Early 20's. Really worried i have hep c, but I'm also paranoid. Coke straw.

[yahoo10]

So my friend got hep c from sharing needles last year, and i have been hanging out with him a lot since then. I always get paranoid that i'll get it or may already have it but i haven't been tested. A week ago me and friends including him shared a coke straw. He only used it once at the beginning of the session. Of course i got really paranoid afterward and now i feel like i have symptoms. I have been pooping less since yesterday and its yellow colored. Even though i had mcdonalds, which could have upset my stomach. I really am worried because we shared the coke straw a week ago and now my stomach is acting weird. I also woke up more tired then usual. Please help

[Philadelphia]

The only way to know for sure is to get tested. See your doctor is my suggestion. I'm not sure if they have public health drives where they have free testing services where you live ( they do where I am from) but to be certain, you need a test.

It's a good idea to always always practice safe behaviours. Your friend has told you they have hep C. There might be others out there who haven't.

Good luck!

[yahoo10]

I just want to know what my stomach is doing. Is it due to my anxiety? It feels like i can't go but when i do its yellowish. Would i have symptoms of hep c as early as a week later?

[Mike]

Hi Yahoo10,

Sharing straws to snort drugs is a known mechanism of infection for HCV. Although the risk is not as great as is associated with sharing needles, it is a high risk behavior nonetheless.

A good rule of thumb is never share needles, works or straws with anyone; period.

Best wishes, Mike

 

[yahoo10]

I get all that I'm asking if its likely I'm experiencing symptoms within a week of exposure. It feels unlikely but I'm paranoid

[byebyeC]

Symptoms of acute infection are usually none to some mild itching. It would be unusual to have symptoms so quickly. But, everyone's different.

You should see your Dr. or free clinic for an antibody test. Period. Your bladder symptoms sound classic uti (urinary tract infection). That's not a hep c related condition. But would need antibiotics. One more reason to go to the Dr. or clinic.

[yahoo10]

Thanks for your reply. to clarify I'm not talking about bladder but going number 2. I have what seems like a stomach virus for the past 2 days. It changes color, but never like pale or grey

[byebyeC]

Stool issues from hep c would cause a darker tarry stool. Not yellow. That's another issue you should discuss with your Dr. as that's not a normal stool color either.

[yahoo10]

If these were symptoms, if i did a test would it show up if i was positive for hcv?

[Mike]

It takes about 6-24 weeks for the virus to be detected by blood tests. The time frame depends on the specific test and it's sensitivity.

Best wishes, Mike

[Mugwump]

Fear does strange things to the mind and the mind does effect the way you feel. Paranoia is not going to help things, your friend told you about being infected. Please do not worry too much about transmission if you did not engage in the highest high risk behaviors with the friend.

I define the high risk behaviors here in order of precedence;

1. Direct exchange of blood by the sharing of needles and or the content of a syringe

2. Extreme use of the same object that was very recently used by the infected person. This use needs to effect the mucous membranes to the extent that the protection is broken down. Example, the rough use of a sex toy till you bleed, the use of cocaine and other drugs with the same snorting tube until your nasal membranes are compromised. If you have had cracked lips from extreme crack pipe use. or whatever substance and you shared the pipe.

3. Rough sex that compromises membranes especially anal ones.

4. Sharing a tooth brush immediately after someone else that is infected.

 CAUSES least likely to cause a transmission of the disease;

5. Sharing a towel or bathing and showering together

6. Sex behavior that is not rough.

7. Eating with the same utensils, (someone giving you food on their fork to try it out for example)

8. Gentle intimate behavior like kissing

As others have stated get tested when you can but do not expect to have signs and symptoms of HCV infection immediately or even for years if you did become infected.

All the best
Eric

[yahoo10]

Thank you! i feel like the odds of me having it from him using a straw once is very low yet people still fear monger. Im still getting tested but my odds have to be low. Today is my 3rd day having diarrhea but no other symptoms at all. Hopefully its just a stomach bug? Does anyone know what might cause diarrhea for 3 days? it doesn't hurt at all just comes out broken up and lighter color

[Mugwump]

Thank you! i feel like the odds of me having it from him using a straw once is very low yet people still fear monger. Im still getting tested but my odds have to be low. Today is my 3rd day having diarrhea but no other symptoms at all. Hopefully its just a stomach bug? Does anyone know what might cause diarrhea for 3 days? it doesn't hurt at all just comes out broken up and lighter color

Worry is definitely a prime candidate. Either that or eating something at Sam and Ella's chain of restaurants! If you start vomiting and feeling violently ill get to a hospital please though.