Re: Welcome to Hepatitis C@onelist.com

[Guest guest]

Hello! My name is Colleen and I got tested yesterday for Hep C after my fiancé

went

to the doctor for a physical and they think he has it. I am scared and not sure

what we may be facing. His mother told me both he and his brother were

hospitalized

as young boys for Hep but not sure which kind. She thinks the doctor told her

they

got it from drinking well water. Can anyone give me some insight? Thanks!

Hepatitis C-owneronelist wrote:

> Hello,

>

> Welcome to the list. Please take a moment to review this message.

>

> This list has been created to help those who have been diagnosed with

Hepatitis

> C. It can be a very confusing and devastating time in your life. I hope this

> list can serve as an informational platform as well as be a place to get

support

> from others who may be experiencing the same feelings.

>

> I hope you enjoy!!!!!

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Colleen,

My name is Marie and I found out that I have Hep C two years ago, but I've

had it since 1979, when I had a blood transfusion. Your family members who

had Hepatitis must have another strain, because Hep C can only be caught

through blood transfusions (mostly before 1992), or from contaminated

needles and only 1% by sexual contact.

There are really good Hepatits C web sites that can give you lots of

information, including the American Liver Foundation. Just do a search on

Hepatitis C.

My husband has been checked for Hep C and was negative. We're pretty

sexually active and have been married since before I got the Hep C. It's

pretty rare to get it from your spouse, in fact, my doctor said that he's

never seen a case where it's been transmitted by sex or casual contact

(drinking from the same glass, etc).

There wasn't a test to check blood for Hep C until 1992, so lots of people

who have had tranfusions before that may have it and not know it. That was

my situation. I gave blood for surgery that I was going to have and found

out then that I had it. Hepatitis C wasn't discovered until around 1990, so

your family or your husband's family may have Hepatitis A or B, which is

manageable and I believe, cureable.

Do you have a good gastroenterologist? They can give you lots of info. I

was on interferon for almost a year, and now I'm in remission.

If you have any specific questions, I'm available. Write anytime, to the

site or to my personal E-mail address.

I've been through alot and learned alot. But check out those web sites,

there are hundreds of web sites with medical info, patients sites, support

sites, etc.

Good luck with your tests.

Write any time,

Marie

At 04:14 PM 12/22/98 -0600, you wrote:

>From: Colleen Barrett <barret87@...>

>

>Hello! My name is Colleen and I got tested yesterday for Hep C after my

fiancé went

>to the doctor for a physical and they think he has it. I am scared and not

sure

>what we may be facing. His mother told me both he and his brother were

hospitalized

>as young boys for Hep but not sure which kind. She thinks the doctor told

her they

>got it from drinking well water. Can anyone give me some insight? Thanks!

>

>Hepatitis C-owneronelist wrote:

>

>> Hello,

>>

>> Welcome to the list. Please take a moment to review this message.

>>

>> This list has been created to help those who have been diagnosed with

Hepatitis

>> C. It can be a very confusing and devastating time in your life. I hope this

>> list can serve as an informational platform as well as be a place to get

support

>> from others who may be experiencing the same feelings.

>>

>> I hope you enjoy!!!!!

>>

>>

[Guest guest]

Hi Marie:

When I went to my doctor yesterday and told her what was going on she said I

could

catch it from my sweetie by having sex, but everything I have read so far

contradicts what she said. He doctor told him to tell me I may want to get

checked

but he doubted I would test positive. What does the literature say about oral

sex? We are very sexually active and I don't want to start using protection now

or

change my patterns with him.

Thanks for responding so quickly. I have been so upset and not sure what to do.

Marie Kuhn wrote:

> From: Marie Kuhn <mariek@...>

>

> Hi Colleen,

>

> My name is Marie and I found out that I have Hep C two years ago, but I've

> had it since 1979, when I had a blood transfusion. Your family members who

> had Hepatitis must have another strain, because Hep C can only be caught

> through blood transfusions (mostly before 1992), or from contaminated

> needles and only 1% by sexual contact.

>

> There are really good Hepatits C web sites that can give you lots of

> information, including the American Liver Foundation. Just do a search on

> Hepatitis C.

>

> My husband has been checked for Hep C and was negative. We're pretty

> sexually active and have been married since before I got the Hep C. It's

> pretty rare to get it from your spouse, in fact, my doctor said that he's

> never seen a case where it's been transmitted by sex or casual contact

> (drinking from the same glass, etc).

>

> There wasn't a test to check blood for Hep C until 1992, so lots of people

> who have had tranfusions before that may have it and not know it. That was

> my situation. I gave blood for surgery that I was going to have and found

> out then that I had it. Hepatitis C wasn't discovered until around 1990, so

> your family or your husband's family may have Hepatitis A or B, which is

> manageable and I believe, cureable.

>

> Do you have a good gastroenterologist? They can give you lots of info. I

> was on interferon for almost a year, and now I'm in remission.

