Partner has hep c and acts like its no big deal...need answers

[help]

I found out yesterday that my partner has Hep c. I have so many questions. I am so scared. I live with him and I will find out soon if I have it or not. I have never used needles but he has, even though he says he always used a clean one, I doubt you can say that for sure. I have never done anything like that, what are the chances I have it?

Also he is acting like it is no big deal. He went out drinking the night he found out, he says its ok to have a drink every once in a while, and that it doesn't matter what you eat, his doctor said so. Can this be true?

Also..Is it possible detect through a test when you contracted the Hep C infection?

He will start Harvoni soon and he is convinced that this will cure him 100%. Is this true?

I thought this was for life, I thought it was really bad, so why is he acting like its not?

I am so afraid to know if I have this or not. I do not have insurance and I don't even want to know how much this could cost me if he has infected me.

Could someone please enlighten me a little?  i really appreciate this forum because I have no one to speak to about this

[Lynn K]

Here is some quick info from the CDC

http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/c/cfaq.htm

The CDC says that hep c can be sexually transmitted but the risk is low in monogamous long term couples you risk is slightly higher than that especially if you engage in any activities that could involve blood to blood transfer as hep c is a blood borne virus.

If he has little to no liver damage it could be "safe" maybe not the wisest choice but I was there at one time myself when I was first diagnosed 25 years ago. My doctor said it was ok yo drink 12 drinks a year and not at once but that advice was also from 25 years ago.

Yes the new meds like Harvoni just approved this year offer the promise of cure for those of us who have had no option for many years.

If you are concerned you could get tested for antibodies to the virus which only shows if you have been exposed to the virus. If that test is positive then you would need the test for the virus itself called the HCV RNA by PCR to determine if you are currently activity infected. If either test is negative you do not have hep c.

Good luck

[help]

Thank you so much.... I appreciate it so much. I will find out Thursday and go from there.

[elizabethfaraone]

Hepatitis C is a big deal and you should be tested.  You probably don't have it, but you MUST put your mind at ease.  I would also question yourself.  Do you REALLY want to stay with a man who is so cavalier about this disease.  Yes, there is finally a cure, but we are not going to know about long term adverse effects from the medicine for a long time to come.  These drugs are new.   In addition, a lot of people are being denied these drugs - they are very expensive.

Be careful not to contract the disease from him.  No sharing of razors, toothbrushes.  The virus can live outside of the body, so any way you can imagine transmission into your blood stream are behaviors you must avoid.  Anal sex and rough sex can transmit the virus.

It is best not to drink alcohol and to eat a very healthy diet once you've been diagnosed with hepatitis C or any other chronic disease, for that matter.

In the future, before you have a sexual encounter with anyone, you must insist on them getting tested for all sexually transmitted diseases AND hepatitis C.

[TXLastTime]

I was married for 19 years and my wife never got the disease and was tested numerous times. That includes un-protected sex. Sharing a needle is how most people get it. Unless he bleeds all over you then it should not be a problem. But, do what's best for you. If he is being reckless then dump him.

I was very stupid when I was 18 and did share a needle and that's how I got it over 27 years ago. Lucky enough I did not get HIV or any other disease from doing this dangerous activity.