What is Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne viral disease which can cause liver inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread by blood-to-blood contact...
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how to inform immediate family?
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i was diagnosed by a blood test for something else. tomorrow will be my 1st visit w/ a new primary dr, who also knows infectious disease. when i made appointment receptionist advised i wait until i see the dr., before alarming family.i have not told my husband yet. my 2 children, both in their late 20's have just gotten married this past year & are planning on having a family. i'm assumming all of these ppl also need to be tested. i have a new daughter & son-in law who do not love me uncondtionally. future grandchildren may not be alowed near me. how would i tell nieces & nephews w/ small children & babies what i have gotten
Posted on 11/01/09, 10:11 am |
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I would follow your receptionist's advice to wait and talk to your Dr. first. He will be the best source of advice on A. Your condition and B. Who you tell and who needs to be tested. Chances are that no-one except your husband will need to be tested but your Dr. can answer that so just stay calm and take it one step at a time. Good luck. 
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Violet, you have been given pretty good advice to wait and I say that only because I'm not sure you actually have had the blood test that confirms that you have Hep C; it is possible that you only have the Hep C antibodies.
The first (and cheapest) test for Hep C only shows that antibodies are present and it does NOT mean that one has active Hepatitis C. There is a 2nd test that needs to be done (if you haven't already had it) that will confirm whether or not you have active Hep C. So....you might as well just keep it to yourself until it has been confirmed. Anyone who has been exposed to Hep C will carry antibodies to it and there are 20% or so of the people who get Hep C who will clear it on their own -- you could be one of them so keep that thought. As far as a primary doctor, if you end up being confirmed with Hep C, you will need to see a specialist, not just a primary doc. You will need to see either a Gastroenterologist or a Hepatologist. I would recommend the Hepatologist if there is one near you. As far as telling people, if you are confirmed, you don't need to tell anyone. I assume you will want to tell you hubby though...but, again, that's totally up to you. As far as your kids, if you are confirmed, it would be nice if they got tested but, if they have ever donated blood and never got a rejection letter, then they are clear. I unknowingly had Hep C when I gave birth to my 3 sons and they are all adults now and none of them ever got Hep C from me (I only found out about my Hep C last year) and my hubby is negative and my ex-hubby is negative.
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You could take the rout I did. Tell the most talkative person in the family and leave the rest to time. *insert evil laugh*
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