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READY FOR SEX DO I TELL ABOUT HEP-C
I HAVE BEEN DONE WITH TREATMENT FOR A FEW YEARS NOW. I WAS MARRIED 16YRS. FOR THE PAST 2YRS I HAVE BEEN SINGLE (WITH NO SEX/DATING).I AM READY TO HAVE SEX. IT IS NOT A IN LOVE RELATIONSHIP JUST DATING. DO I TELL HIM I HAVE HEP C OR DO I TAKE ALL PRECAUSIONS AND SAY NOTHING. FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS I HAVE AVOIDED SEX TO AVOID THIS ISSUE. THE LACK OF LIVING/LOVING ISOLATION IS JUST TO MUCH ANY MORE. AND IF I TELL HOW DO I DO IT AND WHEN? SCARED AND CONFUSED
I'm a woman in the same boat as you but I haven't treated yet. I know I would appreciate a prospective sexual partner telling me. In my opinion you should be honest and direct your prospect to info regarding the low, low probability of sexual transmission. And hopefully if he has an STD he'll tell you. BTW, did you clear?
Kittyface
Kittyface
THANK YOU I REALY KNOW I HAVE TO ITS JUST SCARY AS HELL. I AM NOT SURE WHAT YOU ARE ASKING BTW. DID I CLEAR
Wow, that is a hard one. I have been married for 20 years and can't imagine dating now. If it is any consolation, my husband does not have Hep c after 20 years.
Are you still Hep C positive? After you took treatment, what did the doctors say? Do you still have the virus? If not, you are considered cleared.
Are you still Hep C positive? After you took treatment, what did the doctors say? Do you still have the virus? If not, you are considered cleared.
THEY NEVER TOLD ME IF I STILL TEST POSITIVE, I GET MY LEVELS CHECKED ONCE A YEAR AND THEY COME BACK GOOD. I DIDN'T KNOW WE COULD EVER NOT TEST POSITVE FOR IT.
By "did you clear" they are asking if you got rid of the virus when you did the treatment. Did you have a DNA PCR test that shows you no longer have the virus that is detectable 6 months after you completed the treatment?
I DO NOT RECALL THAT TEST. I KEEP COPIE OF MY LABS AND I DO NOT SEE THAT TEST I WILL FIND OUT WHY I HAVE NOT HAD THAT.
If you or your doctor do have tests showing everything is "good" meaning the doctor has not told you you stil have the virus, then you do not have Hep C. You need to find that out for sure before you worry about it. If you don't have it, then you can't give it to him or anyone else, you no longer have it. You want to see your viral load DNA PCR test.
You need to ask your doctor if you achieved an UNDetectable (UND) viral load and whether you've attained a Sustained Viral Response (SVR).
I'm afraid that given that you continue to test, it sounds like you may not have as most treatments do a 6 month an 2 year test following treatment if UND is achieved to certify SVR.
Do you know if they are doing Alpha Feto-Protein (AFP) blood tests for Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and/or ultra-sounds or CT scans during your yearly tests?
I'm afraid that given that you continue to test, it sounds like you may not have as most treatments do a 6 month an 2 year test following treatment if UND is achieved to certify SVR.
Do you know if they are doing Alpha Feto-Protein (AFP) blood tests for Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and/or ultra-sounds or CT scans during your yearly tests?
The statistics for contracting HCV via sex are very low, however it is not impossible. I don't think anyone has the right to withhold information that in a "worse-case" scenario could alter someone else's life, forever.
Having said that, if you are undetectable and have been for over a year, then you "shouldn't" be able to infect anyone, but so much is still unknown about this virus that I'd be inclined to be as open and honest as the relationship permitted. If you aren't comfortable sharing this part of your life with an intimate partner, regardless of whether there is "love" or not, then perhaps this isn't a person worthy of being in your life to begin with, no matter the level of intimacy. You have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of, so go out and find yourself some good lovin' and don't be afraid to be open, it's the best way.
Warm regards,
Debbe
Having said that, if you are undetectable and have been for over a year, then you "shouldn't" be able to infect anyone, but so much is still unknown about this virus that I'd be inclined to be as open and honest as the relationship permitted. If you aren't comfortable sharing this part of your life with an intimate partner, regardless of whether there is "love" or not, then perhaps this isn't a person worthy of being in your life to begin with, no matter the level of intimacy. You have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of, so go out and find yourself some good lovin' and don't be afraid to be open, it's the best way.
