This is weird...

[mdusha]

So I went back to the doctor expecting that "THIS" was going to be the appt. at which we could make decisions.  Nope, didn't work that way.
She said that I am very puzzling and that I have the lowest viral load she has ever seen.  My viral load is 3,200.  She says she doesn't know if that means it was previously higher and my body is perhaps clearing the virus or if it's a newer infection and the viral load is on its way up.  Sooo...back to the lab I go for more bloodwork and I have to wait three weeks for the results.  
I'm the one that had three viruses at once, in addition to the newly diagnosed Hep C.  I'm still not back to work and am dealing with lots of symptoms still:  dizziness, horrible headaches, nausea, some vomited, abdominal pain and major fatigue.  
She said that even if my VL increases, she would not treat me now, not until I get over all these other symptoms...she said that could take up to a year.
I'm really confused about what to do next.  I have an appt. with another specialist at the end of the month as all of this just doesn't seem right to me.
Any thoughts?

Michelle

[maylilly]

Getting another opinion is the best thing you can do. Did the doc even wonder if the lab was in error with the VL count? That is entirely possible.

Here is a website where a really fantastic Hep MD will answer your emails.You might have to wait a week or two, but he answered my question and it really helped.

www.hepatitisdoctor.com

Get a third opinion if you want to... I had to try 4 doctors before I found one I felt I could trust.

Jan

[mdusha]

Thanks for the thoughts.  It means a lot to hear what others say.

Actually, it IS Human Parvo Virus...odd, huh? lol  There is the one that affects animals and one for humans.  Who knew?  ( apparently, the docs, but I was a bit shocked lol).  It is the human parvo virus that causes fifth's disease in kids...and can affect adults in a much more severe way.

CMV is cytomeglavirus...and it can cause mono, just like epstein-barr...or it can cause much nastier stuff.  It's one of those that most people get when they are kids and it's mild and passed off as the flu.  But when adults get it, it can be bad.  

I lead a pretty boring life lol...but the doc thinks I got all of these, including the hep C, at the same exposure...whatever that was.  She said it's a very very odd situation.  She insisted on testing me for HIV (which really frightened me b/c she seemed certain I had it given the party going on in my blood), but I am HIV negative.  

I've worked for 12 years as a social worker and the last 2 as an office manager in an accoutnting firm, along with running my own consulting business...not sure how much more boring my life could be! lol

Sooo...that's sort of my story.  I am overweight and do have diabetes, which complicates things a bit apparently.  But I'm only 39 and feel like I'm suddenly falling apart!  And as I'm single, I wonder what the future holds about possible romantic relationships.  

Thanks for putting up with my ramble...

michelle

[Lady Lauri]

I'll assume you meant.....Human Papilloma Virus.....or you need a vet :}
(not Parvo,lol)

Agree with the above, 2nd opinion. And you may have time to weigh your options, wait for less time , better tx, etc.
On the other hand, starting tx with a very low VL (in the future) would be a big plus also.
What's CMV ??

Relax, there is time to rid yourself of this nasty virus.

LL

[mdusha]

No, they were not.  I was diagnosed as having CMV, Epstein-Barr, Human Parvo Virus and a Strep infection....all at the same time.  I was very sick and in the hospital for 5 days just before Christmas.  It was only AFTER I was out of the hospital they said, "Oh, btw, you have Hep C."  

[alagirl]

I'm sorry, but your profile doesn't say.  Were your other viruses hepatitis related?

[mdusha]

Liver enzymes are actually high and have been for over a year.    No biopsy yet.  Thanks for the encouragement.  I'm just anxious to get rid of this.  I'll be thrilled if my body is doing it on its own...I just hate the way I feel all the time.  I'm going today to get another VL done.  

[nygirl7]

I think you are doing the exact right thing by going to another specialist for confirmation of her treatment plan (or non-plan).  You aren't in any immediate rush to treat so you might as well get all the facts together first (ie: are you clearing on your own spontaneously?) before jumping in to a treatment you might not have needed anyway!  That would be like magic!

If you can get another viral load in a month I would get one to see where it compares.  I imagine that your liver enzyme numbers are normal? (your alt and ast numbers).

If your VL stays so low and your biopsy is low you might not even have to do treatment unless you want to.