Hmmm

[blubabiblu]

I am a past IV heroin/cocaine user. I recently found out that someone whom I had been dating has Hepatitis C. In the past we have shared a needle to use drugs. What are the chances I have contracted Hep C and should I get tested?

[spectda]

It sounds like you are really on a good track. Knowing the seriousness of hep c can certainly be motivating. It's not easy and I very much hope you can stick with it and take good care of yourself. If by some miracle you don't have HCV, consider it a gift. Remember that continued use will probably give it to you eventually.

There is no judgement here, I've been through it a long time ago. We didn't even know that HCV and HIV (I assume he's testing you for HIV also) existed at the time and could be contracted through IV drug use.

I wish you the best and I hope you realize that there are a lot of people here to support you. It is very difficult to change when you are around the people that continuing to hurt themselves, especially at the begging of trying to get straight. I hope you can find some real social support in your community.

Be well - Dave

[puppiepaws]

Dont let people let you feel any different, i look at in a different aspect then i first did when i found out i had hep c almost 2 years ago.. I was mad and angry and felt like i was useless but in reality i just keep trying to learn and have faith iamgonna beat this even though i did relapse.. but life is challenging.. Its like we take one step forward and two step back.. Just hang in there

[Bill1954]

Good Good for you; it sounds like you’re taking control of your life back. It’s unlikely to get either Hep A or Hep B here in the U.S.; especially if you’re not engaging in risky behavior. Nevertheless, most of us have been vaccinated for those viruses as well. Like your doctor advised, it’s possible to have very serious complications should you contract HAV while infected with HCV.

Let us know how the test results go; in fact, you might ask for copies and start a file for yourself.

Best to you—

Bill

[blubabiblu]

Ok so I seen my PCP and he has written for blood work to test for Hep A,B, and C. He has also ordered liver function tests as well as a full panel of HIV, and most, if not all the STDs. I will say that since finding out that there is a good chance I have Hep C, I have completely quit using any and all substances (ie.opiates); and as I have said I am not a drinker so no issue there. My PCP also advised that I been vaccinated against A and B, he said that if I were to contract another strain, particularly A, it could be very dangerous. I will let you all know of my results when I get them, and once again thank you all for all the help!!

[RobertBeWell]

Please, do come back and let us know of your test results.

[spectda]

Don't worry about strawberry, all his posts are something nasty. Who ever this person is gets off on it. Don't respond! Many of us (not all of course) got HCV from needles, I got it that way 30 years ago but I have been free from addiction since them. I hope you are able to be free from that very dangerous lifestyle also!

[blubabiblu]

Thank you all for your posts. I very rarely drink alcohol, so not drinking is no problem. I have already been advised by my doctor to stop taking anything with acetaminophen and to avoid alcohol. I am not even close to being overweight and I have a 3yr old, so exercise is also no problem.  I am scheduled to go Monday for blood work.

To Strawberry: I am sorry that you feel so harshly about "junkies". I don't blame anything on my addiction; however, without an addiction, I would have never stuck needles in my arms, and therefore would not have been exposed to Hep C. So if you are somehow offended by my posts, I am sorry; but just don't read them then.

[spectda]

As Bill mentioned I would definitely not drink alcohol until you find out your status, That is probably the number one thing you can do to help yourself at the moment, Not being overweight and exercise is extremely important also. There are a lot of great people on the forum that can help you with any questions you have.

[Bill1954]

Hi Blubabi—

I’ve read reports that were actually more dismal than this, but the article from wiki should give you enough info to convince you to test:

“…Those who currently use or have used drug injection as their delivery route for drugs are at increased risk for getting hepatitis C because they may be sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia (includes cookers, cotton, spoons, water, etc.), which may be contaminated with HCV-infected blood. An estimated 60% to 80% of intravenous recreational drug users in the United States have been infected with HCV…”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hepatitis_C

Be responsible, and make sure the virus stops with you; get tested, okay? And if the situation arises, don’t share works…

Bill

[blubabiblu]

thank you guys. I am fairly sure I am infected too, just kinda wanted to know the chances. i greatly apprecitate you guys taking the time to post.

[mikesimon]

You are at a significant risk of infection.
I think you should definitely get tested.
There are basically 2 types:
1) Hepatitis C antibody test - it can take a few months for antibodies to show so if you've recently been infected an antibody test might not indicate infection.
2) PCR/RNA test which detects the actual virus and that test can detect Hep C with a few weeks of infection.

It is much easier to successfully treat Hep C when treated early - before 6 months.
There are some people who would advise waiting to treat until the newer drugs (protease inhibitors) are available which should be within 2 years at the longest - hopefully - and probably next year sometime. They will increase the likelihood of successful treatment and may decrease the treatment duration.
Others might say treat early and eradicate the virus before it becomes a chronic infection (after 6 months).
My advice is get seen by a hepatologist (liver specialist) or if that is not possible get seen by a gastroenterologist (digestive disease specialist) and discuss your options. If I were you I wouldn't wait long to make an appointment.

Good luck,
Mike

[spectda]

I would guess that you probably realize this but you are definitely at risk of having HCV and should get tested without a doubt. That doesn't mean that you weren't lucky and didn't get it, or that your body fought it off on it's own and it never became chronic but you should find out! It's only a blood test after all. good luck with it-Dave

[Bill1954]

Yes; unequivocally yes. If you shared works in the past, there's a very good chance you were infected, even if that was many years ago. If you currently use alcohol, it'd be good to stop, or at least curtail your drinking until this has been resolved.  

The majority of us in here were infected 10, 20, 40 years ago, and were unaware and asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis.

Good luck--

Bill