Confused

[LaNonna]

I was diagnosed with HCV type 2B, over 25 years ago. I believe I was infected in the late 60s. My viral load was stable at around 3 milliion for the entire time. There was no change in liver scarring. I have never had elevated enzymes and my red and white blood count has always been normal. For those reasons treatment has never been considered urgent.  I never gave it much thought.
In the last year, it has jumped to over 6 million. I just found out yesterday. I live in rural New Mexico and am being referred to a clinic in Santa Fe. I must admit, after reading some folks experiences, I'm a bit terrified. If a medication has side effects, I usually experience them.
My questions
What happens if I do nothing?
Has anyone experienced a sudden jump in viral load.
Any idea why it would suddenly almost double after almost 25 years? I was tested twice to make sure there was not a lab error.
Thank you

[Lynn K]

Hep c viral loadcchanges all the time I guess yours finally increased with time.

Hep c should not effect RBC or WBC test results. How are your liver enzymes currently are they still in normal range?

Some people will develop liver injury but not everyone. About 20% of people will develop liver cirrhosis after 20 years of infection this percentage will increase.

Thee is also a risk of developing extra hepatic symptoms from having hep c.

While unfortunately a small percentage of patients have symptoms they atributate to taking some of the hep c meds this is not the most common experience.

With cure you can prevent any risk of developing extrahepatic hep c symptoms or liver damage. Also with cure you no longer have to worry about the small risk of infecting those closest to you.

When I found out I was infected back in 1990 i had no liver damage but I treated with everything they had available. For me nothing worked and I was a null responder to all treatments. While I was being followed closely by my doctors my liver damage increased over the years till I was finally diagnosed with cirrhosis. But I know that has not been your experience.

That’s about I have to say about this really the choice to be cured is up to you.

Best of luck whatever you decide