Am i really positive? HEP C..PLEASE answer :(

[kxsx]

Ok, I got a hep c test done 2 and a half weeks ago as I was pregnant and my ALT levels on my liver function test were high at 276,

docs asked if there was any possible way that I could have Hep C so I told them about my ex who I was with from Aug 2005 until march 2009...
I found out he was injecting heroin so finished with him for good march 2009 n there was a couple o times he or I bled during intercourse, (I've never injected in my life)

2 days ago I went to the docs where I got told test came back positive with genotype 3.  I got another hep c test done yesterday n results will be bk next week.

Im soooo confused :*( I've heard people speaking about could really be negative on 2nd one coz 1st one could be antibodies??
Could this at all be the case with me when I have not been with my ex for over a year ( i thought if it clears its in first 6months) and that I have been told that it was genotype 3. Is it most likely that I am positive?

I'm 25 years from the uk,I had my baby on the 1st o April (new partner who I've been with from June 2009)

Thanks,

[nygirl7]

I thought you had to have a biopsy to find the genotype. Very new to me. "

Biopsy will tell you how much liver damage (fibrosis,cirrhosis) that you have developed.  The genotype will be found in your blood test.

It's all confusing when you are new that is why us oldies hang around here so much - someone had to explain it all to us at one time too! It's just a matter of paying it back.

[kxsx]

I've only had a blood test and they told me the genotype through that

[cindyh113]

I thought you had to have a biopsy to find the genotype. Very new to me.

[annieCinMD]

Duly noted! Very interesting and good to know (on the genotyping of antibodies)

[jdwithhcv]

If you have exposed you will always test positive for antibodies.  

[kxsx]

Thanks for that info.. he just said he had  ahep c test n a liver function test.

How long can u test positive 4 antibodies after you have cleared of hep c? Or would that part of the test always stay positive?

Thanks to everyone for helping me understand this abit more x

[Trinity4]

If that were the case he would still test test positive for hepc antibodies even if he didn't have the active virus.  When he says he tested negative does that mean by antibody and PCR test?  Usually if the antibody test is negative there is no need for the HCV RNA by PCR test.

Transmission can occur through different modes other than drug use.  Dentists visits and out patient surgery are a few even though the risk of contracting hepc in this way is low.

I believe about 40% of the population who have hepc do not know how they contracted it.

Trinity

[kxsx]

That's the only thing about my ex being positive as I have been in touch with him to let him know and he told me he was tested for it (as he was trying to get clean) in Dec 2008 and Nov 2009 and was negative both times.. Nov 2009 we'd of been split up 8months..

Is it possible in the near 4 years we were together he could of passed it to me and his body cleared his?? but still show negative in the tests he got done?? Im confused no other way I can think of catching it?? I don't do drugs, never injected shared toothbrushes etc

[jusjames]

out of interest to people
you can genotype with antibodies

iam not suggesting this has happened as it is not normal but it is possible

[Trinity4]

As jd said, at the end of the day it really doesn't matter how you contracted it.  As info, your ex would have to be hepc postive and have genotype 3 for transmission to have occured.  

Trinity

[Bill1954]

Hi,

Others including myself left messages on your other post:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/Tested-positive-for-Hep-c-Need-info-plz/show/1223118

It does indeed sound as though you’re actively infected if they were able to confirm you are genotype 3; to do that requires presence of active virus.

The confirming test is called ‘HCV RNA by PCR’; you can ask your doctor about that status if you’re not clear on this.

Congrats on your new child; let us know how things proceed, there are lots of us here that can help you navigate the maze of questions.

Best to you—

Bill

[jdwithhcv]

You may not have been infected through intercourse.  In four years together you and your ex probably occasionally shared personal care items and you could have contracted the virus that way.  But, end of the day, the way you got HCV is less important than getting rid of it.  Good luck to you, and congratulations on the new baby.

jd

[kxsx]

Hi, the doc has referred me to a specialist - just so much to take in, don't really understand it all.

[annieCinMD]

I don't think they can genotype antibodies so it does sound like you are positive. For you to have gotten it through intercourse with your ex, both of you would have been bleeding at the same time. Blood to blood is the key phrase here. His blood would have to have gotten inside your body. One of the others who have far more knowledge than myself will probably chime in here since I bumped you up to the top. I will say you should see a specialist ( a hepatologist or a GI ) so you can get some solid answers and a PCR test, which will tell you  whether you are indeed positive.