Best of luck, Jordan, let us know how it goes...fingers crossed for you!
jtthatsme55 said
Nov 1, 2013
So tomorrow is the big day I find out if I just have the antibody for hep c or the virus im pretty nervous
Tig said
Oct 20, 2013
That's kewl! Stay in touch and good luck with your appointment, we're here for you!
jtthatsme55 said
Oct 20, 2013
appricate the help and support from everyone ill keep yall posted I find out my viral load results the 1st
Bloomster said
Oct 20, 2013
Hi Jordan,
What a shock for you. If you are looking for support and information you've come to right place. Keep strong as you walk through this. Caroline
mallani said
Oct 20, 2013
Hi Jordan,
Welcome from me, as well. From what you have posted, I assume you have have antibodies to Hep A and Hep C. When you get a Viral Load you will know if you actually have chronic Hep C . The Hep A antibodies are probably from a previous infection or vaccination. Keep us posted. Cheers.
Tig said
Oct 20, 2013
Hi Ellen and welcome to the forum! You're in a good group of like minded, caring individuals. First of all try and not be afraid. The best thing to do is to educate yourself. Much like you're doing now. It seems a bit overwhelming at first but as you learn what to expect the unknown becomes easier to prepare for. Your first appointment will be a meet and greet with the doctor and staff. Lots of questions, some paperwork and you'll have to have a battery of blood tests to determine your genotype, viral load, CBC and Liver Function Tests. They are the basics to begin with. A decision to have an ultrasound and or biopsy will be discussed as well. I wouldn't be worried about any of that and would say to get your own questions put together. You'll be glad you asked them following your appointment. I recommend writing them down so you don't forget to ask them. Your mind will be swimming with them, so it's the best method of remembering! I still keep a daily journal and continue to write down anything that comes to mind between appointments. It's very important to be part of your medical team, not just the patient! I suggest using the search function at the top of the page and you'll find more information than you knew existed, lol! We've all been where you are right now, and many folks are exactly where you are right now. This is a great place to make friends and ask questions. It's one of the best Hep C support groups available and I'm glad you're here with us! I look forward to talking with you soon!
brokenwing57 said
Oct 19, 2013
I am also new here. Was diagnosed 3 weeks ago. First appointment with GI on December 11. Can anyone tell me what to expect on my first visit. I must tell you I am scared to death.
Cinnamon Girl said
Oct 19, 2013
Hi Jordan, welcome from me too!
Sorry to hear about your double diagnosis, that must have come as quite a shock to you, but it`s good to see you`re moving forward, and it sounds like you have a nice optimistic attitude.
According to this fact sheet from the HCV Advocate, Hep A clears up on its own, usually within a few weeks, although the fatigue can last longer. You have the advantage of being young and you should make a good recovery, and also do well on your Hep C treatment when the time comes. Here`s the link to the factsheet...
I had a friend who was infected with A, took a best part of a year to cure and she ended up sleeping a lot and total fatgiue. I don't know how the two strains will affect the other as they are both RNA viruses? But I do know that A is very contagious compared to C. x
Tig said
Oct 19, 2013
The fortunate thing, if there is one Lisa, is that Hep A is easily (?) curable and does so on its own, usually in one to two months. It's important for everyone to know that the best line of defense for Hep A is through vaccination. We should all be vaccinated for Hep A and B, very important!
Loopy Lisa said
Oct 19, 2013
That is very unfortunate to have two strains of hep, it is bad enough having one! I would get all your results in and after they will start the tests to look at your bloodworks. Try not to worry at this stage, but do remember you have two different strains and I think the Hep A is far more transmissable than C.
Good luck with your results :)
Biggyb said
Oct 19, 2013
Welcome Jordan, yea keep us posted. Were here to try and help.
@Tig, He probably has stock in the makers of Incivek. (Just a thought).
jtthatsme55 said
Oct 18, 2013
I just left my first appointment and just like you said the doctor doesn't believe I have very much liver damages at all he also said that there is a new medicine coming out next month but I get my genotype and viral load results on the first of next month I will be sure to keep all of you up to date thank you all for the support now it's time for a mini vacation this weekend
Tig said
Oct 18, 2013
Hi Jordan and welcome to the forum. I did a quick search of Dr. Cecil and he has a long history of HCV treatment. I found his website http://www.hepatitisdoctor.com/ And think you might find it interesting. One question that comes to mind that I would ask is why he doesn't discuss the use of Victrelis in his practice. He seems to be a firm believer in Incivek, which is fine but there are other options and that choice should be made with you, not unilaterally. There are pluses and minuses with both drugs, be sure to ask about them.
