Just Found Out I Was Exposed and I'm Scared.

[RubyRuby]

I went to the doctor for a routine check-up and later found out I tested positive for Hep C antibodies. My doctor is doing more test, to make sure. I am in such disbelief and shock. Hep C is a disease I honestly had not heard much about or even thought about. I have no idea how I contracted, but I am thinking it was from my Ex. I am worried sick and have no idea what to do from here.
I'm so glad to have found this forum!

[Bree]

Hi RubyRuby,

I think at this point just wait until you get the additional blood work results so you know what you are dealing with.  I know it's really scary... but try your best not to freak out.  There's not much you can do until you know what is really going on.

This is a very supportive forum so either way it goes, you won't be alone.  It sounds like your doctor is on it so that's good too.  Take care of yourself, Bree

[RubyRuby]

Thanks Bree! 
I am trying to stay calm.

[gnatcatcher]

Welcome, RubyRuby. The most important thing is that Hep C isn't an emergency the way a heart attack or stroke would be. As you can see from my lab info below, I had Hep C for over 43 years before I got treated (not that I'm recommending anyone wait that long).

Right now, what you know is that you tested positive for Hep C antibodies. It's possible that you do not even still have active disease -- some people clear Hep C on their own and never need treatment. (Anyone who has ever had Hep C, no matter how briefly, will thereafter test positive for Hep C antibodies.) And even if it turns out you still have it, the latest treatments are easy to tolerate and very effective.

You may never know how you got it, but you are in good company. Educated estimates are that over 3 million (maybe even 5 million) of us have it, 2/3 of whom don't know it. By coming to these forums, you have joined a very supportive community. Ask questions whenever you want.

Gnatty

[Scoutdoy]

Hi Ruby, welcome to the forum. Like gnatty said, it's not an emergency issue like a heart attack. You are lucky in one way though, now, in 2015 there are good effective treatments that can cure this....if you even need it. It doesn't matter how you got it, although I am sure you would like to know, but you have it. Work with your doc and if needed, get rid of it, and you'll be ok


Scout

[MaryC]

Hi RubyRuby,
Glad you found this forum...lots of knowledge and wisdom, not to mention support, here. I, too, was in your place in April of this year when I was diagnosed during a routine physical. I spent a lot of sleepless nights trying to figure out when and how I was infected. Like everyone has said here, you need to find out if you have the active virus first. I'm guessing your doctor has already requested further testing.  If you have the virus, you will be referred to a specialist who will work with you.  The newer direct acting agents are much more effective and tolerable.

Hang in there and best to you. You will get through this.

Mary

[Mike]

Hi RubyRuby,

Being diagnosed with HCV is a scary thing and unleashes a plethora of different emotions. From "why me", to "how did this happen" to "i'm scared as hell."

These are normal reactions to learning that one has a disease. I remember when I learned: I was shocked and in disbelief.

When I learned my status, the only treatment option was a grueling 48 week course of injections and pills, with only a 25% chance of a cure.

That was then, and this is now:  HCV can be cured in 90%+ of those infected and the cure rate is only getting better. Treatment is well tolerated and can be as short as 8 weeks and involves taking a pill in the morning.

Take a deep breath and understand that HCV progresses slowly and 70-80% of those infected have no liver damage or disease.

I know when you first learn of an infection it can be overwhelming, which is understandable and a normal response.

You've found a good place to learn about HCV, the new treatments and get some answers to your questions.

You're going to be OK.

Please feel free to ask any question you might have and someone should be able to provide an answer.

Best wishes, Mike

[RubyRuby]

Wow. Thank you all for all the support!!!

I just got my RNA test results and it said <15 not detected. My doctor said this was good? I am still confused how I got it.

[Scoutdoy]

That's awesome!!!! It really is. You should be very relieved! I will say this...unless you shared needles, toothbrushes...razors with your ex it's very unlikely that you got it from him. Sexually transmission of hep is rare. My doc, who is also a researcher, said he truly feels that it shouldn't be included in transmissions, however it is possible. Hell, the way they think I got mine was either vaccination during the military or a tattoo. But soooo many people especially baby boomers have hep and don't even know it, you may never find out. But thank god your undetected!!! I am very happy for you


Scout

[RubyRuby]

Thanks!  I'm still nervous and have a ton of questions. But I am excited about it being undetectable!  I read that sexual transmission is rare, but I honestly can't think of any other way that I got it. I was born in the 80's, so I'm not a Baby Boomer, I don't have tattoos and have never shared needles. I'm going to try to not it let rack my brain too much.

[gnatcatcher]

It wasn't until 1992 that Hep C and how it spread began to be well understood. Before that, medical and dental personnel may well have reused equipment without all the necessary precautions. What's important is that so little Hep C virus (HCV) entered your blood that your immune system was able to clear the virus without treatment.

The <15 undetected means that the particular brand of test you had is able to count how much virus a person has as long as the person has at least 15 per unit, and it can detect but not count less than 15 per unit. If it had said <15 detected, that would have meant that you had a low amount of HCV in you, but the test wasn't sensitive enough to tell you how much. The fact that the test came back undetected means you are free of active virus. Congratulations!

Anyone who has ever had HCV will forever test positive for Hep C antibodies. But now you know that you don't have active HCV, so don't let this short-term scare keep you from having a wonderful life.

[RubyRuby]

Thanks gnatcatcher!

[Scoutdoy]

Well put gnatcatcher



Scout