Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Having Fatigue, Depression, Muscle Aches, IBS, Bloated And Fever. Had Unprotected Sex. Hepatitis C?
Question: I am wondering if I should get tested for Hep C. I am a 57 year old female and was an IV drug user (40) years ago, have had unprotected sex and have been fatiqued, depression, muscle aches, IBS, gastris, itching, bloated and fever on and off for the last 4 years. At my wits end as no one seems to know exactly whats wrong (except IBS, gastris). I know I'm not feeling well but I am starting to feel like I'm not being taken seriously. I had gall bladder removed 4 years ago. I don't want to have one more test done and feel like I'm crazy.
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.Ratnakar Kini and I am pleased to assist you.
You have had high risk factors like IV drug abuse and unprotected sex which may warrant a test be done for certain diseases like hepatitis B, C and HIV.
But the symptoms you have mentioned do not necessarily mean you have any of these diseases.
You can have a complete blood count, an ultrasound scan of the abdomen and a upper GI endoscopy be done as first step in the evaluation of your symptoms.
I hope that answers your question.
If you have no more questions, kindly rate this service.
Regards,
Dr.Ratnakar Kini
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.Ratnakar Kini and I am pleased to assist you.
You have had high risk factors like IV drug abuse and unprotected sex which may warrant a test be done for certain diseases like hepatitis B, C and HIV.
But the symptoms you have mentioned do not necessarily mean you have any of these diseases.
You can have a complete blood count, an ultrasound scan of the abdomen and a upper GI endoscopy be done as first step in the evaluation of your symptoms.
I hope that answers your question.
If you have no more questions, kindly rate this service.
Regards,
Dr.Ratnakar Kini
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I have just had an upper GI, ultrasound, which showed liver is fine, have scarred kidney, along with regular blood tests. Is there a specific blood test for Hep C? also forgot to mention that my vit. D was extremely low and had 12 week course of 50,000 unit of vit D once a week. Now taking daily D3 sups.
Hi,
You have to look for Hep C antibodies.
If it is positive you have to get tests done for Hep C genotype and Hep C RNA levels.
Continue taking vitamin D supplements.
I hope that answers your question.
If you have no more questions, kindly rate this service.
Regards,
Dr.Ratnakar Kini
You have to look for Hep C antibodies.
If it is positive you have to get tests done for Hep C genotype and Hep C RNA levels.
Continue taking vitamin D supplements.
I hope that answers your question.
If you have no more questions, kindly rate this service.
Regards,
Dr.Ratnakar Kini
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
