How do you think you contracted HCV?

[Slimbob]

I'm 52 years old. Did alot of crazy things in the early seventies including iv drug experimentation for about 1 year.

Several of my friends got Serum Hep then. 1 almost fatal.

In those days it was Serum Hep from Blood or Infectious Hep from the water fountain or whatever. Now there are all kinds and strains of Hep.

I have a tattoo from 1971 but it was a clean and reputable shop.

I personally think the IV drug use is where I got it.

I see all the time on here that people say they have had HCV for 20-25-30 years. How do you know that? Were you diagnosed then? Or is it a guess like I just made?

I'm just curious as to how people feel they honestly contracted this disease.

Slimbob

[Slimbob]

Is_This_Real,
My Dr. said they really didn't start regular blood screening for HCV until early 90's. When were you actually diagnosed with HCV and are you on TX?

I feel bad for anyone with any disease. I really feel bad for people who contract diseases through no fault of their own.

For those who were stupid, as donl said "These days I like to say I'm dealing with the consequences of my youth" pretty much sums it up for me too.

Best of Luck to all!


AK-Hepper, TNHepGuy_, cuteus, any others who got it from a Toilet seat,
I would have to ask "Why on earth would you sit on a bloody toilet seat when you have open wounds on you butt?" YUK!

Good luck anyway. I know you've been at this for a while. Keep on Truckin and keep it light! We all need a little levity. AK  sorry I wasn't online last night for a little jousting.


britgirl,
If you got it in the mid 80's, do you still have it? Sorry I don't remember reading your posts before. My friend who had the near fatal case (3 days in a coma, read last rights) was sick in 1972. He supposedly is clear after treating for multiple varities. 72 is probably when I got it. Never had a bad physical, have had several symptoms (autoimmune stuff)lately but no clue I had HCV until a blood test for a reagular physical showed elevated enzymes. Then more tests showed positive for HCV.

Hope you are well. Best of luck


dirac,
Barbers razors for trimming around the ears and for shaves are a likely source. How many guys have got a haircut, love the feel of hot lather and then got nicked by Nick the barber? Doubt if you got from the Dentist unless it was a REALLY bad one.

Luck and believe.
How are you doing now?


raheem,
How many times do you have to hear to "Put the seat down when your done?"  Keep the seat down or buy a new toilet! And please keep your mouth shut when visiting a strange bathroom!

NukNukNuk!


donl,
One W.E. of IV use. That would suck. But snorting coke or other stuff and sharing straws is almost as likely. The burn is not a good thing as we used to think.

I hope your consequences are not thaat severe and they are becoming fewer.


susan400,
I'm glad to hear the Jesus thing worked for you. Me it was my girlfriend at the time was doing Monster and I was playing with Smack. Needless to say we were stronger then the two of them. Quit all IV use.  Were married after 3 months. Still happily married today (32 years). I probably owe my life to meeting her.

Best of everything!


Indiana,
Marine huh? Air Force here. You know they used the same guns at Lackland AFB in November 72. I don't remember them cleaning anything in between shots. Was like an assembly line. Hell, the guy in front of me flinched, it ripped his arm open and they just kep banging away.

This is the first I've heard of the military checking that stuff out. I'd like to know if you have any sources of information on that subject.

You probably ran out of that bathroom right before lunch too, right?

Good Luck!


ral,
You got it baby! The past is over. Live and Learn. Be a better person now and in the future. That is all we can do.

Thanks hope you're **** well now!


...chev,
Hi, thanks for chiming in. Gal, You are all over this site. Good for you. Sounds like you had a couple chances at the source.
I read on another thread you were having some other issues the last week or so.

Hope that has cleared up and you feel a bit better. Looks like you are one of the staples here. Thanks for that and, oh ****, (here comes my feminine side) a lot of people here gain immensely from people like you who care enough to help others even when you yourself are hurting.

Thanks again! Keep the Faith Chev! God, I'm glad I'm secure in my manhood. I've been very, no extremely emotional since starting tx.


tallblonde,
Sounds like you fall into the unknown catagory for where and when.  

Nice shot at Dirac.

Thanks for your input and good luck!


MISchevIOUS,
Excellent shot!


honey15637,
Sounds like we are on the same playing field when it comes to crazy. I am sorry I couldn't logon last night to see how this thread went. I got a lot more response then I thought I would.

Thanks, Best of Luck!


ral,
What is life if you can't laugh once in a while? I'm with you!



thepoet,
Did no one ever pose this question here before? I read about your stabbings on another thread. That must have been one tough neighborhood. Sorry to hear about the Stage 3. What led to this? Were you diagnosed really late? Or were there other factors that led to your present condition? I'm fascinated by this disease more and more. The more I learn, the more I want to learn.

My thoughts are with you and good luck!


catherine194,
I notice that alot of other sites for HCV also has AIDS patients.
Since the main source is blood and AIDS patients alot of times are IV drug users, there is the double whammy possibility. All we can do is move forward now and hope for the best.

