Untreated for 38 years and scared to death !

[v eggie dip]

I am 54 years old and last week was told I tested positive for Hep C antibodies.......I was not a drug user but did have a blood transfusion 38 years ago.......I am terrified !  I haven't slept, or been productive since...I have been doing research on the net and feel confident I have the virus but I am not able to get any answers about the time involved...My gut feel tells me it's pretty serious that I have had this for so long and it went un noticed and un treated...Can anyone tell me what their thoughts are on the level of the virus going this long without being treated and how long can a person live with this going untreated....

Any input would be much appreciated...

[rh123]

hello Im new to this site.I have hep c also,please go to this site ,it help me, Lloydwrighthepcfree.com may god blessyou

[hepcgetlost]

Hi there. I can only echo what everyone else has said. Your feelings are quite natural, and most of us have experienced the same thing when we first found out. I had hcv for 36 years before I treated. I knew that I had it for 13 years prior to beginning treatment. During those 13 years I weighed many factors, and for 12 of those years, treatment was not a good option (too many reasons to list here, but if you're really interested, I'll tell you) At some point my liver enzymes went up, I started feeling awful, and since I was in my 50's, I decided to go ahead--with my doctors' encouragement. Like Cuteus said, first get the pcr test so you can see if it's just antibodies or there is a viral load. If  you do have the virus, arm yourself with information, and this is one of the greatest places on the web for support, information and a lot of laughs with people who really understand what it is to go through all the phases of this process. If you do indeed have hep c, there are a lot of variables that should be considered before beginning treatment. Viral load, amount of liver damage (a biopsy is the only thing that will tell you that), your age, length of tiime you've had the virus, and many more. Your doctor will help you decide. Come back to this site often and ask any questions that are on your mind. We're all here for you. Judi :-)

[v eggie dip]

what made you decide to get treatment, if you don't mind me asking

[v eggie dip]

thank you for sharing your info with me, it helps to know I am not the only one here that is the age I am and just found out, thanks a lot :)

[cuteus]

I found out when I was 51, treated and now I am two yrs older. age is a big reason many decide to treat, your chances for SVR lower as you age and damage increases.

[sunspot]

v eggie dip.
I am 54 years old and have had the virus for 38 years. Odd with the same number, you and I. There is some anxiety at each stage of the testing and also while waiting for test results during treatment.
So far I am doing well. My genotype is 1b, viral load was 620,000 and the biopsy had minimum liver damage. At week 12 of treatment, the virus was undetectable.
Before tx, I had some joint and back pain, some liver pain and fatigue.
I also have used T3