My poor sister has hep c, she hasn't told her long term partner yet, but feels she needs too now. She has had lots of treatments and liver biopsies, can anyone help her with any She really needs to talk with someone
Hep c: My poor sister has hep c, she hasn't told her... - HepNS
Hep c
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daisyd
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Hi
Does she know where she got it from? did she ever do nursing or volunteering in a hospital or health centre, a charity shop as any of these things can expose one to the risk.
My wife had hep C and she went through the course to get rid of it, the course is the same as for cancer with the interferons, losing the hair and general sickness for a few months, but it did get rid of it.
It seems she might have it back again, as she is once again showing the signs again, the depression, the tiredness, the aches and pains, the headaches etc. we are hoping it is something else and are waiting for the first of the blood tests.
Please do not think of it with shame as anyone can get it, it is not just the druggies etc but literally any one can now get it. We helped with a beach clean a while back and in the hundred yards we cleaned we had about 50 used syringes, it is the same in most country parks and picnic places there are discarded needles ready to get anyone.
She really needs to tell him as he will need to be tested, also any children. It is possible that he does not have it but better safe than sorry.
It was quite funny for my wife and myself as She had Hep C and I had Hep B and neither of us had each others Hep.
With regards the biopsies they are not pleasant but the big problem is having to lay on your side for such a long time, but one can overcome this with a good book or a sleep if possible or even an audio book.
Hope some of this helps.
Take care and Kindest regards
Terry
Hi Terry, thank you for your reply
Yes she thinks she knows where she got it from and has already been treated with all the above, her liver biopsy's haven't been good
She didn't tell her partner in the beginning, now she realises she perhaps should have.
Her children are negative.
Hope your wife's test come back negative
HepNSHepNS
Hello Daisyd:
We are currently working on a resource that deals with Hepatitis, Sex and Intimacy. That resource will include a section which talks about disclosing your Hep C status to your partner. The resource is not ready yet, but below is the section on informing your partner:
The Conversation
Because most people don't know a lot about Hepatitis
C, there can be a lot of fear and misunderstanding
associated with it. You may experience a negative
reaction from people when they find out about
your illness.
Your partner may have questions about what Hepatitis
C is, how it is passed from one person to another,
and if it can be cured. You should be prepared with
lots of information, and contact numbers for health
professionals they can talk to.
Although it may be difficult to talk about, your partner
may also ask how you got Hepatitis C. Think
about how you want to discuss intimate details
about your past. For example, blood transfusion,
past drug use, sexual activity, or a medical condition.
You may have had a bad experience telling a past
partner about your illness but everyone reacts differently.
Don’t be afraid to tell a new partner about your
condition because of a bad past experience.
Starting the Conversation
Here are some examples of how to start a conversation
with your partner about having Hepatitis C:
“I have something I'd like to tell you…”
“I feel that our relationship is strong, so I feel I can
tell you that…”
“Remember how I went to the doctor's office/clinic a
few weeks ago?”
“I have something very personal I want you to know
about me…”
Time and Space
Don’t wait for an intimate moment to tell your partner
about your illness. Choose to tell your partner
when you have the time to discuss with them your
illness and answer their questions thoroughly.
Choose a private location so that you do not have
to worry about others hearing personal information.
This allows you to be open and honest.
Be Open
Be prepared for a negative reaction from your
partner and to disclose some personal information
about your past.
If you want to keep your illness private, make sure
to tell your partner your wishes.
If possible, be honest. Your partner will respect the
fact that you are open and honest about your illness.
Be Prepared
Give factual information about your illness and
encourage your partner to talk to a health care
professional about Hepatitis C. For some people it
is easier to learn from a health care professional.
Never tell your partner they cannot get Hepatitis C,
there is always the risk of transmission. For example,
activities that may involve blood to blood contact
(sex, drug use).
Don’t limit yourself to resources surrounding Hepatitis.
Some HIV resources have helpful information
about discussing your illness with a partner
Thank you so much for that information, it's difficult because she has been going out with him for years, even when having treatment, he didn't know as they lived separately. Now he has been spending more time with her and has almost moved in.
It would be impossible for her to keep it secret any longer because of the medication which I think has to be kept in the fridge, also she is soon to have another biopsy. What a problem,
I am really worried about her
HepNSHepNS
Hopefully, this will help. If you/she needs any other resources, please let us know, and we will try to help out as we can.
Thank you