Re: totally freaked out

[TracyL]

I just received notice that I have tested positive for hcv antibodies after donating blood. I donated blood 1 year ago and all was well. I had gotten a tattoo at a popular place about 3 months before. I have done drugs, had a transfusion or anything so the tattoo is the only thing I can think of. I am rarely sick. I am happily married and have 3 children. This news has devastated me. I have always been anxious so now this is all I think of. I am scared of dying and leaving my family.  I have read different things on the internet and I dont think that was the best thing for me to do. I have an appt with my family dr next week for more test.  Im sorry to ramble on but I am really scared. Any input is greatly appreciated. I feel fine health wise and I dont know whether to be thankful that I found out so early or would be better not knowing.

[lporterrn]

Hi TracyL - I moved your comments in to a new thread since I didn't want your post to get buried in someone else's. I am posting my reply to your post in "Totally Freaked Out" and adding one more comment: Even if this turns out to be HCV, you are not dying or leaving your family. You said you felt fine and you donated blood a year ago. Even before HCV was curable, the majority of us died with HCV, not of HCV. So let that concern go.

Here's the previous post:
I know you are scared, but you said one important thing that should not be overlooked--you test positive for HCV antibodies. This means you don't know if you have hep C. You don't say your age and you have a gender non-specific name, but if you are a woman, you have a 40% chance of not having hep C; 19% if you are a man. These chance drop if you are significantly older (50+).

Also, you could have had a false-positive antibody test.

So, the next step is to get the facts-an HCV viral load. Personally, I don't think it is worth the anxiety, given your only risk factor is the tattoo. But telling someone not to be anxious is like telling someone not to scratch - an itch is an itch. Xanax, taken as prescribed won't hurt your liver. In the meantime, avoid alcohol. Let us know the results. Hoping you won't need us.