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Hepatitis C??
Dear Dr HHH,
I have had a strange mono-like illness for 3 and a half months. During that time, my symptoms have improved a lot but I still don't feel great. My symptoms have included swollen glands, night sweats, and fatigue, all of which have improved alot but not gone away completely. I was on the site in December inquiring a lot about HIV. I have been to several doctors (4) and had multiple blood tests for many illnesses over these nearly 4 months. Tests have included HIV (4 times over three months), Mono/EBV (also 4 times over three months), Hepatitis A & B (once about 2 months after onset of symptoms), Syphilis (twice), Lyme's Disease, Cat Scratch Disease, TB skin test, 2 Metobolic panel tests, 1 Hepatic Panel test 1 month after onset of illness, and CMV. All of these were negative and normal. I also recently had a CAT scan of my chest and neck which showed all of my lymph nodes to be within the normal size range. Just the other day however, my latest doctor (#4) noticed some elevated enzymes in my liver. He did a blood test for Hepatitis (all forms) and is specifically looking for C and D. This has me very worried. I also had an ultra sound done of my liver. I am going to see him Tuesday for the results of the blood test and the ultra sound. I am very nervous and wanted your opinion on the chance of being positive for Hepatitis C (and A & B). I have never had a blood transfusion and have never used drugs. I am, however, homosexual but only engaged in anal sex (with a condom) one time in my life. Since seeing the doctor yesterday, I have developed some discomfort in the liver area of my abdomen (burning sensation), but I must wonder if it is anxiety induced, since I have had no pain there before. Here are some specific questions on my mind as I await results; thank you for your time:
1. Can EBV, CMV, and similar viruses cause swelling ("hepatitis") of the liver separate from the specific A, B, and C viruses?
2. Is a negative Hepatitis A & B test 2 months after last sexual encounter (and 7 weeks after symptoms began) an encouraging result against those types of Hepatitis? (In terms of false negatives and window periods for A & B)
4. Can EBV, CMV, and similar viruses other than Hepatitis cause irregular liver enzyme levels?
5. Overall, which Hepatitis is less desirable, B or C?
I have had a strange mono-like illness for 3 and a half months. During that time, my symptoms have improved a lot but I still don't feel great. My symptoms have included swollen glands, night sweats, and fatigue, all of which have improved alot but not gone away completely. I was on the site in December inquiring a lot about HIV. I have been to several doctors (4) and had multiple blood tests for many illnesses over these nearly 4 months. Tests have included HIV (4 times over three months), Mono/EBV (also 4 times over three months), Hepatitis A & B (once about 2 months after onset of symptoms), Syphilis (twice), Lyme's Disease, Cat Scratch Disease, TB skin test, 2 Metobolic panel tests, 1 Hepatic Panel test 1 month after onset of illness, and CMV. All of these were negative and normal. I also recently had a CAT scan of my chest and neck which showed all of my lymph nodes to be within the normal size range. Just the other day however, my latest doctor (#4) noticed some elevated enzymes in my liver. He did a blood test for Hepatitis (all forms) and is specifically looking for C and D. This has me very worried. I also had an ultra sound done of my liver. I am going to see him Tuesday for the results of the blood test and the ultra sound. I am very nervous and wanted your opinion on the chance of being positive for Hepatitis C (and A & B). I have never had a blood transfusion and have never used drugs. I am, however, homosexual but only engaged in anal sex (with a condom) one time in my life. Since seeing the doctor yesterday, I have developed some discomfort in the liver area of my abdomen (burning sensation), but I must wonder if it is anxiety induced, since I have had no pain there before. Here are some specific questions on my mind as I await results; thank you for your time:
1. Can EBV, CMV, and similar viruses cause swelling ("hepatitis") of the liver separate from the specific A, B, and C viruses?
2. Is a negative Hepatitis A & B test 2 months after last sexual encounter (and 7 weeks after symptoms began) an encouraging result against those types of Hepatitis? (In terms of false negatives and window periods for A & B)
4. Can EBV, CMV, and similar viruses other than Hepatitis cause irregular liver enzyme levels?
5. Overall, which Hepatitis is less desirable, B or C?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
You led a lengthy anxiety-laden thread a few weeks ago and I will not permit another one to develop this time. No online doctor can come up with new ideas not already addressed by 4 different doctors. I am not a hepatitis expert. Your symptoms suggest anxiety more than anything esle. So only very brief responses: 1 and 4) Yes, EBV and CMV can cause hepatitis with abnormal liver enzyme tests. 2) I don't know which specific tests you have had; ask the doctor(s) who ordered those tests whether you can rely on the results. 5) HCV causes prolonged infection with potentially severe future liver damage more frequently than HBV; but treatment for chronic HCV is somewhat more effective than HBV. It's a toss-up which one would be considered more serious.
I suggest you stop searching online about your symptoms or these infections. Follow up with your own doctor(s).
HHH, MD
I suggest you stop searching online about your symptoms or these infections. Follow up with your own doctor(s).
HHH, MD
Thank you Dr. HHH. I am sorry if I seem anxious. I do feel like I have had to be very proactive just to get this far however.
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
