Symptoms of HCV

[Scared9]

Hi, I've read a lot about people being diagnosed with HVC 10, 20 , even 30 years after there possible exposure because they had no symptoms that would send them to get tested. I'm wondering about the people who have been diagnosed in the early stages such as within 2 years or less after they thought they were infected. If your in this range could you please share with me your symptoms and blood work levels within the say first 1 or 2 years that brought you to get tested for HCV? I'm just trying to figure out my blood work and the symptoms i have. I'm not sure if they are from HCV or some other issue? Thanks for your time.

[lporterrn]

Everyone is different - some people have symptoms and some don't; some have them early, some late, some intermittently. Some people don't have any symptoms, but after they are diagnosed, they realize that they had symptoms, but they just thought that was how they felt normally. Some people think they have hep C symptoms, but later find out that the symptoms were caused by something else, such as poor sleep, thyroid problems, depression, stress, etc.)

I know this doesn't answer your question, but it is the reality. What I know for sure is that symptoms don't correlate with the disease, and the best way to live with hep C is to live the healthiest lifestyle you can. And then get treated so you don't have to live with hep C at all.

[Scared9]

Yes, i realize i asked a tough question because everyone is different. Could you explain to me your experience? Also, do most people experience higher than normal liver enzymes ALT, GGT, ALP etc in the first 6 months (acute) if they were to gt tested in this time frame. I read this is the case and then they usually go down to normal range and bounce around going in to chronic stage of HCV? Thanks again

[lporterrn]

I had a very complicated situation that is a huge exception and unlikely to be helpful. Yes, ALT is usually elevated in the first 6 mos - about 25% of people will clear HCV on their own (40% of women) and among those who become chronic, about 25 % of people will have normal ALT after the first 6 mos.
Hope this answers your question.