possible hcv exposure--intranasal cocaine?

I know that I need to be tested to know for sure if I have been exposed to hcv, but I need to wait a couple of months to get an accurate result. I've been immersing myself in info on hcv transmission, yet I think its just making my nerves worse. I guess I tend to be a worrisome person..

I'm almost 21 years old, and I am a college student in Wisconsin. By no means am I a coke addict, but in the past year I have experimented with coke and have done it recreationally. I had no idea that hcv is possibly transmitted through intranasal cocaine use....and I am really scared and worried. I do not plan on doing cocaine ever again because i am disappointed in myself and honestly its not that fun.

I never shared straws with anyone, except for maybe a couple of times, but I am really worried I was possibly exposed to hcv when I shared those few times. Another factor that scares me is that one of the friends accidentally had cocaine fall from his nose onto the other line--of course I did not know this until after I had already took the line. I know that is not a pleasant story.

I've only experimented with the same circle of friends/acquaintances (also in college)--but I don't know their medical histories and what "else" they may do. I never have used drugs intravenously, so thats  not a factor.  Ive never engaged in any risky behavior such as sexual encounters.

While I plan on being tested regardless--- Does my story sound like I should be concerned about exposure to HCV?  Do you think intranasal cocaine use is a high risk for exposure?
Thank you

[jmjm530]

Definitely get tested. Based on your very limited exposure, in all probability you have nothing to worry about. Don't do it.

-- Jim

[jmjm530]

Meant to say, don't do it again.

[OnAPrettyPoison]

It is easier to treat HCV in its acute stage.  That said, it can take up to 6 months to show up in a blood test.  Get tested now, get tested later too.  Scary lesson, huh?

[dollish]

I am assuming someone here has taken a blood test...will I be asked to explain why I believe I was exposed, or can I keep my history private and just take the test?  definitely a scary lesson...hopefully there won't be any consequences.  

[jmjm530]

You don't have to tell anyone, anything. Just tell the doctor that you've read about hepatitis c and would like to have a screening test. Don't know the policy of the school your're attending but you might be more at ease seeing a doctor not affiliated with your school.

If they press you for more information, you can simply decline to answer their questions or tell them a story like you had a piercing (or tattoo) in Tiajuana, Mexico and are concerned. Of course, you can tell them the truth, but frankly not everyone tells their doctor the truth. That's a personal decision.

Best doctor to see in your case would probably be a gastroenterologist as they are more sophisticated in hepatitis c than your general practitioner. If finances are an issue, you might want to contact one of the hepatitis c organizations and ask if there are any clinics that will screen you for free.

-- Jim

[jmjm530]

You could start here in regard to free or inexpensive hep c testing, or alternatively, see a private doctor. As to your specific questions regarding privacy, etc, a call to one of the centers in advance should answer your questions. You do understand that in all likelihood you don't have hepatitis c but I think getting tested is a very good decision if for nothing else, peace of mind.

http://www.marketwire.com/mw/frame_multimedia?prid=137702&attachid=284713

Then scroll down to the botton and click on:

"Click here to view the Hepatitis C Testing Sites map. "

[jmjm530]

FWIW there's an article half way down the page on the link above, titled:

"75 Percent of College Students Report Risk Factors for Hepatitis C"

So, I guess you're not alone in this.

[jmjm530]

Also, no more sharing body jewlery -- just read that one on the site I gave you. We didn't do that when I went to college. Learn something new every day :)

[jmjm530]

You're going to get tested and everything will turn out fine.
Just no more coke, ok.

Be well,

-- Jim

[dollish]

Thank you, you've been so helpful.  I feel a *little* better now :)

[dollish]

Anise, while I respect your privacy--I understand if you decline to answer a question I have for you...  

How serious was your cocaine use, and did you snort with people you did not know?  Or was your situation more similar to mine (not that it makes a difference since it can still be transmitted).

I am just curious of my risk factor, since I've only used with college kids (But I don't know everything about them). I am sure many kids are very unaware of HepC, or they are "safer" since they are doing it with that demographic.  I think I would be triple times worried if I shared straws/bills with a random person at a party

I've been really interested in the hepC material Ive been reading, and it seems the problem with a lot of studies is that many people who report intranasal cocaine use also were intravenious drug users.  Some HepC sites don't even report intranasal cocaine useage as a risk factor--and they've been updated in recent years.  Pretty crazy..

