Sooo I started to date a girl who has hepatitis c

[wallywest]

I started to date a girl who has hepatitis C, and I really like her. She's fun, smart, really pretty. But I have this underlying fear of catching the virus... I know the chances are slim. We've only kissed intensely a few times, and had minor minor foreplay (hand job, not oral). I really want to take things slow, but what risks, actual risks do I have with her? I don't want to reread the websites of how I can and cannot get it, I want someone who can really advise me. Do the pros (her being awesome) out weigh the cons? :-/

[ahavs0308]

Just talked to my doctor last week and they are just waiting approval of the FDA. She said hopefully by Christmas they will be approved. The one drug she said is literally a miracle drug. All genotypes, 100% efficacy rate...No interferon...

[ahavs0308]

Wallywest,
                Here is a small article and link that underscores the fact that many prominent Gastro/Hepatologists ARE labeling SVR as an actual CURE...The terminology and dynamics of diseases changes quite often...When they first started treating hep c the success rate was like 20-30%. Then it got as high as 50%. Now, 80-100% depending on the genotype and the drugs that are used...

I am 28 years old and I just finished hep c treatment. It was tough but it was the best decision I have ever made in my entire life. I would advise you to convince her to see a hepatologist and to weigh the options of treatment in the near future. Once SVR is achieved doctors say to go on with your life as if you were a normal person that never had it...My blood will always have hepatitis anti-bodies but I don't have the active virus. I can't give it to anyone and it isn't harming me anymore...I am engaged and over the course of 5 years I never gave it to my fiance. It is actually pretty hard to transmit hep c unless she were to literally take her blood, cut your arm open, and then inject the blood into your blood stream...

If you truly care about her and want to alleviate your worrying, adivse her to see a doctor and consider treatment.

[dontworry_behappy1]

I'm sure this fun, smart, really pretty, acts so level headed AND composed is wonderful.  Sounds pretty honest too.  Told you right off they has Hepatitis C
and everything.  Sounds to good to be true.  

[FlGuy]

"She's fun, smart, really pretty, acts so level headed and composed  I do like her, I think she is wonderful"...It's just that ugly HCV thing, huh?  Just need her to conform to you for your needs, huh?  May be back up a bit and fairly evaluate what you bring to the relationship table from her point of view. Sure HCV is curable, other things are not.

[BoceprevirGal]

    That is a good point, about estrogen possibly protecting our livers.  During our child-bearing years,  men (our same age) have higher instances of their Hep C leading them to cirrhosis. But once women go into menopause, then the rates equal out between men and women.
   I am just hoping these new meds come out quickly~

[libzo2]

I sure am glad you came through Doll.  One is scared to jump into treatment while being fearful of not beginning sooner.  I remember one of my Doctors saying waiting while monitoring was not wise for women as their estrogen was a plus for treatment.  

Wally - I want to honor your heart.  With your support, she will prevail better.  Do you have an older brother?  

I am really sorry for Creewoman.  I always think she could have been me and I am sure no one is ever ready.  I thank the forces she found us to hold up her mirror.  Maybe Wally's sweetheart should just read some of our stories.  Lord have mercy.