Health care workers with Hep C?

[kayakgirl1]

I'm a physical therapist that was diagnosed with HepC genotype 1a about 3 years ago.  My most recent biopsy with Grade2, Stage1; unchanged from 3 years ago.  I probably contracted the virus about 25 years ago.  So I'm waiting for better treatments for the time being.  My doctor has told me that there is no problem with having this and working in my field.  I haven't told anyone at work.  How have other health care workers dealt with their diagnosis and treatment?

[alagirl]

I think there was a recent article in the new england journal of medicine or somewhere about whether they might ease up on doctors who had been exposed during surgery or whatever to patients who had hep c, prior to testing negative.  it appeared to me that at this time, such surgeons are supposed to quit surgery until they get a negative result back.  which tells me that in some places, not all health care workers, or at least not surgeons, can practice if others know they are hep c positive.  Perhaps that is due to the more invasive nature of their job though.  I don't know.  I'll try to find the abstract.  I may not be remembering it correctly.

[ladybug52]

I work in a SNF unit, long term care, PTA. I know all about the stigma, hiding it from co-workers and working while on tx. The times I spent wishing I were the one being lifted instead of the other way around..... or wanting to crawl into the bed I was getting them out of!
There is a nurse who posts sometimes who has become an educator, inserving staff about hep c. I don't have that kind of courage.....
I'm a geno 2 and completed 16 weeks of a 24 week course. I was clear from week 3, and stopped early as I was convinced the tx drugs were worse than the disease. (in retrospect, I think I was not thinking clearly, I was having difficulty finishing sentences or remembering what I was talking about. I was clear at 4 weeks and 3 months post. I need to get another pcr to check my status.
I would love to chat if anyone wants to send me an e-mail (button in the right hand corner)
Ladybug

[CMcH]

I am a PT also and I believe I have had this for 25 years. I work in rehab at a hospital and have not told anyone. I am going to have a liver biopsy in Nov. and my PA has told me to inform my co-workers because I will need support if I  undergo RX. I am hesitant to because whenever a pt. comes in w/HEP C they make an issue of it, glove up and sometimes make references to the pts. lifestyle. I know that  all my coworkers would probably be supportive of me, but I don't know if there would be back room talk or stigma to it. I will probably not tell them unless it is very obvious and I need to. I have been DX w/RA so they know my joints hurt. My job is very physical I work on the Head Injury unit so I am worried about being able to  do my job and undergo RX.

[lanier]

I was in the healthcare field.  I have not worked since 2005, and I am now fighting the good fight for SSDI with an attorney.  I wish I could work and I am so happy for you both that you can.  When I stopped working I was in the middle of a divorce and my mother was dying, I had the shingles (2nd time) and colitis and a few other nasty things like IBS, I was drinking wine like a fish to "cope" always been into the vineyards thing.  I had a bllod test to start into a new field related to my previous halthcare background to try and get myself motivated to "move on" and BAM there it was.  I went immediately for a biopsy after being told my viral load was 5 million, type 2b.    I have a miriad of other health issues that stopped me from treating after just about 3 months.  I think it is fantastic your biopsy has remained the same.  do you have any issues related to energy or fatigue?  
It is a big choice who you tell and who you do not, I wish you all the best and I am so glad for you that you are hardy enough to wait for better treatment options.

I have grade 2 stage 1 and have had the virus at least 30-35 years, I just turned 50 this year and right up until 2005 I was a real go getter in all areas of my life.

Regards
Lani

[dmhrdh]

I am a Registered Dental Hygienist.  My first  thought when I was diagnosed was "What's going to happen to my career?!?!?"  I'm fortunate that I have worked in the same office for over 20 years.  I consider my employer my friend so that helps.
I didn't inform my employer right away though.  Once I knew I was going to treat I decided to inform him.  In my case it was the wisest decision.  Eventually I told everyone at work.  It's made my life so much easier.
I am now treating for the second time since being diagnosed and I can't tell you how much support I have received from my co-workers and employer.
I think informing your employer or not is a personal choice but again, in MY case, it was the right decision.
BTW, you'll find lots of PT's, RN's DDS's, RDH's and surgeons among the patient population of most hepatologist's offices.
None of my doctors have ever suggested I stop working, in fact, just the opposite.
Most offices use univeral precations so it shouldn't be a problem in my opinion.  
Good luck whatever decision you make!