Good luck with your tx!

Ameribrit,
Well you have the time frame nailed down pretty good. August '03 is about the same time frame for me as dianosis. I started on the Pegasys/Rib on 11/01, how about you? My latest VL=0 I hope your tx is going as well as mine. It's a shame you go to have a routine treatment not thinking anything of it. Then a couple years later you find out that the treatment you had is trying to screw you up now.
Hell it was safe for pregnant women to have regular xrays in the 50's and look what came of that. What they don't know CAN hurt you!

Best of luck with this!

...chev,
Why can't you do a poll on that? Ask a question, I did. Look what happened. I love it.

Everyone on this site is extremely helpful, and I think honest.
Yes, we need to keep a sence of humor about us especially now with all that is going on in our lives. No one here asked to be infected and everyone is pissed that they were. But with treatment, what ever treatment you choose, and someluck, we can beat that dragon down!

Thanks to everyone for your honesty, support, and humor!

I love you guys!
Slimbob

[britgirl]

There are so many variables. Although I "only" had it for 16 years before my biopsy, I already had moderate fibrosis. However, I NEVER had any side effects from the Hep C. None of this "brain fog", or fatigue. IN my case, I probly got fibrosis because of the amount of alcohol/drugs I continued to consume throughout those 16 years, but why no symptoms?? Anyway, I  am very happy to now be cured, even if I don't feel any better (if you know what i mean!)

[Amerabrit]

I know for a fact I didn't have HCV in April of 2002; regular blood work, plus, I was granted health insurance for my business.  I was diagnosed in August 2003 with Viral load of 644000 AST/ALT 900- 1148 (or thereabouts).  Never, ever, had elevated Liver Enzymes before that.  My highest risk factors: Pedicures, manicures, electrolysis, dentist, minor surgeries (skin cancer removal no big deal).
My Dr. believes it was the electrolysis- needles?  I thought they were one time use needles though.  Hmmn, maybe we can blame our governments for this HCV too;  The poor economy is forcing vanity promoting professionals to re-use needles!  
Good luck to all..

[Slimbob]

Well,
Thanks for the response. Sorry I did not keep up with the conversation last night.

It is interesting to see how many can be fairly sure and how many have to guess. True we can never be 100% sure where we got it.

Sounds as though we need to bring the Warren Commission back to investigate the "Single Toilet Seat Theory".

Sorry, don't have time to respond to all now. Will return later.

Thanks for your input,
Bob R.

[honey1616]

LOLOLOL I knew those Proud Marys would have you running...just a matter of time  hahaha couldn't resist!

[Indiana]

I read with interest your comments in the last thread about things "Holding Up" so well. I know thats important to many gals especially when they look at Hcv and tx. Congratulations on staying ahead of the curve.
Since I have finished my tx I have felt so full of energy that I have started many new businesses. I think you and Showboat could really help with my latest venture....."Indys Internet Cafe' and Photo Emporium". I have been working on a spread to send to the publisher on "The Girls of Hep C". The 3 catagories will be the Evening dress, the Casual, and the ever popular Swimsuit sections.
So if you happen to find any spare pics laying around you can send them to ***@**** and I will add them to the file. I figure you could make the Cover. My panel of judges(me and the 2 guys at the auto parts store) are very objective so there is no bias here.
I figure Showboats hat and shades photo would really add to the Casual section. The one Chevy sent me of her shovelin hay in the barn is good too. I'm still waitin for her swimsuit pics to show up........hmmmmmmm
   I tried to get one through on the Boys of HCV, but since it only had pics of me and Eyedeas I can see why it was rejected. hahahahahaha

[ral]

I got mine the same way iv use and I am not proud either but I would not be who I am today had it not been for what I went thru over 35 yrs ago.  What is done is done, can't change it now, only what we do today and what we stand for and how we do it is all that matters today.

Bob L.

[Dirac]

I could not figure out the reason or the way I got
this infection. I have never done drugs, surgeries or any
other factor that I hear about. The only thing I might have
done to cause it is that I used to go to the barber and the
dentist.

[raheem]

I was reading "The Secret Life of Germs" a while ago and it said "studies have shown that flushing the toilet can send small drops of aerosolized fecal matter as far as 20 feet into the air." So, close the lid or run for cover!  Better move those toothbrushes, face cloths, towels and razors too!  So there I was merely waiting to take a dump when TnHepGuy came out of the stall and I unwittingly must have ingested his aerosolized-hepatic stool thereby contracted HepC. I don't think folks can say with any certainty how they got Hep C but I think we can all narrow down the possibilities. Me? Blood transfusions in 1977.....I think.

