question about transmission and testing

[Lynda123]

Hi, My boy friend was diagnosed with hep c about two months ago. i was tested the day after his diagnosis and was negative with the "pcr" and the regular anti body test..but then I was told that there is a 'window period" of about two weeks, so i waited , but was reluctant to get re tested too soon..i was planning on being re tested two weeks from last monday but then he kissed me on the lips and i had a small abrasion, break in the skin.he swears he didnt have one on his lip,and told me not to worry .. but i wondered if it could be spread this way , even if we both had two small breaks in our skin(with no bleeding) and these touched eachother?? how easy is it to get this??..I also had a rash on my the back of my neck from the sun, and he was kissing my neck (with his mouth open) i know this might sound ridiculous,  but what if he had just brushed his teeth and there was a small amount of blood in his mouth.? I told him that i cant even go near him for two weeks..because if it comes back negative again i dont want to wonder if the test didnt pick it up..But i know that i will be alot calmer around him if its negative..just needed a little peace of mind..

[derail]

multiple sex partners was afact during the free loving 60's.i know I experienced it. It had its perils then but about the worst was crabs or maybe the clap, Herpes had yet to rear it,s nasty head and hepatitus was thought to be a mild infection. Boy did we get a wrong number. Of course if we all did what our parents said,it would've been boring. No one can say for sure how transmission occurs except via blood transfer. How many additioal cases were caused by becoming"blood brothers as kids" It's still a **** shoot as to wether or not we get a paticular disease unless the total parameters are known and comprehended. With the advances in disease research we are getting closer each day but still have a long way to go My ex of 28 years never had hepc and ive been infected about 45 years.Nothing is definitive as to why some promiscous behavior transmits or not.
also ,if you think all the college kids are doing is kissing, you've got a lot of splainin' to do,lucy. anyway just some more food for thought from an oldtime hippie

[cheriums]

And about sex, again.  Something seems to have changed.  My personal theory is, the virus has mutated, over the years, and the virus which is circulating in the community now is not exactly the same as the one which was circulating 30 years ago.  Many couples where one partner was infected 30 years ago or so have found the other partner has not been infected in the relationship.  However, now that people are being tested and found while they are still acute (just recently infected), more and more are found to have unprotected sex as the only "risk factor." (The CDC, when they first began reporting this, just presented the #'s -- no one could explain it.) Usually, unprotected sex with a number of partners. When I read between the lines, I become strongly suspicious these are reports about young people working in the sex trade or trading sex for drugs. Not that I don't think some could be "partying" college students -- if they were getting tested.  I think it's the young people getting tested for STD's who are also getting found early with HCV.  My theory. And, kissing isn't usually considered unprotected SEX.  cheri

[Plutonium-kid]

Easy as PIE.....Chev. The worst part is behind you.
I'm sure you'll not FAIL!!!!!

the KID....

[Plutonium-kid]

Hello Chev,

Prior to Tx, the only physicians I have known were Pediatricians for my kids. I was involved in Bodybuilding for nearly 30 yrs & have visited a physician on a yearly basis for check-ups, which included blood tests. No one ever suspected HCV since I was asymptomatic. The disease was discovered inadvertently, after I was hospitalized for a back injury. HCV was in an acute stage with ALT & AST values exceeding 900 IU/ml.

My medication profile after my back accident was:
Lexapro (an antidepressant) 10-20 mg/day.
Ambien (a hypnotic) 10 mg/nightly.
Xanax (a relaxant) 0.5mg/nightly.
Omeprazole (anti-GERD drug) 20 mg/daily. It was the only medication I was taking prior to my hospitalization.
Upon being diagnosed HCV (+) genotype 2b I underwent Bx which indicated liver damage stage 2-3 (fibrosis) with inflammation grade 2. I was placed on PEG 120 mcg/wk plus Riba 800mg/day for 24 weeks.
Initialy (1-2 mths), the Tx didn't affect my performance....& I was HCV negative after 4 wks.
Midway (2-4 mths), I started to feel ****........PCR tests stayed negative at 12 wks so my PEG dosage was cut to 100 mcg/wk.
End (4-6 mths), I was freaking out mentally & depleted physically.
LFT stayed normal one mth after my completion of Tx & I'm due for more bloodworks this Mon. Today(6 wks), after completion of Tx I'm beginning to recover & returning to my former self.
Chev, pretty pls, pls, pls, pls....don't give up. We have a 2b genotype, which responds well to Tx. HANG-IN, for your REWARD WILL COME SOON.
I hope all this info is CLEAR to you....& I'm sry if it's not. Pls let me know what's up with you!!
GOOD LUCK...

[Plutonium-kid]

A Hearty Hello Chev,
I know you well thru this forum,
Started Tx: 1/04.
HCV-Type: 2b.
Female: 40 years of age with a new gent in her life.
Self employed.....etc.
I'll answer all your questions ASAP & on this or an adjacent thread.
Pls forgive me, since I have an appt with a Dr now.

[DonL]

I have probably had HCV for 30 years. My wife and I have been together for 24 years, have unprotected sex as often as possible, and she tested negative last summer. It's so easy with a disease like this to feel "unclean" but it's not the truth. Just don't become blood brothers with your boyfriend yet and you're probably going to be fine.

[Oreos]

My hubby and I have been together 6 years.  He tested negative for HCV 2 weeks ago (first time tested).  I've had HCV for 21 years and he's known all along.  We don't share toothbrushes or razors or kiss if we both have mouth cuts.  Other than that, no special precautions.  I'm on treatment now (29/48) and undetectable.  Hoping to beat this thing once and for all : )

[Plutonium-kid]

Hello Linda,
I have to agree with Lado (C1)...since I have been married for 27 yrs + 3 kids, & probably had the disease for nearly 30++ yrs. Precautions with wife or my kids were never a part of our lexicon. There was never a reason for being discrete or to follow safe sex or behavior.
Anyway, when I tested positive for HCV 2 years ago, everyone was tested (2 cats exluded). Thank GOD, the results were negative for all. I think this disease would wipe out humanity in one month, if were to spread with such ease.
Draw your own conclusions from our discussions.
Good Luck to you both....& please stay positive since that's the best form of PROTECTION & DEFENSE.

[lollymart]

My husband and I make 20 years this September and I'm still Hep C free.  He's probably had it for over 30 years.  We take no precautions as well.  

Lori

[Ladolcevita]

Hi there, just to tell you that my husband is currently being treated for HCV. We've been married for 11 years, during which time we didn't know about his having HCV so we took no precautions whatsoever. I tested for the disease when we found out and I'm free. The chances of your being infected are very small so relax till you can confirm.

Good luck to the both of you.