Newly Diagnosed

[Jessyroo]

I am newly diagnosed with Hepatitis C. I found out I had it by accident, after donating blood.

I was exposed about 3 years ago, when working as a nurse.

My genotype is Type 1, however the subtype could not be determined. (1a, 1b).

I had an ultrasound performed last week. The only abnormality found was an enlarged spleen. Liver size appeared within normal limits.

My viral load is only 10364.

My husband and I are worried.

Can anyone tell me what comes next?

We have been trying to conceive another child. I realize that this cannot occur if and when I begin treatment, but what about long term fertility problems?

No biopsy has been completed.

any information would be greatly appreciated.

[cuteus]

if you check the janis7hepc.com site, it explains many of the test results you had. if you search for cryoglobulinemia, you will learn what positive cryo could mean.
post on above posts for more responses.

[Kim in Cali]

Hey all, New to this and on my third shot tommorrow. Can anyone help me understand the tests?
My AST is 87
My ALT is 59
Lupus Antigen 1.1
Cryoglobulins +
Genotype 1A
liver biopsy 2/2 My Creatinine is .06, Total protein 8.6,Total iron binding 432.What does this mean.........???

[cuteus]

you might want to post your question in an "upper" thread, gl on your baby pursuit

[Doggie]

as far as pregnancy; it was recommended to me to have a baby first.  i am 37 and have had hep c for 15 years with normal levels.  i am going to conceive first as all treatments whether waiting 6 months or so can cause severe damage to the baby.

i am heading for my second biopsy; i had my first biopsy in 2000 which detected stage 0-1.  i am hopeful.  i too was in the medical field working as a phlebotimist.  i drank heavy all through my 20's and i am surprised at my liver condition to this day.  i am anxious to see what the second biopsy reads but whatever it is - i am going to try and have a baby.

if anyone knows of a ob-gyn in the bay area who specilizes with women with hep c - please post.

doggie

[MichaelT]

I haven't found any literature on the existence of any long-term fertility problems after treatment. If memory serves, the Ribavirin needs to be discontinued for a minimum of 6 months before attempting to become pregnant. The six months isn't a fertility issue, it because the Riba is teratogenic.

God bless!  -Michael

[Tallblonde]

Most women with HCV seem to have very little problem conceiving children (unless there are unrelated fertility issues involved).  There is one extrahepatic manifestation of HCV that can affect fertility, but it's very rare.  It's called antiphospholipid syndrome and it can be triggered by HCV.  Unless you've already had a series of unexplained miscarriages, you really don't need to worry too much about this.

Best wishes to you Jessy.  

Susan

[doll face]

I am saddened that you had to find our little family here, but on a good note... you couldn't have found a more helpful, caring bunch of people. I can't add much more than what Cuteus suggested about the janis7hepc site. There are a few here that I am sure will be along soon that have more knowledge about your particular situation with wanting to concieve another child first. From what you say, I would definately get a biopsy first before making any decisions on treating right away. You should have time on your side to continue your family first. You are young, female, and have a low viral load so that is all good signs.

I wish you all the best of luck and will be praying for you.

[cougareyes]

If you have had a previous hep test and are pretty sure of the time line; with your viral count and if you are not contributing to damaging your liver(like with alcohol)you've got plenty of time to make an informed decision. If you are concerned a biopsy will tell you the extent of liver damage if any. The only good thing is this disease does take a little time to do some real damage. For me its been 25 years and 25 years of heavy drinking.I hope you well

[chellski]

sorry about your situation. i,too am type 1 but had had virus for somewhere around 20yrs b4 being diagnosed and did not decide on starting on treatment until after a biopsy was done.
As scruff & cutee have said next step should be a biopsy.
good luck in your decision and your future family!
<3 chelle

[cuteus]

as scruffy mentioned, wait for the biopsy to decide if treatment is needed.
Maternal-fetal transmission is very low while infected with hep c, if you choose to go that way, maybe you can minimize invasive procedures like episiotomy, amnio, etc to prevent blood contact with the baby.
If you decide to treat first, bear in mind that it is a very long tx, 48 wks for G1 if you get a good log drop by wk 12 of tx.  There is a relapse rate of about 50%, which would mean re treating if neccessary.
go to this site: janis7hepc.com for good general information and FAQ.  Don't worry too much, hep c takes its time in damaging the liver in most people, although some of us experienced extrahepatic symptoms instead.
good luck in your decission

[scruffy]

I can't help much but I will say that the biopsy and degree of liver damage(if any)will be of the most help in determining whether you need to treat now or if you can wait. As for the other issues, I'll leave that for those with knowledge of it. Best to you, frank