Scared!

[kiekiekitty]

I just found out I had hepatitis c. I was recently called about it after getting tested. They want me to come in tomorrow to talk to them about it. I don't know how bad it is or how bad it could be. When I asked how bad it was they just told me they'd talk to me when I came in. Am I gonna be okay? Am I going to die? I'm scared out of my mind and I don't wanna die. I keep reading up on it, but it's not helping. I don't know what genome I am or if I"m gonna need immediate treatment. No one has told me yet. I'm only 20 years old and this is a huge shock to me. I haven't even told my parents yet. What are the possbilities? Can somebody ease my mind? I know people can live a long time with it. Is it possible I have cirrhosis already? I just don't know where to begin. Somebody please help me ]:

[LN55]

I also agree. With my primary doc it was the other end of the spectrum with my diagnosis. Because of my low viral load he told me that he didn't think I had anything to worry about and probably wouldn't need to treat at all. This could have given me a false sense of confidence had I not researched HCV already. But he is a good doc and readily admitted that it could only be determined by a liver specialist and promptly started the referral process. The awareness and education goes a long way with everyone involved. Knowledge eases the anxiety.

[cheflady]

hi welcome to the forum please try not to fret everybody is scared and upset when they first find out, take a deep breath in, slow down and take one step at a time. Please make sure you keep your appointments that is so important then keep us posted and we can try and support you through it all you are very young and will be strong take care and keep us posted. Remember you are not alone xx

[ImOkay]

"Many Primary Care Physicians dont know as much about this disease, as they should, which is why going to a Doctor who specializes in Treating people with Hep C is also important."

I couldn't agree with you more! My primary care freaked me out so badly. She was almost in tears when we were discussing it which in turn freaked me out even more than I already was. She was apologizing to me and couldn't understand how something so awful could have happened... and basically acting like I was going to die. (Looking back the whole dramatics of it was just ridiculous). I'm now 1/2 way through treatment and know I am not going to die :) (4 & 8 week blood tests have come back undetected, go tomorrow for 12 week test).I wish people in general were better educated about this disease but especially health care professionals.

I saw an old ad online a few months ago that said "If Hep C was attacking your face instead of your liver, you'd do something about it". It's a little intense but I loved it cause it brings attention to it and it could save lives.
Here's the link to the ad: http://www.natap.org/2005/HCV/072905_01.htm

[BoceprevirGal]

  No, you're not gonna die. Just stay calm, and keep all your appts., becuz this is a serious medical problem, that needs to be dealt with in an organized fashion.
   Many Primary Care Physicians dont know as much about this disease, as they should, which is why going to a Doctor who specializes in Treating people with Hep C is also important.
  

[crossroadsec]

You are young and that helps. There are so many options that others above have described. You're going to work through this and beat it..
xo Karen:)

[Advocate1955]

Oops, pushed post too quick. Follow up tomorrow and follow up w additional testing. Get vaccinated for Hep A and Hep B, and get tested for HIV too as these can put additional burden on your liver. No alcohol or drugs.
Advocate1955

[Advocate1955]

It's upsetting for everyone when they first get this news. The lucky thing is that you are finding out early. Most people don't find out until they're in their 50's or so. As mentioned above, you may have only tested positive for antibodies, which means you may have been exposed, but your body may have fought the virus off. The next step is for your doc to do another blood test called a PCR to find out if you actually have the virus or mood. If you do, they will then do testing to find out your genotype and then discuss possible treatments. There is no emergency and nothing urgent needs to be done. Just folloew up tomorrow

[dontworry_behappy1]

Go to your appointment.  Your not dying.  Sure it's possible you can have cirrhosis but most likely you don't.  Your very young with many options depending on the condition of your liver.   Just remember that you may have only tested positive for the antibody test and will have to get a viral load test to confirm you do have hep C.  20 % clear the virus on their own so you need to get the vial load test to see if your one of the 20%.   Take a deep breath and go to the doctors appointment. Get the tests you need and come back
and tell us how it went.  There are many well informed people on this forum.
They will help you through this.

Welcome to the forum.