Aa
Hepatitis C
My boyfriend has hepatitis C. I know it can be transmitted through sex. My question is, how long after the first time we had sex should I wait to be tested? I mean, I'm sure that it wouldn't show up immediately.
Thank you HCA for your reassurance. I'm sure it will be negative as well. We haven't done anything like that and wouldn't.
His blood would have to gain access to your blood and enter your bloodstream.
For examlple if he bled and you placed a little of his blood on your fingertip,made a little cut or scrstch in your own finger and rubbed his blood sample on your open wound infection could possibly occur.
Most infections are intraveinous though,where the infected blood is injected into the vein as in injection drug abuse,or in the old days ,blood transfusions.Snorting drugs from a shared straw or tube is also dangerous because of the blood to blood risk.
It's always blood to blood.Bodily fluids such as semen and saliva do not contain active replicating virus and are not a source of infection.
I am sure you will test negative.
For examlple if he bled and you placed a little of his blood on your fingertip,made a little cut or scrstch in your own finger and rubbed his blood sample on your open wound infection could possibly occur.
Most infections are intraveinous though,where the infected blood is injected into the vein as in injection drug abuse,or in the old days ,blood transfusions.Snorting drugs from a shared straw or tube is also dangerous because of the blood to blood risk.
It's always blood to blood.Bodily fluids such as semen and saliva do not contain active replicating virus and are not a source of infection.
I am sure you will test negative.
I contacted the CDC to find out the time period I should wait and they suggested 3 months. We are a monogomous couple, and I do understand what you're saying about the risk being very low, but he would feel some peace of mind as well if I were tested. Luckily, this, and pretty much all tests are covered by my medical insurance.
I also understand what was said about unprotected sex and agree with it. Before we had unprotected sex, we were both tested for all STDs and shared the results with eachother. My boyfriend is a tattoo artist and mentioned his having Hep C when he was talking about precautions he has to make while working. I had read somewhere that it was possible to transmit it through sex, so I asked him about it. He said that as far as he knew, it wasn't possible, but I wanted to check up on it. Every site I visited had numorous references to casual sex or promiscuous behavior as a higher risk factor, but that didn't answer my questions.
Thank you everyone for your input. I have to wait until the beginning of March for the test, but will let you know how it goes. I suppose my primary concern is that I have numerous other health issues that could cause my boyfriend to come into contact with my own blood. If I'm understanding correctly, I would have to come in contact with his blood though to get Hep C, right?
I also understand what was said about unprotected sex and agree with it. Before we had unprotected sex, we were both tested for all STDs and shared the results with eachother. My boyfriend is a tattoo artist and mentioned his having Hep C when he was talking about precautions he has to make while working. I had read somewhere that it was possible to transmit it through sex, so I asked him about it. He said that as far as he knew, it wasn't possible, but I wanted to check up on it. Every site I visited had numorous references to casual sex or promiscuous behavior as a higher risk factor, but that didn't answer my questions.
Thank you everyone for your input. I have to wait until the beginning of March for the test, but will let you know how it goes. I suppose my primary concern is that I have numerous other health issues that could cause my boyfriend to come into contact with my own blood. If I'm understanding correctly, I would have to come in contact with his blood though to get Hep C, right?
I went to high school in So. Lake Tahoe, graduated 1969. Yup, remember shoveling my car out every day! Funny, but good memories. Thanks for saying to give you a shout, I had already copied your address! I actually had been wanting it for awhile when you posted months ago. Talk to you soon.
Linda
Linda
From what I understand, both the STD rate as well as the rate of "higher risk" sexual practices is higher among non-monagamous couples and apparently both could account for a difference in transmission.
-- Jim
-- Jim
i have also read that it is easier for a woman to contract it from a man than vice versa.
I've had hep-C for over 30 years (although somehow I'm still stage 1 with low viral load). Been married over 20 of them. My husband recently tested negative and my doctor says the virus isn't transmitted through sex. So try to relax, Onyx. If I were in your position and wanted to be tested anyway, I'd wait a year or more. Just an opinion.
Just wanted to say hey to you guys while both of you are in the same spot. I've been keeping really busy lately, and haven't had/made time to stop in as much as I'd like to.
From the ongoing banter, it sounds like you both are adapting well to SVRland; I hope that's the case anyway. I wish you gents well, and hope you both continue to post thought provoking info here at MH.
Take real good care,
Bill
From the ongoing banter, it sounds like you both are adapting well to SVRland; I hope that's the case anyway. I wish you gents well, and hope you both continue to post thought provoking info here at MH.
