positive and undetectable

[tjches]

Last week I tested positive for the Hep c antibodies, next they did additional blood tests and today it came back that my viral load is 5,530 which they indicated  was undetectable.  My Dr set up an appt w/ a specialist to explain the results but that appt is not until next month.  If the viral load is undetectable does that mean my body has fought off the infection?  Does that mean I can not spread the disease?  Also, could I still develop chronic hep c in the future?  Thank you in advance for any insight.  

[Livelife777]

Thanks so much for your thoughts.   As I learned the hard way, hope that you can get treated the sooner the better.   The cure is right in front of us.    Good Luck and keep us posted.    ....Kim

[tjches]

Thanks so much for the info Livelife777 and Verdugo!  I guess I am just trying not to worry about it until my dr appt mid month...wish I could have got in sooner.  :(  Crazy that the PC can't explain the results.  Oh well, Happy thoughts until then.  Glad you are feeling better Kim!  

[Livelife777]

Last year I was running a low grade fever, body aches, weak, and not myself.   They put me on Cipro and wasn't getting better.   Ended up with full blood work and my levels were highly elevated.   They tested me for Hep C.    Was in a small town, and they said I had it, and then I didn't.   Decided to go to Mayo, and find out for sure.   Hence the #s stated above.   Even tho such a low load, ended up with mild cirrhosis.  Was also a social drinker, and combined with the Hep C, there ya go.    Said with the damage, had to have had the virus for 30+ years.   Had no clue.   In my 50s, and thought I must have really bad arthritis, but it was the Hep C virus all along.    Since treatment all the #s are back to normal range.     Crazy.....        Kim

[Verdugo]

Welcome to the forum!

If you have a viral load, you cannot be "undectable" by definition.  

The antibodies test tells you that you've been exposed to hepatitis C.

It is possible that you are presently in the acute phase (first phase) of the disease depending upon how long ago you were infected.  I believe 25% of those exposed to the disease are able to fight it off naturally within the first few weeks.

If you are in the chronic phase, you will need to treat.  But for now let's hope you're part of the 25%!  Best of luck. V.

[Verdugo]

Wow, Kim, that's crazy!  This disease is confounding to me.  I have heard that very low and very high VLs can be more dangerous than mid-range VLs but never heard of a specific example.  Just curious, did you have high LFTs or why did your doctor test you for HCV?  Or was it just routine?

[tjches]

Thank you so much Kim!  I appreciate the information.  

[Livelife777]

Hi.   When I was tested last year my viral load was 51. It was so low, even tho I had all of the symptoms.   Went to Mayo, Clinic and they said my immune system was so strong that it was attempting to eliminate the virus on its own.   Even at those #s it was active and spreadable.   Also, it was still destroying my liver.   We retested a month later and it was 352.    Started treatment without delay.   They also felt that it had been there for 30 years, and even low, the damage was the same as being high.   The good news is that it cleared quickly, within 2 weeks.   You should treat ASAP, as the lower the #s the easier to resolve.        Kim

[tjches]

Thank you SimpleMan1959!  

[SimpleMan1959]

They are going to monitor your Viral load for awhile to see if it starts going up! If so, you will need treatment, and no, your body cannot kill the Hep-C alone.You will need to not share razors, tooth brushes, ect.