Author Topic: SHOULD I BE WORRIED? (Read 22185 times)

ConcernedColin · « **on:** June 27, 2017, 01:04:36 am »

Had unprotected vaginal sex about eight weeks ago. Got tested for HIV and hepatitis 18 days post exposure because I was experiencing muscle aches and lower back pain.

Also had a month long bout of explosive diarrhea which stopped after I took a one week course of antidiarrheal medication. I still have weakness in my arms and severe muscle aches in my thighs. Back pain comes and goes.
I experience occasional fatigue as well.
Could these be symptoms of hepatitis?
When should I get tested for a conclusive result? Been testing every two weeks for HIV, and I honestly don't have the money to have a hepatitis test every fortnight.
Thank you.

ConcernedColin · « **Reply #1 on:** June 27, 2017, 07:21:57 am »

Also, is it true that itchy skin is a symptom of acute hepatitis? I'm getting conflicting info on the net. Thank you.

gnatcatcher · « **Reply #2 on:** June 27, 2017, 09:14:21 am »

Itchy skin can be a symptom of many things, including hepatitis C virus (HCV). The tests you took 18 days post exposure: was a hep C antibody test included? Was it positive (reactive)? If so, then you were exposed to hep C sometime or other. Since some people get rid of hep C on their own without treatment, but that happens within six months of exposure, you can wait until >six months after exposure to take the more expensive HCV RNA test. Here's more about HCV tests (with a sidebar that includes a link to symptoms):
https://www.hepmag.com/basics/hepatitis-c-basics/hepatitis-c-testing

ConcernedColin · « **Reply #3 on:** June 27, 2017, 10:42:41 am »

Thank you for your response. One last question. If I contracted HIV and hepatitis at the same time, does that mean I have to test for HIV at six months instead of three? I believe the hep infection would delay my HIV seroconversion.

Oh, and I think the hep test I had was for antibodies. It was part of an STD screening. Got the results a day after my blood was taken. It was non reactive.

ConcernedColin · « **Reply #4 on:** June 27, 2017, 11:04:44 am »

Just checked. It was an antigen test.

gnatcatcher · « **Reply #5 on:** June 27, 2017, 02:15:13 pm »

Antigen, not antibody? I'm not going to be much help then, and I also can't help RE: HIV testing schedule. The best person to ask is your doctor. None of us on this site is an M.D. (or even plays one on TV).

Best wishes,

Gnatty

Lynn K · « **Reply #6 on:** June 27, 2017, 10:52:14 pm »

Having HIV and assuming having had it for long enough to effect your immune system can effect how long it would take to develop hep c antibodies. Basically, HIV delays hep c antibody production not the reverse. Generally, it takes a couple of months for hep c antibodies to develop under normal circumstances but for those who are immuno compromised for example in the presence of active AIDS it could take as long as 6 months for hep c antibodies to develop. A hep c antibody test done at 6 months post exposure is conclusive.

Hep c is generally not considered to be an STD at least in the case of long-term monogamous couples. For others who are not in long-term relationships, engage in rough sexual practices, or the presence of the HIV virus that can be a greater risk of infection. For such couples the use of barrier protection is recommended.

However, sexual transmission of hep c, while not impossible is relatively rare.

I have never heard of a hep c antigen test only hep c antibody testing or the test for the virus itself the HCV RNA by PCR test which would be performed after a positive hepatitis C antibody test to confirm current infection.

But as said so eloquently above none of us here are medical professionals. The best person to see for medical advice is a doctor.

dragonslayer · « **Reply #7 on:** June 28, 2017, 03:51:22 pm »

Re antigen testing for HCV. Seems to be a cost thing.

http://www.aidsmap.com/Hepatitis-C-antigen-testing-could-eliminate-need-for-two-step-HCV-testing-reduce-cost-of-access/page/3065377/

gnatcatcher · « **Reply #8 on:** June 28, 2017, 05:17:33 pm »

Paul, great article -- thanks. Did you notice " between 15 and 50% of people with HCV antibodies will have spontaneously cleared HCV infection during the first six months after exposure"? That's the first time I've seen an upper estimate so high.