Take real good care,
Bill
HCV is blood bourne, meaning infected blood must come into contact with your blood in a manner that allows the virus to enter the remainder of your bloodstream.
It is erroneous to say that it can not be transmitted by sex because it can when blood is present in a manner that would allow for viral exchange.
However, because it is strictly a blood bourne disease, it is not generally considered an STD given the assumption that most folks are not into some of the acts where blood exchange is a high possibility.
It is erroneous to say that it can not be transmitted by sex because it can when blood is present in a manner that would allow for viral exchange.
However, because it is strictly a blood bourne disease, it is not generally considered an STD given the assumption that most folks are not into some of the acts where blood exchange is a high possibility.
Nice to hear from you. I don't post a whole lot anymore...but I do poke in to see what's going on. Th little one has taken up snowboarding and so I'm through your way periodically on the way to Donner. I always think of you on my way through. Often stop for a late and a hot cocoa at that esspressoo bar and pizza place in Old Auburn. Take care big guy, keep fighting the good fight.
Good to hear from you Bill. Forgot exactly where you are in this whole d*mn process. If I remember correctly, you had some cognitive issues during tx, hopefully that's improved some.
All the best,
-- Jim
All the best,
-- Jim
Hi Onyx. If you're worried and want to get tested, here is a link that tells you about seroconversion. Also, if you want to get tested you can call the health department and they'll tell you about testing.
SOURCE http://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/2006/hepatitis-c.htm
EXCERPT: Persons newly infected with HCV typically are either asymptomatic or have a mild clinical illness. HCV RNA can be detected in blood within 1
SOURCE http://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/2006/hepatitis-c.htm
EXCERPT: Persons newly infected with HCV typically are either asymptomatic or have a mild clinical illness. HCV RNA can be detected in blood within 1
Goofy; be careful up there at Donner! Someone stepped through the ice yesterday and is currently feeding the fish... If you feel like it, give me a shout next time your through this way. Auburn is up Hwy 49 about 45 minutes from here. I hate to do this to MH, but don't know how else to get this across to you. Try wdotkeyesatattdotnet if you like; let me know if that works?
Best to you and li'l Goof,
Bill
Mr. Jim!
You're still hanging in there, huh? I do stick my nose in here from time to time, but rarely stop to post (anything substantial, anyway). To bring you up to speed, I'm currently treating with Peg-Intron/riba after my last bout with Pegasys and subsequent relapse. My new doc w/Cal Pac Med Center didn't have much good to say regarding the efficacy of Infergen, so we decided on SP's poison, lol. My assigned dosage is 150 mcg/Peg with 2000 mg/day riba for a total of 72 weeks (with doc's knowledge I'm squeezing the peg vials for all there worth, though. I'm actually getting about .68 ml, or 202 mcg weekly out of the vial.)
Currently on week 20, undetectable per bDNA at 4 weeks, <5 IU/mL by TMA qual at 8 weeks. I seem to be tolerating treatment much better this time; to date I've experienced almost no noticeable sides, other than some minor dry skin issues on my hands (nuisance stuff for the most part). I almost hate to come in here and post good news regarding Tx sides, because I know how many folks in here are struggling/have struggled through this cr@p. It's important to note that I haven't forgotten how lousy I felt during last treatment, and I'm not trying to belittle or disparage those that *are* having problems.
Personally, I'm not sure what to attribute the improvements to. Some relevant thoughts are:
I've managed through diet modification and exercise to lose about 65-70 lbs. This is turn reduces my insulin resistance, helps me maintain tight blood sugar control, and probably adds countless other benefits as well. In terms of cognitive function, I was a basket case last time; had a hard time even typing in here. This year, I've enrolled in classes at the local community college, and am involved with other community projects as well. Whether any of these things are in play now or not remains to be seen; however this seems to be quite tolerable so far. I continue to exercise about 2-2.5 hours daily, which might help with the depression?
In any event, I hope you're living large as well, guy! Enjoy life when you can, we know now how precious it really is, huh?
Take good care,
Bill
Best to you and li'l Goof,
Bill
Mr. Jim!
You're still hanging in there, huh? I do stick my nose in here from time to time, but rarely stop to post (anything substantial, anyway). To bring you up to speed, I'm currently treating with Peg-Intron/riba after my last bout with Pegasys and subsequent relapse. My new doc w/Cal Pac Med Center didn't have much good to say regarding the efficacy of Infergen, so we decided on SP's poison, lol. My assigned dosage is 150 mcg/Peg with 2000 mg/day riba for a total of 72 weeks (with doc's knowledge I'm squeezing the peg vials for all there worth, though. I'm actually getting about .68 ml, or 202 mcg weekly out of the vial.)
