being intimate with someone during tx with side effects

An intimate friend of mine, that I haven't seen in 3 years wants to come back into my life. I am at week 12 of a 48 week therapy . I am weak and useless 90% of the time, have a lovely rash on my body and look like I have aged at least 5 years. What are the chances of this progressing past him feeling sorry for me? Once confronted and comfortable with him again, will I want sex even though the tx has me so screwed up??  If it does go that far, are condoms necessary if I no longer have period? This is all with the hopes that he comes through the front door once he sees the physcial difference!
Any opinions, suggestions or has anyone been in this situation?

[babs824]

condoms are necessary no matter what, no matter whom, no matter when. you have more than enuf problems with out adding std. its a good test of what kinda guy he is! maybe it will take your mind off your misery. on the other hand it could compound your misery. regardless safety first!

[Diane12855]

AMEN to what babs824 says!!!!!!!!!!

It would be a great way of seeing how genuine this person's feelings are for you. I'd take the chance because to find someone who cares about you no matter what you look like, and no matter what you can do for them... is to find the greatest treasure in the world. If it doesn't work out you'll know that you aren't missing anything.

Diane

[HectorSF]

I concur with babs and Diane's opinion.

Are condoms necessary? Always when in a new relationship. This is basic sex 101. We don't know who that other person has been with and what their history is. In this case you haven't seen him in 3 years. Who knows what he has been up to. Unprotected sex, injected drugs? If a man is not savvy enough to know how to have safe sex and find it enjoyable, then he has a lot to learn about life and being a responsible person. Don't let his ignorance become your problem.

Good luck with your treatment.
Hectorsf

[copyman]

i would wait until tx was over to rekindle the relationship. just my opinion.

[Marcia2202]

I would say... follow your heart! I'm a hopeless romantic, so I would definitely go for it! Wishing you good luck.


Regarding condoms, I agree with the others. Nothing to do with hep c, but in general I would also advise to use them in a new relationship.

[missy_jasons_girl]

I say go with your heart too!! And agree with the rest about the condoms! Can't be to careful!!

[mk_]

I'd welcome the friend but keeping in mind to take things easy emotionally during tx because I am not myself during tx in many ways and relationships can be stressors. But on the other hand, I wouldn't be in a self-denial.  IMO.
And yes to condoms.

[vik97]

I decided not to start any relationships until after tx.  I am much too irritable while on treatment.  

[nygirl7]

Try and hook up the friendship again first and put sex on the back burner for a while until you find out what this person has been up to.  People can change an awful lot in three years.......don't expect anything and you won't be disappointed.  If then things work out yes use a condom for sure!

[terca]

I got my post treatment viral load test back the other day and it was over 14 million.What does this mean?My viral load was never this high before treatment.

[Trish77]

Condoms are absolutely necessary BECAUSE YOU ARE ON TREATMENT.  I don't know how old you are or what your circumstance but any chance of pregnancy regardless of how remote requires protection and double protection.  I had a tubal ligation years ago and I was still expected to use condoms and given regular pregnancy tests throughout treatment.  The chance may be very slim you can get pregnant but the risk to a baby if you DO get pregnant is strong enough that they keep a registry of persons who impregnate or get pregnant while taking treatment drugs.

Aside from the usual reasons to wear a condom, being on treatment makes it critical so that if one method fails, there is a backup method for protection to prevent pregnancy.

[GoofyDad]

" put sex on the back burner "

Are you sure that's good advice? I dunno about you, but I got a little tender back there while treating. I'd say, when he walks in the front door, better to show him the front door, if you get me drift.