How I Got Mine

[Magnum]

I'm curious to know how some people contracted Hep C. I had multiple hip replacements prior to 1992. Before 1992, there was no definitive test for Hep C in the blood donor pool.

I had several blood transfusions prior to 1992. I never did drugs or contacted anyone who was bleeding (no rough sex). So, the doctor deduced that the blood transfusion was the cause for my Hep C. How about you?

Magnum

[cuteus]

it amounts to the reason why someone asks how you contracted hcv. if it's because they want to use the info to prevent further transmission of the virus, then I can see why we all should help. But many ask so that they can play the blame game: "I took care of myself all my life and did nothing ilegal, and this junkie had to infect the blood I was given", " I am an inocent victim, they deserve what they got for playing with drugs". " We, the ones who did nothing wrong are more deserving of attention and empathy".  That is why many choose not to tell, if it is one of the known risk factors,  it  is already known and can be prevent it, why let someone play the " you deserve it" game?  I can't understand why some feel continuosly compelled to tell they got it through transfusions, as if they are trying to avoid being grouped "with those people".  Magnum, your intention was an inocent one, but not everyone is so well meant.

ANDY; you just had to say that didn't you? I am so terrified each time I sit at that dentist chair, which is frequently recently.  I am so tempted to ask how they are sterilizing the tools or joke that I don't want hep c again, what are you doing to avoid re infecting me? I think I will do that next wk.  I still think transfusion is one big possibility in my case, but it could be other factors too.

Nanniega; I am so sad for your lost, how terrible to see someone you love waste away before your eyes. How can the folks at the trial not notice the rapid deterioration? they saw the wt loss and should have been doing the mini inventory by Beck (electronic depression tool). Do you think he told them about the depression, the gout and other conditions? if he wanted hcv out so bad, maybe he did not.  They still should have seen the decline, they are supposed to monitor the subjects carefully.  Maybe the Department of Health or FDA need to be notified,
again, I am so sorry.

[mikesimon]

It might or might not be important to know how you got it - I suppose that depends on how you got it. Why it is important to tell eludes me. But, on a happier note: Merry Christmas and/or Happpy Chanuka and/or Happy Kwanzaa. Mike

[vegas777]

"Those who suspect they were infected via transfusion in the United States, there is slim evidence that the blood supply was compromised with HCV."

I find this statement false and insulting!   I had no other risk factors and my HCV status is 99% probable to be from a blood transfusion in Lowell Massachusetts in 1968...I have seen 3 doctors and the three unanimously agree it was contracted from tainted blood!

I agree in total that it does not matter where you got it, but to me it matters that I am not and never was a IVDU...

[Upbeat]

I think is is important to know when you got it and how. I have never heard any statitics but it seems to me the amount of virus you receive at the time of infection would play a factor as to the rate of replication. I may be totally wrong but a blood transfusion full of tainted blood compared to a microscopic drop from a shared coke straw must be different

                               Just thinking out loud.
                                                        Ron

[friole]

Probability or plausability.  My assumption is IVDU back in the 1969-1971 era.  But who knows.  I asked a friend who should be infected one time if she was  and her response was that she always got physicals for work, and nothing had come up.  But , we all know you can have normal liver enzymes (I do) and still be infected. Or was it the blood transfusion I had in 1977 - certainly more blood involved then -- don't know how much, but it kept me alive.

Like others have said, we fight this fight together.  Youthful transgressions should not govern our lives in our 50's.  Look at our president -- there are many in my town who could brag about sharing the straw with him -- and look where he is (or not)

[friole]

I am so very sorry.  Words cannot express my sorrow.  My heart goes out to you.  I have read your posts through the months and knew there were some hard times, but I had no idea they were this critical.  I guess we all must watch very closely for the signs that something is way off.  I too would like to do something to help.  I hope when you get the medical reports you will let us know what exactly happened.

Much love and the hope for healing to you
kathy