confused

[blonde40]

I just found out I have hepc genotype 1 and that I need treatments for 48 wks how will this effect my job can they fire me sorry to sound dumb I just don't have a clue and we cut ourselves accidently a lot on our machines just worried.

[JimmyMose]

Wish you the best.
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http://www.hepatitisc.uw.edu/

Hepatitis C Online is a free educational, web-based service that functions as a comprehensive resource for diagnosing, monitoring and managing the Hepatitis C virus infection.

The service is produced at the University of Washington, through a partnership with the International Antiviral Society-USA, and funded by a grant from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
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My suggestion is to browsing this site. It can be quite technical and is primarily for HCV health care providers. Can also be very helpful for those with HCV who are able to read at a good level. To at least get some general ideas so you will be better prepared when your provider ask you if you have any questions.      

If your having any trouble understanding a particular topic or item please feel free to post a question.  
      
For those who have been diagnosed with chronic HCV
Select core concepts
If you could read these and list any known basic test results, Stage and grade of Liver Fibrosis, symptoms,  coexisting conditions, any cirrhosis complications if any.  That may help some of us to offer a better personal opinion.  
  
1-3 Hepatitis C Diagnostic Testing (including Linkage to Care sub topic)
These initial preliminary tests that can be obtained with a blood draw include a HCV genotype, tests of synthetic liver function (platelet count, albumin, prothrombin time [PT]), hepatic inflammation (alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and aspartate aminotransferase [AST]), and assays to detect relevant coinfection (hepatitis A antibody, hepatitis B antibody, and HIV antibody)

2-1 Initial Evaluation of Persons with Chronic Hepatitis C
2-3   Counseling Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C
2-4  Evaluation and Staging of Liver Fibrosis
This is probably the best Indirect Markers of Cirrhosis
FibroSure test  
FS-ACTIVITY GRADE A0 to A3
FS-FIBROSIS STAGE F0 to F4

Liver biopsy is considered the gold standard for diagnosing and assessing liver fibrosis see link above for Grade and Stage
Batts and Ludwig, METAVIR

Read the evaluation and preparation for treatment module and list any concerns.

Read the treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C Infection module for your Genotype.  

There are also slide lectures, HCV Medications and link to http://www.hcvguidelines.org  

[dontworry_behappy1]

Your viral load has nothing to do with how damaged your liver is.  Hepatitis C viral loads go up and down every day.  Viral loads are important to see if treatment is working or not.   What treatment your going on can depend on condition of your liver....not how high or low your viral load is.  You might want to check into getting a liver biopsy.   I would check into leave time and have that option on the back burner if you need it.  Not that you will need it... but you might.

Best to you

[blonde40]

Yay so relieved  found out my viral load is low  so I have to go next week for 12 wks of shots and pills my doctor seems confident that will do the trick he likes my immune system since I haven't seen him since 2009 I suppose I'm lucky my viral wasn't worse said I should only feel weak with treatments wondering if I shouldn't take the steps at work about possible leave time if necessary

[hrsepwrguy]

"I just found out I have hepc genotype 1 and that I need treatments for 48 wks"

"I should have ignored the letter all it did was freak me out worse but it did say I had 1a whatever that is"

I received the same "note" attached to my genotype when I got the paper work ( stated recommended treatment for geno 1 is 48 wks ), however as pointed out, treatment for genotype 1 has advanced greatly and the "note" attached to the genotype result is out dated

Have a great day

[dontworry_behappy1]

blonde40 may not live in the U.S.  Treatment options depends on where you live and the condition of your liver.   Employment leave options will also depend on where you live in the world.  

Best to you

[aylele]

im sorry,you said 48 weeks..something else jumped in my head there. my nurse did say they have patients still that have been on it for 2 years.. and that is the reason they are on medical leave,etc.. they're just wore out. but i didn't get the understanding it was a 2nd round for them, it was just a long hall..

