Hi All, first post. I love reading the threads on here, they have kept me going at times. Me and my DH are first time adopters and our would be LO is 7 months. Yesterday we were one week from matching panel, and we had devastating news, our LO was confirmed to have the Hep C virus. Since then we have been told the advice is to pull us from matching panel whilst further tests are carried out. We have absolutely no experience with Hep C but had a call with the local doctor. The doctors advice was that they had never had a child in 15 years test positive, and if we wanted to still go ahead the LO would need further tests (would happen anyway) and we would need to meet with a specialist to ensure we know all the facts and uncertainties. My understanding is that treatment isn't really possible until age 3 and mainly it would be keep having regular tests until then (as some people clear up on there own..). We are at a loss, devasted that this has happened so close to panel and that we may have to say goodbye... it was suggested that if we go ahead we will have a tough time convincing panel due to all the uncertainties. I wonder though what's the alternative for LO, that he remains being treated but has no chance of adoption until older through no fault of his own? It just seems to unfair to give up. Anyone who has adopted a child with Hep C advice would be appreciated especially if you knew before panel. What would you do if you were us, is there any chance we could argue we can take it on? At this stage we have a definite connection with LO so it won't be easy 😔 The main risk if we go ahead is that liver damage has occurred and we won't know, but for that to happen at such a young age seems unlikely from what I have read. Any experiences appreciated.
Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on adoption.
Adoption
It you feel you can cope with any eventuality then fight for your little one. If this puts you off then it was probably not meant to be. I'm so sorry, it is very tough.
If you really want to govsgead I'd read up on everything and take my chance with panel.
My understanding is that you cannot have a definitive diagnosis of Hep C for a baby under 12 months of age (see page 10 of the NHS booklet below):
www.nhs.uk/hepatitisc/SiteCollectionDocuments/pdf/essential-information-for-professionals-and-guidance-on-testing.pdf
DD came to me at 11 months and still had antibodies for Hep C on her most recent test. She was tested again at 18 months and got the all clear. However if your LO has had a positive result on the PCR test as opposed to just antibodies being present I think this does give a higher chance of the actual virus being present (as opposed to antibodies alone).
I would recommend speaking to the Hep C trust (if you haven't already!) www.hepctrust.org.uk/ who will know far more than SWs or GPs. Then go back to SW with your understanding of the worst case scenario and what you would put in place to manage that.
Good luck
we have 4 adopted little ones all with some level of health needs.
we took them on knowing they had 'uncertain futures' and went to panel knowing that their outlooks would be uncertain, and that we could not see into the future.
We did extensive research into the conditions so we could demostrate to panel we understood the risks. we met each time with the adoption medical advisor to go through how life could be - worst case scenario for each one.
however life can deal some shitty blows and it more may unfold if you go ahead with this little one - are you prepared for the possibility of liver failure, lifetime of meds, needing a transplant,
are there risks to yourselves with hep c/blood exchange etc that you will always have to be aware of?
as PP said go to hepctrust - do your own research now.....make an informed decision, do not trust SW, they will not give an unbiased opinion, and although you have fallen in love with a LO on paper, that LO deserves parents who can care for all his medical needs
hth, it is tough going when this happens
Thanks for the advice. I've spoken today with the Hep C trust and also Children's Liver Disease Foundation. Both have been really positive. Hep C has a stigma attached to it like other diseases, but actually treatments have improved massively and with such a young diagnosis there is no reason that he shouldn't recover. Current treatments are 99.9% effective at curing according to Hep C Trust, that is a good thing to know. Of course we will need to meet with specialists face to face and know all the facts, but the main thing as we understand it is about limiting the posabilities of further infection to others which is basic hygiene and first aid practice. The Hep C trust said that there will be no damage to the LO in early and adolescent years, it only really starts to affect people with it over 20-40 years so he has every chance.. we need to do lots more digging and reading but we are feeling much much morbetter positive 
Congratulations! Glad things didn't get delayed unnecessarily. Now the countdown to intros begins 
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