can hepc reoccur?

[namibija]

Hi everyone,
my boyfriend has been clear from virus for several years now, but what are the possibilities of it reoccuring? And, do you know if in this stage he's still a virus carrier? The thing is, we are starting our intimate relationship, and I'd like to know as much as possible about his condition, so as to make informed decisions...and, to be completely honest with you, hush those persistent voices in the back of my mind fretting that I won't be able to handle it all...
Thanks!

[namibija]

his first treatment was some 8 or 9 years ago, but he relapsed. The second treatment was successful, and he's been negative for 5 years...I don't really understand the terminology, but what he meant by saying that he was ok was that his last lab results came negative so he's clear.

[alijee]

What kind of treatment did he get ten years ago??????

He says every thing is ok. What it means??????    

Has he got his PCR negative ????

These are some confusions which must have to be clear

[namibija]

Actually, I'm not sure when his last test was, but he says all is fine now. Confronting him with it appears, well, as if I don't trust him...doesn't it? Which is true in a way, otherwise I wouldn't be having such doubts. And I'm reluctant to bring it up, since we are still in such an early stage of our relationship. So I sought advice here, and thanks for sharing and listening...it helped a lot...

[Bill1954]

My apologies; I missed this statement:

“He was diagnosed some ten years ago, underwent the tretment soon after the diagnosis, and has been negative ever since...so I was just wondering if the virus can be reactivated in some way...”

He’s most likely done with the virus. However, wide spectrum testing for STD’s etc would still be kind and thoughtful for both of you. If offered in a reciprocal manner, it’s not usually insulting or considered out of the ordinary.

Bill

[Bill1954]

What I’m trying to say is that the HCV RNA by PCR test is the only way to determine disease status; he should either produce recent test results, or test anew to be certain; he might be confused as to his status himself.

Did he successfully undergo treatment for his HCV? Interferon and ribavirin?

For your info, Hep C is rarely transmitted via sexual intercourse; contrary to popular belief… it’s possible, but unlikely. There are, however other diseases that are, including HIV and Hepatitis B. If you’re contemplating a long term monogamous relationship, a quick blood test is probably in order.

We develop antibodies to ALL viruses; including flu and measles virus; so you probably have antibodies to some of these yourself. Having antibodies does not reflect whether active disease is present.

Good luck, and good for you for checking in to this—

Bill

[namibija]

thanks becksta, you really put my mind at ease :)
yeah, I'm a bit stressed out, because I'm dealing with another chronic illness myself, which demands constant attention, so I know what it means to live with such uncertainties on the day to day basis, not knowing exactly what the future holds...
before things got too serious between us, I just needed to know if I was ready for another health risk, or if there ever was one...and talking about it openly with him seemed a bit too early at this point.
Besides, he was more than supportive about my health condition, so I didn't want to be all worried and uninformed about his...
thank you once again :)

[becksta29]

no he does not have the virus anymore love,stop stressing :) bill is correct.
he just has antibodies and just like any flue virus we have n then fight off we still have the antibodys,its kind of like that,he does not have the virus and is not contagious at all,if he is still undetectable then he is definitly cured and can only catch it back if he comes into contact with some1s blood with the virus n as u would already know how hard it is to catch.to get hep c u have to have the infected blood enter ya blood stream n well its not like we have every1 elses blood entering our blood stream everyday is it lol.sharing needles is the most common way of gettin it these days,thats how i got it.
so even if he did have it still....which he doesnt from what u have said then u still shouldnt stress too much bout catchin it from just sex unless u were both bleeding and the blood entered ur blood steam.
u can relax now as he hasnt got it no more,he has been negative for yrs,he is definitly cured!

[namibija]

Thank you Bill so much for your answer!
So does this mean that he no longer has the virus, or he does but the virus is inactive, although still present in a way that is harmless to him and others if they get in contact with it?
He was diagnosed some ten years ago, underwent the tretment soon after the diagnosis, and has been negative ever since...so I was just wondering if the virus can be reactivated in some way...

[Bill1954]

The definition for ‘clear’ of the HCV virus is a test called ‘HCV RNA by PCR’; if his status is ‘not detected’ or ‘negative’; he no longer carries the virus. He will remain antibody positive; this is not a problem for either of you.

And yes; a patient can become reinfected; previous infection does not confer immunity. This would involve a new exposure though; he will not relapse after a period of 12 months or so.

Good luck—

Bill