Currently on week 20, undetectable per bDNA at 4 weeks, <5 IU/mL by TMA qual at 8 weeks. I seem to be tolerating treatment much better this time; to date I've experienced almost no noticeable sides, other than some minor dry skin issues on my hands (nuisance stuff for the most part). I almost hate to come in here and post good news regarding Tx sides, because I know how many folks in here are struggling/have struggled through this cr@p. It's important to note that I haven't forgotten how lousy I felt during last treatment, and I'm not trying to belittle or disparage those that *are* having problems.
Personally, I'm not sure what to attribute the improvements to. Some relevant thoughts are:
I've managed through diet modification and exercise to lose about 65-70 lbs. This is turn reduces my insulin resistance, helps me maintain tight blood sugar control, and probably adds countless other benefits as well. In terms of cognitive function, I was a basket case last time; had a hard time even typing in here. This year, I've enrolled in classes at the local community college, and am involved with other community projects as well. Whether any of these things are in play now or not remains to be seen; however this seems to be quite tolerable so far. I continue to exercise about 2-2.5 hours daily, which might help with the depression?
In any event, I hope you're living large as well, guy! Enjoy life when you can, we know now how precious it really is, huh?
Take good care,
Bill
Good to see you post and glad to hear your sx are better than before. Sounds like many of us here are at CPMC. Great place! I was talking to someone the other day about my brain fog. Mid tx, it was so bad that I thought I would never be able to think again. It is so much better now at week 41/72. I am not sure what it is either, but possibly the liver is healing and the encephaly is getting better? NOt sure, but I sure am happy about it! I grew up in Tahoe and my mom lived in Placerville for years. So I know the area well. I have forgotten your stats, my brain ain't that great! LOL, but it is nice to know someone retreating is having a better experience than the first time.
Hi there, and thanks for the good words.Yeah, CPMC is quite an interferon mill, huh? Man, big pharma has got to love that place! Seriously though, they really have a good, dedicated team there; I personally can't speak highly enough about them. I see them at their outreach clinic in Sacto; by that I mean I see the NP's, I guess the doc's are busy with the more pressing cases? Here are my 'quick stats' for reference, BTW:
52 year old Caucasian male
Genotype 1a
Grade 2, stage 3/4
Hepatosplenomegaly per U/S
185 lbs
Diabetes M. type 2
Dx with HCV 12/04
Treated with Pegasys/ Copegus total 56 weeks, from 2/05 through 3/06.
Slow viral response at 12 week assay, so increased riba from assigned 1200 mg/day to 1800 mg/day.
Became undetectable to <50 IU by week 20.
Relapsed within 30 days post Tx.
9/15 06-begin re-treatment with Peg-intron 150 mcg/week, ribavirin 2000 mg/day.
Sorry to hear you had problems with thought process as well- it can be a disturbing experience. For what it's worth, everything seems to have returned to normal within 2-3 weeks post-Tx. This time, as I mentioned above, is much better.
Goodness, a small world, huh? I lived in South Lake Tahoe for years, then moved down to Rescue, over here on the west slope about 1987 or so. Beats shoveling weather in the winter all to h_ll!
Sounds like you're currently doing better, and knocking down the weeks to boot. I took a chance and left my e-mail for Goof above-- gimme a write if you like, and take good care of yourself--
Bill
52 year old Caucasian male
Genotype 1a
Grade 2, stage 3/4
Hepatosplenomegaly per U/S
185 lbs
Diabetes M. type 2
Dx with HCV 12/04
Treated with Pegasys/ Copegus total 56 weeks, from 2/05 through 3/06.
Slow viral response at 12 week assay, so increased riba from assigned 1200 mg/day to 1800 mg/day.
Became undetectable to <50 IU by week 20.
Relapsed within 30 days post Tx.
9/15 06-begin re-treatment with Peg-intron 150 mcg/week, ribavirin 2000 mg/day.
Sorry to hear you had problems with thought process as well- it can be a disturbing experience. For what it's worth, everything seems to have returned to normal within 2-3 weeks post-Tx. This time, as I mentioned above, is much better.
Goodness, a small world, huh? I lived in South Lake Tahoe for years, then moved down to Rescue, over here on the west slope about 1987 or so. Beats shoveling weather in the winter all to h_ll!
