Positive for Hepititis C. After the initial positive test, what following tests are performed?

on the 20 of the month I will be traveling to one of the biggest hospitals in the state for further testing, How long before peg intron is prescribed, and has anyone had this and what side effects have you experienced,,,,I know how hard this is to contract but me...I contracted it while taking care of my husband before his passing,,,,So it being a Labor of Love and not due to irresponsible lifestyle,,,what are some things I can expect later on in the month

Positive for Hepititis C. After the initial positive test, what following tests are performed?
The next step would be to confirm active infection. The test you've already had is most likely the antibodies test, which only detects the antibodies to hepatitis C, indicating that you've been exposed to it. Unfortunately, most people (80-85%) who have been exposed to the virus go on to have chronic, lifelong infection. Only about 15-20% are able to clear the virus through their own immune response. However, I've known a few people who were in the lucky 20%. To find out if you're one of the lucky ones, you will need a PCR test, also called a viral load. This test will look for active virus in your blood. If you're one of the lucky 20%, the test will come up undetectable, or with a value of %26lt;10 (or less than whatever the lowest number the test detects; some tests only detect down to 600 IU's, but that is adequate to find out).


If it comes back with any number above the minimum it detects, that will mean you have chronic hep c. In that case, you will need to find out what genotype (subtype) of hep c you have. The genotype is a one-time blood test that is used only to determine how long treatment is needed. Different genotypes respond to the interferon differently; genotypes 2 %26amp; 3 respond better and usually need only 24 weeks of treatment. Genotype 1 is the most common in the US, and somewhat more resistant to the treatment (but NOT impossible to treat), thus requiring a longer treatment of 48 weeks or so. By the way, the success rate of treatment is 50%-57% for genotype 1, 80-90% for genotype 2 %26amp; 3.


How long before interferon is prescribed depends largely on if you're insured, and your doctor's philosophy on treatment. I'm going to assume you are insured, so in that case, if your PCR comes back with an active viral load, it may take a month or two to get started on treatment.


As a Hep c survivor, and now a support group facilitator, I would suggest that you contact a local, in person support group in order to network with others who have or are going through the same thing you're going through. Some support groups are good (positive), some are not. Hopefully you will be able to find a good one, with educated facilitators, and current research information. One of the things I've observed over the last 7 1/2 years of being active in the support group is that the patients that are educated about the disease and treatment and side effect management are the ones that tend to do better and have better results. If you know what you're up against and are mentally prepared, you are more apt to adhere to the treatment regiment. Better adherence means a better chance that the treatment will be able to do it's work; clearing the virus. A positive attitude and the understanding that treatment is a temporary inconvenience, goes a long way.


In my experience, my main side effects were nausea and fatigue (I was already fatigued from HCV). That was before the interferon was pegylated; I had to do three shots a week, plus the ribavirin pills. Now, with pegylation, the interferon seems to be giving people fewer or milder side effects. With the 'bag of tricks" about side effect management that you learn at a good support group, you can manage these things and stay on treatment. I've also noticed that the people who are on pegasys seem to have milder side effects than those on pegintron (one brand name vs. another) but that is a totally nonscientific observation.


Another thing I forgot to mention; if you have insurance your doctor will probably do a liver biopsy to determine how much damage (fibrosis) has occurred to the liver. That is not mandatory (in case you're not insured), but it does give a bottom line answer to the condition of the liver.


By the way, it doesn't matter how you contracted this disease, what matters is how you deal with hit and how your lifestyle is now. One of the problems with hep c is that there is a lot of negative stigma attached to a diagnosis which often prevents people from getting the support, education, and care they need. It doesn't matter how we got in this boat, we're all in the same boat together.


Some doctors have the philosophy of waiting until there is more advanced liver damage before treating. Research, however, shows that younger age of treatment is a factor in response to treatment. So is race (African-Americans have a lower response rate), obesity, lifestyle, etc.


I hope I've helped you somewhat.


By the way, I've been clear of the virus for since Nov. 2000. Feel free to email if you have more questions. Best wishes.
Reply:Usually a blood test is done to determine whether you have Hepatitis C. If the result does indicate positive further test may be done.





1. Measure the quantitiy of the virus ( viral load )


2. Evaluate the Genetic Makeup ( genotype )


There are 6 known genotypes. Knowing which one


will help your doctor determine the best course of treatment.


3. Liver Biopsy


Not usually necessary, but can be used to confirm hepatitis C.





So the treatment and length of course will vary depending on the genotype and usually start once the genotype is confirmed and best course of treatment is identified.





However in general the standard care for Hepatitis C is pegylated interferon alfa and ribavrin.





Interferon side effects may include irritability, skin irritation, depression, severe flu-like symptoms, concentration and memory problems, fatigue and insomnia.





More info on Hep C including vides, etc, treatments check out this link.





http://www.medicalcrunch.com/conditions/...





More info, videos on Pegylated Interferon check out this link:





http://www.medicalcrunch.com/treatments/...





Good luck


- Nid
Reply:To start off they will not give you the interferon right away. You will get a bunch of blood work to see how your liver is functioning then maybe either a biopsy or an ultrasound this will all depend on what geno tye you are there are 3 types in the usa and 1 and 3 are the hardest to get rid of and 2 is the easiest. there are a ton of side effects from the peg intron look at www.beincharge.com call them and they will mail you some good reading info on hep c. Get into a support group and dont beat your self up cause of having it. You will be fine. Stay away from alcohol even in cooking this is important talk to your dr about healthy eating and what t take and no to take so as not to hurt the liver even more
Reply:Lots pf blood tests. Depending on how bad the disease is when and how much peg -intron and interfron they will prescribe. My husband has it ( I dont) he took the meds for about 4 months untill the side effects were to much to bear. He would have flu like symptoms every time he took his shot. his immume system was weakend. He also slept alot. During the length of meds he went in for monthly checks with dr as well as liver panel functions to see how well the meds work. BTW the dr did a liver byopsy after finding out what it was before starting meds. You are aware that the meds are only a 50/50 chance of curing the Hep C? Unforntetly my husbands durration did not help it. But on the bright side he doesnt drink and that is the big on to preserve his liver. Good Luck and Prayers

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