
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.

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Hi,
Today my husband and I were told the last thing we wanted to hear. He tested positive for Hep C. For the first few hours I was in shock and literally re-evaluted our marriage, why? I have no clue. I sat in the car with the kids while he went and and when he came out he told me that after he finished telling me the results, if i decided to leave he'd understand. I held it together rather well and called my mom and told her the news and my husband called a few family members to tell them. Right now he's gone to bed and I have this desire to find answers. Yet, I feel as though I'm falling apart in side. I married this man thinking we'd grow old together. Here I am 28 y/o with a 35 y/o husband and i'm worried if he'll live to see the kids have kids, etc.
At this point I don't think I"m seeking answers, I just need to get this out. I'm afraid if I let him know how I feel he'll become upset. Is it normal for me to feel this way? Why do I seem more upset than he appears to be?
Also, the only question I seek an answer to is, he works for the US gov't on an military base. His job is in the plating shop where he is exposed to many chemicals that over time can cause damage to his liver. Is it imperative that he consult someone about finding a new position outside of that shop?
Thanks,
Kim
Today my husband and I were told the last thing we wanted to hear. He tested positive for Hep C. For the first few hours I was in shock and literally re-evaluted our marriage, why? I have no clue. I sat in the car with the kids while he went and and when he came out he told me that after he finished telling me the results, if i decided to leave he'd understand. I held it together rather well and called my mom and told her the news and my husband called a few family members to tell them. Right now he's gone to bed and I have this desire to find answers. Yet, I feel as though I'm falling apart in side. I married this man thinking we'd grow old together. Here I am 28 y/o with a 35 y/o husband and i'm worried if he'll live to see the kids have kids, etc.
At this point I don't think I"m seeking answers, I just need to get this out. I'm afraid if I let him know how I feel he'll become upset. Is it normal for me to feel this way? Why do I seem more upset than he appears to be?
Also, the only question I seek an answer to is, he works for the US gov't on an military base. His job is in the plating shop where he is exposed to many chemicals that over time can cause damage to his liver. Is it imperative that he consult someone about finding a new position outside of that shop?
Thanks,
Kim
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I understand what you are saying. It is shocking news to hear but its not the end of everything. If you read alot of the discussions and posts on here. Some are on treatment and some are not. My boyfriend has Hep C, but I would not leave him because he has it. I do not have it and my son does not either. He and I have been together 3 years but just now living together for 7 months because I want to be here for him.
Treatment is doing well for him, and he is undectable right now due to treatment.
He is going to need you. The support is what we all need. On DS everyone here are friends and share stories of what all goes through, and help one another.
I am not here to tell you what to do or to leave your husband. If you both truly love one another you both can accomplish anything. You both be strong and get all the information you can get on Hep C. You can ask as many questions here on DS. We will be glad to answer as much as we can to our knowledge.
As for his job that is a very good question. The best advice I can give you is to see what the doctor says regarding working around chemicals etc.
Girl, its normal for you to feel this way. I know believe me. My exhusband has Hep C, and can't do anything about it because he's an alcholic.
If you want to send me a message or IM pls do. I will be here for you as well as everyone else on here. Hang in there and keep your chin up.
Hugs.........
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hepatitis_C
http://www.hcvadvocate.org/
There are other links to website in the recommendations area and then there is a member started group for those supporting their loved ones afflicted with HCV, here is a link if you want to check out further
http://dailystrength.org/groups/supportersofpeoplewithhepc
You and your husband need to educate yourselves on this disease by reading, reading, reading. What matters is making sure you and your husband and kids follow all the safe practices of daily living to avoid sharing the disease - very simple steps to take. It's a blood borne disease. You will find that information very easily on the web. I'd take the time to post some sites but I'm way past my bedtime and have to go. I just saw your post and wanted to get something down for you to try to calm you.
As far as his job, I'm assuming that he will have to avoid a job involving chemicals but that's a question for his doctor.
Keep in mind that he is the one with the illness and he will need your support right this very minute. I also understand your need for support! You will need to support each other. You have come to the right place...you will have support here too.
God bless you both. Learn about this disease together and support one another. It's hard for him and it's hard for you but you can do this.
Your feelings are normal. Please keep searching this site and you will find posts that will answer a lot of your questions if your up because you can't sleep.
You and your husband will be in my prayers tonight. I will check on you in the morning. Take care and try not to worry...we've all been there in one way or another.
Mary
As far as your husband's job, I cannot answer about that. Surely his work place is monitored by OSHA, but if he and his doctor feel its a danger to him and he can transfer, perhaps he should.
Best luck to you and your family. Welcome, this is a caring site with many helpful and kind folks. We are all going through this too. Hugs Jeannie
Yes, I would say he needs to get a job without chemical exposure. I'm glad you found us. There are many many here with love to share and help is on the way. I've had HCV since I was 19. I'm 54. I didn't know about it until late 2006. I thought I was just growing old. I changed my diet a little and started taking supplements to support and rebuild the liver and to interrupt the viral cycle, as well as to build the immune system so it can kick the virus's butt.
I'm happy to say that 18 months later, I'm doing quite well and I'm back to the person I was before menopause. (And I just thought it was menopause hitting me hard.)
So take a few breaths and read a lot. http://hcvadvocate.org was where I got my first and best information, there may be other sites, check the recommendations link up top of the page.
Hope this helps. Oh, it might be good to see a counselor together and talk about this in a supportive environment.
As far as your husband's job I would suggest he get evaluated by a Hepatologist or Gastroenterologist to find out what his viral load is, what his genotype is and whether there is liver damage. He is young and may have very little if any liver damage at this point. A specialist can advise him about environmental exposure. If you take nothing from this post please believe that there is hope. We come here to support each other with the goal of living our lives as well as we can in spite of this disease. It's not abnormal to be worried -- it means you care. I'm here for you anytime - you have officially been added to my prayer list baby girl. Take care of yourself. Peggy
I wish you the best.
I have HCV for 30 plus years found out in 06 and my husband never even considered leaving me, I just finished treatment and am now virus free and back to my old self. I have been married for 18 years my husband does not have it nor does my daughter.. How wonderful to catch it early.
Why would you leave him? What if you got cancer or you found out you had a disease would you want him to consider leaving you? To heal together is a great gift. It can bring you closer. Any disease is a journey of healing, and any journey of healing can be a great gift. There is treatment and it is a managable disease. I went into fear when I first found out, and now I am healing, begin from there lets heal this beast, many of us here are doing just that!
Keep up you spirits I will be your new friend!
gator Buzz
http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/First_Steps.asp
More specifically the pdf file there at http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/Newly%20Diagnosed.pdf
will answer alot or your questions. Good luck to you both. It's hard but not impossible. I was diagnosed Feb, 2007 at the age 0f 27 and was a complete shock since I was not at risk for the disease. I've been on treatment since Nov. 2, 2007 and will be done in September. The virus has been undectable in my blood since my third week of treatment!
Kim