Have I contracted Hepatitis?

[amigoingmad]

18 months ago I did something that I will regret forever, and slept with a prostitute.  Afterwards I made myself very ill with guilt and worry that I might have contracted an STD. I had penetrative vaginal sex - wearing a condom, however my main concern is that I gave unprotected cunnilingus.  

6 months after this, I was diagnosed with prostatitis (after having had tests for virtually every STD - apart from HIV and Hepatitis).  During the course of the treatment for prostatitis (beginning of 2006), I reacted badly to the prolonged course of antibiotics.  During that time I had many blood tests, including AIDS test and liver function tests to see what might be causing the problems.  All tests came back clear.

Recently I started feeling very unwell again - and this came directly after a very big night out with lots of alcohol.  A doctor did the usual checks, and because I felt some discomfort around the right side of my ribs, she checked my liver with an ultrasound scan, and performed some more liver function tests.  Again they were clear.

I have asked my doctor if all my symptoms (fatigue, nausea, upset stomach) could be Hepatitis.  Her response is 'NO', based on the results of the tests.

Despite the liver function tests and ultrasound showing no liver problems I am paranoid that I might have Hepatitis!  Is it possible to catch it from oral sex with a woman?  And could it possibly take 18 months for the infection to lead to liver inflammation?  Furthermore, if I there was liver inflammation then would you expect it to show in liver function tests.

Please help.  I am going nuts with worry

P.S.  Your site is great.  Just reading some of the issues and responses on here helps me deal with mine better.  Thanks

[amigoingmad]

thanks for your advice.  

you are absolutely right when it comes to my emotional state.  ever since the 'commercial exposure' i have been carrying an enormous amount of guilt and concern that i might have passed something serious on to my spouse.  i have read some articles on the web that hepatitis can be transmitted via oral sex, and since this was the only STD i hadn't been thoroughly tested for, I have been panicking that i could have it.

i am still concerned that i have some pains in the rib area, however i shall visit my doctor in a different frame of mind thanks to your words of wisdom

thanks again

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

First, your prostatitis 6 months later undoubtedly had nothing to do with your commercial sex exposure.  Prostatitis is not an STD.

A hundred things other than hepatitis can cause the symptoms you describe. and the normal liver function tests prove you don't have it.  Your doctor is correct.

Your inability to put hepatitis out of your mind in the face of such overwhelming evidence, plus the level of anxiety implied in your message, indicate you could benefit from emotional counseling.  Discuss it with your doctor.  I suggest it out of compassion, not criticism.

Good luck--- HHH, MD