What is hepatitis c?

A virus: Hepatitis c is a virus that affects the liver. It is transmitted by blood contact. About 20% of people fight it off quickly. The rest it keeps attacking the liver for years/ decades. Some people get fatigue, some don't notice it. Around 20 years of this attack the liver develop cirrhosis and even failure. There are treatments available, although work is being done on better options.

Hepatologist: I recommend that an experienced gastroenterologist or hepatologist evaluate, treat and follow you carefully.

Testing first: OK..firstly theres a couple things we need to know. There are several genotypes to hepatitis C...we need to know which you have. Second check a viral load. Third, liver function tests, AFP, CEA and GGT. A Hep C Fibrosure will indicate if there is liver fibrosis. There is a new med just out called Harvoni. Before this..treatment was with interferon and ribaviron.