Also noteworthy in the article: "Hepatitis C core antigen can be detected soon after infection, before the development of antibodies to the virus . . . ." Paul and Lynn, what do you think -- now that ConcernedColin has confirmed that it was a hep C antigen test done 18 days post exposure, and it was nonreactive, is it safe to conclude that he didn't get hep C?

ConcernedColin · « **Reply #9 on:** June 29, 2017, 08:53:19 am »

. . ." Paul and Lynn, what do you think -- now that ConcernedColin has confirmed that it was a hep C antigen test done 18 days post exposure, and it was nonreactive, is it safe to conclude that he didn't get hep C?"
Thanks for asking that question. Either way, I doubt a test carried out that early would be conclusive. I'll go for another one either way. Just wanted to be certain whether I should wait three months or six months before doing so. Thank you to everyone for their great responses.

Gaj · « **Reply #10 on:** July 01, 2017, 12:48:59 am »

Hi ConcernedColin,

Are you able to confirm whether it was a Hepatitis C test that you received? The reason I ask is that the standard first check for C is an antibody test and while there is now an antigen test available as far as I am aware it isn't in general use for diagnosis. That and as Lynne says, hepatitis C not being seen as a STD makes me think that your test may have been for Hepatitis B which is considered a STD and does normally use an antigen test.

Hepatitis B and C viruses are not directly related and require different tests and treatment depending on which is involved so you need to confirm which is involved and then seek medical advice regarding appropriate testing for that type.

ConcernedColin · « **Reply #11 on:** July 02, 2017, 08:14:25 am »

Quote from: Gaj on July 01, 2017, 12:48:59 am

Hi ConcernedColin,

Are you able to confirm whether it was a Hepatitis C test that you received? The reason I ask is that the standard first check for C is an antibody test and while there is now an antigen test available as far as I am aware it isn't in general use for diagnosis. That and as Lynne says, hepatitis C not being seen as a STD makes me think that your test may have been for Hepatitis B which is considered a STD and does normally use an antigen test.

Hepatitis B and C viruses are not directly related and require different tests and treatment depending on which is involved so you need to confirm which is involved and then seek medical advice regarding appropriate testing for that type.

Just checked. It was a Hep B antigen test. Gonna get tested for both next month. I seem to have dodged the HIV bullet, so I'm hoping I didn't contract Hep. The diarrhea is gone, but the muscle aches are still there, along with some fatigue. Plus my skin is really itchy. Hoping for the best...

Lynn K · « **Reply #12 on:** July 02, 2017, 04:40:48 pm »

Just to say again your odds of having contracted hep c are very low

Good luck

ConcernedColin · « **Reply #13 on:** July 09, 2017, 06:07:08 am »

Hey there, I've got another question. I'm waiting for the six month mark to have a hepatitis test. I've been having muscle aches and itchy skin for some time now, which I believe are symptoms of infection. If it turns to be hepatitis (I strongly suspect it's b, not C) does that mean I'll have itchy skin and muscle aches until I start treatment?
I've exhausted my medical aid funds and I'm in massive debt, so I'll only really be able to afford treatment next year. Does that mean I'll have to live with itchy skin and body aches until then?

Lynn K · « **Reply #14 on:** July 09, 2017, 11:23:44 am »

Those are very vague symptoms and could be anything. Hep b infection is often very noticeable with some patients requiring hospitalization. Hep c initial infection for most people is without symptoms which is why it is called a silent illness as the vast majority of people don't know they have hep c.

I doubt the symptoms you have described are hep b or c related. Have you chanced your soap recently or laundry soap? Have you been exercising more?

You should see your doctor for recommendations for relief from your symptoms. Maybe try an oatmeal based soap they can soothe itchy skin.

Good luck

CureSeeker · « **Reply #15 on:** July 09, 2017, 11:27:50 am »

Hi Colin,

You're focus on itchy skin and muscle pain made me think of Lyme Disease. Turns out Lyme Disease didn't show up on the list I'm posting below, but Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever did, so, I was on the right track.

As someone (I think Gnatty) said above, there are lots of reasons for those combined symptoms. 76 made the list, including chronic (not acute) hepatitis.

Just like most of us here, since you have anxiety (which can also cause those symptoms) over hepatitis, at some stage, you focus on the worst case scenario.

