new member

[Puffins]

Hello to all, I have been reading this forum and learning as much as I can over the past month.  I have been told in 1991 after donating blood that I have antibodies to HCV.  3 doctors that I seen at that time have told me not to worry, watch my liver functions and not drink(I never did so no big deal). I lived a normal life for the past 14 years, had kids etc.  Recently I saw a new doc because of upset stomach and mentioned the HCV to him. He ran tests and confirmed that I do have antibodies to Hep C.  I am scheduled to attend a class at Kaiser to learn more. I feel so stupid and ignorant that I believed those doctors 14 years ago and did not follow up more. My LFT's have always been normal. I am terrified of what I might have done to my kids and my husband not really knowing enough facts. I know they all have to be tested.
I am grateful that I have found this forum and all of you because now I don't feel so alone.

[Puffins]

Hi Bill
You live almost next door ( or at least the same county) - I live in EDH.
Puffins

[Puffins]

Not only do we live in the same county but also shop at the same store... Small world!! Yes, you might see me next time you shop, black and white feathers with litle orange beek that's me. LOL
Seriously though I would appreciate the info for the Hep C support group in P-ville.
With Regards!  

[Bill1954]

Yikes! Green Valley Road/Rescue here. I'll keep my eyes open at Raley's for a gal covered with feathers! ;o)
By the way, Katie Oatis runs a Hep C support group off Placerville Drive in P-ville. Let me know if you want details.

Best to you,

Bill

[Puffins]

Hi Everyone, this is just a quick observation I have made yesterday while attenting the Kaiser Hep C class that I was scheduled for.  Silly me - I really thought I would be the only one there(maybe 1-2 people more). Wrong... I was SCHOCKED to see almost 50 people attending this class.(and I guess they do this every 2 weeks)
The class was well presented and organized and the data offered was
everything I already learned here and other Hep C official sites. Anyway what I walked away with is - they will do all the tests and treatments that are available to reach SVR if the patients make the commitments to do it. (and of course if their health is good enough)... just needed to share  :)

[oldclaire]

I am new here also, and I can really relate to your experience.  I got the same letter about 12 years ago when I gave blood.  I found out I was pregnant soon after and took the letter with me to my OBGYN.  He did a blood test which for some reason did not come back positive.  I think the letter may have said I had Hep B antibodies instead of C.  I still haven't quite figured it out and my doctor is not even sure.  Anyway, I guess we just need to deal with now, and stop beating ourselves up for not knowing what to do then.  I am concerned about my children though.  
  I had my biospy yesterday and barely even knew it.  I was really worked up about it, but it was okay, so don't stress about that.

[friole]

Great that you had your biopsy and it was smooth.  Now comes the waiting game again.  Best of luck on the results.  Take it easy while you heal.