<s>[INST] Hello, my name is Charlotte and im in AZ. A couple of yrs ago when I had a stroke I was diagnosed with hep c, now im wondering just how long ive had it cause ive been a recovering drug user , and I started at the age of 15 and im now 50 . and I have about 37 tattoos on me, so what stage do u think im in ? [/INST] Hi, Thanks for posting your query. I am Chat Doctor. K and I am pleased to assist you. Two things are to be done-1. Treatment of hepatitis C2. Tests to look for complications of chronic hepatitis C infection. Hepatitis C is treated with Injection Peg interferon and C. Ribavirin. The duration of the treatment depends on the genotype of the virus and how you respond to the treatment. Hepatitis C RNA and genotype testing should be done before starting the treatment. The important complications of hepatitis C infection are cirrhosis of liver and liver cancer. An ultrasound scan of the abdomen and serum alpha photo protein test are to be done to see if you have developed any of these complications. I hope that answers your questions. </s>