However, for your own health and welfare, you should get HCV and HBV off your plate too. Since if your infection proves to be a new one, you have lots of time on your side, so don't let funding bother you.

http://symptoms.rightdiagnosis.com/cosymptoms/itching-skin/muscle-aches-desc-all.htm

Good luck with your results!

P.S. Lynn K rightly points to soaps and perfumes - there are several components in those products that can cause itchy skin and muscle aches.

ConcernedColin · « **Reply #16 on:** July 09, 2017, 12:23:23 pm »

Thank you for the responses. I haven't changed my soap or perfume, so I don't think it's that. I guess only a test will confirm it.

Thank you all for the help. I've decided to quit drinking and smoking until I've had a conclusive test, and I've also stopped taking my medication as well (I'm bipolar, but I can assure you my "paranoia" has nothing to do with that) . I've also cut out unhealthy food from my diet, substituted my soda addiction for an H20 addiction, and trying to get at least 10 hours of sleep a day.

God willing, I will be okay.

CureSeeker · « **Reply #17 on:** July 09, 2017, 02:06:13 pm »

You know yourself better than anyone Colin, but I'm not sure its the best idea to cut out your meds for bipolar, especially if they were helping.

Anxiety is normal in the case of hepatitis, even if we are not naturally paranoid or bipolar, but it can also account for your symptoms.

When we are worried we tend to be tense, tensing up naturally causes our muscles to ache, also we can be nervous, especially if we are waiting for an answer to a worrisome question. This stresses our nerves, and can cause us very real itching.

Cleaning up your act is great for your body no matter what the outcome of your tests. If you can quit smoking now, please do. It doesn't get any easier to do the older you get. And, its no longer viewed by society in general as the cool thing to do or be around by society at large.

Please post back to let us know how you did on your tests, and...

Best wishes for negative results!

Lynn K · « **Reply #18 on:** July 10, 2017, 01:29:29 am »

Yes I agree don't stop your Bipolar meds there is no reason to do that.

Please discuss this with your prescribing doctor if you are having difficulties with your meds maybe your doctor can try a new med or adjusting your dose

Good luck

ConcernedColin · « **Reply #19 on:** July 11, 2017, 10:51:30 am »

Sorry for being a worried well, but I don't have anyone else to share my concerns with. Went to a GP and told him I suspect I have hepatitis. He gave me the contact details of a private lab. My blood was drawn and taken for a test, and I'll get the results tomorrow. I don't have enough money for another doctor's visit, so I'll receive the results and interpret them myself.

The weird thing is that the doc said he doesn't believe my symptoms have anything to do with hep. Said pruritus is only indicative of severe liver failure, which is impossible since my possible exposure was only 11 weeks ago. Totally dismissed my concerns and made it seem like my bipolar was acting up.
Anyway, I have a couple of questions.

1) Is it true that surface antigen is detectable by 4 weeks like he said?
2) Is it true that itchy skin is a symptom that only appears after the hep virus has done severe damage to the liver?
3) Judging by my incident, he said if I have hep, it's probably B, and I'll probably clear it myself in under a year. CDC says 6 months. Which one is true?
4) He said if I test negative tomorrow, no further testing is needed. Is this true?

Thank you for putting up with my questions. I'll let you know what the results of the test are soon as I get them.

ConcernedColin · « **Reply #20 on:** July 11, 2017, 10:58:30 am »

Oh, and one more thing. Do I really have to disclose my status to my family? I come from a super conservative African family, and I don't think they'd ever get over the disappointment of me having hep.

STDs are frowned upon in South Africa, and my family would never forgive me if they found out I let them down like that.

I'm already on thin ice because I'm the only one of my siblings who drinks alcohol and smokes weed. I've run out of second chances and don't want to risk losing my family because of this. I don't have any friends, so if my family disowns me, I'll literally be all alone.

Lynn K · « **Reply #21 on:** July 11, 2017, 12:22:43 pm »

1) Is it true that surface antigen is detectable by 4 weeks like he said?

Yes

2) Is it true that itchy skin is a symptom that only appears after the hep virus has done severe damage to the liver?

Yes I even said I doubt your itching is from hep c or b that is the reason is because ithching in liver disease is caused by a build up of bilirubin which makes you itch it also causes you to become jaundiced (yellow skin and eyes) it takes DECADES of infection for people to develop these symptoms.

