Talking to my specialist

You may have just been diagnosed with hepatitis C and have many questions and concerns. This page provides tips and sample questions to help you get the most out of your next appointment. 

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At this stage you may have had a positive test for hepatitis C and your specialist may wish to discuss:

  • Your test results
  • Referrals for any further tests
  • Implications of the test results on treatment options
  • A decision on whether to begin treatment now or to discuss other possible options
  • Your emotional wellbeing
  • Who you may need to tell.
It may be useful to write down anything you do not understand or anything specific that you wish to discuss so that you remember it during your visit.
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Questions you can ask your specialist

If you have been diagnosed with hepatitis C, you are likely to have many questions of your
own. Here are some questions that you may wish to ask or tick off during your
appointment. 

Q
Has my diagnosis
been confirmed?
Q
What is my hepatitis
C genotype and what does that mean?
Q
What is my viral
load and what does the result mean?
Q
Have the tests
carried out so far shown whether my liver is already damaged?
Q
Do I need more tests?
Q
Do I need a biopsy?
Q
Will my treatment be with pegylated interferon and
ribavirin?
Q
Are there any other
possible options we should discuss?
Q
What are my chances
of success with treatment?
Q
What kind of side
effects should I expect from treatment?
Q
How long will my
treatment take if required?
Q
What are the options
if I do not respond to treatment?
Q
How soon will I know
if I am responding to treatment or not?
Q
Do I need to change
my diet and/or lifestyle?
Q
Who do I need to
tell I have hepatitis C?
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