>

> If you have any specific questions, I'm available. Write anytime, to the

> site or to my personal E-mail address.

>

> I've been through alot and learned alot. But check out those web sites,

> there are hundreds of web sites with medical info, patients sites, support

> sites, etc.

>

> Good luck with your tests.

>

> Write any time,

> Marie

>

> At 04:14 PM 12/22/98 -0600, you wrote:

> >From: Colleen Barrett <barret87@...>

> >

> >Hello! My name is Colleen and I got tested yesterday for Hep C after my

> fiancé went

> >to the doctor for a physical and they think he has it. I am scared and not

> sure

> >what we may be facing. His mother told me both he and his brother were

> hospitalized

> >as young boys for Hep but not sure which kind. She thinks the doctor told

> her they

> >got it from drinking well water. Can anyone give me some insight? Thanks!

> >

> >Hepatitis C-owneronelist wrote:

> >

> >> Hello,

> >>

> >> Welcome to the list. Please take a moment to review this message.

> >>

> >> This list has been created to help those who have been diagnosed with

> Hepatitis

> >> C. It can be a very confusing and devastating time in your life. I hope

this

> >> list can serve as an informational platform as well as be a place to get

> support

> >> from others who may be experiencing the same feelings.

> >>

> >> I hope you enjoy!!!!!

> >>

> >>

[Guest guest]

Thank you. I was recently diagnosed with Hepatitis C, and I'm not

really sure what to do. I haven't taken any action yet, and I want a

second opinion (of course). But, I know the results will be the

same. What's going to happen to me? I'm married and I don't know

what to tell my wife. My job may be in jeopardy. I need advice.

_______________________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

Rod Man,

I know it's hard. I've been married for 18 years and I was diagnosed about a

year and a half ago. They aren't sure if it can be transmitted sexually but

my husband and kids have been tested and thank God all were negative.

I'm an alcoholic and I will be sober 10 months on Sunday. That has helped

alot with my liver functions. You will probably have a biopsy to see what

the damage is (if any) to your liver and then take it from there. Getting a

second opinion is a great idea. I'm doing the same because I'm not sure I

wan't the medication. (The side effects are not fun, I hear) I wish you

good luck and remember you are not alone and your wife will understand. We

were dealt a bad hand and we just have to get through.

[Guest guest]

Rod Man: It is scary, but remember there are a whole lot of people who are

living normal lives with hep C without any symptoms (many don't even know

they have it). Were you feeling ill, or was it discovered in a routine blood

test? None of my husband's physicians have instructed us to modify our

behavior as a couple (except cautioning against sharing toothbrushes--no

problem!) if that's what you're worried about with your wife. You probably

contracted this long ago. And why are you concerned your job is in jeopardy?

[Guest guest]

I was applying for a Life insurance policy, and the blood/urine tests

identified the HCV positive reading. I am worried about my job

because I'm in the military, and they sort of frown on people with

communicable, chronic, or potentially fatal diseases. Oh yeah,

needless to say, I didn't get the insurance.

Tom

From: TreeSkinnr@...

Reply-Hepatitis Conelist

Hepatitis Conelist

Subject: Re: Welcome to Hepatitis Conelist

Date: Fri, 16 Apr 1999 07:19:21 EDT

From: TreeSkinnr@...

Rod Man: It is scary, but remember there are a whole lot of people

who are

living normal lives with hep C without any symptoms (many don't even

know

they have it). Were you feeling ill, or was it discovered in a

routine blood

test? None of my husband's physicians have instructed us to modify

our

behavior as a couple (except cautioning against sharing toothbrushes--

no

problem!) if that's what you're worried about with your wife. You

probably

contracted this long ago. And why are you concerned your job is in

jeopardy?

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[Guest guest]

hello to all on the list...yes a devastating time for sure..i found

out january 27 99....and on april 19th found out i have kidney cancer

i cant have hep c treatment untill kidney is removed and all is well

i have recieved little or no information on prognosis at this time

it seems i am in jeopardy twice ...any input from anyone would be

much appreciated thanks

>From: Hepatitis C-owneronelist

>Reply-Hepatitis Conelist

>paublo77@...

>Subject: Welcome to Hepatitis Conelist

>Date: 25 Apr 1999 03:27:24 -0000

>

>Hello,

>

>Welcome to the list. Please take a moment to review this message.

>

>This list has been created to help those who have been diagnosed

with Hepatitis

>C. It can be a very confusing and devastating time in your life. I

hope this

>list can serve as an informational platform as well as be a place to

get support

>from others who may be experiencing the same feelings.

>

>I hope you enjoy!!!!!

>

>

[Guest guest]

thanks for the reply ) i wonder how your friend was after the

removal..did it take long to recover?

>From: makwa@...