Sounds like you're currently doing better, and knocking down the weeks to boot. I took a chance and left my e-mail for Goof above-- gimme a write if you like, and take good care of yourself--
Bill
Ref. your response.
As no scientific study would state that heterosexual transmission is technically impossible I consider that;
'The authors concluded that 'the risk of sexual transmission of HCV within heterosexual monogamous couples is extremely low or even null.' is tantamount to discounting it as a risk.
I have read other papers on this topic and do not recall any citing specific instances of proven sexual transmission between monogamous heterosexual couples.
I would be interested in any sources with actual cases quoted to the contrary as opposed to refusing (correctly and responsibly) to totally dismiss the scientific possibilty regardless of what appears to be a virtually unquantifiable incidence.
Show me cases and I will amend my view.
I nontheless had several long term partners tested when I was diagnosed after a 20+ year infection,and would encourage anyone to do the same.
I shall continue to correct posters who come to the forum believing it is an STD-thats the last perception any of us wish to encourage.
As no scientific study would state that heterosexual transmission is technically impossible I consider that;
'The authors concluded that 'the risk of sexual transmission of HCV within heterosexual monogamous couples is extremely low or even null.' is tantamount to discounting it as a risk.
I have read other papers on this topic and do not recall any citing specific instances of proven sexual transmission between monogamous heterosexual couples.
I would be interested in any sources with actual cases quoted to the contrary as opposed to refusing (correctly and responsibly) to totally dismiss the scientific possibilty regardless of what appears to be a virtually unquantifiable incidence.
Show me cases and I will amend my view.
I nontheless had several long term partners tested when I was diagnosed after a 20+ year infection,and would encourage anyone to do the same.
I shall continue to correct posters who come to the forum believing it is an STD-thats the last perception any of us wish to encourage.
I was just sitting back waiting for you to respond to this thread! My personal opinion is that chances are very minimal but still a chance. I guess we just have to sort thru all the info and make our own decisions. How are Janus and Janice?
BTW, do you think if a person is in a monogamous relationship for 30 yrs they need to take precautions still if only one partner (me) has tested positive?
Just wondering.
BTW, do you think if a person is in a monogamous relationship for 30 yrs they need to take precautions still if only one partner (me) has tested positive?
Just wondering.
Rev; I totally agree with you again regarding transmission. Hitting a record here! How you doing?
HCA; I am not sure why you say you will continue telling others about something that is not proven to be true? There is a small chance that we can get HCV from sex. You have chastised me for being "a know it all" and being agressive about trying to help someone. I understand this is most likely what you are trying to do, but why then do you put those of us that do have some knowledge on the subject, perhaps different views, down? Stick to the discussion and support your opinions/ statements with facts instead of arguing opinions. Everyone has opinions, it's only the facts supported by studies that you can use to support your case. Hey, we can all disagree, but calling names and discounting others facts without others doesn't help anyone. Use your studies and facts, leave the namecalling and put downs of me and others out of here.
HCA; I am not sure why you say you will continue telling others about something that is not proven to be true? There is a small chance that we can get HCV from sex. You have chastised me for being "a know it all" and being agressive about trying to help someone. I understand this is most likely what you are trying to do, but why then do you put those of us that do have some knowledge on the subject, perhaps different views, down? Stick to the discussion and support your opinions/ statements with facts instead of arguing opinions. Everyone has opinions, it's only the facts supported by studies that you can use to support your case. Hey, we can all disagree, but calling names and discounting others facts without others doesn't help anyone. Use your studies and facts, leave the namecalling and put downs of me and others out of here.
All couples denied practicing anal intercourse ....
or they claim it just slipped.....
I've always wondered why the caveat is always includedd concerning monagamous couples. I suspect that's simply an artifact of the the study designs. They study monagamous couples because of the control afforded by that group, and hence the findings apply only to monagamous couples.
or they claim it just slipped.....
I've always wondered why the caveat is always includedd concerning monagamous couples. I suspect that's simply an artifact of the the study designs. They study monagamous couples because of the control afforded by that group, and hence the findings apply only to monagamous couples.
Glad you dropped by. Haven't heard from you since the Hgb scare a few weeks ago!
Take care.
Take care.
