New at all this

[mzpitz]

My husband was told he had Hep C a few years ago and was not in the position top seek treatment.  We began dating and shortly before we married he told me.  Together we learned a little bit about this and also began seeing a doctor.  The doctor didn't really seem to sure of the situation and sent us to other doctors due to where we lived we had to make a full day of it traveling to the doctor.  We found out I was pregnant and moved to WA close to Tacoma.  I have had the baby and will be breastfeeding her so I understand tyraetment will need to wait.  The thing is I'm trying very hard to understand thisand would like some help as to understandin what it is that Hep C does to your body?  Also what are treatments and there side effects? Please no medical terms I need to actually get what your saying.  I'd like to be prepared as poss. this time going into the doctor.  Anything that will help me understand any aspect of Hep C, kids, hygiene, driving, aches and pains etc., just anything please share!  Thank You!

[Lilla]

I am not sure if am reading correctly your post....Your husband has HepC and you do not?  or do you as well?  I was diagnosed in early Dec. 06 with HepC.  My husband went and took the test for HepC and he was negative.  Have you taken the HepC blood test to determine if you are a positive or negative. I was told that due to the fact we have been married for 25 years, if my husband was negative, chances of transmission to him were very slim  (sexually that is).   I'm sure you'll get a lot of others who can also offer input, but your husband needs to find out 1. what geno-type he is  2. does he show any fibrosis/damage to liver 3. approx how long has he had this. I feel the first step is for you to find a good doctor specializing in this.  Good Luck, and find out all you can, and keep a positive outlook.

[GrandmaA]

Sexually my doctor told me that hep. C is only passed from male to female and not the other way. Still that is rare.

[FlGuy]

Unless there have been other 'risky' behaviors between you and hubby the chances are slim that you would have contracted hep c from him.  Living a normal 'married' life does not pose the risk that you may imagine.  We've been married for 20 years, with kids in the mix, and no one else in the family is infected.  For your hubby to start/be on treatment when a new born comes into the family could certainly be difficult in that hubby may be less than fully functional if he's on treatment.  You mentioned 'we will be breatfeeding'.  That will be a good trick if hubby's a participant. Take some time to learn more about hep-c and it's treatment and maybe look into breasfeeding while your at it.  Good luck, it's got to be a good time for you.

[OnAPrettyPoison]

There is alot for you to learn and now is a great time to do it.  The current standard of treatment is an pegalated interferon injections once a week and ribaviron pills taken daily.  The length of treatment depends on the genotype of the HCV.  The treatment ranges from 24 weeks to 48 weeks with varying degrees of success.  You need to know the genotype (what kind of HCV) he has - that determines how long he has to treat; the stage of liver damage he has - done with a biopsy and that will determine how quickly he needs to treat.  The treatment can be kind of rough, and the chances of birth defects can be high so it is real important to use birth control.  You can go to the janis website.  It is a great resource for you to use as research, including questions to ask your doctor.  It is at www.janis7hepc.com.  Best of luck to you and hubby, he will need your support!

[northstar]

http://janis7hepc.com

Try this, it is excellent source of info.

The people here are too, but with it being the weekend, things kinda slow down, and you will get all the info you need to read and digest.

Best of luck to you