I recently was diagnoised with Hep C. I have had several blood transfusions and many blood products due to a blood disorder. What should I expect? Thanks for any help you can give me.

I was infected from being hooked up to a kidney dialysis machine that wasnt cleaned properly so I can relate to how you must feel.

I was just diagnosed too so I dont really feel qualified to answer your question. I CAN tell you that in the beginning you can and should expect a few different tests. After testing positive you'll probably have a quantitative test to find out how much of the virus is actually in you. You'll have a blood test run to find out which genotype of hep C you have and to check out how your liver is functioning. You'll most likely have a liver biopsy done to check out what, if any, phyical damage has been done to your liver.

If you read posts here and just do alotta general internet research regarding hep C, you'll probably feel much better. From what I have learned, just take care of yourself and your liver, stay positive, and you'll live a normal life.

Good luck.

[This message has been edited by Samwise2 (edited 01-03-2003).]

Samwise, Thanks for your info. its very much appreciated. I go for my 1st Dr's appt Jan 16, I'll know more then. Thanks

Howdy Irisheyes-
You are not alone, I also contacted HCV though blood transfusions in surgery, almost twenty years ago, I feel quite good now that I know I have HCV and had a chance in lifstyle, no alcohol and smoking, eating healthier, I always got my exercise so that was easy, I still get fatiqued and brain fog,but improved that with added supplements and the latter.
Its a good idea to write down all your questions when you are going to your specialist, Samwise gave you good advice and procedures,if one takes care of theirself and use's precautions, HCV progress's slowly and one can lead a near normal life, it is not a death sentance as most think.

Having Scottish bloodline's make's me wonder what the heck are Irisheyes he he, welcome to the board Irisheyes and hope to hear more from you, a lot of good people here with lots of knowledge,opinions and helpful info.
Be Well +






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--Get Outdoors-Enjoy Life----Neil

Thanks Lost1, I'll have a ton of questions for the Dr. no doubt! My only fear is that I'll be so sick and tired all the time but, I'll learn more after my Dr's appt. As far as being Scottish, I'm not, its my marriage name (divorced now) I'm 100% Irish. Thanks for your info.

You might find the Frequently Asked Questions at www.hcop.org (http://www.hcop.org) helpful.

Welcome!

thanbey
www.hcop.org (http://www.hcop.org)

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www.hcop.org (http://www.hcop.org)
preapproved by moderator1

I found out that I have Hepatitis C in Oct. My doctor said that I had it for years, but doesn't know how long. I see a Liver specialist on Feb 8th, should I ask for a liver biopsy to see if there is any live damage?

Speedman-
I do not beleive I have seen you here before,if not- welcome to the board
An biopcy is one of the more/most important procedures that most liver specialist's will preform, depending on your case, if a liver biopcy is not mentioned, I would discuss that matter, to answer your question- yes.
Be Well +

How should I ask the Specialist to preform the Liver Biopsy? How is it done too? I work in the health care field, and handle waste from blood, and needle sticks. I been poked by needles not properly disposed of 10 - 15 years ago, before the new standards for disposal were put in effect.

Speedman-
There is usually only one "standard" procedure, The Specialist usually will [I hope]ultra scan your liver for any problems,and check the target,ahh liver ha ha.
Most times it a quick and painless procedure,using a special needle gun, which at the time you are going to think it is going to come out the other side of you, because it will appear to be a very long needle, the needle that enters your liver is actually not that big.
The specialist will hopefully freeze the entry site with a "local" then with the with the special gun, a trigger is pulled and the needle, in a micro second shoots into your liver and retracts, bringing a hardly visable inch plus long silver of a liver sample inside the needle.
The actually procedure is very Quick "in a blink of an eye",I hope this discription does not frighten you or anyone else that has to have this done, that was not my intent, statistics are very high for a completely painless and safe proceedure.
Other than I beleive Wes here and I are the only two, that of all I know, the procedure did not go easy, we were statistically,in both our cases one in many thousands that had problems, my specialist did not use any local or painkillers because most times, ut is that easy and painless, I was nervous, [Understandably] going in, which probebly was the cause, discuss with your doc on seditives if you are nervous, local before, and pain killers after, if there is discomfort.
It may sound scary, but really is simple procedure,dicussing it thoroughly with your specialist will ease any fears.
Is there not some kind of compensation of some type for past needle sticks?
Be Well +


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--Get Outdoors-Enjoy Life----Neil

What questions should I aske the Liver Specialist when I see him. Plus how do I convince him that a liver biopsy will tell me if there is any damage to my liver. I may have had hepatitis C for up to 15 years without knowing it.

hi irisheyes http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/biggrin.gif
and welcome to the board, lost 1 narrowed it down qite right. i contracted this 20 years ago through transfusion and a few more also. i was so scared when diagnosed with it, but i did alot of research then when i was able to get a computor i learned sooo much more about the virus itself. when i found this site and got to know that "i was not alone", i have learned a great deal, shared alot of info and just general chats helped me alot. the people are great.once again welcome...
keep the faith,bless you...mj

Speedman-
It is common for many of us to have had HCV for ten plus years without knowing about it, if you see an liver specialist, you will not have to convince him /her you need a biopcy to determine what stage of fibrosis if any that you have, an liver biopcy is right now, an important tool in your diagnosis, if not the most important tool, so this is usally part of their standard proceedure in your diagnosis.
I would ask about seditives, locals, pain killers if any are needed,I went though my first one without any of the above,and if things went as planned I would not have needed them,again a biopcy is usually a simple proceedure, ask your specialist for detailed results of the biopcy.
Be Well +

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--Get Outdoors-Enjoy Life----Neil