I just tested positive for Hepatitis C.

[Frankie1806]

Got the bad news on Monday, positive for Hepatitis C.Bummer!! I'm not quite sure how I contracted it, but that's moot anyway, I've got it.Don't know my viral load yet and I'm REALLY stressing.I've got no insurance,no job at this time.I know I'm getting ahead of myself.I need to find out if my condition is chronic or not,what genotype blah blah blah.If it comes to it,has anyone purchased meds online?We're they real,was it a scam?Is there a good website for the meds,and how much should I expect to pay assuming it is legal to purchase Hep C meds online.I'm freaking out and would like some insight into the logistics of how all this works.

[Lynn K]

Was this just the antibody test? Have you had the HCV RNA by PCR test results to determine if you are currently infected with the hep c virus?

About 25% of people who were exposed to hep c at some time in the past are able to beat hep c on their own without treatment. Those people will test positive for the antibodies to the virus but will not have a detectable viral load, are not infected with hep c and will need no treatment.

If you have been infected to more than 6 months that is the definition of chronically infected and you will need treatment to get rid of the virus.

Others here know about resources to get meds from overseas but I don't believe it is on the internet exactly. There is a web site with information about who to contact.

Good luck and hoping your viral load is not detected

But first you need to wait for the HCV RNA test results you may be worried about nothing if you do not test positive for the virus.

[Frankie1806]

I am aware that around 20% of the people exposed can beat it without treatment.And yes it was just the test for the antibodies.I believe you're right,I am being a bit premature in regards to how worried I was.It was that initial"you're positive"that had me messed up for a few days.I'm cool now.Thanks for taking the time to send some positive reinforcement.

[Lynn K]

Best of luck to you on the HCV RNA test wishing you good news

[Mugwump]

Frankie1806
You are certainly not alone and scared by an initial positive test for hcv antibodies. Again I do not know why the majority of health care professionals do not calm their clients down when receiving the information. INSIST UPON A CONFIRMATION retest instead of going straight to an HCV PCR RNA quantitative test.

In Canada we do not waste tax payer dollars on PCR testing until we first retest to make sure that the first test was not a false positive. It seems that in the US they are more interested in wallet testing first instead of taking a more conservative and sensible approach to what people can afford! This seems to be almost deliberate in some circles. If you are paying for testing it is very cheap to just insist upon the retest and there are most likely places in major centers where you can just walk in and get tested for HCV antibodies again instead of being fleeced by a system which seems hell bent on invading people wallets!

[Frankie1806]

I couldn't agree more.It seems that a person should be given a definitive test,"DO I HAVE IT OR NOT"!!Do a thorough panel of tests before confusing people and f***ing with their emotions.As for American healthcare,insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies,one word comes to mind,contempt.That sums up how I feel about the aforementioned institutions.Anyways,thank you very much for the positive energy and well wishes.Good luck to you also Mugwump.

[Mugwump]

I couldn't agree more.It seems that a person should be given a definitive test,"DO I HAVE IT OR NOT"!!

If you were given the test because you have elevated liver enzymes then confirming your status is a must.  And sooner than later. If however you were just randomly tested because of past history then an antibody retest is the route to take. If it again shows positive do not fall into despair but wait for confirmation of a viral load reading.

THEN do not become alarmed by a high viral load reading if you have the disease.
When I was first diagnosed my serum count was over 12 million! But I felt fine and went back to work for over 10 years until interferon treatment came along.

The next step after having a viral load test is to have a genotype test to ascertain the variant of HCV. This is all critical information that should be done as a process that you completely understand and feel comfortable with.

HCV is usually not a disease that shows symptoms like upper right abdominal pains or marked sickness. So knowing that one can be almost completely symptom free for very many years is really important.

What happens to some people is that they actually start to think that they have symptoms if they test positive for antibodies. I have even had relatives develop imaginary symptoms after testing positive for antibodies. However they do not have the disease! This reaction is a strong psychological reaction to the stress created by the news. Plain and simple the most important step in dealing with this and any infectious disease is confirmation of ones infection status. Not knowing is worse than knowing.

Here is hoping that all turns out well and you just had a simple false positive test. The people here are great and are willing to walk with you through the rest of the process if necessary this site is the best around for learning the real details of having to deal with HCV!

All the best
Eric

[Frankie1806]

I'm hip to the little tricks ones mind can play,feeling symptoms that aren't really there. I feel excellent though,I run 4 miles a day,exercise,I eat very well.I feel like a million dollars,but I'm finding out that I'm not superhuman.I'm 43 and led a very risky lifestyle for 30 of them.Anyways,I was last tested 3 years ago,negative,I was tested 3 weeks ago and it was positive.Next week I'm fixin to go to the doctor for more definitive tests.As you expressed,not knowing can be worse than knowing.I feel like such a chump, I'm worried about something that COULD be nothing,when so many people out there are truly suffering.With that said I'll stop whining until I find out more.I'm glad I found this place and all y'all,it's given me some piece of mind.Thank you Eric.