My wife has hep c?!
Question: My wife has hep c!?
been married for 11 years, she had hep c prior to that (tattoo related) about 10 years ago she had a liver biopsy, she did not really talk about it much!. we have 2 children and she drinks about 2 to 3 glasses of red wine per night - Every night for the last 4 months without fail!. Prior to that she has always enjoyed afew, but not as much as now!.
I found a Dr's note to a specialist asking to take IMMEDIATE and CONTINUOUS assessment and Management of my wife!. The pathology script had tests on it : LFT, HCV RNA FBP INR!?!. I have asked her about it but she does not really tell me!. I know that i need to talk to her but does anyone know what the tests are or at what stage a hep c person gets a liver biopsy!? - She did mention a bout 1 month ago that a 'friend of hers' has prostate cancer and he has not told his wife because he does not want her to worry, I am thinking that a role reversal and she does not want me to worry is the likely scenario!. she has become very secretive!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
I found a Dr's note to a specialist asking to take IMMEDIATE and CONTINUOUS assessment and Management of my wife!. The pathology script had tests on it : LFT, HCV RNA FBP INR!?!. I have asked her about it but she does not really tell me!. I know that i need to talk to her but does anyone know what the tests are or at what stage a hep c person gets a liver biopsy!? - She did mention a bout 1 month ago that a 'friend of hers' has prostate cancer and he has not told his wife because he does not want her to worry, I am thinking that a role reversal and she does not want me to worry is the likely scenario!. she has become very secretive!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Answers:
Anyone who is diagnosed with hep c should have a liver biopsy if they have insurance (they're expensive)!. A liver biopsy is the most definitive way to determine how much fibrosis (scarring) has occurred to the liver due to the virus!. It is a typical procedure for someone being followed for hep c (HCV)!. Results of a liver biopsy are given in stages (0-4, with 0 being no damage, and 4 being cirrhosis), and a grade (0-4 also, with 0 being no inflammation at the time of the biopsy, and 4 being severely inflammed!. The grade does fluctuate, but the stage is usually stable unless someone is on the interferon treatment, then the stage may regress after treatment)!.
However, I must caution you about drinking alcohol with HCV; it is a sure fire way to expedite damage to the liver!. There are many research studies that show alcohol increases viral replication in a person with HCV!. It is a dangerous mix and should be stopped immediately!. I have facilitated a support group for people with HCV for several years and have seen those who continue to drink die an early death due to liver failure!. I hope your wife will realize the harm she is causing herself!. As for your scripts: LFT = liver function tests, HCV RNA = viral load tests to see how high her viral load is (results given in millions of International Units [IU's]), INR = a blood test to see how long it takes for blood to clot; the liver produces clotting factors, if the liver isn't working well, it will take the blood a long time to clot!. This could be a problem when getting a liver biopsy!. If the blood takes too long to clot, they won't do the liver biopsy because it could be dangerous!. This is a typical test to do prior to receiving a liver biopsy!. FBP = fructose-1,6-biphosphatase, to measure some aspect of liver damage, although I'm not totally sure of the details of this test!.
Your wife is probably being quiet about this because she does not really know about this!. Many people don't educate themselves about the tests & issues regarding their disease!. She may also be burying her head in the sand as to how serious this disease is!. I say that because she is ignoring the #1 thing she should be doing to protect her liver function and her health!.!.!. abstaining from alcohol!.
While I hope that this helps you, I hope you're not offended by my direct answer!. You should know the truth about this!. I'll include some links for accurate info about HCV!. I also recommend you find a support group!. My support group was extremely helpful to me and my husband when I was diagnosed 8 years ago!. I did the treatment and have now been cleared of HCV for 8 years this November!. Best wishes to you!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
However, I must caution you about drinking alcohol with HCV; it is a sure fire way to expedite damage to the liver!. There are many research studies that show alcohol increases viral replication in a person with HCV!. It is a dangerous mix and should be stopped immediately!. I have facilitated a support group for people with HCV for several years and have seen those who continue to drink die an early death due to liver failure!. I hope your wife will realize the harm she is causing herself!. As for your scripts: LFT = liver function tests, HCV RNA = viral load tests to see how high her viral load is (results given in millions of International Units [IU's]), INR = a blood test to see how long it takes for blood to clot; the liver produces clotting factors, if the liver isn't working well, it will take the blood a long time to clot!. This could be a problem when getting a liver biopsy!. If the blood takes too long to clot, they won't do the liver biopsy because it could be dangerous!. This is a typical test to do prior to receiving a liver biopsy!. FBP = fructose-1,6-biphosphatase, to measure some aspect of liver damage, although I'm not totally sure of the details of this test!.
Your wife is probably being quiet about this because she does not really know about this!. Many people don't educate themselves about the tests & issues regarding their disease!. She may also be burying her head in the sand as to how serious this disease is!. I say that because she is ignoring the #1 thing she should be doing to protect her liver function and her health!.!.!. abstaining from alcohol!.
