How did you find out you had Hep C?

[jdwithhcv]

Rocker's thread about annual LFT testing got me wondering.  How did you learn that you had Hep C?

I was tested after my cancer surgeon noticed scarring on my liver when he reviewed my annual follow-up CT scans.  Later I learned that my PCP (former) had ignored elevated ALT and AST for more than 25 years.  By the time I was tested the liver damage was stage 2/3.  Good thing the surgeon ordered that test and asked questions or I would not have gotten tx!

jd

[moahunter]

A few people have heard my story - a bit different than most. After being held hostage in my house / involved in knife attack (random situation where police chased a guy who crashed outside my house), where I came into contact with my assailants blood, in the hospital, I asked about the possibility of Hep C or HIV. I was based line tested negative that very day.

One month later I started falling asleep at work. The doctor rang (I was on combivar in case of HIV, and my blood had just been tracked). My Alt was elevated. Within a week, my Alt was over 900, I was bedridden, and in a horrible condition. I tested positive on PCR for Hep C, and had got acute symptoms.

I know the exact date, and exactly who gave me, Hep C. Not many people like that I guess, just a few who got from needle stick injuries or similar. I am SVR - I'm a lucky one, I could be treated early thanks to early diagnosis, and all gone now.

[Rockerforlife]

what is a person is co-ifected with both B na C.,is there a forum for that?...what do you di then?

[annieCinMD]

This is from CDC site, at this address: http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/B/bFAQ.htm#prevention
What is the hepatitis B vaccine series?

The hepatitis B vaccine series is a sequence of shots that stimulate a person’s natural immune system to protect against HBV. After the vaccine is given, the body makes antibodies that protect a person against the virus. An antibody is a substance found in the blood that is produced in response to a virus invading the body. These antibodies are then stored in the body and will fight off the infection if a person is exposed to the hepatitis B virus in the future.

I think the vaccine is useless for those of us who had it.  The CDC site should be able to clarify any questions you have. I found it very helpful with my Hep C questions, too.

[Rockerforlife]

WOW...sorry for posting on the thread so much...but im learning  so this means ive had the hep B cleared it on my own...im lucky i dd as it tough to TX with both viruses...so i guess this means i dont need to vaccinated for hep B

[annieCinMD]

I'm pretty sure it means you had it. It would be pretty farfetched to be born with them. I believe the body produces them in response to the virus, so the virus would have to be in your body.  I'm not sure if Hep B can be asymptomatic, like C, but I sure knew I had it. I was really sick.

[Rockerforlife]

if i have hep B antibodies....does this mean i did have the hep B virus at one time?....what im asking is.....where the hell do the antibodies come from...are we born with them?