urine discolored, stomach pains, molluscum....worried could be hep c

[beantown33]

Hi everyone, I've written on this site before and am looking for advice. For a while, i've been worried i have a serious illness and I've convinced myself it could be hep c because of the persisting symptoms.  I have also felt depressed and am worried that the depression might be the cause.  My symptoms are as follows....i have molluscum contagiousum for which I am receiving treatment.  I am worried because i read this is a disease common among people with immune system problems (ones that could be from hep c).  I am 21 years old and the only risky behavior i've involved myself in (that could have resulted in hep) is snorting drugs on a few occasions.  After one experience, i had really bad headaches.  Then i got the molluscum and stomach pains ect.  Lately, I have noticed my urine is discolored somewhat and my stools are lighter brown then usual.  I am extremely worried and my depression is getting worse as a result.  I had my liver tested a while ago and the test results were fine but i'm still concerned because i didnt have the hep c test done.  Have any of you had similar experiences?  I'm going to go get the test done but I just want to know how concerned i should be.  If you could help me out that would be great.  Thanks.

[NYgirl]

I've seen you post before I think a while back...if you think you have hepC why haven't you had a simple blood test to find out?  It might bring you peace of mind either way.

Plus you really do need to find a good doctor and treat your depression first - if it's that bad they might not let you do the standard treatments right now. Also you might not NEED to if you don't have bad liver damage (which can only be determined by a biopsy).

Get the test and find a doctor. It sometimes if hard to get going but once you do you will be happy you did,

[sfbaygirl]

What happened to your 'L's' I think I remember you talking about that before. Have you tried taking the key off and spraying it with that cleaner stuff (can't remember the name) Sometimes you can fix it within the OS. That must be a pain!

How are you doing?

[nolee]

The cheapest way to test for HCV is to have 3 blood tests a week apart that include your liver function numbers. If those numbers come out higher than normal 3 weeks in a row, then you May have HepC (HCV) or cirrosis from drinking or poisonous toxins. Then I would see a Gastrointerologist or Hematologist to determine if you need a sonogram and/or a liver biopsy which is no biggie. I sure hope you have insurance. If not find a free clinic and ask for a PCR test (fairly expensive) but that will tell you for sure. Good luck

[NYgirl]

Is that true why would you need three tests and to compare numbers?  If you had a blood test that showed you were reactive wouldn't you just geta PCR to see the VL and that it was activer or chronic but not just antibodies?

I'm just slow today but I didn't have to do any of that at all.

[can-do-man]

I had two blood test, The second was for geno type and viral load. If it could tell i had cirrhosis (which i do) then why the bx.? OH WELL

[NYgirl]

I didn't think it could tell cirhossis or not without a biopsy? They can tell it from blood? They can't tell Grade or Stage with ultrasound or blood test which is why we have to do biopsy (which was no big deal even though I was almost crying like a baby beforehand!);)

[sfbaygirl]

My Bx was horrible. The needle wasn't bad, but having to lay on my side for 4 hours was soooo painful. They gave me morphine, cuz' I was crying. It wasn't bad after I was able to get up either. That was over 4 years ago. Have things changed? You guys make it seem like a piece of cake. If it were just the needle part I can see your point.