Diagnosed with hepatitis C. Altered stool consistency, fatigue and acne. What should be the treatment?
Patient: Hi, I was recently diagnosed iwth Hepatitis C . I strongly believe I got it this past summer the month of August 2012. I was checked last year oct. 2011 and wasnt detected. But now I have it and I have symptoms of clay like stool, darkening of the liver , fatigue , tiredness, acne , loss of apetite. Is it possible to have symptoms approach this fast? If so, what can I do to change this reaction within my body? Doctor: 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.