Hello, amanda,
Hepatitis- C can be contracted by a number of means. This occurs by coming in
contact with contaminated blood.
Drug abuse , shared needles or other paraphernalia
even many years ago can be the source.
Blood transfusion or blood products prior
to 1992 (We did not have blood tests for Hep -C then). Other things that are risk
factors include Tattoos,body piercing,sharing tooth brushes, razors etc. Accidental
needle prick and exposure to contaminated blood (Lab technecians etc,surgeons )
I am giving you all this background to let you know , you can be completely
well till the virus starts multiplying in the
liver cells and causes damage.
Now that you have been confirmed with blood tests, you need to get
HCV -RNA viral
count and the Geno-Type of the virus because the response to treatment or cure
depends on this. Good news is ,there are very effective treatments using a combination
of drugs. You can look for a clinic or a doctor's office that specializes in treating this.
It takes patience, dedication and determination on your part to get cured and this
can be done. You may have to put up with side effects from the drugs, again most
people can tolerate well.Usually the treatment lasts for 24-48 weeks depending on
the response of the virus count at 4-8 weeks.
Please see the doctor and have all the proper tests done and start the treatment
as soon as possible.
I wish you well.