While I hope that this helps you, I hope you're not offended by my direct answer!. You should know the truth about this!. I'll include some links for accurate info about HCV!. I also recommend you find a support group!. My support group was extremely helpful to me and my husband when I was diagnosed 8 years ago!. I did the treatment and have now been cleared of HCV for 8 years this November!. Best wishes to you!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
call health detp ask pathology script had tests on it : LFT, HCV RNA FBP INR
Related Articles
Hepatitis A - Topic Overview
Hepatitis C - Treatment Overview
? More overview Articles
What is hepatitis C!?
Hepatitis C is a disease caused by a virus that infects the liver!. In time, it can lead to permanent liver damage as well as cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure!.
Many people do not know that they have hepatitis C until they already have some liver damage!. This can take many years!. Some people who get hepatitis C have it for a short time and then get better!. This is called acute hepatitis C!. But most people who are infected with the virus go on to develop long-term, or chronic, hepatitis C!.
Although hepatitis C can be very serious, many people can manage the disease and lead active, full lives!.
What causes hepatitis C infection!?
Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus!. It is spread by contact with an infected person's blood!.
You can get hepatitis C if:
You share needles and other equipment used to inject illegal drugs!. This is the most common way to get hepatitis C in the United States!.
You had a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992!. As of 1992 in the United States, all donated blood and organs are screened for hepatitis C!.
You get a shot with a needle that has infected blood on it!. This happens in some developing countries where they use needles more than once when giving shots!.
In rare cases, a mother with hepatitis C spreads the virus to her baby at birth, or a health care worker is accidentally exposed to blood that is infected with hepatitis C!.
Experts are not sure if you can get hepatitis C through sexual contact!. If there is a risk of getting the virus through sexual contact, it is very small!.
You cannot get hepatitis C from casual contact such as hugging, kissing, sneezing, coughing, or sharing food or drink!.
What are the symptoms!?
Many people have no symptoms when they are first infected with the hepatitis C virus!. If you do develop symptoms, they may include:
Feeling very tired!.
Joint pain!.
Belly pain!.
Itchy skin!.
Sore muscles!.
Dark urine!.
Yellowish eyes and skin (jaundice)!. Jaundice usually appears only after other symptoms have started to go away!.
Most people go on to develop chronic hepatitis C but still do not have symptoms!. This makes it common for people to have hepatitis C for 15 years or longer before it is diagnosed!.
How is hepatitis C diagnosed!?
Many people find out that they have the virus by accident, when their blood is tested before a blood donation or as part of a regular checkup!. Often, people with hepatitis C will have high levels of liver enzymes in their blood!.
If your doctor thinks you may have hepatitis C, he or she will talk to you about having a blood test!. If the test shows hepatitis C antibodies, you have had hepatitis C at some point!. A second test can tell if you have hepatitis C now!.
When blood tests show that you have hepatitis C, you may need a liver biopsy to see if the virus has caused scarring in your liver!. During a liver biopsy, a doctor will insert a needle between your ribs to collect a small sample of liver tissue to look at under a microscope!. See a picture of the placement of the needle for a liver biopsy!.
Some people prefer to find out on their own if they have been exposed to hepatitis C!. You can buy a home test called a Home Access Hepatitis C Check kit at most drugstores!. If the test shows that you have been exposed to the virus in the past, be sure to talk to your doctor to find out if you have the virus now!.
How is it treated!?
You and your doctor need to decide if you should take antiviral medicine to treat hepatitis C!. It may not be right for everyone!. If your liver damage is mild, you may not need medicine!.
If you do take medicine, the best treatment is a combination of two medicines that fight infection: peginterferon and ribavirin!. How well these medicines work depends on how damaged your liver is, how much virus you have in your liver, and what type of hepatitis C you have!.
Taking care of yourself is an important part of the treatment for hepatitis C!. Some people with hepatitis C do not notice a change in the way they feel!. Others feel tired, sick, or depressed!. You may feel better if you exercise and eat healthy foods!. To help prevent further liver damage, avoid alcohol and illegal drugs and certain medicines that can be hard on your liver!.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learning about hepatitis C:
What is hepatitis C!?
What causes hepatitis C!?
Can I prevent hepatitis C!?
What are the symptoms of hepatitis C!?
What happens in hepatitis C!?
What increases my risk for hepatitis C!?
How common is hepatitis C!?
Being diagnosed:
How is hepatitis C diagnosed!?
Who can diagnose hepatitis C!?
What is a hepatitis C antibody test!?
What blood test can show whether I have active hepatitis C infection!?
What kind of blood tests may be done to check the health of my liver!?
What is a liver biopsy!?
Should I be tested for hepatitis B and C!?
Getting treatment:
How is hepatitis C treated!?
Should I take medicines for hepatitis C!?
What is combination antiviral treatment!?
Ongoing concerns:
Will I need surgery!?
Living with hepatitis C:
What can I do to treat hepatitis C at home!?
End-of-life issues:
How can I prepare for end-of-life issues if needed!?