Warm regards,
Debbe
Hi,
I believe you should be totally upfront and honest if you are going to have sex. If you have treated for the virus and don't carry it anymore,there is nothing to hide,,,,but if you are carrying the virus it is only fair to tell them even if its only a tiny tiny risk of them contracting it.
But here's the BIGGY that nobody seems to think about,,,,those that are unmarried are so consumed with the fear of dating and having to tell someone that they went through hep c treatment,,BUT!!!! think of it this way,,,,do you want to go into a relationship without telling THAT person to go get a hep c test( and B).THEY might be carrying it for the last 30 years without knowing it either. You can show them your clean bill of health and they now have to show you there's.
IF I WAS single and was thinking of having sex with someone,(though i wouldn't be, personally)I would DEFINITELY tell the person i had hep c and i would tell them that THEY HAVE TO GET CHECKED before i was intimate with them,,,,no way would i go through treatment get svr (hopefully) only to re infected by somebody who DOESN'T EVEN KNOW THEY HAVE HEP TOO.
Sound crazy???,,,,not to me. If we were all surprised we had it, they might have it and not know also. I know it doesn't exactly sound romantic to tell someone to go get checked, but I would have no problem telling them. They don't like it,,,,bye, nice knowing ya!
I believe you should be totally upfront and honest if you are going to have sex. If you have treated for the virus and don't carry it anymore,there is nothing to hide,,,,but if you are carrying the virus it is only fair to tell them even if its only a tiny tiny risk of them contracting it.
But here's the BIGGY that nobody seems to think about,,,,those that are unmarried are so consumed with the fear of dating and having to tell someone that they went through hep c treatment,,BUT!!!! think of it this way,,,,do you want to go into a relationship without telling THAT person to go get a hep c test( and B).THEY might be carrying it for the last 30 years without knowing it either. You can show them your clean bill of health and they now have to show you there's.
IF I WAS single and was thinking of having sex with someone,(though i wouldn't be, personally)I would DEFINITELY tell the person i had hep c and i would tell them that THEY HAVE TO GET CHECKED before i was intimate with them,,,,no way would i go through treatment get svr (hopefully) only to re infected by somebody who DOESN'T EVEN KNOW THEY HAVE HEP TOO.
Sound crazy???,,,,not to me. If we were all surprised we had it, they might have it and not know also. I know it doesn't exactly sound romantic to tell someone to go get checked, but I would have no problem telling them. They don't like it,,,,bye, nice knowing ya!
I would have the results of your latest PCR quant handy to show your love interest that you are SVR and assure him that if he uses condoms that the chances are less than getting hit by a bus (romatic aint I?)
I would have a pamphlet ready. Dont show him this info whan you two are cuddly. Do it when you are in a more pedestrian situation. Then he will have the knowledge to digest and when the time is right. He will come to you!
I would have a pamphlet ready. Dont show him this info whan you two are cuddly. Do it when you are in a more pedestrian situation. Then he will have the knowledge to digest and when the time is right. He will come to you!
If Laytex is SVR, then she does not have the virus, so she has nothing to tell. She cant pass on a virus she does not have. She needs to use condoms for OTHER reasons but not due to her having cleared HCV.
If she wants to tell him that she had it in the past but has cleared it and is no longer HCV positive, that is a different story.
If she wants to tell him that she had it in the past but has cleared it and is no longer HCV positive, that is a different story.
Once you are SVR you can NOT pass this virus on to anyone. There is not one shred of data showing you can. SVR means you are no longer infectious and no longer able to give it to anyone in any manner.
No disrespect, but I emphatically disagree with Kalio. When is one actually SVR? There is much speculation and debate about that, and as long as questions, any questions regarding SVR persist, it is misleading to proclaim that there is no risk involved.
As I stated above, there are just too many unknowns. No one has the moral right to expose another person to risk without informing that individual, regardless of how minuscule the odds are. It has to be their choice, not yours.
As I stated above, there are just too many unknowns. No one has the moral right to expose another person to risk without informing that individual, regardless of how minuscule the odds are. It has to be their choice, not yours.
When are you SVR? 6 months, one year, two? You cannot answer that. In fact we cannot even be 100% confident in the PCR results, as evidenced by what RTS just experienced.
This is not something to be withheld from an intimate partner, period. Strangers, co-workers, the milkman, the mail carrier? perhaps. But, to suggest the concept of "don't tell" when it comes to having sex, promotes irresponsible behavior.
Since I don't have HCV, I can speak for those of us who would be at risk from a partner who does not disclose the truth, even if those odds are nearly non existent. We have the right to go into this with our eyes wide open.
Obviously we don't see this issue in the same way, so let's just agree to disagree. I hope you and yours enjoy peaceful and hopeful holidays.
