Is this a normal Hepatitis C evaluation?

[peachy72]

I had a Hepatitis C Consultation and Evaluation yesterday, and I'm uncomfortable about the Dr.  

He made a statement about my Breat Augmentation surgery and then asked if I had any lumps in my breast while touching one breast under my shirt but above my bra.  I told him I didn't have any lumps but then he "examined" the other one.  I kind of left feeling like he was basically feeling me up!!  Why would a gastro think he needs to give me a breast exam when 1) I just had one recently and 2) that's not what the consultation was for?  

Is this a "normal" procedure for Hep C consultation?  He's going to do my liver biopsy and I'm afraid he's going to molest me while I'm under the gas!!

He also told me some numbers for my test results, and I'm not sure how bad my results are.  He told me 1 number was supposed to be 20 and mine was over 100.  The other number was supposed to be 40 and mine was over 200.  

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[pitter]

you brought back memories for me that I will share because it may be helpful!!!
I went to the ER once when I was about 24 for abdominal pain...I was avery naive 24...well, I was waiting for a long time and started to feel much better...the doc that saw me said he had to do a internal exam...I said no that's okay I will go to my own doc on Mon. It was Sat. He got kind of angry and insisted I have an internal (vaginal) exam.. i was nervous to say no to him, so I let him...I left there feeling molested!!! I looked back and I can see now what he did...he manipulated me into letting him have a look see...UGH!!!! it still makes me angry to this day!!!!!
don't let him do that to you!!!!
Pitter

[scratchinghead]

That *******! Here let me see if I can feel anything.

No, I'm not being serious, sorry.

[pitter]

if you can't get another doctor (which I would do if I were you) I would straight out tell him - that
"IF YOU TOUCH MY BREASTS AGAIN, I FIRST WILL KICK YOU IN THE NUTS, AND THEN I WILL REPORT YOU''

[sfwandwow]

sounds like he has a fetish of the breast.. that is NOT NORMAL.. REPORT HIM

[dointime]

The treatment for hepC takes either 24 or 48 weeks, therefore you enter into a Long Term Relationship with your doc.  As far as communication goes I would say that this relationship is dead in the water.  Both halves of the relationship need to be clear about what they are engaged in and what they are trying to achieve.  This doc has left you completely bewildered and mistrustful, and that's not ok at all.  

Find somebody who makes sure that you understand what is going on and that you are ok with it.

dointime
  

[mar148]

My doctor did an exam for symptom and signs of liver disease and anything else (endoscopy/colonscopy) he referred to another doctor.  No breast exam was involved.  I would look for another doctor also, my opinion.

[Xenigma]

Run the other way!!
That is absolutly not the norm for an exam by a hepatologist.
It is normal for an OB/GYN though as Charm said.

You must be comfortable with your doc, after all he will be tx'ing you.
You already don't feel comfortable with him and with good reason.

I would get myself to another doc (hepatologist)
and I would also report that one.  That is just out of line!!
enigma

[drew1985]

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He's going to do my liver biopsy and I'm afraid he's going to molest me while I'm under the gas!!
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They won't put you under during your biopsy (not to scare you). I just had mine done last month and it was pretty painless. There was about 4 people in the room in my case so I'm sure there is going to be at least one extra person in the room with you.

Have you had a PCR RNA test to see if the virus was actually present in your body? Or did you just test positive for the antibodies?

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He also told me some numbers for my test results, and I'm not sure how bad my results are.  He told me 1 number was supposed to be 20 and mine was over 100.  The other number was supposed to be 40 and mine was over 200.
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This sounds like your liver enzyme levels (AST/ALT levels). My levels were around the same range as your levels when I was diagnosed in January.

I was seeing a gastro doctor but recently switched over to a hepatologist at a local University Hospital. You should ask your gastro if he's did a PCR RNA test - you need to check out if the virus is present and how much. Then you need to find out your genotype. It's your choice to get the biopsy done - it's just to show you how much damage the virus has caused your liver (if any at all).

I was going to have this treated by my gastro but the fine people from this forum advised me to go see an actual hepatologist which is a very good move in my opinion.

Best wishes,
Drew

[charm27]

I would get to a hepatoogist for an evaluation. THe only doc that would do that in my opinion and experience is a gyno and or breast doc.

I would have asked more questions and I would seek another doc that not normal in my book.

good luck.