Hep C and I

[NikolaiZenga]

I've been iv'ing methamphetamine for quite some time, stopped, got clean for 6 months, then started doing injections every now then. I never had sanitary habits when it came to injecting. I re used disposable syringes up to 3 times then toss. I would re use cotton filters. I would inject with water that has been sitting a cup through the night to the next day. I wouldn't clean my spoon. I wouldn't swab my injection site. I recently found out, sharing filters, sharing spoons, and sharing water are ways to pass hep c. Most of my friends that inject have hep c. I always shared spoons, water, and filters every now and then. Like almost every time, also recently I got a syringe, that I thought was clean. It turns out it was a used one and he has hep c. I know you can't diagnose me, but I just want to hear it from someone that I'm at high risk of having it. I'm pretty sure I will test positive. I just want to know the chances, even though I know it's impossible.

[NikolaiZenga]

I'll be getting tested real soon! I'll update as soon as I do.

[copyman]

Sharing needles is the highest on the list of ways to transmit Hep C. If possible exposure this way then get tested.

best of luck

[Idyllic]

I agree with everything that has been said. I would get tested for Hepatitis A, B and C as well as HIV. Hepatitis C is asymptomatic for a lot of people which means it could be years (if ever or at all) to show symptoms. You deserve the peace of mind of knowing where you are at with this.

[HectorSF]

From the CDC

"Injection drug users (IDUs) are at risk for Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection through the sharing of needles and drug-preparation equipment. In addition, outbreaks of Hepatitis A infection have been reported among IDUs; such outbreaks are believed to occur through both percutaneous and fecal-oral routes. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that IDUs get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. Because of higher rates of infection among this population, CDC also recommends testing IDUs for chronic HBV and HCV infection."

Here is the link regarding IV drug use and viral infections...
http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/Populations/IDU.htm

The good news is that hepatitis C treatment is more effective than ever. It you are infected you have a very good chance of curing yourself of the virus.
Do not despair.

Glad you stopped using and are being responsible for your own health.

All the best.
Hector

[ActingBrandNew]

"I know you can't diagnose me, but I just want to hear it from someone that I'm at high risk of having it."

IV drug use puts you at a very high risk of contracting HCV...but you already know that. Thats good you are aware of the risk that sharing cotton, spoon, and water put in as well. Many dont know that and think its just the needle when thats wrong.

Get tested.

I invite you to join our  Addiction: Substance Abuse Community. Its very active and there are some wonderful people over there.

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Addiction-Substance-Abuse/show/77

[ceanothus]

Rivil gave you good advice. Get tested, preferably with an HCV PCR test, which looks for viral RNA. The standard test is for antibodies only. It's fairly cheap but it can return false negatives for up to 6 months after exposure, and if it is positive it only says you were once exposed, and you still have to go back for the PCR test to see if the infection held or if you were one of the lucky ones that clear it on their own. Get the HCV PCR test and know for sure the first time. Then stop being careless about taking risks with infection. If you are only doing it occasionally then you should be able to take basic precautions about infection, unless your self-destructive streak is totally in charge. Maybe counseling would help?

[rivll]

20% of the people exposed to HCV, clear the virus on their own, however I would say you are at high risk.
Get tested and good luck