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1689965 tn?1320757148

PCR/ PCP update with a hint of denial

Well I had a wonderful visit with my new PCP. After telling him about the positive antibody tests from Red Cross and the secondary test, he immediately recommended a PCR to determine my viral load. He even went on to say that if I was not willing to see a specialist that he would not be able to manage my care as a PCP. OMG I so love this guy! He is a young doctor so I am thinking that that possibly that is the reason that he is humble enough to acknowledge that he cannot treat all diseases.
However, a new feeling came over me once I had that order in my hand. I was tempted not to have the test done. I am thinking that this is part of my denial of the true diagnosis. If the diagnosis is not completely defined, then I can deny that it actually exists. An idiotic train of thought but I can not quite shake it.
I have only shared this possible diagnosis with a select few people. And of course my children do not know. And none of them have tested positive! Yay!!!!
Is this state of denial normal? I am so depressed that I   dread leaving my bedroom and I’m afraid that it will soon begin to affect my family in a very negative way. Any advice on how I can shake this? Yes I am already on antidepressants.
25 Responses
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Avatar universal
Big congrats.......good thing you hung in there and got that PCR...you would have gone an unknown amount of time thinking you have HCV.  Fabulous news and all the best to you!

Trish
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal


      If your screening test was a 'weak pos' there is a chance it is a false pos.

      Weak pos is defined as a signal of <3 on the screening test.  If that is your

       situation, ask for the 'Riba' confirmatory antibody test.  This is VERY SPECIFIC

   for Hcv antibody.  If the Riba is neg, then you never were exposed to hcv.

   The screening test, which is VERY SENSITIVE, can sometimes cross react with

  antibodies other than Hcv and give a 'false pos' signal.

    I mention this only because not many are able to clear Hcv without treatment.

   maybe you were one of the lucky few.  I believe it is more likely that your

   screening test is a false pos and your Riba will be neg.  

   Just a suggestion.
  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
One of two reasons for your positive antibodies....either a false positive or you were exposed to the virus at  one time and your own immune system cleared it(that happens in 15 -25%% of cases) Either way you  are good to go....Enjoy !

Will
Helpful - 0
1732853 tn?1366758928
Congratulations!!
Helpful - 0
1689965 tn?1320757148
So that's it? Sweet! But y did I come up pos
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal

         With a neg Pcr, you are virus free.  Not many clear this without treatment.

What was your exposure 10 years ago?   If i were you,  I would ask for the 'Riba'

antibody test.  There is a chance you are neg for Hcv antibody as well as negative

for Hep c virus.  Riba is VERY specific for Hcv antibody.  the screening test is VERY

sensitive for all antibodies and can give a false pos result.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
belle.....I don"t believe infojunkie nedds a trial :) Good luck  in yours tho ..you are beating it down.

infojunkie....well there you go !!  Congrats!  Enjoy !

Will
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Nothing sweeter than hearing that! Congratulations!
Helpful - 0
1652596 tn?1342011626
i was and am still in denial about having hcv.  however, i went ahead and got into clinical trial ( i have no insurance).  it's the best i could have done for myself.  after one week i went from a viral load of 748,000 to 10,300.  i'm positively happy as could be right now.  i see a light flickering at the end of my long journey.  hopefully i'm in group 1 and could be done with tx by week 24.

hang in there and try to stay positive.  it helps!!

belle
Helpful - 0
1658980 tn?1330711550
Woohoo!  Congratulations!
Helpful - 0
96938 tn?1189799858
That is good news.  You don't have HCV.
Helpful - 0
1689965 tn?1320757148
Undetectable viral load!!! I'm assuming that is good news
Helpful - 0
96938 tn?1189799858
Get a copy.  If he gives results over the phone, pay attention carefully and write what he says.  Some docs who are not close to HCV testing seem to get confused with the results of a PCR.
Helpful - 0
1689965 tn?1320757148
Results are in but waiting for the doc to call back!!! Ahhhh
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Two great steps in the right direction - a new PCP who sounds MUCH better than your other one and facing your reality head on.  Denial doesn't change or stop what's going on inside of you but it could kill you, to be blunt.  Glad you found the courage to get the test done.  Try  not to worry, it won't change the results.  Just tell yourself you'll deal with whatever comes.  Hang in there.

Trish
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
When I went in to have mine I cried my eyes out the whole time they were drawing blood, they were so very sweet and gave me hugs and tried to perk me up. It is so very hard to deal with.
Helpful - 0
1689965 tn?1320757148
Thank you everyone. I knew I could find encouraging words here:) the lab tech said 3-4 days because it needs to be sent out. If the medical world works like the business world that means Monday or Tuesday of next week. Since I believe I've had HCV for about 10 years and my liver fx is normal I'm very curious as to the results. And worried as well ..... So where is the corner that I cry into?
Helpful - 0
1477908 tn?1349567710
You're not alone. I don't think there is such a thing as a stress-free PCR - before, during or after tx. Nope. But what it does give you is valuable information about your health and whether or not it will be a "player" in your future. Knowledge is empowering.

Hope you get your results back quickly - the wait was always the hardest for me.
Hang in there, Pam
Helpful - 0
1658980 tn?1330711550
Knowledge is power. Good luck no matter the results.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi,
I think denial is normal and possibly the way many would respond if given the same news. You need more info though infojunkie99. You need to know for sure that you have it and if so consider additional testing. Then you can make an informed decision about treating it or not. If it is there and you decide not to deal with it or treat it then that is your decision to make. What you don't want is to do is wind up with some of the very serious things that can happen if it is there and further along than you know. In this case, what you don't know can hurt you. Even if you do have it it may be something that can wait, or just needs to be watched. I am proud of you for getting the labs. This is a lot to deal with. I am glad you are on ADs. Hang in there. Take care and keep posting.
G
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'm right there with you.

after my pcr done at the hospital I never went to get the results

eventually the ID doc consulting on the case finally mailed me a copy (certified).

but the sooner you face it, the sooner you can come to terms

and the sooner you get treated

and more importantly the sooner you can get on with your life.

ultimately, you are much better off knowing than not

and better sooner than later

best luck,

ray.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
ditto   his 3707 .. ...... good for you.!

Helpful - 0
789911 tn?1368636783
facing your fear was a big step in taking action for a long healthful life ahead!  way to go!
Helpful - 0
1689965 tn?1320757148
I did have it done today. And I walked out of the lab in tears
Helpful - 0
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