HIV plus now Hep C, looking for advice QUICK

[CJWAUS]

I have had HIV since 2003, and my numbers are quite good and always have stayed good once I started on meds. If I really take care of myself my CD4 has gone as high as 1700 and I have stayed undetectable since my first test after starting meds.  Most of the time the CD4 runs around 1000-1100.  I have long attributed my good fortune to starting meds early.  I take Viramune and Truvada.

Unfortunately it looks like I have hepatitis C now, but it wont be confirmed until next week.  I just got back from the doctors office and my liver tests are suddenly way bad, this combined with being drugged and rapped in August it is fairly sure I do in fact have
Hep C as there was a needle puncture mark on my arm when I woke up.

Does anyone have advice for me as to suggested things I may do to help myself.  I understand that some people are lucky enough to have the virus clear up on it’s own, and I’m looking for any information possible about alternative therapy and so forth.   

[Ann]

CJ,

Let's not put the cart before the horse.

The first test for hcv is an antibody test. A positive antibody test MUST be followed up with an hcv viral load test, as this is how it is determined whether or not you have cleared the virus on your own. It sounds as though you've only had an antibody test so far and you haven't received the results yet.

And you're correct, around 20% of people infected with hcv will clear the virus on their own. With hep B, around 80% of people will clear on their own. In both cases, these people will test positive on an antibody test and further testing is needed to determine whether it's an active infection or a cleared infection.

I wonder if you've also been tested for hep B? There are so many things that can affect your liver enzymes, not just hcv. In actual fact, it is quite common for people with hep C to have liver enzymes in normal ranges. I know I did when I had hep C.

Try to hang in there until your test results are in - and good luck. It's very possible you're not dealing with hcv at all.

Fingers crossed!

Ann

[CJWAUS]

I received the inoculation against Hep A&B, however I was exposed to C in the last few months, and due to route of exposure it is just about a given that C is the bug in question here.

Yesterday when I received my normal blood work results for HIV from my doctor, my lizer enzymes have suddenly shot through the roof by 100s of percent. More blood was drawn yesterday to figure out for sure what is going on, and I will find out about the results of those tests on December 5th.

I'm trying to look at alternative therapy that may help me be one of those 20 lucky percent