[DonL]

Honestly, I believe it was from one weekend of IV cocaine use in 1973. (Only IV, though certainly not the only drug abuse from 1967-1974) However, who knows? Diagnosed with non-A, non-B in 1989. Had a girlfriend for a time who later died of liver cancer in 1978, who was, shall we say, a lot wilder than me (more partners and some practices that drew blood), but transmission sexual contact is pretty rare. Perhaps it was TnHepGuy's toilet seat--I could have sworn I saw someone disreputable leave the stall before me.

These days I like to say I am dealing with the consequences of my youth.

[susan400]

I'm 95% sure that I got it from IV drug use back in 1982-83.  I had a test in 1985 that showed that I had been exposed to non-A, non-B (which we now know as Hep C) and being as I was previously an IV drug user in those early years, I think I can pretty much pinpoint it.  I can't say that I'm not ashamed of my past because I am and I totally know that I'm forgiven by Jesus, but definitely regret my earlier decisions.  Were it not for Him, I would have kept on using and drinking and would probably be dead by now. But, there's my answer on how I got it.

Susan400   bystillwaters.net

[Indiana]

My best guess is that mine came from the air guns they used to give us our shots in the Marine Corps back in 1968. I was contacted by the V.A. awhile back and they were investigating many units from that era and the use of that method of giving innocculations. They never cleaned off the guns in between each person. Over 1/2 of that unit I was with has tested poisitive.....of those of us that are left. Many other units have tested the same. The military is a BIG source of Hcv from the late 60's and 70's. The VA is currently treating many, many hundreds of folks for this.
But I also had many other risk factors after that too. I will never know for sure.
I DID grab the doorknob in that same bathroom after Tnhepguy Raheem,and Donl were in there. Hell....I was just trying to get away! My eyes were waterin so I just left without washin my hands.......

[cuteus]

must be the same toilet seat Scott used.   It must have traveled accross the country on tour to promote hcv.  It stopped in CA, while I was there.

[Tallblonde]

You wrote:  "The only thing I might have done to cause it is that I used to go to the barber and the dentist."

Used to?  Have you been back since?  If not, you must have really long hair and really bad teeth.  (Just kidding....I couldn't resist).

Susan


P.S.  The only possible risk factors that might have given me HCV was going to a nail salon on a regular basis; several minor surgical procedures (no blood transfusions, though); and dental visits.

[AK - Hepper]

Nothing makes me feel more loved than starting a decent joke and not even getting credit for it. Screw you guys, I'm going HOME!

[honey1616]

Awwww....Mr Hepper...But we love you so and LOL...Look at what you got started...I'm glad slimbob has been lurking around so he does know how crazy we all can be!! So... Don't Go Home!!

[ral]

Boy you guys never let me forget we gotta have Humor

Thanks
Bob L

[thepoet]

Well well, first of all to adress the question where I think I got, when I frist worked in wall street I was trying to move up the ladder to success and kissed so much butt to get to the top. LOL LOL LOL, I just made myself fall out with that one. I make me laugh, Im silly.

No foreal tho, I had a blood trans in 86, then stabbed in the liver in 96. I have also kept in mind, I have been in relationships, sharing tooth brushes when needed, sex and oral sex. So if you think about it, theres many places you could get it.

Hi chevy and honey, I just got back from a long day, stage 3 fibrosis. will start treatment after next Mrcp test. Im going to bed, love you all and will post details in the morning. Peace and love you all
A Salaam Walikam

[catherine194]

I got it from blood transfusions I received in 1989. I went to the dr. 4 yrs. ago with these symptoms and was told it was my heart. I've also been a nurse for 31 yrs. and have took care of everything. During the Aids epedemic patients weren't very honest and God only knows what else these poor souls had.

[britgirl]

Hep C used to be called non-A, non-B, and some of us know exactly when we got it because we fell ill and had blood tests and were diagnosed. I got mine in May 1984 the same way you got yours! And no, no regrets here either.

[TnHepGuy_]

I used the toilet seat right after AK-Hepper - then jumped straight into a crowded swimming pool ;-)

[AK - Hepper]

Toilet seat :-}

[Is_This_Real?]

Well,

As for me I am pretty sure that I got it in August 1981 from as blood transfusion.

Although no one can know for sure, I am almost sure in that I have no other risk factors: no tatoos, no IV drug use, no sharing needles, no contact with blood (that I remember).

So, no one knows for sure, but I am pretty sure.  I do know that I had high liver enzymes (slighlty above normal) in 1992, but after a bunch of tests, no problems were found and I had no symptoms (HCV was only being discovered at that time, and I was NOT tested for it then.)

[Slimbob]

I agree. But have people really been tracking high Liver enzymes that long without some sort of treatment?

Yeah I have the Hep C and am not crying about it. I'm not ashamed of my stupidity in the past. That is how we learn and grow. I wouldn't be the person I am today if I haden't experienced the stuff I did. I'm not proud of all of it, but definitely not ashamed.

I'm just curious as to what the others here think.

Yes, they told me to segregate my nail clippers and to keep my toothbrush in a separate holder. I think they have just started to scratch the surface on where and how you can contract HCV.

Bob