Debbe
This is not something to be withheld from an intimate partner, period. Strangers, co-workers, the milkman, the mail carrier? perhaps. But, to suggest the concept of "don't tell" when it comes to having sex, promotes irresponsible behavior.
Since I don't have HCV, I can speak for those of us who would be at risk from a partner who does not disclose the truth, even if those odds are nearly non existent. We have the right to go into this with our eyes wide open.
Obviously we don't see this issue in the same way, so let's just agree to disagree. I hope you and yours enjoy peaceful and hopeful holidays.
Debbe
I didn't in any way say she shouldnt tell if she is not SVR however if she is SVR there is nothing TO TELL because she can not pass on a virus she does not have and she no longer has HCV. She was unclear on that issue but if her PCR's are clear, she is fine .
You can indeed KNOW you are SVR and not infectious one year after she is SVR on her PCR she is done with it. You can know to a great certainty at 6 months but to be absolutely sure, one year.
As to the extremely low low chance of it returning after a year, nothing in life is 100% but the chance is so rare she would be more likely to be hit by lighting while winning the lottery.
Aside from that, sex is not a likely way to contract HCV, if it was, it would be considered a sexually transmitted disease and it is not a sexually transmitted disease.
There is already enough stigma and misinformation surrouninding this disease, we don't need to add to that by suggesting it is possible to pass on this virus once you are SVR. It is not medically possible to pass something you don't have to another person. Once you are SVR, you do not have to notify anyone of having this unless you decide you want to tell them for another reason, not because you could pass it to them.
You can indeed KNOW you are SVR and not infectious one year after she is SVR on her PCR she is done with it. You can know to a great certainty at 6 months but to be absolutely sure, one year.
As to the extremely low low chance of it returning after a year, nothing in life is 100% but the chance is so rare she would be more likely to be hit by lighting while winning the lottery.
Aside from that, sex is not a likely way to contract HCV, if it was, it would be considered a sexually transmitted disease and it is not a sexually transmitted disease.
There is already enough stigma and misinformation surrouninding this disease, we don't need to add to that by suggesting it is possible to pass on this virus once you are SVR. It is not medically possible to pass something you don't have to another person. Once you are SVR, you do not have to notify anyone of having this unless you decide you want to tell them for another reason, not because you could pass it to them.
B the way, RTS had a false positive test, he was and is clear of the virus according to several tests he had subsequently.
Laytex,
First of all being coinfected with HIV and HCV like me is the last thing you want to be dealing with. I know what it is like to be alone.....not even dating......nothing, but that is my choice. I still have people asking me out or for my number, believe it or not. What you have to remember is that if you decide not to tell him or anyone for that matter then basically you've made the choice for them. You have taken the choice away from them. It isn't a question of should I tell or not, you have the responsibility to inform. You don't have a choice, they do. Whether they choose to be with you or not, then it's their choice. What do you have? Not only the morning after with a clear conscience, but someone who in the long run will thank you and respect you. Character....is what you are even when you're alone. You have the responsibility. So please whatever you decide, ALWAYS keep it safe. Trust me if you are one that has gotten rid of HCV....you DO NOT want to get something that you can't wash off. I am doing great on the meds for HIV, and I will soon start with the tx for HCV with hopes to rid myself of it.
In Him,
Rick
First of all being coinfected with HIV and HCV like me is the last thing you want to be dealing with. I know what it is like to be alone.....not even dating......nothing, but that is my choice. I still have people asking me out or for my number, believe it or not. What you have to remember is that if you decide not to tell him or anyone for that matter then basically you've made the choice for them. You have taken the choice away from them. It isn't a question of should I tell or not, you have the responsibility to inform. You don't have a choice, they do. Whether they choose to be with you or not, then it's their choice. What do you have? Not only the morning after with a clear conscience, but someone who in the long run will thank you and respect you. Character....is what you are even when you're alone. You have the responsibility. So please whatever you decide, ALWAYS keep it safe. Trust me if you are one that has gotten rid of HCV....you DO NOT want to get something that you can't wash off. I am doing great on the meds for HIV, and I will soon start with the tx for HCV with hopes to rid myself of it.