Author: Maria G!. Essig, MS, ELS Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
W!. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology
Last Updated: 08/27/2007
? 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated, P!.O!. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701!. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor!. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information!. For more information, click here!. Privacy Policy!. How this information was developed!.
Additional InformationWww@Answer-Health@Com
Related Articles
Hepatitis A - Topic Overview
Hepatitis C - Treatment Overview
? More overview Articles
What is hepatitis C!?
Hepatitis C is a disease caused by a virus that infects the liver!. In time, it can lead to permanent liver damage as well as cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure!.
Many people do not know that they have hepatitis C until they already have some liver damage!. This can take many years!. Some people who get hepatitis C have it for a short time and then get better!. This is called acute hepatitis C!. But most people who are infected with the virus go on to develop long-term, or chronic, hepatitis C!.
Although hepatitis C can be very serious, many people can manage the disease and lead active, full lives!.
What causes hepatitis C infection!?
Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus!. It is spread by contact with an infected person's blood!.
You can get hepatitis C if:
You share needles and other equipment used to inject illegal drugs!. This is the most common way to get hepatitis C in the United States!.
You had a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992!. As of 1992 in the United States, all donated blood and organs are screened for hepatitis C!.
You get a shot with a needle that has infected blood on it!. This happens in some developing countries where they use needles more than once when giving shots!.
In rare cases, a mother with hepatitis C spreads the virus to her baby at birth, or a health care worker is accidentally exposed to blood that is infected with hepatitis C!.
Experts are not sure if you can get hepatitis C through sexual contact!. If there is a risk of getting the virus through sexual contact, it is very small!.
You cannot get hepatitis C from casual contact such as hugging, kissing, sneezing, coughing, or sharing food or drink!.
What are the symptoms!?
Many people have no symptoms when they are first infected with the hepatitis C virus!. If you do develop symptoms, they may include:
Feeling very tired!.
Joint pain!.
Belly pain!.
Itchy skin!.
Sore muscles!.
Dark urine!.
Yellowish eyes and skin (jaundice)!. Jaundice usually appears only after other symptoms have started to go away!.
Most people go on to develop chronic hepatitis C but still do not have symptoms!. This makes it common for people to have hepatitis C for 15 years or longer before it is diagnosed!.
How is hepatitis C diagnosed!?
Many people find out that they have the virus by accident, when their blood is tested before a blood donation or as part of a regular checkup!. Often, people with hepatitis C will have high levels of liver enzymes in their blood!.
If your doctor thinks you may have hepatitis C, he or she will talk to you about having a blood test!. If the test shows hepatitis C antibodies, you have had hepatitis C at some point!. A second test can tell if you have hepatitis C now!.
When blood tests show that you have hepatitis C, you may need a liver biopsy to see if the virus has caused scarring in your liver!. During a liver biopsy, a doctor will insert a needle between your ribs to collect a small sample of liver tissue to look at under a microscope!. See a picture of the placement of the needle for a liver biopsy!.
Some people prefer to find out on their own if they have been exposed to hepatitis C!. You can buy a home test called a Home Access Hepatitis C Check kit at most drugstores!. If the test shows that you have been exposed to the virus in the past, be sure to talk to your doctor to find out if you have the virus now!.
How is it treated!?
You and your doctor need to decide if you should take antiviral medicine to treat hepatitis C!. It may not be right for everyone!. If your liver damage is mild, you may not need medicine!.
If you do take medicine, the best treatment is a combination of two medicines that fight infection: peginterferon and ribavirin!. How well these medicines work depends on how damaged your liver is, how much virus you have in your liver, and what type of hepatitis C you have!.
Taking care of yourself is an important part of the treatment for hepatitis C!. Some people with hepatitis C do not notice a change in the way they feel!. Others feel tired, sick, or depressed!. You may feel better if you exercise and eat healthy foods!. To help prevent further liver damage, avoid alcohol and illegal drugs and certain medicines that can be hard on your liver!.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learning about hepatitis C:
What is hepatitis C!?
What causes hepatitis C!?
Can I prevent hepatitis C!?
What are the symptoms of hepatitis C!?
What happens in hepatitis C!?
What increases my risk for hepatitis C!?
How common is hepatitis C!?
Being diagnosed:
How is hepatitis C diagnosed!?
Who can diagnose hepatitis C!?
What is a hepatitis C antibody test!?
What blood test can show whether I have active hepatitis C infection!?
What kind of blood tests may be done to check the health of my liver!?
What is a liver biopsy!?
Should I be tested for hepatitis B and C!?
Getting treatment:
How is hepatitis C treated!?
Should I take medicines for hepatitis C!?
What is combination antiviral treatment!?
Ongoing concerns:
Will I need surgery!?
Living with hepatitis C:
What can I do to treat hepatitis C at home!?
End-of-life issues:
How can I prepare for end-of-life issues if needed!?
Author: Maria G!. Essig, MS, ELS Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
W!. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology
Last Updated: 08/27/2007
? 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated, P!.O!. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701!. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor!. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information!. For more information, click here!. Privacy Policy!. How this information was developed!.
Additional InformationWww@Answer-Health@Com