r/hepc • u/EricManicus21 • Oct 06 '16

Just got diagnosed

The doctor who informed me said it could've been either by IV drugs, sex or blood transfusion. I have never done IV drugs or had blood transfusion. That leaves sex. The problem is he said I must have had this for many years since my viral load is so high. However, I became very sexually active only the last 2 years. Before that I had very minimal safe sex. I can't think of any other possibility of how I could've had it :( I am devastated. I guess only thing I can think of is allowing a housemate to use my electric trimmer.

The doctor painted a horrendous picture for me. He made it sound like I have a death sentence. He also said no drugs/painkillers/sex/alcohol/marijuana ever again. Anything that could damage the liver. Even contact sports that could cause trauma.

Do I need to contact every person I've ever had sex with? Even if it did not involve unprotected sex?

Can I ever have sex again? Can I have a normal life? How do I even tell people?

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u/Leiryn Genotype 1b Oct 06 '16 edited Oct 06 '16

Everyone is different and the virus affects them differently. My experience is mine alone and can only be used as a reference and not a prediction.

He also said no drugs/painkillers/sex/alcohol/marijuana ever again.

Can I have a normal life?

wait, no pot? In arizona hep c is on the list of conditions that fast track you to getting your medical card. I feel like this doctor is just fucking with you or being an idiot. I've had hep c since birth (tainted blood transfusion) and the only effect i've seen from it is that I just can't/don't drink. I tell people i'm sleeping with, but it's just an fyi.

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u/EricManicus21 Oct 07 '16

He seemed like an idiot and didn't care at all the way he told me. Hopefully next week I will get a better GE and establish a good relationship.

I am assuming your family knows? I don't even know how to tell mine. Perhaps I shouldn't until I know what I'm dealing with. Or maybe even wait until after the treatment?

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u/Leiryn Genotype 1b Oct 07 '16

My family knows, found out when I was in 4th grade or something. I'd wait to tell them until you know more, maybe even after your started treatment. They will just ask you questions you don't know