In Him,
Rick
it was the hardest thing i ever done, harder than that damm treatment that almost killed me. but i told him and he was very nice not at all what i excepted. it wont go any further but i did what was right thank you for your support. i was asked doesn't treatment make it go away, well i was unaware that it could i am going to the dr to get the suggested test.
you are right by not telling i take away there choice and i never wont to do that. i wished i had this place when all this stared it would have been nice to have a place to go when i was really sick. i know i can not do this each time i go out with some one. i can't handle the emotions here. maybe i should just not have sex and keep things at friends. its hard to be alone all the time. its alomost like what was the point of surving. sorry i am a wreck
you are right by not telling i take away there choice and i never wont to do that. i wished i had this place when all this stared it would have been nice to have a place to go when i was really sick. i know i can not do this each time i go out with some one. i can't handle the emotions here. maybe i should just not have sex and keep things at friends. its hard to be alone all the time. its alomost like what was the point of surving. sorry i am a wreck
You really need to have a PCR DNA test to see if you have a viral load since you don't know and you did go through treatment. You need to find out if you still have Hep C.
Here is a study on sexual transmission, and as you can see by the conclusion posted below, the risk is extremely small. This was a large study.
"Conclusion
These findings indicate an extremely low or even null risk of HCV transmission within heterosexual monogamous couples."
here is the link:
http://www.hepcassoc.org/news/article86.html
Here is a study on sexual transmission, and as you can see by the conclusion posted below, the risk is extremely small. This was a large study.
"Conclusion
These findings indicate an extremely low or even null risk of HCV transmission within heterosexual monogamous couples."
here is the link:
http://www.hepcassoc.org/news/article86.html
you did the right thing, good for you! it is common sense that this can be trasmitted through sexual contact. studies are good to read,,but this is just simple logic,,you CAN get hep c through sex period.
you'll meet someone in time. don't worry about being alone the rest of your life. maybe ask your doc if the local hospital has a hep c support group. it would be great to meet someone there!
good luck,,,you'll be fine.
you'll meet someone in time. don't worry about being alone the rest of your life. maybe ask your doc if the local hospital has a hep c support group. it would be great to meet someone there!
good luck,,,you'll be fine.
the whole issue was not even about people who have HCV at all, it was about people who do NOT HAVE HCV and are SVR so your data isnt even on point. Just more vitriol and hot air as usual.
Of course, there IS NO DATA showing anyone who says HCV can be passed in ANY manner if the person is no longer HCV positive and has obtained SVR. You must tell if you are still positive, there is no debate on that subject.
Try to keep your info on point.
There was never a debate over telling partners you have HCV if you are positive at all, of course you should.
This woman did not know if she is SVR or not.
ry reading the text before you respond with off topic info just to try to create controversy.
I notice you cant provide one shred of data showing SVR's can pass on a virus they no longer have, because that is impossible.
Of course, there IS NO DATA showing anyone who says HCV can be passed in ANY manner if the person is no longer HCV positive and has obtained SVR. You must tell if you are still positive, there is no debate on that subject.
Try to keep your info on point.
There was never a debate over telling partners you have HCV if you are positive at all, of course you should.
This woman did not know if she is SVR or not.
ry reading the text before you respond with off topic info just to try to create controversy.
I notice you cant provide one shred of data showing SVR's can pass on a virus they no longer have, because that is impossible.
The only one spreading misinformation is you. As usual you labor under the misconception that if you say it loud enough and often enough it would be true and as usual, you are wrong.
Kalio said: "There is already enough stigma and misinformation surrouninding (sic) this disease, we don't need to add to that by suggesting it is possible to pass on this virus once you are SVR. It is not medically possible to pass something you don't have to another person."
The fact that one is SVR doesn't necessarily mean that one does not have the virus. While some people apparently do completely eradicate all traces of the virus others reach SVR (serum undetectable 1 year post TX) and still have evidence of the virus. We've all read the articles or references to them. I am not disagreeing with your assumption Kalio that sexual transmission is very, very, very unlikely (it's difficult enough to transmit with active high VL HCV in a monogamous heterosexual relationship) but to say it is impossible might be reaching just a bit. The fact that there are no documented cases of transmission by an SVR is compelling but considering the amount of research on this particular issue I don't think it is conclusive - at least not yet anyway.
Mike
The fact that one is SVR doesn't necessarily mean that one does not have the virus. While some people apparently do completely eradicate all traces of the virus others reach SVR (serum undetectable 1 year post TX) and still have evidence of the virus. We've all read the articles or references to them. I am not disagreeing with your assumption Kalio that sexual transmission is very, very, very unlikely (it's difficult enough to transmit with active high VL HCV in a monogamous heterosexual relationship) but to say it is impossible might be reaching just a bit. The fact that there are no documented cases of transmission by an SVR is compelling but considering the amount of research on this particular issue I don't think it is conclusive - at least not yet anyway.
Mike
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