Hepatitis C and Me

Liver Biochemical Function Tests

There are various blood tests used to assess how well your liver is working.

**The Liver (Hepatic) panel includes measurements that indicate liver functions.

The most common are: 
ALT (formerly known as SGPT) And AST (formerly known as SGOT)
    ALT-alanine amino transferase
    AST-aspartate aminotransferase

ALT and AST are enzymes that are released into the blood when the liver is damaged.  They are often elevated in people with HCV infection.  Many people with HCV have mild to moderate elevations of these two enzymes.  This is usually the first indication that one might be infected.


***SYMPTOMS REPORTED BY PEOPLE WITH HCV***
 You may have none, some or all, this varies by individual.

Acute Hepatitis C

• Flu-like illness
• fatigue (mild to severe)
• Fever
• Night Sweats
• Loss of Appetite (anorexia)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Jaundice
• Indigestion
• Headaches
• Muscle or Joint Pain
• Abdominal Bloating

ACUTE=severe and serious for a short time
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Chronic Hepatitis C

• Fatigue (mild to severe)
• Fever
• Loss of appetite (anorexia)
• nausea
• indigestion
• Headaches
• muscle or joint pain
• Depression
• Abdominal pain
• Mood Swings
• Brain Fog

Chronic=going on for a long time or coming back again and again.
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Late stage Hepatitis C with Cirrhosis

 

• Fatigue (mild to severe)
• Fever
• Loss of Appetite (anorexia)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fluid Retention
• Frequent Urination
• Jaundice
• Indigestion
• Headaches
• Muscle or Joint Pain
• Abdominal Pain
• Abdominal Bloating
• Depression
• Mood Swings
• Cognitive dysfunction
• Lack of concentration
• Mental Confusion
• Dizziness
• Peripheral Vision Problems

This is also called stage 4 Hepatitis C.

So, if you are feeling strange, it is probably from the virus!! At lest, I blame everything on it. 

More knowledge later, time for a nap.