Hepatitis C Support Group
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 with an infected person's blood. Many people with HCV infection have no symptoms and are unaware of the need to seek treatment. Hepatitis C infects an estimated 150-200 million people worldwide.
I have never talked about the way I caught this disgusting disease!!! One reason being is cause I don't really know for sure. The Dr's tell me I could have had it for years and years. I was diagnosed in 98 but apparently could have had it for alot longer than that. I have piercings and have gone for many pedi's. I also had an opereation back in the day when we had that big transfusion scare. Don't know if I had one though. Don't think so. The only thing I can think of is back in my dark days in the early to mid 90's my boyfriend at the time ( and I use that term very loosly) besides being a total prick was a diabetic and often had needles around. I am disgusted to say I dabbled in cocaine back then. He used to shot it but I was to afraid of needles, besides i just thought it was stupid to do that. Anyway, one time in a drunken stupor I decided to give it a shot (pun intended). I was positive we used a clean needle but one never knows when they have their belly full of Rye. After all there was lots of them around, no need to reuse one. Once I told my Dr about that he said probably no need to worry if you lived in Jamestown (which is a drug infested area ) I would worry since you don't probably nothing to worry about. Well I guess he was wrong cause my test came back hcv positive. When I told my boyfriend and told him he needed to be tesed he refused. Saying that if he found out he had it, it would kill him. He couldn't take having two diseases!!!! So he wouldn't get tested and I never got to find out if it was fromhim or not. Needless to say I was very angry. We were actually broken up at the time I found out. So I couldn't even kick him out.!!!! So, everyday of my life I wonder if I got it from that one horrible shameful night.I wish there was a way I could find out, not that it would make any difference, judst abit of closure for me. Wow, I don't usually open up about this subject, if asked I just say I don't know!! I guess I feel comfortable here and know I won't be judged. Thanks for making me feel this way!!! By the way I haven't touched the stuff since 1999.
Massive hugs to all of you!!!
Debbie
Massive hugs to all of you!!!
Debbie
Peace
I enjoy your posts, bestshot.
Thanks for sharing. I was a drug addict for years but have been clean since 88. Who knows when I got it? There is not a human alive who doesn't wish for a time machine to go back and change things, but our life experiences make us who we are.
It is also human nature to think that somehow we must have done something deserving to be sick. There is still a huge stigma against HIV and HCV. When I was a small child, I can remember my mom and a neighbor talking in hushed tones about someone with cancer. It was almost as if it it was something to be ashamed of, like having defective genes. My theory is that viruses and disease will continue to find ways to mutate and kill us, that is their only job.
Bob
If you told 10 strangers on the street that you had HCV, most would either ask you the question point blank, or at least be thinking about it.
Bob
Hugs
Debbie
rid of it!!!! I've only been on here talking about this for a half a day.
I want to respond to everyone. I'll try. LOL
I don't know how it happened to me. It was late last summer, doc knows that because I was donating blood regularly and I last donated in August of 2011. No red flags then. Started feeling poorly in early October of '11. The acute reaction had started. I don't remember anything that could have happened to be exposed, but I will probably never know. Even though I am undetectable and clear, I can never donate blood again. I have the antibodies in my system for life.
In the past for me now, but just wanted to put in a word that it really doesn't matter where or how... Just that you take care of yourself and never stop fighting this awful disease. I hope a cure is around the corner, one without the nasty sx. I know how lucky I truly was. And, I have the utmost respect for those going through tx. You are so strong and an inspiration to all.
Hugs.
Keeping you in my prayers!
Bill