3) Judging by my incident, he said if I have hep, it's probably B, and I'll probably clear it myself in under a year. CDC says 6 months. Which one is true?

As we said it would be very unlikely for you to have hep c. Hep b is more easily transmitted than hep c. I am assuming the CDC data is the time it would take the majority of people to clear the virus but as you doctor is advising it could be as long as a year. But that is something not yet to think about. You do not know yet that you have anything. First find out if you are infected then go from there.

4) He said if I test negative tomorrow, no further testing is needed. Is this true?

Yes that is true either you are infected or you are not. Unless you have another exposure you are done.

Ok so you have bipolar and are taking meds for that. For that reason alone you should not be drinking and using marijuana.

You say you are alone in the world except for your family and they don't approve of drinking and drugs and yet you continue?

I think you should get your priorities in order. Which is more important to you, your health and relationships or drinking and drugs?

I think you know the answer.

Your doctor is a medical professional we here are a community of patients who are living with known hep c infections, dealing with treatment, or living with the aftermath of long term infection like myself with liver cirrhosis after 37 years of having hep c.

This is primarily a support community for those either newly diagnosed or living with hepatitis and liver disease. We are not medical professionals and cannot diagnose anyone.

You should always look to your doctor for medical advise they are the experts who went to college for many years. We can mostly only offer our best guesses.

Hep b testing results can be difficult for a lay person to understand. Maybe you could save the money you are spending on alcohol and marijuana and pay for a doctor visit if you have questions about your results.

Priorities man......

Your health or alcohol the choice is yours.

ConcernedColin · « **Reply #22 on:** July 12, 2017, 05:06:27 am »

Got my results. Turns out my doctor was serious about "not indulging my Hepatitis C delusions" Test I took is a Hep B panel that's coupled with a Hep C antibody test. No Hep B antigen, surface antibody or core antibody detected. Comment reads: "There is no evidence of exposure or immunity to Hepatitis B virus"

Hep C antibody test was also negative. Called the doc and asked him why he didn't tell me the Hep C test was only an antibody test. Said he only told me to test for Hep C to give me peace of mind. Went on to say in the 15 years he's practiced medicine, he's never seen anyone contract Hep C from unprotected sex, or have a negative 3 month antibody test that turned positive anytime after that.

His advice was to put this behind and move on with my life. I think that's what I'll do. Still quitting smoking and booze and eating healthy. Think this was the wake up call I needed to get my life in order. Still have symptoms, but I guess they're psychosomatic. Sorry for being a nuisance, and thank you for bearing with my annoying questions.

Lynn K · « **Reply #23 on:** July 12, 2017, 05:24:13 am »

Congratulations on your results

Best of luck to you

gnatcatcher · « **Reply #24 on:** July 13, 2017, 03:54:05 pm »

ConcernedColin, you are free of Hep B and C -- congratulations! This gives you the chance to start living your best life now.

Quote from: ConcernedColin on July 11, 2017, 10:51:30 am

... Anyway, I have a couple of questions....
3) Judging by my incident, he said if I have hep, it's probably B, and I'll probably clear it myself in under a year. CDC says 6 months. Which one is true?...

There is no contradiction between "in under a year" and "six months." CDC is summarizing much evidence. The doctor is "playing it safe" just in case there's ever a patient who takes slightly more than six months to clear.

I join the others in hoping you will stay on your bipolar medication. Going off it will make it much harder to resist the behaviors that caused you to have this worrisome situation.

Wishing you well,

Gnatty

ConcernedColin · « **Reply #25 on:** July 14, 2017, 04:46:06 am »

Quote from: gnatcatcher on July 13, 2017, 03:54:05 pm

ConcernedColin, you are free of Hep B and C -- congratulations! This gives you the chance to start living your best life now.

I join the others in hoping you will stay on your bipolar medication. Going off it will make it much harder to resist the behaviors that caused you to have this worrisome situation.

Wishing you well,

Gnatty

Thank you, Gnatty. Moving back in with my parents so I can save some money and keep using my meds.
Gonna get tested again again at the six month mark just to be 100% sure. The test detected 1.08mi/UL of surface antibodies in my blood, but it still read negative. As far as I know, I've never been exposed to hepatitis, so I'm wondering why it isn't 0.00. Anyway, it's whatever. This was a wake up call none the less.

