Scared and Confused

[sissyday]

When I was young I was diagnosed with cancer. I started receiving blood transfusions in 1988, which is well before they started testing for Hepatitis C. Since then I have used  IV drugs but I've been clean now for a little over 2 years. I am just absolutely terrified that I have contracted Hepatitis C somewhere along the way. Now my only problem is that I'm entering the nursing program this fall and if I test positive for Hep C and they find out I can not enter the program. I really would like to know if I have it but I'm scared that it'll ruin everything that I have worked so hard for. I guess I just need a little bit of advice. If I do test positive is there anyway I can keep them from finding out? Or will the treatments if I need them make it more then obvious?

[portann]

I'm surprised, too.

I'd think there are health requirements (just guessing here) along the lines of having your Hepatitis B immunization, etc. but not a policy that excludes you from any aspect of nursing due to HCV. I think someone on this board said she was reassigned out of surgery but still remained in nursing.

You may not test positive and if you do, there's treatment you can do to clinically cure it.  If the school really does have this policy in place and you don't want to challenge it, I'd look for another school that will accept you.

And there are a few people here, doctors and nurses, who practiced with HCV. In fact, the former forum hepatologist, Dr. Douglas Dieterich (I think he's at Mt. Sinai), had HCV while practicing medicine and treated successfully. And Isobella, another member who had HCV and is now cured, is currently in nursing school.

I think you can solve this, if you just hang in there and get more information to help you navigate your way into nursing school. Stay committed and you'll succeed.

Oh, and get tested for sure!!! :)

Good luck.

Susan

[Bill1954]

I really can’t comment on the position your nursing school has taken, other than to say I’m surprised. We have many people employed in health care that post here; some of them were presumably infected via their employment. Perhaps one of the nurses or doctors that are familiar with this situation will add to this discussion. Good luck with the test results, and let us know how it goes--

Bill

[FlGuy]

You may need to check with your state regulations.  In some states, results must be reported.

[sissyday]

My nursing program at my school states very clearly that if I have Hep C or HIV that I cannot enter into their program. I have ordered an at home test for it because I live in a small town and I don't want the wrong person to find out I'm even getting tested. I know that when I was using IV drugs my partner in crime was Hep C positive, and I know that he never took his infection seriously and I honestly believe that he tried to get me infected so that I would not leave him. I'm just scared...but if I go to the doctors they cannot release that information can they? And can the nursing program require for me to get tested if they think that I have it?

[Bill1954]

Hi there,


To begin with, what led you to believe that an HCV positive condition would prevent you from entering a position in health care? There are many nurses, doctors, etc in the U.S. that are infected with HCV, and it doesn’t prevent them from working. We even have HCV positive surgeons that post in here.

The only way to find out if you’re infected is to request a Hep C screening; it will tell you if you have developed antibodies for the virus. If you are positive, then you can deal with it… treatment is very doable, and there are new, more efficacious therapies around the corner.

Good luck, and welcome to the discussion group,

--Bill