I would think that at your young age, the liver damage is minimal and if you start treatment now, your chance of SVR is extremely high. The new treatments on the horizon, the non-interferon type will be far easier regarding the side effects than the Interferon based therapies currently are. They should be available within 1-3 years if the reports are accurate. Given your recent infection, your liver damage should be minimal and should allow you the time to wait for these new therapies. The thought of a short term, no or low side effect, high cure rate form of treatment is very attractive! Especially for those of us going through the current triple drug regimens. Consider those options thoroughly! Another thing worth mentioning is that the younger you start treatment, the side effects seem to be better tolerated. I would recommend a biopsy or fibro-scan to get an accurate determination of your liver health, along with the necessary battery of blood tests required. Discuss everything with your medical team and always ask questions. I keep a daily journal, and include things like test results, side effects, personal experiences and a section for questions. Take that with you on your appointments so you get those questions answered.
Good luck today! Let us know what you find out
jtthatsme55 said
Oct 18, 2013
Matt thank you for the insight insight appreciate it.
shotgungirl I wish you the best of luck on your journey
I have my first appointment in a couple hours with dr.ben Cecil in Louisville ky has anyone else seen him he's suppose to be an expert who has helpedover 4000 people with hcv
shotgungirl said
Oct 18, 2013
Hey there!
I am 22 and was diagnosed two months ago. I contracted it while receiving a tattoo.
I am starting treatment soon. I've had labwork done to give my genotype and viral load count, an ultrasound, and then at my 2nd appointment I set up my treatment. :)
Matt Chris said
Oct 18, 2013
Hello Jordan
Welcome to the forum you have found a good place that can provide many insights about your journey with HCV. Its a very wise and mature step that you have taken to remedy your health situation, it shows that you have truly are on the correct course.
As far as your visit, expect them to take a blood sample to run a liver function test and other viral tests. The doctor will likely give you a physical exam and observe your mental attitude toward your HCV condition and treatment.
Best advise, make a list of questions and don't be afraid to ask any others that come to mind. You have already have made a good choice by deciding to see a Hepatalogist instead of a regular MD. Their is a lot of new treatments coming down the pike in a very short period of time so don't let anyone push a treatment on you without considering it for awhile.
Hoping the best for your future.
Matt
jtthatsme55 said
Oct 18, 2013
I have just recently been told I have hep a and hep c im 21 and I contracted them threw IV drug use I am now clean and just looking for support with people who live with hep c and have gone threw treatment. Tomorrow I go to my first appointment with my hepatalogist what should i expect on my first visit
Thank u ill let you all know
Best of luck, Jordan, let us know how it goes...fingers crossed for you!
So tomorrow is the big day I find out if I just have the antibody for hep c or the virus im pretty nervous
That's kewl! Stay in touch and good luck with your appointment, we're here for you!
appricate the help and support from everyone ill keep yall posted I find out my viral load results the 1st
Hi Jordan,
What a shock for you. If you are looking for support and information you've come to right place. Keep strong as you walk through this. Caroline
Hi Jordan,
Welcome from me, as well. From what you have posted, I assume you have have antibodies to Hep A and Hep C. When you get a Viral Load you will know if you actually have chronic Hep C . The Hep A antibodies are probably from a previous infection or vaccination. Keep us posted. Cheers.
Hi Ellen and welcome to the forum! You're in a good group of like minded, caring individuals. First of all try and not be afraid. The best thing to do is to educate yourself. Much like you're doing now. It seems a bit overwhelming at first but as you learn what to expect the unknown becomes easier to prepare for. Your first appointment will be a meet and greet with the doctor and staff. Lots of questions, some paperwork and you'll have to have a battery of blood tests to determine your genotype, viral load, CBC and Liver Function Tests. They are the basics to begin with. A decision to have an ultrasound and or biopsy will be discussed as well. I wouldn't be worried about any of that and would say to get your own questions put together. You'll be glad you asked them following your appointment. I recommend writing them down so you don't forget to ask them. Your mind will be swimming with them, so it's the best method of remembering! I still keep a daily journal and continue to write down anything that comes to mind between appointments. It's very important to be part of your medical team, not just the patient! I suggest using the search function at the top of the page and you'll find more information than you knew existed, lol! We've all been where you are right now, and many folks are exactly where you are right now. This is a great place to make friends and ask questions. It's one of the best Hep C support groups available and I'm glad you're here with us! I look forward to talking with you soon!
