Newly Diagnosed with Hep C

[Sexy_Dexy]

Recently diagnosed with Hep C after showing some symptoms whilst on holiday. My liver swelled up, had jaundice and dark urine for almost two weeks. It has been a dramatic process for me as I could not fathom how I got infected. It took a lot of support from my partner to accept the diagnosis. I feared that he would leave me upon hearing the news. Although he is very supportive, Hep C has affected my confidence and self-esteem. Sex life, of course has also been eliminated which I am afraid might affect our relationship. I am currently having my blood tests done every Monday and yet to see my specialist doctor. Not on treatment. But somehow my ALT results are showing great improvement. I am hoping for the best outcome of it all. They keep saying that I may not need the treatment as my body might develop the antibodies that would kill the virus and I was told it is safer (or much better) that way. I am not confident not to have treatment though. I prefer it to be cleared up by medications as it would give me peace of mind. What do you all think?

[Sillysausage234]

Hi,welcome to our little club ,dexy,good you’ve already got the ball rolling on your way to getting rid of the virus,if offered treatment take it as it’s only for a couple of weeks and these new treatments are great compared to the older ones,do come on here for a chat as it’s not good to bottle it up look forward to hearing how you come on 🙂x

[Cara78]

Hi sexy😂 i would go for treatment but as you got told you might fight it off. Keep as healthy as you can, eat tons of fruit n veg n vit c with probiotics too and your body may have better chance. I've had it for 20 years and am tired and depressed, sore joints, very stiff too and am now on day 3 of treatment. I'm more fatigued and feel a bit queasy but it's nothing compared to what I'd be like eventually without treatment. Not a way I want to leave the planet I've seen it on you tube.

Xxx

[navigatinglife]

Hi and welcome to the forum 🙋 Brilliant to hear you are having weekly tests that's great. Personally I would take the advice of your GP especially as they are on the ball and monitoring you so closely. They will decide whether or not you need medication, if the virus does clear there would be no benefit in taking anti virals as you will not have the virus. Sounds like your body is doing great if your ALT etc are coming down. Easier said than done but really do try not to worry. If your body doesn't clear it you will be offered treatment. Almost sounds like hepatitis A. I totally understand the low esteem & drama, I still can't believe i have it. Hoping for clearance soon. But acceptance comes quite fast , you're on the mend and are being looked after well so hopefully you will feel better & more confident soon, best wishes. We are here to support you 😍😍

[Petea]

Why do you think it is a recent (acute) infection?

The window period is 6 months for natural clearance. Speak to your specialist.

[Mizzkent]

Hey Sexy, welcome if the Dr’s are saying your own body may clear the virus then I would of thought you have not been infected that long. It is possible for some people to clear the virus without treatment.You are being well monitored so it won’t be too long for the Dr’s to see what’s going on and if your own body’s fighting that’s amazing! The doctors won’t give you the treatment yet if your own body is fighting it because it would be a waste and it’s expensive. Most people who get Hep c it is chronic meaning their body can’t fight it and treatment is needed.You will find out soon with all your regular tests. It will get sorted for now it’s just a waiting game.👎

Try not to worry too much getting a diagnosis is not like it used to be these new drugs out now are unbelievable! After living with it almost 16 years I virtually cleared it in 2 weeks! Try to refrain from google etc it’s not always helpful better to find out from others in the same boat!

It sounds like you have a very supportive partner I’m sure things will work out. I’ve been with my husband 12 years and he is perfectly fine and so is our 3 year old daughter. Hep c is passed on blood to blood. So there is more chance of catch it from a shared razor or tooth brush than sexually you just need to be sensible obviously.I understand how you feel though with that I’ve been there.You have already done the hardest part which is tell your partner. And that’s brave!

Avoid alcohol if you can and try to eat healthily. We are all here too support you so don’t be a stranger lots of ❤️ and a virtual hug Cathy xxx

[Hidden]

Hi do you no the type you got

[Dandelion_1]

Hi

I think most of us on this forum can identify with how you're feeling at the moment. A new diagnosis is a shock so take all the support you can get from people who care about you, from the forum here and definitely from the Hep C Trust. It will take a while for the info to sink in so talk things through as they come up, address the fears and don't be afraid just to say it out loud here or on the Hep C Trust's helpline or website. Honestly, there is little that others who have experience of Hep C haven't been through so don't hold back.

I agree with MizzKent, Hep C shouldn't stop you from having a normal relationship with your partner or children but I do understand your fears and how that can affect self confidence. Try to remember that your loved ones will be glad to support you and that this is now much more easily treatable.

While you're waiting for the medical side of things to grind along, you have people here to connect with so I hope that some of this can ease your mind.