Hi I’m new

[Annie441]

Hi I’m new, my name is Annie. I was diagnosed Hep C about a month ago I have recently seen a specialist and have been told my genotype is 1a with 720000 not sure what it’s called, I think viral load (all of this is so overwhelming) my liver enzymes are fine. The doctor wants to schedule me for a biopsy but I sometimes bleed easily, so I am now seeing a hematologist in order to find out why I bleed easily and hopefully solve that problem so I can get on with dealing with this new challenge.  I have been given the choice of whether I want to treat now or wait until there are better meds for 1a. My Dr. says that by my test it looks like I just got the virus but I’m sure that I’ve had it for about 30 yrs. I am very confused and would appreciate any input.  Thanx

[Trish77]

Annie...you've hit the jackpot perhaps.  A doctor who TELLS you to seek out these forums and ask questions...wow.  Alot of us have had doctors who have actually said "stay off the internet".  I'm very pleased for you.  Good luck towards resolving the issues that come into play with getting your biopsy.

Incidentally, I have read people here talking about a Fibrosure or Fibroscan test which is not quite as good as an actual biopsy but pretty good, apparently.  That's not invasive, I don't think, and perhaps someone who knows more will weigh in.  

Trish

[Annie441]

Thank you for all the comments, your right Trish I do feel that I'm in good hands with my specialist. He explains alot and I feel comfortable enough to tell him when I'm getting information overload. He's also told me to seek out these forums and ask questions. It's just very easy during all of this to feel very alone. Thanks for letting me know that you guys are out there.  Annie

[wed1942]

Hi!
I also was just diagnosed in Nov. Think mine has been around 40 years. I am a Genotype 1a. My stage is a 3-4 which means I have some cirrhosis already. I had a liver biopsy done and it wasn't a big deal but definitely make sure you find out about the bleeding first because you do have a chance to bleed because of this. The biopsy itself was a piece of cake. Don't even remember them doing it. I'm going in tomorrow to talk to the doc about treatment. I dread it on the one hand because I don't have any symptoms to speak of other than not being able to get a deep breath sometimes and I know the side effects can be rough but on the other hand I feel like I have to do something to lick this bug. So good luck to you and I'm sure I'm going to be posting lots more as I start into this journey. The folks here have a least been through it and can give you an opinion that comes from experience.

[Trish77]

Hi Annie,

I like the sound of your specialist so far.  He/she has done your blood test, told you your Genotype and your viral load, told you that you have a CHOICE about treatment and has scheduled you for a biopsy.  That's all good.  The biopsy will tell you what stage of damage, IF ANY, that your liver is at.  THAT is always the most important part of putting all the puzzle pieces together.  I wish there was a magic formula that said "If you are this genotype with that viral load and this level of liver enzymes, you can expect to have this specific level of liver damage" but it doesn't work that way.  So I'm glad you're going for a biopsy.

Your viral load is a little on the higher side, seeing as it's usually considered that once you start getting over 600,000 that's getting up there...but it's also still considered moderate by some standards.  I think for studies and the like, they have to set guidelines and that 600,000 VL seems to be it.  Having said that....VL is not a predictor of liver damage or the progression of it...it's so very individual and such a crapshoot.  So...again...I'm glad you're getting that biopsy.

Keep posting, keep asking questions...and welcome.  We were all new once. :)

Trish

[billstrong1969]

Hey there and welcome!  Do not be afraid!  I was just diagnosed this past August and am also a genotype 1a.  My biopsy revealed stage 2 so I decided to go ahead and start treatment which I just did this past week and so far so good.  My viral load was 10 million which is  somewhat high so I didn't hesitate.  Getting the insurance coverage was the tricky part but I finally got assistance from the state so all my prescriptions are paid for (for now).  Good luck to you and I hope to hear back from you soon.  Welcome once again!  HUGZ!

billstrong1969

[Forseegood]

Hi, you've got a very low viral load there...better then a high one at any rate, but doesn't always indicate much...is there a way you can get a fibroscan in your area? if bleeding is a problem for you...that indicates fibrosis damage without being invasive...there is one here in Los Angeles if you can travel...anyway, let us know how things go for you as you keep on with the various tests, etc...nice to meet you. Too bad it's under these circumstances, but oh well...it's usually not as bad as you think...

[kcrandy]

welcome to the group!

don't be confused you have definetely found the right group to be there for you thru this time in your life.  it sounds like you have begun your journey on the right path.  the hepspec. and hemotol. will be the most important persons to get you thru this hep c  issue.  i would suggest that when you get your lab results you share them here and you will find out there are several in here who will be able to give you some more answers.  all of us in this group are either getting ready to treat ( tx ) or are in tx or have finished tx.  we all have the same thing in mind getting rid of the virus.

keep us all informed and we will be here for you thru the highs as well as the lows.  believe when i say we all want to see you make it.

see ya  : O )