Let's get to the nitty gritty-I called you a hysteric for telling someone who's doctor was prepared to prescribe Procrit the following;
"What kind of DR. do you have? Is he a Hepatologist? This I doubt. Your Hgb should be taken care of soon, there is NO REASON to wait for below 10. Gawd, I am tired of saying this. A good Hepatologist would not make you suffer this way. Also you PCR dropping "nodes"? Do you mean logs? This guy doesn't sound like he is up on the latest studies."
This didn't look like a very balanced view to me-you didn't have enough information to fire off both barrels.The 'nodes' reference was obviously the patients error not the doctors.
Anyway I accept that you meant well,and factoring in that I am having a lousy time on treatment (HGB 8.5 despite max Aranesp and half dose riba,plus other sides) I will accept that I have a short fuse right now.
Let's draw a line under this one!
"What kind of DR. do you have? Is he a Hepatologist? This I doubt. Your Hgb should be taken care of soon, there is NO REASON to wait for below 10. Gawd, I am tired of saying this. A good Hepatologist would not make you suffer this way. Also you PCR dropping "nodes"? Do you mean logs? This guy doesn't sound like he is up on the latest studies."
This didn't look like a very balanced view to me-you didn't have enough information to fire off both barrels.The 'nodes' reference was obviously the patients error not the doctors.
Anyway I accept that you meant well,and factoring in that I am having a lousy time on treatment (HGB 8.5 despite max Aranesp and half dose riba,plus other sides) I will accept that I have a short fuse right now.
Let's draw a line under this one!
I am so sorry to hear about your sx! I didn't know. I did aranesp too, I think my dr gave me two doses at a time. What is he saying about your 8.5? Where was it before and what week are you on? I am feeling sad I let off on you now and am sorry, I have been feeling really hurt by your comments all week and finally said something. I suppose I should have said it sooner. I don't always have a great way with words, but was concerned, as I am now for you, that Dr's don't give Aranesp soon enough. I may have chastised her dr, but don't remember that...if I didn't, I would! After so many weeks and so many new people who have no idea about rescue drugs, cutting tx meds etc, I do get upset about their having to suffer. You are correct, perhaps it is my own experience with a lame dr. but I wish someone had shaken me up and guided me. A few tried and I waited and thought my dr. would come through. He continues to not understand anything about Hep C.
I know what you mean about the patience, if you have read my posts today you can tell people are trying to save me from committing criminal acts of violence! Of course I do tend to exagerate (I think you noticed!) but mainly to make a point.
I don't know you well and would like to know your stats and weekss and Dr. info. Let's get to know each other and be buds, I would like that much better than feeling like I am such a bad person and me thinking you are one too.
Linda
I know what you mean about the patience, if you have read my posts today you can tell people are trying to save me from committing criminal acts of violence! Of course I do tend to exagerate (I think you noticed!) but mainly to make a point.
I don't know you well and would like to know your stats and weekss and Dr. info. Let's get to know each other and be buds, I would like that much better than feeling like I am such a bad person and me thinking you are one too.
Linda
I agree there is no reason to necessarily wait until hgb 10 but also agree that you gotta cut someone slack if hgb is below 9 or their house almost burned down. HCA, have you discussed with your doctor switching to Procrit. Never really researched this out, but anecdotally people here seem to do better on Procrit and it seems easier to tweak since it can be administered once or twice a week. Hope you start feeling better soon. SF, sorry again about the fire. When it rains, it pours or in your case burns.
-- Jim
-- Jim
Thx your reply.
My story briefly-male age 57 next month.Geno 1a/1b.Possible early cirrhosis.
Treated three times-non responder.
Fourth time went UND between 12 and 24.Did 48 relapsed when treatment ended April last year.
Started again 6th Nov-UND at week 7.
I am extremely sensitive to riba induced anemia.Doc thinks I am getting full theraputic value from small dose because of way it accumulates in my system,but we don't know for sure.
We are monitoring me on a weekly basis.If I hadn't had EVR I would have quit.Previous treatments were bearable but this one has hit me hard.
Seeing doc (top specialist) this week.
What's happening with you?
My story briefly-male age 57 next month.Geno 1a/1b.Possible early cirrhosis.
Treated three times-non responder.
Fourth time went UND between 12 and 24.Did 48 relapsed when treatment ended April last year.
Started again 6th Nov-UND at week 7.
I am extremely sensitive to riba induced anemia.Doc thinks I am getting full theraputic value from small dose because of way it accumulates in my system,but we don't know for sure.
We are monitoring me on a weekly basis.If I hadn't had EVR I would have quit.Previous treatments were bearable but this one has hit me hard.
Seeing doc (top specialist) this week.
What's happening with you?
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