Odds of contracting HCV from transfusion in 1991

[2johndeereboys]

Hi.....had blood drawn today.....checking for HBV & HCV. I am seeing  a Rheumatologist. I am also being tested for Sjogren's Syndrome. My SS/A & SS/B (which are specific markers for Sjogren's) came back negative. My Rheumatoid Factor came back Positive but on the low side.

My Rheumy said that it is common in people with liver problems to have a slightly elevated RF. So he ordered HBSAG & HCAB blood tests. I have done some research on both HBV & HCV.......and the only criteria that I meet is that I had a blood transfusion back in October of 1991 (received 3 units).

As far as symptoms......I am suffering from fatigue, loss of appetite, joint pain & muscle pain. The joint pain &
muscle pain I have had off & on for a while. But it's nothing that I couldn't handle. Up until the last 2 weeks. I got a pedicure yesterday (first one of the season) and when it came time for the leg massage, it was so uncomfortable because my muscles were so sore.

Anyway, just wondering what y'all think my odds are of me having HCV after having that transfusion 25 years go. And does it mean anything that I have been symptom free for so long?

That's all I can think of for now. I'd really appreciate ANY insight into this. I am clueless and a tiny bit concerned about the HCV.
Thanks so much in advance if anyone replies!

Lisa

[pooh55811]

Do you have any other symptoms, such as dry mouth, dry or irritated eyes, vaginal dryness, difficulty swallowing (eating dry crackers), dry skin, burning or pins and needles in your feet/toes, sweating issues, sun sensitivity, rash, etc. These and other symptoms can be symptoms of Sjogrens.

Just for the record, the SS-A and/or SS-B can be negative in up to 50% of people who have Sjogren's. So, just because you have negative SS-A and SS-B does not mean you do not have Sjogren's. A lip biopsy (minor salivary gland biopsy) can be done to confirm Sjogren's.

There actually are no specific blood tests for specific Autoimmune Diseases. The tests can help corroborate the symptoms to come up with a diagnosis, but no one blood test will state definitely that a person has a specific Autoimmune Disease.

Your Rheumatologist should test you for all of the various markers that can be positive in various Autoimmune Diseases. You could have another Autoimmune Disease instead of Sjogren's. I had about 40 tubes drawn after my first Rheumatologist visit. She checked for everything because she knew something was wrong and she wanted to find it. Be sure you have a Vitamin D level checked. Most people are Vit D deficient and Vit D deficiency can cause a lot of symptoms. Also have your thyroid checked because thyroid problems can also cause many symptoms and problems.

Hope you find the cause of your symptoms so you can get treatment. Best of luck.

[2johndeereboys]

Thanks for your reply.....I am actually in the process of being tested for SJS. My RF came back positive but my SS/A & SS/B markers came back negative. So I will be having the lip biopsy soon.

I have also been DX'd as Vit D deficient already. My level came back at 14 at the end of Feb this year. I am on 50,000 IU once a week and 1,000 IU daily. I have had trouble keeping my Vit D level within normal ranges for the last 3 years.

Thanks so much again! =)
Lisa

[2johndeereboys]

Thank you so much!!! =)

[SurfsideGal]

Ciongratulations!

[SurfsideGal]

Well, the good thing Lisa is that if the symptoms are from HCV, there is now a cure. Hope you get your answers real soon.

[2johndeereboys]

Thanks so much.....waiting is the hardest part!!

[2johndeereboys]

my lab results posted to my patient portal.....and they both came back.....NOT DETECTED!!!!!! I am soooooo relieved!!!  =)

[pitter]

congratulations!

[SurfsideGal]

It is possible that your symptoms are from HCV due to a blood transfusion in October of 1991. The blood supply was deemed safer after June of 1992. I don't know how much of a risk this would be as your symptoms can be from any of the connective tissue diseases. I hope you get to the bottom of this and you start to feel better real soon.

[2johndeereboys]

Thanks so much for your reply!! If I have contracted HCV from that transfusion it will be the second time that transfusion has come back to bite me!!

You are so right about my symptoms. I am hoping for the best but trying to prepare for the worst!!

Thanks again!!
Lisa