ConcernedColin · « **Reply #26 on:** July 21, 2017, 04:26:29 am »

Good day, y'all. I know I promised to put this behind me, but I don't think my three-month Hep C antibody test was conclusive. Decided to get a qualitative PCR test at a private lab. Nurse said the results would be ready in 48 hours, but I still haven't received. I called the lab and asked them when I'll get them, but the lady on the line said she's not a medical professional and doesn't know how long it'll take. Instead of calling every day to ask if the results are ready, I decided to come here for help.

Has any of you had a qualitative PCR test? If so, how long did it take before you got your results? Thank you?

ConcernedColin · « **Reply #27 on:** July 21, 2017, 04:35:07 am »

For those who are wondering why I won't let this go, it's because my skin has been itching for nearly a month, I have yellow stool most of the time and I wake up with mild headaches every morning.

gnatcatcher · « **Reply #28 on:** July 21, 2017, 05:49:20 am »

ConcernedColin, do you live in South Africa now? If so, I don't know whether your laboratory situation is the same as in the USA, but here, only certain labs actually perform the various PCR tests. All the other labs collect people's blood, then send the blood samples to one of the specialty labs to have the PCR test run. Where I live, it can take up to nine days to get results of any PCR test. I wonder if the person who told you 48 hours realized it was not an ordinary test.

ConcernedColin, about your constant itching, yellow stool, and daily headaches: I know from personal experiences and from the experiences of people I know well that doing things that might earn parental or societal disapproval creates stress for the immune system that can show itself in precisely the kinds of symptoms you cite. The person who can totally ignore what anybody else thinks is rare; the rest of us mere mortals have somatic responses to psychological stress. I have re-read this entire thread and think the doctor you called on July 12 gave you excellent advice.

Gnatty

Lynn K · « **Reply #29 on:** July 21, 2017, 11:04:06 am »

Likely everyone of us here who had proven infections with hep c had the HCV RNA by PCR test to monitor our treatment and verify our cure.

Testing for the virus with the RNA test is how infection is confirmed after a positive HCV antibody test.

My results generally were received after 10 days.

I do agree with Gnatty it is more likely that your symptoms are stress related. I very much doubt what you are experiencing is due to hep c infection.

Have you asked your doctor for help with your symptoms and what they believe is the cause? I suggest you stop trying to self-diagnose and get a doctors recommendations on how to treat you to alleviate your symptoms.

Getting tested for illnesses you do not have is not going to relieve your itching and other issues.

Best of luck

ConcernedColin · « **Reply #30 on:** July 25, 2017, 03:41:24 pm »

Update: no hep C RNA detected.

gnatcatcher · « **Reply #31 on:** July 25, 2017, 03:50:55 pm »

Thanks for the update; glad you can put the scare behind you now. Here's hoping the itching and headaches either go away soon (if they were due to the stress) or get figured out, so you can be rid of them and feel really good.

ConcernedColin · « **Reply #32 on:** December 16, 2017, 02:02:10 pm »

Quote from: gnatcatcher on July 25, 2017, 03:50:55 pm

Thanks for the update; glad you can put the scare behind you now. Here's hoping the itching and headaches either go away soon (if they were due to the stress) or get figured out, so you can be rid of them and feel really good.

Update: Headaches went away on their own. Must have been stress. Went to a dermatologist to figure out what was causing my itching. He diagnosed me with scabies. Wasn't a really knowledgeable doc: he didn't tell me my whole family also had to be treated. Now my dad and brothers have it. It's cool though. Way easier to treat than Hep (but judging by the Scabies forum on Topix, it's a nightmare to get rid of the mites).

Once again, thank you for bearing with my paranoia. I reread my posts and I come across like a real dumbass LOL

Lynn K · « **Reply #33 on:** December 16, 2017, 03:58:56 pm »

Well to me it seems hep c is easier to treat and much harder to transmit than scabies.

But anyway glad to hear you have found the cause hope you clear your scabies soon.

https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/scabies/gen_info/faqs.html

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Author Topic: SHOULD I BE WORRIED? (Read 22185 times)