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 thought it was an interesting post awhile back about when to tell about HCV (little girl's dance class). So when do you tell? Awhile back I got a fishing lure in my hand (yes, I am an idiot). So I get to the hospital emergency and they start to work on it... bloody fish hooks flyin' all over the place. Finally I go: "OK people, I just want mention that I go HCV and you might wanna be a bit more careful!" It was fun watching the one lady trying to get like 10 sets of gloves on after that. But seriously, I hate telling people about this. But sometimes you have to, I guess.
The biggest danger is people who don't even know they have blood born disease, thats why standard precautions are mandated for health care workers.
Sad part is that a few do just opposite and reuse/misabuse needles/equipment which passes along problem which is why I talk to them about HepC....sad we gotta educate docs but true what the heck?
However, I do tell everyone (not just docs & dentist) that I have HepC and to be cautious as I am a risk....not to scare but to inform. w/facts
I do carry my own 1st aid kit in purse/car, etc everywhere so if I cut myself somehow I can manage w/o any intervention unless ER visit necessary....then it is in my records....
Also - to let ya know I'm a 9 mos SVR and still cautious as we will always be carriers despite SVR.....that freaked me out but is true!
Good ? & post thanks!
Any of the bigger company I have work for
always had OSHA classes on blood born pathogens
and working as a millwright I also had first responder
training. So I would be able to work with paramedics and
fire department on removal of a person from a piece of
equipment. Witch I never had to do thank God!
The main think you are tough other than fist aid is you treat everyone as if they have Hep C or HIV
And that mean yourself too.
At the latest number I have seen there are 5 million people in the US that have Hep C and know it. There are 1 to 2 million that have
Hep C and don't know it
Can only do what 1 person can do - but add a few and amazing what we can do!
As for timing....hell I had it for 30+ years before dx'd and made it thru 48 wks tx and am now 9 mos SVR....liver Stage 1/Grade one - what are the odds....so it's ok everyone is different...
As for as the sex thing goes - please don't let that make you afraid - I've been w/my husband for past 20 yrs and he just last week got tested and is ok! Odds of sexual transmission are astronomical.....but normal precautions w/others are good idea in general (lol)
So see...it ain't so bad and ain't end of world....might just be a new beginning......good luck to you on your jouney...you will find alot of great friends here w/same ?'s and answers along w/friendship and advice.....take care!