Should my children get tested?

[Michelle867]

I was wondering your opinions on if I should suggest my boys get tested?  They are 18 & 20 and I think I got Hep C before either of them were born.  It scares me to think that I may have given it to them. I asked my family dr and he said no but I haven't asked my Hep dr.  I had biopsy yesterday so will talk find out treatment options on the 28th.  I am genotype 1 (they didn't say a subtype) so I have been told that is the hardest to treat.  

[Michelle867]

Thank you so much to everyone for sharing your advice and experiences with me.  I go on the 28th to find out the results of the liver biopsy and discuss treatment options ( I am genotype 1).  Then I am going to talk to my boys and explain everything to them.  My one son lives in Florida so it will stink having to explain this over the phone to him.  My family dr said that there is a very slim chance of them having it and said not to worry about testing them but if my timing is right, I've had Hep C since the mid 80's and my boys were born in 88 & 90.  I am going to tell the boys that they should both be tested just to be on the safe side.  It's hard to believe that we can do something stupid when we are young, turn our lives around and still have to pay for it 20-30 years later!  I can't dwell on that though, I just have to get this done.  Can most people work thru the treatment?  I also have Fibromyalgia, degenerative disc disease, 2 herneated discs and a couple other fun things.  Thanks again for being there.

[nygirl7]

There is no price on peace of mind.

I had both mine tested when I was diagnosed - they are 17 & 20 - they were both negative and I was able to sleep at night.

I had decided if they were not that I would treat after finding out about their status on fibrosis etc and take care of them first...they certainly are much more important than ME.

I just always felt that they had to know either way for the quality of their own lives.

MERRYBE -THAT HAS TO BE A FALSE POSITIVE from cross contamination or something like I had when they found "60" on the one test and the doctor was just adament it was NOT a real positive. Of course I retested and it was fine. It happens. It's stupid but we've seen it enough in here to know that's the truth.

[Marcia2202]

I always find it better to know where I'm at. It doesn't matter how good or how bad. Knowing or not knowing, the actual problem is still there. Better to know and do something about it, than being ignorant. At least you can try to deal with things when you know. Not knowing and being infected, could get other people infected. I wished we could all scream we're ill and get everyone tested and treated for free. This should be everybody's right! Unfortunately this world is not made up this way, but maybe we can make a difference and create some kind of awareness.

It's Pentecost here in DK, so Happy Holidays to everyone! May we all figure out how to live with and get rid of this dragon.

Much love to all, Marcia

[merryBe]

at that age it is hard to know...but its harder not to...can they move forward not knowing?

I had my son tested, he wants to fall in love and marry.
the tests have been inconclusive so we are left in limbo for now..until test are more accurate or until he gows more that the 20 virions they found once (but not 3 other times.

at least if they had it and knew...in theory they could not drink, and wait for better treatments...and meanwhile not infect anyone else.

with my step daughter whom I did not raise...she wants to get tatoos and sleep around....she prefers denial to knowing and no reasoning has convinced her otherwise.
Like her alcoholic mother all problems are best ignored.

I cannot tell you what to do...but I rest easier knowing that at least with one child we are watching and hoping for the best....and will treat if we ever get a diffinitive answer.

It's a tough call each way..one way....you don't know  could they have been exposed and be little ticking timebombs...and certainly early tx while young has the best rate of cures...
on the other hand, if one comes back positive it is a heartnbreak....no easy answers here.

[Marcia2202]

Thank you so much. I'm sending you warm thoughts and good energy back. May we all be shown how to get through this... Happy Mothers Day!

Marcia

[motheroffour]

I had myself tested after my husband was diagnosed.  We've been married over 20 years and the doc told me the chance of me having it were really, really slim and I really didn't need to,  but I knew H had used my shaver before so I opted to be tested just to be safe and because this disease is so stealth.  I tested negative so I did not test the kids as the chances of them having it are vitually nil.  This is a blood to blood disease so unless you engage in some very risky stuff or are drug users spousal transmission is not common according to most docs.  That said, testing a family can give peace of mind and that is the most important issue and obviously a personal one.  

