Hep C Discussion Forum

Best of luck, Jordan, let us know how it goes...fingers crossed for you! 

That's kewl! Stay in touch and good luck with your appointment, we're here for you!

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 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!

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. 

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!

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).

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 

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. :)