Hep C Discussion Forum

nefecat · Newbie

RE: New here, advice/support etc appreciated

Cinnamon Girl · Guru

Hello Sally, just wanted to welcome you to the forum!

I understand what a shock it must be now your partner`s had a positive diagnosis of Hep C, we`ve all been through it ourselves here so we can relate to your concerns. It`s certainly not selfish to enquire about the risk of having been infected yourself, in fact it`s very sensible to find out about all the factors involved.

As others have already said, the chances of being infected through unprotected sex are extremely low especially in a long term monogamous relationship, in fact they`re almost non-existent. Transmission of the Hep C virus has to be via blood to blood contact, as Tig mentioned, so it really isn`t that easy to catch from someone else. It`s sensible to be careful not to use your partner`s personal hygiene items just because there may be a tiny trace of blood on them, but routine domestic life is perfectly safe.

I didn`t get my diagnosis until I was in my mid 40`s and had been infected for about 20 years without realising. In the meantime I`d raised 2 children who were teenagers by then and they both tested clear, much to my relief.

Please do keep in touch and let us know the results of J`s next blood tests and we`ll take it from there.

Wishing you all the best of luck and please try not to worry! ~ Jill smile

Greg D · Senior Member

Hi Sally, welcome!

I'm sorry to hear that your partner has tested positive for hep c. I hope he clears the infection and all is good, but as Tig suggests there are wonderful treatment options available now for J, should he need it. Deep breaths.

My wife and I met approximately 12 years prior to me being diagnosed with hep c. I had probably been carrying it for decades before we met but did not know. We also were floored and felt anxious about it when we got the news.

I know and understand that new relationships have an amazing amount of intense intimacies. My wife has been tested after I was diagnosed, and she does not have hep c. I hope hearing that gives you some comfort at this time.

All the best to you and J! Keep in touch, we'd love to hear how things are going...good or bad.

Tig · Admin

Sally,

We're glad you found us too! Don't worry about the grammar or spelling! With all of the darn auto-correct functions on our computers, phones and tablets, it's almost hilarious to see what gets posted sometimes! We are an international forum and we have people doing their best with the English translations, so being able to understand the language of care and concern is all that matters here. Stress can be a difficult thing, especially while caring for your friend or family member on treatment. You're doing great and your BF is lucky to have you! Keep in touch...

Tig

nefecat · Newbie

Thank you. I've just re read my original post and apologise for the awful grammar and spelling! I put it down to stress! I've read a few posts and you all seem like an awesome bunch. I'm so glad to have found you! S x

zavr · Veteran Member

Dear Sally,

A warm welcome to you! My understanding is that the chances of transmission this way are very tiny. Indeed, my spouse of many years has gotten tested after I was diagnosed, and we were relieved to find out he is negative. Hope this helps!

nefecat · Newbie

Thanks Tig

Tig · Admin

Hi Sally,

Welcome to the forum! You're among friends and we pass no judgement on anyone. We have all been dealing with this disease, some for decades. So how we got there isn't important, just how we deal with it and get rid of it.

The risk of sexual transmission in a monogamous relationship is very rare indeed. I just posted some information in the Partners section today. You can find it via the homepage or I can provide the link if you need assistance. Our search function at the top of the page will direct you to tons of info here on the forum. Just use key words for your search. If you want additional information on any subject, let us know and we'll do our best to help you find it.

There are several new treatments available and depending on his genotype, he may not need to use interferon at all. But he needs to get that viral load testing done. It's entirely possible if he was just infected, that the virus can be defeated by his own immune system. However, if he has been positive for a year or longer, then he has likely progressed into what is called the "chronic" phase of the infection and treatment is warranted. The doctors will help explain the process, but it is a far easier one than ever before.

So relax and don't be worried about your relationship. The only way to transmit this disease is through blood to blood contact. Be cautious with things like razors, nail clippers, and toothbrushes that could have his blood on it. A 1:10 bleach solution to clean surfaces or personal items like nail clippers, is sufficient to sanitize and kill any virus. Look, most of us have had this for years and our significant others have never been infected. My wife of 36 years is fine and we have had unprotected sex through all of it. Like I said, it's very rare indeed!

i don't want to carry on forever, so should you have any questions at all, ask. We're here to help, advise and assist you in any way possible. Things are going to be fine! I promise...

Tig.

nefecat · Newbie

Hi all, Im new here, so a quick introduction. I live in the UK and am a single mum. My partner of just 6 month has recently (this week) been diagnosed with Hep C we are unsure of the geno as of yet.

When I met my partner, J, and it was pretty much instant attraction from both ends, and since our first date we have spent very little time apart. Were not young foolish things (36) and I recognise the real deal when I am in it! From our first date he felt it too and has been nothing but incredibly honest with me. Divulging parts of his past which hes not at all proud of (hes been to prison and is an ex heroin addict) this was all a lot for me to take in, (Ive always led a pretty wholesome life and this was all very alien to me,) BUT I felt right away he was worth it. The past is indeed your past and it cannot be changed.

From pretty early on we both established we had clean bills of health, however, he always said that he felt there was a high chance he could have Hep C despite having recent negative tests. He made me well aware of this, and has taken every precaution possible as far as cross infection goes, since before we met, just in case.

Last week he went for a routine check (he has regular ones due to his past) and the results were positive. In fact, turns out there had been a mix in his test results and he could have been positive for 6+ months. He was devastated, but not surprised. I was a little shell shocked. They are holding off treatment for 6 months to see if he clears the infection and if not will be starting interferon.

My question is this. (and its selfish, I am sorry)! Should I be worried? Weve had unprotected sex since pretty early on (he has, on many occasion told me that its not an STD, even before diagnosis, and that the chances of infection through normal intercourse between a monogamous couple is not even really recognised), hed never do anything to put me at risk of anything, so I trust him, but any advice/experience would be gratefully received.

Any advice, on any of it at all, would right now help me enormously. I am very much in love and will be supporting J 100% throughout his treatment and beyond.

Thank you in advance, S.

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