Question:
Didn't know I had hepatitis C until after my RNY......
I am pretty upset that my surgeon didn't check for that.Since he did so many other tests. Now no one can give me a straight answer on the hepatitis c Gastric Bypass patient. They don't seem to think it's a big deal - but it is a huge deal to me since it is my liver. I didn't come all this way for my liver to fail - damn it! Can anyone give me some straight forward answers about Hep C and what can be done for it. I'm falling apart now. Oh! and where do you get it? I think I read where it could be std - but can you get it from kissing? — [Anonymous] (posted on October 16, 2001)
October 16, 2001
No....you can't get Hep C from kissing and calm down, it seems
like you are "blaming the messenger". I understand your shock
at the Hep C diagnosis; but, that's the nature of the condition.
Most people don't know they have it until they have to confront
liver damage. Your lucky...you know. Hep C can be transmitted via
infected needles, blood transfusions, sexual contact, sharing tooth
brushes & razors, tatoo needles. It is NOT spread by sneezing,
coughing,
casual contact....or kissing. For most people Hep C is not a serious
condition. 80% suffer no problems at all and have pefectly normal life
spans. 20% acquire scarring of the liver or cirrhosis of the liver and
10% of those people develop cancer of the liver. Other than liver
translants
for those with serious illness, there is no cure. For those with mild
disease docs recommend lifestyle changes....i.e. no DRINKING....and
sometimes
they start the patient on inteferon or other drugs. Someone like you who
does
not have the disease, but is just Hep C positive shouldn't be overly
concerned.
Personally, I'd give up alcohol and tylenol. Of course you should not
donate blood,
use condoms and tell dentists/lab techs etc. so that they can take
precautions to
protect themselves. You have no increased risk with an rny.
— [Anonymous]
October 16, 2001
I agree with annonymous! You need to first calm down, get on the net and
do some research, although annonymous pretty much gave you all the facts.
There are millions walking around Hep. C positive and don't even know, so
consider yourself lucky that you know you have it, and can take precautions
to keep from developing liver disease.
— [Anonymous]
October 16, 2001
well the first poster is right on most of the information on Hep C.
However, you can also contract it through your dentist - that is how my
sister got it. I would talk to your PCP who should be made aware of it
anyway so that he/she can treat you.
— Elizabeth A.
October 16, 2001
I got Hep C from a water fountain when I was seven years old. (You know
how little kids drink really close to the spout? It was an epidemic in my
school..) I told them I had had it way before my surgery so they knew, but
apparently my surgeon forgot to read my chart or something...Postop, he
talked with my dad and asked him if I had a drinking problem..my dad said
of course not..(I rarely drink..) then he asked if I had had hepatitis.
Apparently, the veins in my stomach are HUGE due to the hep and my
liver...the doc nicked one and caused me to bleed. I don't have any
lifestyle problems at all, and half the time I don't even think about it.
You are not a freak of nature or anything, you will be fine. My doc
recommends that I don't give blood, so no worries there. Feel free to
email me if you have any questions :))) Good luck from a fellow heppie :)
— jammie B.
October 16, 2001
To all of you who don't know that much about hep c
it is an incurable diease " and no matter how much you do or take
care of yourself you still have this terrible diease
please do some research on hep c and you will find out all you need to know
anonymous
— [Anonymous]
October 16, 2001
I don't know about the surgery & Hep C, but I had (operative word) had
Hep C they say it is incuable but that is not true. I was in one of the 1st
study grps for the Combo treatment after failing standard treatment and
Myself & everyone that was in the original group have been negative for
over 3 yrs they still do my blood work and NO TRACE shows actually test
negative for it, I'd be glad to help with any info but you can make your
liver safe. There is alot of knowledge out there now but still lot of bad
info and Doctors that don't know yet.
— Sammie D.
October 16, 2001
One of my best friends has Hep C. She is a teacher. About 3 years ago
after a trip from Disney World. She developed a
fever and was extremly tired. no one cou;d figure out what was wrong w/
her. Finally she was diagnoised w/ Hep C. She got it ( she thinks) 11 years
ago when she dilivered twins
and had to have a transfussion. Anyway her liver count was
very high and she was worried. She was put on meds and has
been fine ever since. She leads a full and productive life.
Hep C is not a death sentence. Educate yourself. If you
get to feeling extra tired have a liver test. Relax, like
the other poster said you probalby had it way before WLS,
Good Luck
— Cindee A.
October 22, 2001
Here's an excellent link for Hep C. http://hepatitis-central.com/
— [Anonymous]
April 26, 2002
I wanted to hopefully make you feel some what at ease about your Hep c
diagnosis. I have Hep C and I got it from a blood transfusion in 1979. As
you can see I am still here and I am very health. I have very minimal liver
damage even after all these years. I would also like to clear up some
myths. Hep C is blood born...meaning you can only contract it through
blood. Blood transfusions prior to 1992, iv drug use (even snorting drugs
through straws) and there is a 5-10% chance of getting through sex. NO, you
can not get it by kissing or hugging your family. Only through blood
contact. There are 5 million people infected in the U.S. and 400 million
world wide. It is the fastest growing disease and has passed up AIDS. 1 in
4 now have Hep C. The cure? There is no cure yet! However, there are drugs
that stop the Hep C virus from attacking your liver. Interferon or a combo
is usually prescribed. Try not to panick. The one positive thing (if there
is such a thing) for me is that I have learned to appreciate every day to
the fullest.
It can take decades for this disease to even show symptoms or progress.
Just try not to worry. Most people who have Hep C will live their lives and
end up dead from other means. So, don't think that your life is over. Here
is a real good support site on Hep C and if you would ever like to write me
and talk, I will be glad to help you in any way.
Write me at [email protected] and go to this site
http://www.hepcassoc.org/ Hep C affects many different types of people, all
ages and walks of life. You will meet many wonderful people at this site.
And again, please feel free to write me.
Oteaka Saenz
— grneyedtxn
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