New to this & mildly terrified...input, please?

[Aw_Heck]

I have been exhausted for over three weeks and been through many tests, so bare with me.  (Please keep in mind I don't have the best medical community to rely on).  But, I'll be honest with you all, and would appreciate feedback with your thoughts, etc. Thank you.

I had a preliminary screen for Hep C and it came back at 1.42.  Anxiously awaiting my HCV (?) results.

According to my research, I do not show any "typical" symptoms of Hep C, but if the antibodies are there, well, I've been told chances are that I have it.

My history:
I've never injected drugs

I did quite a bit of cocaine years ago (hence the straw possibility I've read about)

I have been with a partner that used intraveniously in the past, but have been told that the chances of passing it on through intercourse is very rare...is this true?

I have many tattoos that were acquired @ 10-14 yrs ago.  All in a "clean, professional environment" except for one.  But I've also hear that it is rare to get hep c from a tattoo.

So, here are my questions (I'll try not to plummel everyone):

1.)  Do antibody levels tell me anything about severity or probability of actually having the virus?

2.)  Any way to tell how long I've had the virus or how I could have acquired it?

3.)  I'm single and not promiscuous.  When I find "the one" will we need to use a condom for the rest of our lives?

4.)  Can I have children someday, or do I need to write that off completely, knowing that there is the possibilty of transferring the virus to them?

5.) Do I need to tell my past partners about this, and if so, how?  Who?

6.) What does treatment consist of?

7.)  If I have not developed full-blown Hep C, what can I do to avoid doing so?

I know that's a lot, so take your time.  I would really appreciate any and all serious input and support.

[orphanedhawk]

There is a lot of information available out there but I'll try to help.

First of all, it doesn't matter how or when you got it.
You've got it and now you need periodic blood tests to see how you're doing.
Some people have it and never have any liver damage. Others land up with severe cirrhosis. It has nothing to do with how much of the virus is in your system.

What you need to do is take care of your liver, no drinking alcohol!!!

Hep C is passed by blood.
No sharing nail clippers, toothbrushes, anything that may pick up even infinitesimal
amounts of blood.
Unless you engage in bloody sexual exchanges, you don't need to worry about condoms.

Neither of my kids have it and I'm sure I had it prior to their births.

There is treatment which is difficult for many but we are all told that better options will be available in a few years. If you are healthy, I'd advise waiting.

I suggest checking out the web site: hepatitiscadvocate.org
There are a lot more sites which I can't recall off hand. Do a search. And search the archives of this site.

Educate yourself, and live a happy life.

Good luck,                OH

[Rockerforlife]

Well ,i cant answer all of them,but  ill try


1.)  Do antibody levels tell me anything about severity or probability of actually having the virus?  NO

2.)  Any way to tell how long I've had the virus or how I could have acquired it? MAYBE

       ..You cant narrow it down to an exact year ,but maybe by the decade,i say you got it either with the tatto,the snorting coke or the sex with the IV partner and if you have your teeth cleaned,thats a great way,do you get in fights or play rough hockey.