair loss for some of the treatments. Just trying to get my self ready for what might  happen?  And have positive out look.  Another question is : I am 57 yrs old women, and already on disability , but could I quality for more with this problem, post- interferon) I live on a fix income anyway?

[Dawn703]

Idyllic is correct about 20% of people infected with HCV clear the virus on there own, in your case, even with the number you posted, there is still a small chance it was a false positive. If I am incorrect someone will surely correct me. In either case, she is right, don't fret until the PCR results are in. I should have pointed this out in my previous reply.

[Idyllic]

Ahoy. I just re-read this and I meant some of us are * never* 100% certain how we contracted the virus.

I encourage you to have the PCR. So many people come on here who distressed and worried they tested positive or reactive for the antibody - only to later find out the do not have the actual virus itself. Not saying this is the case with you but you never know for sure until you have the PCR.
Best of luck to you♫

[Crackers55]

Thanks for all the important informations and for a fast respone.l

[Crackers55]

I want to thank you very much for All the information, I have an specitlity Dr. apointment this Thurs. and will go from there, I will research out everthing , and find out all that I can . You have been so much help.

[Dawn703]

Oh yeah, not too sure about the disability thing. I'm sure others here do know though.

[Dawn703]

First, welcome to the forum, you are def in the right place, you will find a wealth of info here. The initial testing is really no big deal, just blood tests. Your Dr (hopefully a GI experienced in treating HCV or a hepatologist) will order a PCR to determine your genotype/subgenotype and viral load, your genotype will determine your treatment regime. Some Dr.s also want to know your IL-28 to determine your potential response to treatment. Your Dr will also likely order a CBC, a comprehensive metabolic panel, and probably a lipid panel. Eventually your Dr will want to determine the condition of your liver with either a liver biopsy (most accurate) or a fibrasure test (non-invasive, but less accurate). If you're liver damage is not too bad you may be able to wait to treat, there are newer drugs that are suppose to be coming out within the next few years. There are also clinical trials you may check into. However, if you have/want to treat sooner than later and are not going to look into trials, treatment depends on your genotype. If you are genotype 1, you will treat with pegasys (a shot once a week), rivavirin (pills), and a protease inhibitor (incivek or victrelis), also pills. If you are genotype 2 or 3 you will treat with pegasys and ribavirin alone. You don't mention what health problems you have that cause you to be on disability, but that def has to be discussed with your Dr before any treatment is started. Do alot of research on your own before going to see your Dr. You will find you need to be your own advocate, and education is the key to that. Side effects (sx) are wildly different from one person to another. You mentioned hair loss; it is a side effect, but not everyone looses their hair and the amount of hair loss differs as well. Other side effects will again depend on treatment. For peg and riba, there may be emotional/psych issues, brain fog, insomnia, nausea, hair loss, some skin issues, hemolytic anemia, low white blood cells, fatigue, a few hours after your shot you may experience some flu-like symptoms, there are a few other potential sx, and others will chime in. If your are adding in the protease inhibitor, they come with their own set of potential sx. Again people react different to treatment, sx seem to come and go and change as well as severity can differ. There are solutions to many of the sx.  During treatment your Dr will monitor your blood with a CBC often. Once you discuss treatment with your Dr and you do decide on treatment, questions you should ask:

Is he/she experienced in treating HCV (trust me very important)
How often will Dr monitor blood
Stance on rescue drugs for anemia/neutropenia
Stance on treating sx, you want to make sure Dr will be aggressive with this
Others will recommend other questions I'm sure.
Also if need be, most of the drug companies offer help with treatment expenses.
Good luck to you and keep us posted and keep looking around here. Here are some web sites that may be useful.

http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/index.htm

http://www.hcvadvocate.org/

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs164/en/index.html

http://www.pegasys.com/patient/index.html

https://www.incivek.com/

http://www.victrelis.com/boceprevir/victrelis/consumer/hepatitis-c-treatment.jsp