I am also new here. Was diagnosed 3 weeks ago. First appointment with GI on December 11. Can anyone tell me what to expect on my first visit. I must tell you I am scared to death.
Hi Jordan, welcome from me too!
Sorry to hear about your double diagnosis, that must have come as quite a shock to you, but it`s good to see you`re moving forward, and it sounds like you have a nice optimistic attitude.
According to this fact sheet from the HCV Advocate, Hep A clears up on its own, usually within a few weeks, although the fatigue can last longer. You have the advantage of being young and you should make a good recovery, and also do well on your Hep C treatment when the time comes. Here`s the link to the factsheet...
http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/HAV.pdf
Wishing you all the best, take care.
I had a friend who was infected with A, took a best part of a year to cure and she ended up sleeping a lot and total fatgiue. I don't know how the two strains will affect the other as they are both RNA viruses? But I do know that A is very contagious compared to C. x
The fortunate thing, if there is one Lisa, is that Hep A is easily (?) curable and does so on its own, usually in one to two months. It's important for everyone to know that the best line of defense for Hep A is through vaccination. We should all be vaccinated for Hep A and B, very important!
That is very unfortunate to have two strains of hep, it is bad enough having one! I would get all your results in and after they will start the tests to look at your bloodworks. Try not to worry at this stage, but do remember you have two different strains and I think the Hep A is far more transmissable than C.
Good luck with your results :)
Welcome Jordan, yea keep us posted. Were here to try and help.
@Tig, He probably has stock in the makers of Incivek. (Just a thought).
I just left my first appointment and just like you said the doctor doesn't believe I have very much liver damages at all he also said that there is a new medicine coming out next month but I get my genotype and viral load results on the first of next month I will be sure to keep all of you up to date thank you all for the support now it's time for a mini vacation this weekend
Hi Jordan and welcome to the forum. I did a quick search of Dr. Cecil and he has a long history of HCV treatment. I found his website http://www.hepatitisdoctor.com/ And think you might find it interesting. One question that comes to mind that I would ask is why he doesn't discuss the use of Victrelis in his practice. He seems to be a firm believer in Incivek, which is fine but there are other options and that choice should be made with you, not unilaterally. There are pluses and minuses with both drugs, be sure to ask about them.
I would think that at your young age, the liver damage is minimal and if you start treatment now, your chance of SVR is extremely high. The new treatments on the horizon, the non-interferon type will be far easier regarding the side effects than the Interferon based therapies currently are. They should be available within 1-3 years if the reports are accurate. Given your recent infection, your liver damage should be minimal and should allow you the time to wait for these new therapies. The thought of a short term, no or low side effect, high cure rate form of treatment is very attractive! Especially for those of us going through the current triple drug regimens. Consider those options thoroughly! Another thing worth mentioning is that the younger you start treatment, the side effects seem to be better tolerated. I would recommend a biopsy or fibro-scan to get an accurate determination of your liver health, along with the necessary battery of blood tests required. Discuss everything with your medical team and always ask questions. I keep a daily journal, and include things like test results, side effects, personal experiences and a section for questions. Take that with you on your appointments so you get those questions answered.
Good luck today! Let us know what you find out
Matt thank you for the insight insight appreciate it.
shotgungirl I wish you the best of luck on your journey
I have my first appointment in a couple hours with dr.ben Cecil in Louisville ky has anyone else seen him he's suppose to be an expert who has helpedover 4000 people with hcv
Hey there!
I am 22 and was diagnosed two months ago. I contracted it while receiving a tattoo.
I am starting treatment soon. I've had labwork done to give my genotype and viral load count, an ultrasound, and then at my 2nd appointment I set up my treatment. :)
Hello Jordan
Welcome to the forum you have found a good place that can provide many insights about your journey with HCV. Its a very wise and mature step that you have taken to remedy your health situation, it shows that you have truly are on the correct course.
As far as your visit, expect them to take a blood sample to run a liver function test and other viral tests. The doctor will likely give you a physical exam and observe your mental attitude toward your HCV condition and treatment.
Best advise, make a list of questions and don't be afraid to ask any others that come to mind. You have already have made a good choice by deciding to see a Hepatalogist instead of a regular MD. Their is a lot of new treatments coming down the pike in a very short period of time so don't let anyone push a treatment on you without considering it for awhile.
Hoping the best for your future.
Matt
I have just recently been told I have hep a and hep c im 21 and I contracted them threw IV drug use I am now clean and just looking for support with people who live with hep c and have gone threw treatment. Tomorrow I go to my first appointment with my hepatalogist what should i expect on my first visit