Just tested positive for Hep c + AST 993

[Bob1119]

im freaking out. Just tested pos for hep c with high level on liver enzymes  ( AST 993)

the doctor told me I probably got that from sharing needles ( what I never did it )

im overseas right now and I would have to go to my country to treat that  but I wasn’t planning in traveling before November

how screwed I am? I’m freaking out

ps: I have no symptoms

 

[RawSlutAms]

Where are you right now? Is there a free sexual health clinic nearby. 
Did the doctor who diagnosed you have any advice on free or local treatment options. 
 

[Bob1119]

58 minutes ago, RawSlutAms said:

Where are you right now? Is there a free sexual health clinic nearby. 
Did the doctor who diagnosed you have any advice on free or local treatment options. 
 

I’m in Germany. But I only have private travel insurance here. The doctor told me the treatment is like 20,000 euros

[viking8x6]

OK, I'm not a doctor, but I am a scientist. I just did a bunch of reading on the internet, and as far as I can tell, there is no need at all to freak out, especially as you have no symptoms (which is typical for Hep C).  The body can successfully combat Hep C on its own in most cases, and the rate of serious or life threatening health issues in the acute phase is low. The public health concern is more about people who don't clear it on their own and thus are walking around with a chronic infection for years or even decades.

Here's a link to a helpful page with a fair amount of detail:

https://www.cda.gov.sg/professionals/diseases/hepatitis-c

Quote

Acute hepatitis C infection is defined as the first six months of HCV infection following HCV exposure. However, most acute HCV infection goes undetected because the majority are asymptomatic.

With the advent and efficacy of direct acting antiviral (DAA) regimens for chronic HCV infection, there is less urgency to treat acute HCV infection. The Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) recommends waiting six months to evaluate for spontaneous clearance of HCV before considering initiating DAA.

In the following situations, treatment during acute phase may be preferable:

• Patients as [sic] risk of complications of HCV such as those with severe disease or have other comorbid liver disease.
• Patients who pose a high risk of transmission to others.

 

[rawfuckr]

On 6/24/2025 at 7:46 PM, Bob1119 said:

I’m in Germany. But I only have private travel insurance here. The doctor told me the treatment is like 20,000 euros

Your high AST seems to indicate your infection is recent (within six months) and you are and in the acute phase.

Good news is that hep C is a slow moving target and you have years to deal with it. Treatment does cost 20k-60k on developed countries, but you can get it for 1k in India if it got to that. Some of the newest treatments are as easy as taking pills for 2-3 months and you'll be cured. 

But Germany probably has a program to deal with your case and they'll treat you right away. Let us know.