But yeah--enough babbling for me.  ;)

I'm sure most people on here are not very interested in this topic, but here's a study that used primarily intranasal cocaine users, and an 18-24 yrs/old demographic.  It actually rules out snorting as a way of transmission.  *sigh* I can't wait to be tested....    

http://www.hepcassoc.org/news/article132.html

[GoofyDad]

Sure - get tested. But in my unlearned opinion, the chances of infection are very remote. Get tested, put your mind to rest, stop beating yourself up, and move on like George Jefferson....

[FlGuy]

Experimenting is a term that is used to describe activities by scientists and people who are training to be scientists. In the words of an appropriately fogotten politician from Texas 'you sir are no scientist'.  At least call it what it is - illegal drug abuse. But I wonder now, what is the origin of the term 'drop me a line'? By the way, back in my day the colleges and universities in Wisconsin were known as 'party schools'.  Has it changed much?

[dollish]

Yeah,I think the colleges here still hold up to that reputation.  I think UW-Madison is #-2 or 3 party school in the country.  The college I go to though is in "America's drunkest city."  We're very bored people perhaps?  heh

[FlGuy]

Well, at least stay warm.  Understand a big chill is in your area.

[friole]

Well, i never went to U of Wisconsin, but I sure did party there.......

[anise]

Yep........ I would get tested!

Also, don't share anything that would transfer blood with anyone.  As an example, I was diagnosed with hep c after 25 years.  The only way I could have gotten hep c was with with sharing straws while inhaling cocaine.  Dear friend, don't take the risk of ever sharing straws, tattoos, anything that could put your life in jeopardy.  

Sounds like you might learn a lesson here.  Take it from us who have been there, take care of yourself!

Good luck and get tested in 6 months-!!

[anise]

I used cocaine up in Alaska.  Many people were addicted to it for a time during the mid 70's.  My case might be more unusual since I was taking care of a person who had hepatitis.  He was very ill.  So I could have gotten it from him or from massive dental work (might have been caused by the cocaine).  I also worked in a hospital when I was young.  So really it is a cr*p shoot.  I don't really know.

I realize you are frightened.  You are so very young and have your whole life ahead of you.  But one thing I have learned in life is to not worry.  You lose the ability to enjoy life because of fear and worry.  Besides what you are worried about may never come to pass.  Hard to do, I know.  But you may not have Hep C.   My thoughts are that you don't.  

Good luck and keep us posted when you get your test.

[pjhep80]

unless someone was bleeding, i would not be worried about it...

it is possible but very rare to get hep c sharing straws, etc, if you are really worried get tested but wait at least 6 months or so, it prob wont show up until then...

[lilly654]

Recently, I had read all this RIDICULOUS sites on the cocaine use. I to have used cocaine with someone I do believe is now infected with hepc. Although cocaine is a horrible drug in itself, I tested negative. I havent used in over 9 months. I also grew up in a HEP c household. We only had ONE Bathroom and yes, we all prolly shared a razor from time to time. When I moved out a year later my step mom died of it because she didn't stop drinking and had it for 30 years from a BLOOD TRANSFUSION. She didnt know she had caught this, and lived and partied HARD for 30 years. Im sure if she  took care of herself and watched meds and alcohol shed be right here today.  Also my dad then caught it from using her diabetic needles to shoot drugs. To this day he has it and prolly has had it for about 7 to 10 years. I just recently got tested for the 2nd time because  I was so WORRIED from reading all these stupid post on cocaine use. Granted, Im not an addict and wasnt blowing straight blood or having nose bleeds...  Anyways. just for future im sure ppl who have used cocaine and shared straws have very MINIMAL risk. Do not stress about it as i did all weekend. I guess cocaine would be more of a WORRY! simply because of this I plan on never ever ever going close to any drug period. I have learned my lesson and want  nothing to do with what I call a SIN straight from the devil. It looks so nice and glamorous but its poisonous inside. The devil will always make things look great, and wonderful but  I advise people to STAY far away from that drug itself. and to use your own straw if you do use. just to be safe =)

- Get a test it will put that mind to rest.

- Also, just a thought. even though the risk is minimal there are things to completly avoid the risks.
- Dont share straws period. get your own if your gonna do it.
- Dont shoot up - i just dont trust it. even if you DONT share. just stay away from these syringes.
- use ur OWN manicure and pedicure equiptment .. just in case.
- Treat everyone as they are infectious when theres blood
- Have only ONE sexual partner or use Condoms.
- Also, though sexual contamination is RARE, if you decide to participate in rough sexual acts (anal) just use a condom to be on the safe side even if you two are monogomous. Try to avoid the blood from the possible tearing.

Its as simple as that oh yeah, everyone SHOULD get vaccinated against hep a and hep b. its there right at your  disposal , go get vaccinated =))

[IMstacie]

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