found out when I was 17..

[koda33]

When I was 17, almost 18, I donated blood to the Red Cross. A few weeks later I received a letter in the mail stating that I may have HCV and I should further be tested by my doctor. Turns out I did have it. Who knows for how long. I was still in great health. My mom actually got HCV when I was born. She received a blood transfusion when I was born and before 1993 they only screened blood for HIV. She did treatment two times and did not succeed. I do not know what type she has, and neither does she. She has been very careless through out the years, Ive never done drugs but I did get a tattoo from a person who thought they were a tattoo artist. I was 16 then. Very possible either two.
Getting checked for the first happened in 2010. I moved to Oregon and got insurance and went to a Gastro. He was so sweet! I did lots of blood work. All my levels were great. (I cannot remember the genotype, something like 3a or b...idk one of the easiest ones to cure). Then I did a class for my treatment and then got all my meds in the mail. Shortly after that I moved to CA. I didn't have my insurance anymore and it was just an issue. DR didn't want me starting unless I was being monitored. I agree though. Anyways It was like two capsules three times daily plus a shot. the Pegasys and RIbovrin or something like that. THat is pretty much the end....until last year.
During my pregnant I was tested once to check my levels. Dr said they look great. This back in October. A year later here I am.

I am currently breastfeeding my almost nine month old son. I know I cant take the meds and the same. I am starting to wean so I can. Ive been noticiving signs. Not with my body, but around. I noticed more advertisements on tv, computers, and even pop ups on the internet.

I am just worried. Yes, I have one of the easier types (still cannot remember which one but I am thinking 3B, for some reason its sticking out) but I am still worried. How will this affect me later in life, when I want more children? Will this cause any other health problems later in life. I am riding a serious disease out of my body. Most fourms I read are of older people who are typically over this stage of their life. I am not trying to be mean to anyone in any way, its just that I am 22. People *usually* find out until passed their 40's. Arent there new treatments as well so there are no shots? My husband works in oil field so hes home a week, gone a week and we have a 4 year old and 9 month old. I worry about how itll affect me being a parent, working, and school plus two dogs!

[Livelife777]

Hi and welcome.  You are young and that is a good thing with Hep C.  It usually takes many years before damage is done to your liver.  Since you've now had a 2nd baby and not pregnant,  it may be a good time to look into getting treated for your virus.
We now have new medication that is different from the one you had a few years back.  It's very easy to take (pills not shots) and has very few side effects.  The Dr needs to take some blood and determine what treatment.
Usually you take this pill for 12-24 weeks depending on your genotype.
The only concern would be cost, so I'm wondering do you have medical insurance?
Until you get to see the Dr you should stay away from alcohol.  Drinking is very toxic to the liver in someone who has Hep C.  You would also want to try and protect your children from exposure by making sure that your blood doesn't mix with theirs.
I have 2 children and had Hep C.  My ex husband and 2 kids never got the virus so its hard to catch.  You may tho want to get them tested down the road to see if they have any evidence of the disease.
I'm glad you reached out to our community as we can help you should you have questions.  It's also a good idea to get treatment as this virus is now curable.
Please know we are here to help you.
.....Kim

[keepingOnkeepingOn]

Obviously the virus isn't affecting you yet. I takes a long time to have symptoms. You have plenty of time to get cured if they'll give you meds again after getting them one other time and not taking them.
I got Hep from Giving blood. Dirty, contaminated health facility with no safety's in place back in the days of 1980-1981. Other's caught HIV from there. The place shut down cuz of it and it's parent company (Whom you all know and begins with a "B") says they are not negligent because they didn't know such a virus existed.

[orphanedhawk]

How you got hep C really is not relevant. It is relevant to know that it is spread via blood to blood contact. So be aware, make sure you don't have chapped nipples while breast feeding.

You need to  see a doctor, a GI or hepatolgist ( liver specialist), preferably who is experienced with hep C, and get a blood test. You want to know about the condition of health of your liver. Hep C lives in the blood but can damage the liver. Some people have the virus and never experience liver damage while others can die from it.

The other thing you need to do immediately is stop drinking alcohol. Alcohol sends the virus into orgy mode, and you don't want that.

Hep C tends to move slowly so there is no need to worry and fret just start educating yourself and learn all you can. There are some good web sites as well as this and other forums.

check out: www.hepcadvocate.org

Good luck,
OH