[Isobella]

My daughter will be tested as soon as school gets out in about 2 weeks. She is 18. It will be a huge burden lifted to have that uncertainty gone.  I am hopeful that she will be negative because we haven't done the most obvious things like sharing razors or toothbrushes, but I did nurse her for a year....so fingers and toes crossed and lots of prayers!!!!

I am concentrating on trying to set a good example of coping, optimism, education and attitude for her so that if she is positive,she will see first hand from my actions and attitude that this is not the end of the world.  Selfishly, that has helped me because I am not allowing myself the luxury of giving into dispair over this whole mess called HCV!

Marcia-Your story has touched my heart and I admire the way you are able to handle all that you are going thu.  Sending you (and all here) positive thoughts and wishes daily!!

Michelle-best to you thru this.  Please keep us posted!

Happy Mothers Day All!

Isobella

[Marcia2202]

I had my whole family tested. My husband, and 4 of my children tested negative. One of my twin daughters (18) tested positive. So you never know. It is better to test, than you will be sure.

I was diagnosed with Hep c in March. I took some time to digest it first and then told the children. They reacted differently. One of them was really upset. But it only took a few days and they realized that it will be fine. They have been very supportive.

Then a few days ago we got the result for my girl. Considering the circumstances, she actually took it quite well.

I would suggest you talk about yourself first and explain that it is necessary they also get tested, as there is a slight chance they could have gotten it too. Explain also that treatment for the young is easier and they have a higher chance to clear it. Prepare them, in case.

I hope that your boys are fine, but do get them tested, a there always is a slight chance that the could have contracted it. Young people treat easier and have less side effects on tx. Do not blame yourself, ever,  if it comes back positive. There is no way you would have known.

God bless,

Marcia

[kickboxingmom]

I told my daughter the day after I found out.I couldn't not let her know.I felt like I didn't do anything wrong so why should I be ashamed. Hep a, food. Hep b,sex. Hep c, blood.Reassure them that treatments are available to you and Reassure them the Doc. and yourself , (mothers instincts), don't feel as though they have it.Thats what my daughter kept asking, "do you think I have it"?A cardinal kept flying by me during the wait game and I knew it would be ok and it was. You said you have a close relationship with your sons.I think you will be surprized with their reactions.My daughter just gave me a Mothers Day card of a little pair of feet in a pair of heals, it read ,Maybe Some Day I'll Fill Your Shoes.My heart sank.Unconditional love.Our job as parent's is to give our children roots and wings.Sounds like you've given them roots but remember Michelle make sure their beautiful wings are as strong as strong can be when those young men fly away on their own.Just my personel thoughts. God bless you and yours, Tammy

[Michelle867]

Thank you both for your comments.  I am waiting til I get the results of the biopsy and find out about treatment options before I tell the boys about my Hep C but I think I am going to have them both tested as well.  It's just a blood test and it will ease my mind (and theirs I'm sure) just to know.  How did your kids handle it when you told them of your Hep C?  I have other health issues so my boys are used to me being sick so I'm hoping it won't be too difficult on them but we are very close and I know they worry about me regardless.  Thanks again!!

[kickboxingmom]

I had my 16 yr. old daughter tested for My peice of mind.Neg. Thank you Jesus ! With you having it like fretboard said, prior to birth, yes I would have it done also.Still kids are kids, meaning razer in shower, easier to grab yours because they forgot theirs or it's dull.You just don't know and if you know you'll just move forward with the knowledge of healthy children.What else could we ask for .Happy Mothers Day to All and who isn't but hands have touched so many children whom other wise would not had that motherly moment or moment's.                                                               Tammy

[fretboard]

When I got older we had a young son, I was 46, he's now 8 and I've had him tested as both me and his mom lived high risk lifestyles.  I don't have an answer why your doctor advised you not to test them.  I think that's just idiotic, if you think you had the HepC prior to giving birth, best to have them tested.  I also have a 30 yr. old daughter, I guess I should check with her mom, but I'm certain she's been tested.  God Bless