Hepatitis C virus

[gehadoski]

Hi all

I didn't know where is the best category to post the thread in, I think here is the most suitable place for it.

I was making a general check and the discovered that I have hepatitis c virus positive, But there are no signs or symptoms appeared on me. I just know from the blood test. I wonder if this has any effect on scuba diving or not.

 

[ClevelandDiver]

Try posting in the DAN forum and see what they say.

ScubaBoard - DAN: Divers Alert Network

 

[muddiver]

Unless you have advanced symptoms that affect your ability to function as a normal, fit person, I doubt it will be a problem. There are a lot of people with Hep C that live normal lives with medical treatment.

 

[z3r0c00l]

Call me a crazy herb eating new age nut, but I suspect that high PPO2s found in diving, along with immersion in nice cold water, the exercise while weightless, and the visual stimulation combined with the relaxation afforded by slow regular breathing, might actually help alleviate disease. At the very least it will get your mind off it.

We always hear how bad salt water is for wounds, and how each 1000 ml contains a trillion viruses etc... But I have had several severe injuries (including many stitches, burns, severe poison ivy) that have all cured very quickly with daily exposure to sea water. My point is, if you can dive, it probably will only help improve your life and your health.

 

[Spratman]

Having been diagnosed with Hep C back in 92, anything could happen. First, go to a good hepatologist, they will set you up for a liver function and CBC. When they establish the viral load, then they will make a decision as to whether or not to have a liver biopsy. I have had one and I'll need to be for sure dying, before I have another....worst pain I ever had (after the fact).

If there is no liver damage, they may have you come in on a regular basis for checks. It can go into remission and reactivate. Interferon treatment is one of the standards they use.

In my case, I seem to have naturally fought off the disease. I go in for annual liver functions and so far, so good. While you are active, insure you tell anyone, such as doctors, dentists and family. Before I knew that I was okay, no one touched my blood without gloves. It is spread via blood transfer and possibly bodily fluid.

Educate yourself, talk to the doctor, have your spouse or SO tested. Hopefully it was caught early. If I can help at all, PM me.

Good luck!

Jack

 

[TwoBitTxn]

It depends on which test was done. Were you tested for the antibodies, or the virus?

If you were found positive for the antibodies, you may not have the virus.

 

[Kim]

It depends if you start treatment with interferon. Interferon/Polyinterferon has quite heavy side effects, especially at the beginning of the course. I doubt if you'll dive much while getting treatment.

Hep C often doesn't normally show any symptoms until it's really advanced - sometimes 30/40 years after you caught it. However there are several different types which all respond differently to treatment., so you can't really ignore it.

First you need to see your specialist and get tests to understand which type you have, the viral load as earlier mentioned, and what treatment regimen they want to give you. Quite probably you'll get two things - Interferon (or Polyinterferon) and Ribavirin. Often the first treatment period is 6 months and hopefully you're done. The chances of success in the cure though vary quite greatly between the different types of the virus.

I wish you the best of luck, and hope you get well as soon as possible.