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...

[v eggie dip]

thank you for your response addi, it's much appreciated....

One of my fears about my age is I currently live in Canada (I am an American citzen, living here past 5 years).. I have pretty much severed all my ties, insurance, property, job, etc.  in the States and don't hold up a big amount of hope in the Canadian Health Care System, they suffer severe shortages in their system and in many cases I have experienced myself their "sub standard" care....I think and I sure hope I am wrong that they will "dismiss me" if I need treatment...I have been looking at some health programs available in the States that cover medical costs and I can't seem to find any....any suggestions?  I have family in TN and that was my last known address there....

[v eggie dip]

thank you all for your input...I have decided to go on my mini vaca and hopefully can put my fears away for a few days...I went to my family doctor today and he said I need to get a "confimation" of the first testing before I get a test that determines if I have a viral load, is this common practice?  Seems like to me he could of done all these tests in one shot but I know nothing of the blood work and lab procedures....At any rate, he said it would be another week before he gets the confirmation back, then next step will be to get how much virus is in me, (if the confirmation is positive)...that will most likely take another week, then he tells me because my ALT and ASL and Bilruben (not sure if I spelled that properly) are just slighjtly elevated that I probably don't need a biopsy...I am not sure I believe him, common sense tells me if I have damage I need to know how much, correct?  He said he will send me to a GI in Aug or Sept and not to worry....How the heck am I supposed to not worry...lol.........

I want to thank you all again for your kindness and knowledge, it is so good to have this resource and it is nice to have people who are going through it to ask quetions to...Sometimes I don't think the Docotors have all the answers...If you know what I mean........

[cuteus]

after my first antibody test, I went to my PCP who repeated it and did the PCR and genotype also. Your common sense is right, get a biopsy.
He sounds like the first GI I had, I dumped him.
Have a great vacation

[KICKED]

Can you please contact me via e-mail.  I will have some information for you that you might need.  My e-mail address is ***@****
Thanks

[addi]

dont worry to much about your age I am 62 and have had it for 40 years a deayed time bomb present from the Military.I am now  into my last 9 days of a years treatment of Pegasys.cleared at 12 weeks.
Probably one the worst year of my life but as long as you have good family support you will get through it.The worst aspect of it all was feeling very insane a lot of the time and that has'nt let up to this day,but there are drugs for that.ok

[scruffy]

"IF" you have a battle to fight it can wait till after vacation! frank