Anybody living with hep c that can help answer my questions?

My friend has just been diagnosed by gp as being hep c positive. they now feel that their life is over. How can I help them. They are shutting out their partner through fear of infecting them and they think that they will never be able to have sex without infecting them. what is treatment like? is it possible to live a ordinary life without pain and come to terms with? please help me to help save their relationship.

Anybody living with hep c that can help answer my questions?
Hep c is rarely sexually transmitted, especially among monogamous partners (1-3%). The risk of transmitting it sexually increases with multiple partners, MSM (men having sex with men), and coinfection with HIV is added to the mix.


Your friend needs to get in contact with a local support group. It will help to educate her about the disease and what she needs to do. It does not have to be a death sentence. Most people live with hep c and die from something else. It is a slowly progressing disease, but can be deadly if she drinks alcohol or ignores it. I have had the treatment for hep c and have been undetectable for 6 years. Basically, unless I become re-exposed to risk factors, I am cured. I owe that to my peers in my support group who helped me to learn about this illness and what my options were. Education is power; power to make informed decisions about your healthcare. Best wishes to you and your friend.
Reply:I helped my aunt through this. Hep c can only be transmitted through blood contact first of all. There is little pain involved. Intraferon treatment itself can be somewhat painfull. Injections 3 times a week that make you very sick, almost like chemo. Success rate is high. The chance of your friend infecting his/her partner is slim. Wear condoms, don't share razors, toothbrush etc. any thing that can carry blood. As long as your friend takes good care of themselves, this disease does not have to be life threatening or life altering. I wish you all the best.
Reply:Almost everyone with Hep C lives a normal life. For your question about treatment, the only way to know if treatment is necessary is for your friend to speak with her doctor. Most people with Hep C do not require any treatment at all, so only a doctor can help with that one. Your friend shouldn't have any pain or anything like that. Their doctor would probably advise that they stay away from certain things (alcohol, etc.) to keep their liver healthy but she'll be fine...





If you or your friend have more questions I would recommend the Centers for Disease Control's info line for Hepatitis. You can call 24 hours a day at 1-800-232-4636.
Reply:Call Pamela Anderson (Lee-Rock-whateva)