How aggressive for results

[toomanynames]

68yrM just diagnoised for first time with HEPC. Caught through by a blood panel. Big surprise to both Dr. and myself. Took blood for A/B several days to wait for results. I self referred to GI and will ask for liver biopsy. My primary doc is GP. She seems low key abouit this. Am I being too reactionary about trying to get liver biopsy right after results from last blood panel?

[Advocate1955]

You will need to ask for an HIV test, just to make sure that you are not co-infected with that as well, as that places an extra burden on your liver.  You should also be vaccinated against Hep A and Hep B to prevent a future infection that would be hard for your liver.  After your GI does a PCR test to check to see if you have a viral load, then he/she will also do genotype testing, which will inform your treatment, if indeed you have Hep C.  If there is no viral load, then you do not have Hep C.  Depending upon the results of all of this, your GI may recommend a liver biopsy and an ultrasound of the liver.  It may be a good time to get a colonoscopy too, if you haven't had one for a while.  You GI may recommend that you make sure your weight is good for your height (good BMI), that you do not take iron in your multivitamin, and he/she may review your list of medications to make sure they are all liver friendly.  When you and your GI have more information, he/she will advise you as to next steps.
Advocate1955

[Idyllic]

I would self refer as well. So many GPs and others in the medical profession are poorly informed when it comes to HCV.
A Gastro can see the tests & labs you have had done and take it from there if necessary. Having the antibodies is a shock at first but so many people find out they do not in fact have the virus when they have the 2nd test.

The reason I phrased it like that is that I read this a few times and am I think I am missing where you said you had the PCR?

I see the positive A/B Comment but what where the results of your PCR?
I get ultimately wanting a biopsy but
Do you have a viral load?
What is your genotype.

[nightbeacon]

Please also ensure the test results really belong to you.  Had a friend who was told he was both HIV and HEP C positive and went through hell for a week before the doctor discovered it was someone else's results.  If you are truly surprised, you might have reason to be.

[toomanynames]

Thank you for all responding to my inquiry. It's actually for myself and Not mother. With information provided I am already feeling more in control then I did after the original test result.

One can never disregard the Power of Education and information.

Thank you

[kelli21]

I found out I had hep c in 2000 but didnt seek treatment till 2008, Had great doctors at cape canaveral hospital in florida. Took the pegasys shots the ribovarin, Refused a liver biopsy. Took the meds and beat it. I was so proud. 6 months, a year later, no sign of hep c { which u CAN get from snorting coke with dirty money} then I had a blood test done july 2012, and dr. says hep c showing up at 31.30, and now I have rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune diease where cells attack yur own body. What went w.rong? I'm wondering if the hep c meds created the autoimmune problem. Some drugs cant be mixed without wrecking havoc. I;m only 42. HOW did I get rheumatoid arthritis? FYI seraquel has dangerous long term side effects..i was prescibed this to help me sleep.

[HectorSF]

First make sure she is infected now by having a HCV RNA test as
hrsepwrguy said. She may have been exposed to the virus but her immune system cleared it. Ask the GI for the test. The GI will then know the proper steps in diagnoses and treatment.

Am I being too reactionary about trying to get liver biopsy right after results from last blood panel?
Getting a biopsy may or may not be appropriate. The GI needs to follow the proper steps to fully diagnose the issue and then if necessary, treat your mother. Trying to pretend to know more than a GI doctor is a bad policy. Making sure the GI is experienced in diagnosing and treating others successfully with hepatitis C, is your best use of energy and will help your mother most.

Secondly, your mother is in the age group of people that have the highest rate of hepatitis C in the US. 5x the infection rate as other Americans. That your primary doctor is unaware of this indicates his lack of knowledge of even the basics of hepatitis C and what is currently going on in public health. The GI should be the one you listen to regarding hepatitis C NOT your primary doctor from now on.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.cdc.gov/features/HepatitisCTesting/index.html

"Hepatitis C Testing for Anyone Born During 1945-1965: New CDC Recommendations"

If you were born during 1945-1965, talk to your doctor about getting tested for Hepatitis C. The only way to know if you have Hepatitis C is to get tested. Early detection can save lives.

What is the new Hepatitis C testing recommendation?
CDC is recommending that everyone born during 1945 through 1965, also known as baby boomers, get a blood test for Hepatitis C. This recommendation calls for one-time testing of baby boomers.

What should baby boomers know about Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a liver disease that results from infection with the Hepatitis C virus. For some people, the disease can cause serious health problems including liver damage, cirrhosis, and even death. Hepatitis C is a leading cause of liver cancer and the leading reason for liver transplants.

People with Hepatitis C:
* Often have no symptoms
* Can live for decades without feeling sick
* Can be successfully treated with medications

This Hepatitis C testing recommendation was made because:
There are high rates of Hepatitis C in people born during 1945-1965.
People born during 1945 through 1965 are 5 times more likely than other adults to be infected. In fact, 75% of adults with Hepatitis C were born in these years. The reasons why baby boomers have the highest rates of Hepatitis C are not completely understood.

Testing can help prevent deaths from Hepatitis C.

The numbers of people who will develop serious health problems and die from Hepatitis C are expected to rise rapidly in the coming years. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent liver damage, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. It is estimated that one-time testing of everyone born during 1945 through 1965 will prevent more than 120,000 deaths.

There is a lack of awareness.

Many people with Hepatitis C do not know that they have Hepatitis C. One-time testing of everyone born during 1945 through 1965 would find an estimated 800,000 undiagnosed Hepatitis C cases.

There have been recent advances in treatment.

Two new medicines are now available, that when added to the standard treatment can increase the effectiveness and shorten treatment time for many people. For many people with Hepatitis C, medical treatment can result in the virus no longer being detected in the blood. This is referred to as a sustained viral response or SVR.

Good luck to your mother!
Hector

[hrsepwrguy]

Have you been diagnosed by an HCV RNA by PCR test or been told your genotype and viral load or have you only had the HCV antibodies test ?

If you have only had the antibodies test then you need further diagnoses by the tests mentioned above.

Approx 20 to 25% of all people that are exposed to hep c will clear the virus through their own immune system but will always test positive for the antibodies so the PCR test is needed to confirm an active HCV infection