Aussie here - found out I have hep c from a clueless doctor

[missscm]

Hi everyone,

(clueless doctor remark explained further down in my post). I'm a 28 year old female from Western Australia and recently went to the doctors to have a full screen STD test. Found out that while everything else was clear, I tested positive for Hepatitis C. Not sure how I got it as i dont do drugs and cant think of when i came into contact with blood - only slight idea is that when I went to africa quite recently i was sick and had to go on to an IV drip. However if I turn out to have chronic hepatitis, i have 0 idea how i would have gotten infected

So far I have only had the first test which shows that I have anti-bodies as well as had a liver function test which thankfully all came back in the normal range. I have an ultrasound booked in on Monday at the request of my doctor to check on my liver then will have to go to a specialist for further testing (eg. find out whether it's still active or not and if I am chronic as well as to find out which genotype I am)

Now for the clueless doctor part - I'll try not to ramble on too much. When I first found out, I had sat in my car for five minutes afterwards and balled my eyes out because of incorrect information my doctor gave me. Because i was in quite a bit of shock and didnt really know much about hep c at all i was asking questions and according to my doctor, found out the following:
- I would have to be on medication for the rest of my life or very long term as per all cases
-i would no longer be able to take the pill -ever
-i would have to use condoms at all times for the rest of my life in order to not infect my partner

So understandable upset, after doing some research on the offical Australian governent websites, i found out the following (in australia anyhow)
-medication nowadays cures 95% of all cases (90% for geno 4-6)
-medication courses are for as little as 8-24 weeks. NOT lifetime (speaking of those cases that are cured)
-it is a CURABLE disease of which my doctor did not tell me
-once (thinking positive) i am cured, i will no longer have to take any medication and can carry on with life as normal

while i understand doctors shouldnt give patients false hope, to give me incorrect information and to not even disclose the very effect medication available here, I was incredibly frustrated.

Apologies for the long post - have not told many people so really needed to vent to those that would understand where I am coming from.

Am hoping I have one of the more common genotypes where the medication here is effective for a short course.

Thanks for letting me vent

[gnatcatcher]

missscm, the fact that you mention having recently gone to Africa and been quite sick there means that the result of the test you took may be a false positive -- see this article, especially the section on false positives:
https://www.hepmag.com/article/false-test-result-25760-476718382
So, there's a chance you don't even have Hep C.

You are kind to use the word "clueless" -- your doctor is way out of date and an utter failure at "bedside manner." The specialist should be up to speed.

There are quite a few people on these forums, including one moderator, from Australia. I hope one of them will see your post soon and chime in with suggestions as to how to get the best HCV medical advice "down under."

Meanwhile, welcome. You are doing a fine job of educating yourself, and this is a good place to ask whatever questions come up.

Gnatty (who is rooting for "false positive" in your case)

[missscm]

Thank you for the reply

I've finally got the results back from my rna test and the disease is undetected,my doctor has advised that my body fought it off naturally. I cried with relief

[gnatcatcher]

Congratulations! Undetected -- what a wonderful word! Thanks for posting the good news, and have a wonderful life. -Gnatty