could this be hepatitis and what can i do

[brak1987]

so more recently i've been under a lot of stress, and drinking a lot. i've been having loose yellow stool for almost 2 weeks (this is the only symptom i'm exhibiting, i think). i'm terrified that it might be hepatitis. if it is i think i probably caught it sexually around september or october this year. i'm wondering if it is hepatitis what are my chances of being cured and will i be able to have a family some day still. i'm about to graduate from college and start into a career, so this is very depressing for me.  

[IAmTheWalrus]

Read all about it by searching threads on this forum or get all the facts (without commentary) here:

http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets.asp

[springroll]

Hepatitis is a general term that describes inflammation of the liver.  Drinking to excess can inflame your liver but it can't cause viral hepatitis.  Hepatitis C is a viral infection of the liver.  You cannot get Hepatitis C from drinking, and its not a sexually transmitted disease.  To get Hepatitis C you must have infected blood enter your bloodstream.  Hepatitis B is a viral infection that is sexually transmitted.

See your doctor and tell him about your symptoms and your concerns.  Ask to be tested for Hepatitis B if you think you have been exposed.  If it turns out that you have Hepatitis B, there is a good Hepatitis B forum on MedHelp and someone there might be able to answer your questions.

[R Glass]

Hep C- Blood to Blood

Hep B- Blood to Blood or like a STD (Please go to the Hep B or STD forums for questions concerning HBV. You can also Google HBV)

Hep A- Eating HAV Contaminated  D00 D00

[brak1987]

thank you all for your help and concern. at least i'm sure it wouldn't be hep c. but what's the difference between hep c and hep b other than the way you can catch it? is hep b curable?

[R Glass]

“so more recently i've been under a lot of stress, and drinking a lot. i've been having loose yellow stool for almost 2 weeks (this is the only symptom i'm exhibiting, i think).”

This Website should help.

http://www.poopreport.com/Doctor/Content/alcohol.html

[Trinity4]

Hep C is not considered an STD however, if rough anal sex was involved there is a risk.
Hep B is an STD so see a Gastroenterologist for the yellow stools, get a hep panel done for hep A, B and C. That is the only way you will know for sure and hopefully  testing will lift the depression.  Hep C is only transmitted by blood to blood contact.  The infected blood must enter the bloodstream for infection to occur.

Trinity

[eureka254]

Excessive alcohol taxes the liver, so if you have concerns about hepatitis, abstaining from alcohol is well-advised (not to mention that alcoholic suppression of stress is not healthy either).  Hepatitis B can be a sexually transmitted disease, though that is rarely the case with hepatitis C.  

If believe you have risk for viral hepatitis, it is a simple blood test -- no need to worry about curing something unless you have it, and if you have doubts, ask your doctor for a test.   Congratulations on your upcoming graduation, and do your best to reduce risky and unhealthy behaviors and have regular check ups so that you can enjoy your career unfettered by depression and health concerns in the future.  Good luck.