Aa
just wondering
I read that it is possible to have the virus but not be able to pass it to others? I just found out that I have it but the dr. said that I may not get treated cause my liver panel looked good as did another dr. before him. At that time I didnt know I had it but I told him it was possible that i may have it and he said no he didnt think I had it cause my enzymes where not up high enough. So with that being said it sounds like my liver is ok but I have no clue. I waiting to get into a clinic just for that now!! Any help would be appreciated!
The biopsy is a proverbial "walk in the park." You'll think back and laugh about being nervous abou it.
Bill has some very sound advice for you. Deciding if and when you want to embark on the treatment journey is an individual decision and should not be rushed. Gather as much knowledge as you can from reputable sources and seek out a good hepatologist.
This forum is a great resource and the people here are very compassionate and supportive.
V
Bill has some very sound advice for you. Deciding if and when you want to embark on the treatment journey is an individual decision and should not be rushed. Gather as much knowledge as you can from reputable sources and seek out a good hepatologist.
This forum is a great resource and the people here are very compassionate and supportive.
V
As Bill said if you have the virus you can pass it on. That's the nature of a virus, to find a new host. Read the book "Hot Zone".
The biopsy is painless, I had no sedation, just a numbing agent. But if they think you're nervous they will probably give you something. The surgeon told me a story about a woman that freaked out when the tool was in here. Not a good scenario.
The biopsy is painless, I had no sedation, just a numbing agent. But if they think you're nervous they will probably give you something. The surgeon told me a story about a woman that freaked out when the tool was in here. Not a good scenario.
No, biopsy isn’t particularly painful; the concept is frightening, but it’s a surgical procedure, and you will probably be under twilight sedation for it; awake but pretty buzzed and clueless :o).
If you are infected with active RNA virus, then it’s possible to pass it on to others. However, this is a blood-to-blood vectored illness, and passing it through sex or catching it from environmental surfaces isn’t likely. If fact, the CDC and most knowledgeable physicians don’t recommend changes in sexual habits for monogamous couples. Many of us in here have been infected for years, and have not passed the virus on to our spouses or families.
Do be thoughtful with sharps; razors, toothbrushes, etc that might pass your blood to others shouldn’t be shared.
It’s often not in the patient’s best interest to dive into treatment right away; you should continue to read and inform yourself of options for a while. The disease generally progresses very slowly, over years and even decades; this is rarely if ever an emergency sort of thing.
We’re told that roughly 5% of HCV patients will eventually die from the disease; and while this figure might be somewhat debatable, most of us will eventually die from causes other than HCV.
Keep reading and asking questions,
-Bill
If you are infected with active RNA virus, then it’s possible to pass it on to others. However, this is a blood-to-blood vectored illness, and passing it through sex or catching it from environmental surfaces isn’t likely. If fact, the CDC and most knowledgeable physicians don’t recommend changes in sexual habits for monogamous couples. Many of us in here have been infected for years, and have not passed the virus on to our spouses or families.
Do be thoughtful with sharps; razors, toothbrushes, etc that might pass your blood to others shouldn’t be shared.
It’s often not in the patient’s best interest to dive into treatment right away; you should continue to read and inform yourself of options for a while. The disease generally progresses very slowly, over years and even decades; this is rarely if ever an emergency sort of thing.
We’re told that roughly 5% of HCV patients will eventually die from the disease; and while this figure might be somewhat debatable, most of us will eventually die from causes other than HCV.
Keep reading and asking questions,
-Bill
No, I just found this out Thursday, so it really hasnt sank it yet, but yes they have already set me up with a clinic that just for this. So, he said they will probably want to do a biopsy and go from there. But my bloodwork has been looking good both times. This past time the dr. said it looked good and the last dr. said tjhat he wasnt even going to check me for it even after I told him that I might have it cause it looked so good. Im confused and I know I will found out more in time but im just hoping for the best and im inpatient. Is it possible to have the virus and not be able to spread it to others? And does the biopsy hurt?
It sounds like there’s definitely some confusion. Often, primary care doctors aren’t well informed enough to guide decisions; have you been referred to a specialist yet?
You’ll want to specifically ask what your “HCV RNA” status is; this is distinct from antibody status.
Being positive for HCV antibodies indicates past or present infection; ‘HCV RNA’ indicates ongoing present infection only. Have you been told your genotype yet?
If in doubt ask for referral to a GI doc or hepatologist. In the meantime, avoid drinking alcohol, and don’t share personal care items like razors, clippers, etc that might pass blood and infect others.
Liver enzymes or viral load should not be used to determine treatment need.
Good luck and welcome to the discussion group-
-Bill
You’ll want to specifically ask what your “HCV RNA” status is; this is distinct from antibody status.
Being positive for HCV antibodies indicates past or present infection; ‘HCV RNA’ indicates ongoing present infection only. Have you been told your genotype yet?
If in doubt ask for referral to a GI doc or hepatologist. In the meantime, avoid drinking alcohol, and don’t share personal care items like razors, clippers, etc that might pass blood and infect others.
Liver enzymes or viral load should not be used to determine treatment need.
Good luck and welcome to the discussion group-
-Bill
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