Aa
Still confused
I am now 56 and at age 48 I tested positive for the Hep C Antigen and traced it back about 30 years prior. I was sent to a liver clinic and had extensive testing conducted then the day the biopsy was scheduled the Doctor cancelled it saying I showed no signs of the live virus ever being present. Also I had no evidence of liver damage. I had been on cholesterol medication for 8 years and never had any elevated enzyme level. Without a biopsy I'm not sure how he knew but he told me that about 15% of the people who get it when they are young and healthy never have the live virus manifest and that I should continue to monitor the liver enzymes which I have and check for the live virus annually which I have and they have all been negative. He also told me I would continue to test positive for Hep C the rest of my life. This was and has been great news but I can find no evidence of any similar diagnoses.
congratulations to you , as bill said ask for negative pcr test , but i am confused why did your doctor ask for these periodic tests , let us know what is his point of you .
I agree wholeheartedly with Trinity.
If you were infected with a childhood disease; say, measles? Even though you no longer have active measles, if tested, it’s likely you still carry measles antibodies. These are almost like a fingerprint the virus leaves on our immune system; our immune response can use these to identify the same virus later if it shows up.
Sometimes these antibodies provide protection against future infection; in the case of Hep C, they unfortunately don’t though. Antibodies protect against future infections with Hep A and B though.
If you are concerned, ask your doctor to show evidence of PCR testing; negative PCR results should be conclusive for lack of infection. If negative, no other actions should be required of you.
--Bill
If you were infected with a childhood disease; say, measles? Even though you no longer have active measles, if tested, it’s likely you still carry measles antibodies. These are almost like a fingerprint the virus leaves on our immune system; our immune response can use these to identify the same virus later if it shows up.
Sometimes these antibodies provide protection against future infection; in the case of Hep C, they unfortunately don’t though. Antibodies protect against future infections with Hep A and B though.
If you are concerned, ask your doctor to show evidence of PCR testing; negative PCR results should be conclusive for lack of infection. If negative, no other actions should be required of you.
--Bill
You will always test positive for antibodies. It's kind of like the trademark signature of many viruses in that you were infected with the hepc virus but your immune system fought if off. Antibodies pose no danger, they don't transmit the virus and they don't cause liver damage. You will not be able to donate blood because of the way the system is set up but that's no big deal. You have a healthy liver and are one of the fortunate ones to have spontaneously cleared.
Trinity
Trinity
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Hepatitis C Community
Learn about this treatable virus.
Getting tested for this viral infection.
3 key steps to getting on treatment.
4 steps to getting on therapy.
What you need to know about Hep C drugs.
How the drugs might affect you.
These tips may up your chances of a cure.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