[aylele]

hello. welcome. i am also new here and have posted a ? myself.. but i did see that they were wanting you to do the interfuron treatment for 2 years? my doctor does have patients on it for that long, you are correct in saying that there are still treatments offered for that long. but they are phasing that out as we speak. because it is for that long, i suggest that you do not do that one and wait til this fall when the "new,new" non interfuron based treatment is available.should be released by october/nov . it's already been approved but is not released to doctors yet, other than for the trial/test patients,etc.. the concern i had about this for myself was that it would take a while for them to completely phase out the interf based treatment and  go to the pill only,non interf, minimal side effects, form of treatment..insurance companies will always want you to go with whatever is cheapest for them. they're a business. i had already planned to start asap and was not gonna sit around for another however long it would take for bcbs to decide they were gonna approve me for the new one.. i had started to develop pretty severe side effects just from the hep c itself,including a mis diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. i had no idea that hep c even caused such horrible joint pain and severe swelling! anyway, my mind was already made up, and that was that for me. but my treatment is only 12 weeks, i am so very fortunate with this! i am very sick for 3 days out of the week, and because of total misinformation given to me, was totally unprepared and have taken about a 50% loss of hours at work for the last 2 weeks. i am going into my 3rd week now,...we are trying to adjust my schedule better now and realize that is has severe side effects for me. i am totally unable to function and perform at my job for those 3 days, which includes my shot/injection day... i am looking for info myself on any kind of assistance to make up for my loss of income... as i was told i would not have to suffer or go through "any major life changes".. boy was that a dang lie!!!! this stuff cripples my mind,body, and emotions for all 3 days, every week i've done it,...let me say too that the pills i take as well have no side effects at all! this, i believe, will be what the newer treatment will be like, and i am so very excited for people that come after us who have had to go through the ladder! it's tough! but everyone is also different and will respond and react differently. for me, it's one of the hardest things i've ever tried to get through, and esp while continuing to try to work! but i can tell you this too..for me, the possible payoff is so worth it! im going for it and im not gonna quit until i get the results i want!
thank you so much for letting me share with you.i hope i wasn't too long winded..lol.. i just got my head back on good and straight again!lol..:)

[dontworry_behappy1]

You live in the US and never treated before.  There are lots of advancements in the treatment of Hepatitis C.  Please let us know your doctors plan of action.  I would question a doctors experience with hepatitis C treatment if
their telling you treatment will be 48 weeks.   Something doesn't sound right.

[cheflady]

Hi there! just want to say take a deep breath, stay calm & good luck at the docs please lets us know what treatment as been agreed and remember we are all here for you. Best wishes Julesx

[flyinlynn]

Hi
There are I think 6 different genotypes of hep c 1a and 1b are the most common in the US but there are also 2a 2b 3a 3b and others which vary by country which is most prevalent. The type of treatment is determined by the genotype you have and the severity of liver damage.

But don't freak out ok I know that is easy to say but really with the new medicines recently approved and new ones coming soon your chances of getting rid of hep c have never been better.

If you have someone to bring to your appointment you might want to do that so they can help you remember what your doctor says as I am sure it is overwhelming for you right now.

Write down your questions before your visit so you don't forget to ask and ask for copies of your test results they are your records.

Good luck at your appointment

Best wishes
Lynn

[blonde40]

Thank you for answering my question I have a doctors appointment today to discuss my plan of action really I should have ignored the letter all it did was freak me out worse but it did say I had 1a whatever that is but I guess I'll find out more o do live on the US

[cheflady]

Hi there and welcome to the forum.Agree with above not sure why 48wk, my hubby was geno type1 he treated last year but only for 24wk so i would ask them to explain that to you. Also you have no need to disclose it to anybody unless you want to like Lynn as stated if you do cut yourself keep colleagues away until it is cleaned up. I wish you all the best and if you could let us know what your treatment consists of we should beable to help you much better Regards Jules

[flyinlynn]

No Worries and welcome to the group. only dumb question it the one not asked

What treatment? I can't think of any current treatment that is 48 weeks. Do you know your genotype? Are you in the US? Do you have Family medical leave with your employer?

I have treated as have many of us here with the older treatments that were kinda tough. Some folks took family medical leave from their jobs for varying ammounts of time. I ended up taking a couple of weeks one time on the three times I treated unsuccesfully. But the new treatments are much more effective.

I work in a machine shop if I cut myself I keep others away. If any person here has a bad cut with blood on the floor they call the team for haz mat clean up for blood. But be kind to your coworkers if you do get cut and keep them away.

Also you are not required to disclouse your status to your employer.

Here is some basic info about hep c to get you started
http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/c/cfaq.htm

Good Luck
Lynn