GP failed to inform me of Chronic Hep C positive test result for 7 years?

[tipovtong]

I was diagnosed with Chronic Hep C in 2007 after my GP requested a blood test, as I was suffering with shortness of breath and severe anaemia symptoms. The results came back saying I had "chronic active hepatitis". Now, I would have thought that due to the severity and the fact it was a "Virus" that they would have had to at least inform me about it,just so as not to put others at risk?

2014 I had to renew a sick note for DWP, something that I had always done with a simple phone request. On this occasion I recieved a call saying the GP wanted to see me,so of I went. Seen a new GP,she said yes to my sick note for Raynaud's and asked if I wanted my "Positive Hep c" putting on my sick note as well. I nearly passed out when she told me about the test.

Has anyone else had similar ?

[AyrshireK]

Chronic Active Hepatitis doesn't necessarily mean a virus or Hepatitis C - chronic active hepatits just means long term, active liver inflammation which could be caused by numerous causes. Have you definitely had a Hepatitis C test and actually got a Hepatitis C diagnosis?

Auto Immune Hepatitis used to be described as Chronic Active Hepatitis - the fact you have Reynaulds (another auto immune condition) can point to AIH being a possibility.

Hepatitis C is treatable these days and can be totally cured so if you do have Hep C you need to investigate what genotype it is and what treatment can be offered.

[tipovtong in reply to AyrshireK]

Sorry, never thought to mention that Hep C (GenoA, 12 million>viral load) has been treated successfully with Abbvie 3D and Ribavirin 2017. Treatment was successful and still all clear as of Dec 22 after blood test to check active Hep C ,B or E was not cause of swollen liver and spleen issue at the time .

[golly123]

Hi. No this has NOT happened to me. That is absolutely appalling. Medical negligence springs to mind. I would ring a medical negligence company of it was me and get advice.

[tipovtong in reply to golly123]

At the time I did try to get an explanation as to why I had not been informed but always got the response "You need to speak to the GP's in question",both of which took early retirement not long after. I also got the impression of "Who are you to be questioning GP'S?" sort of attitude.

[MINTVCX]

Not sure but if you found out about Hep C in 2007, did you know how long had you been infected? Anyway it is a standard procedure to check potencial damage (fibrosis) after successful treatment of the virus. But all should have been done by your medical stuff. Or maybe it was not needed.

[tipovtong in reply to MINTVCX]

Virus was detected by GP 2007,I found out about positive result from differant GP from the same surgery in 2014 when she asked if I wanted it including on my 'Sick note'.

When I started Hep C treatment in 2016 (Diag= 2014. Actual treatment start,after tests and being given the run-around=2016) I was already diagnosed with FLD and Fibrosis, It was determined by the Geno type,viral load,general health and lifestyle that I was likely to have contractyed the virus in early-mid 80s

[MINTVCX in reply to tipovtong]

I see so indeed something that would never should have happended. That's why we should always see every single test result.

[tipovtong in reply to MINTVCX]

Unfortunately in the UK, Patient access wasn't available until 2015 (? I think ?) And getting any kind of updates from your GP wasn't an exact or informative process. Especialy if it is the same GP/Practice who failed to inform you of the problem in the first place.

[Ruby1960]

Yes, it’s happened to me. I was originally tested in 2003 and was not informed of the positive result and therefore not treated. Fast forward to 2020 following abnormal liver function tests I got the diagnosis. Was treated and am now clear of the virus. Unfortunately I have already developed cirrhosis. This has only come to light because I made a claim on my critical illness insurance policy and they appointed a medical examiner to look at my GP records. I have since recieved an apology from the GP surgery apologising but as in your case the doctors responsible have retired. The letter states that had I been treated 17 years previously I would not have developed cirrhosis. I have now instructed a solicitor to make a claim for negligence. You may want to do the same. Good luck

[tipovtong in reply to Ruby1960]

Thank you Ruby, I don't I would even know where to start or who I would have to contact about getting someone to look into my records,

Now I know that I am not the only one who found out under similar circumstances it gives me a bit of confidence to try and get some answers as it's not just the Cirrhosis part of there failure in notifying me of my infection but it is the other health issues that that have become problems affecting my entire life, such as my Type 2 diabete's, severe circulatory problems which I feel would have been detected earlier and have had less impact than they have now

Thank you

[Ruby1960 in reply to tipovtong]

just google Medical Negligence Lawyers. They operate on a no win no fee basis and most take 25% of any award. It’s worth enquiring. Good luck.

[Readlots in reply to tipovtong]

Hi, you could check any insurance policies (car, RAC or house insurance) and see if you’ve got legal cover. They aren’t always limited to the thing that’s insured.

Were you a member of a trade Union? Sometimes they will help. My father in law developed asbestosis. He was a union member when he was working. The union let him rejoin as a retired member and represented him through his compensation case.

And there’s always Citizens Advice

[BritishLiverTrust3 Administrator British Liver Trust]

Dear Tipovtong,

If you [are in the UK and] would find it useful to talk things over, our nurse-led helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm on 0800 652 7330 (excluding bank holidays)

Best wishes

British Liver Trust

[Quirckychick]

I live in the UK where stigma is a huge problem when you need help. Contact medical records at your hospital. They can charge for information but usually only about £15

[Pasturesnew]

Hi, I got sick of everytime I saw my GP or liver consultant I seemed to have developed other health conditions! I then learnt I could ask my GP for all my medical records, I have done and now are wading through them to see exactly what has medically recorded and when so I have a clearer picture of what is happening. Also it helps that you have it in black and white and you can go through and take your time to process the information and educate yourself on the conditions,at you're own pace rather than have a consultation that's timed, leaving you unable to ask questions etc. Or understand and take in what's being said.