>Reply-Hepatitis Conelist

>Hepatitis Conelist

>Subject: Re: Welcome to Hepatitis Conelist

>Date: Sun, 25 Apr 1999 01:04:32 -0500 (CDT)

>

>A dear friend of mine went through the same thing 2 years ago. They

>removed the cancerous kidney and a benign tumor off her other

kidney.

>She manages her Hep with herbs, acupuncture and a healthy diet. She

has

>probably had the hep for 20 years.

>

>Judy M

>

><< Text3.html >>

><< Message4.txt >>

[Guest guest]

A dear friend of mine went through the same thing 2 years ago. They

removed the cancerous kidney and a benign tumor off her other kidney.

She manages her Hep with herbs, acupuncture and a healthy diet. She has

probably had the hep for 20 years.

Judy M

[Guest guest]

oh me oh my...i didnt know any info about the scar...my beautiful body

with a long scar...yikes

>From: makwa@...

>Reply-Hepatitis Conelist

>Hepatitis Conelist

>Subject: Re: Welcome to Hepatitis Conelist

>Date: Sun, 25 Apr 1999 07:53:01 -0500 (CDT)

>

>She was in the hospital 7-8 days. And returned to work in 6-7 weeks.

>couldn't drive for 6 weeks either. The scar from the surgery is

long,

>but healed well.

>

><< Text3.html >>

[Guest guest]

yes..you reached me..

----------

From: Gerri Bitz[sMTP:gbitz@...]

Sent: Sunday, April 25, 1999 10:55 PM

Hepatitis Conelist

Subject: Re: Welcome to Hepatitis Conelist

From: " Gerri Bitz " <gbitz@...>

Hello All! Testing to see if I'm reaching the group.

Gerri

Welcome to Hepatitis Conelist

Hello,

Welcome to the list. Please take a moment to review this message.

This list has been created to help those who have been diagnosed with

Hepatitis

C. It can be a very confusing and devastating time in your life. I hope this

list can serve as an informational platform as well as be a place to get

support

from others who may be experiencing the same feelings.

I hope you enjoy!!!!!

[Guest guest]

She was in the hospital 7-8 days. And returned to work in 6-7 weeks.

couldn't drive for 6 weeks either. The scar from the surgery is long,

but healed well.

[Guest guest]

Hello All! Testing to see if I'm reaching the group.

Gerri

Welcome to Hepatitis Conelist

Hello,

Welcome to the list. Please take a moment to review this message.

This list has been created to help those who have been diagnosed with

Hepatitis

C. It can be a very confusing and devastating time in your life. I hope this

list can serve as an informational platform as well as be a place to get

support

from others who may be experiencing the same feelings.

I hope you enjoy!!!!!

[Guest guest]

Hi Shirley....

Sorry that you have become one of HepC group, but this is a great place

to ask questions or just adjust to the situation. I have a feeling I

may be the oldie in the group (chronologically).

Let me know if I can do anything....

Merril

[Guest guest]

Merril: This is cyberspace--we can be any age we want!! (Actually, my

husband and I are fifty-something also.) Funny, I assumed we were all in

that age bracket since that is about the time Hep C rears its ugly head after

waging a silent war for 20 or 30 years. Tree

[Guest guest]

> Sorry that you have become one of HepC group, but this is a great place

> to ask questions or just adjust to the situation. I have a feeling I

> may be the oldie in the group (chronologically).

>

> Let me know if I can do anything....

>

> Merril

Hi Merril...

I'm 50 years old and I live in Minnesota. I feel better today...a

little calmer. I guess it's just something I have to accept. I had a

liver panel done this morning...whatever that is. The medical

profession here seems to be stingy with information. I have no symptoms

except for tiredness and joint pain..which I attributed to working hard,

my age, and osteoporosis. Thanks for your response Merril. Happy

Thanksgiving!

Shirley

[Guest guest]

Shirley...

I am almost 57, most of the others seem to be younger (come on, chime in

guys....!!)

Glad that you are feeling calmer now. The next thing is to convince

" the medical profession " that you are allowing them to take care of YOUR

body and you want copies of all tests/procedures/whatever done on your

body. This stuff comes in handy when you have to go to a new doc. I

keep most of it in sleeve protectors in a three ring notebook.

Sometimes I have to be pretty persistent to be allowed to know how MY

body is doing!!!!

A liver panel usually includes the liver enzymes, bilirubin, albumin and

total protein. These are all indicators of how your liver is

functioning. There are of course, other tests that may be included.

The words " liver panel " may vary from testing center to testing center.

The next thing is to learn as much as you can, but in a sane, systematic

way, not in a paranoid, hysterical way. This is very difficult, because

sometimes what you read is pretty awful!!!

If you would like some references (or when you are ready for them, more

correctly), I would be glad to send you some that I have found.

Have a great Thanksgiving in spite of this new finding about yourself.

Talk to you soon....

Merril

[Guest guest]

Hi Tree, Merril, shirley, and all the old dudes in here, ( no offense in

tended) )

Con is 39, I am 35...but I know Con feels 50.. ) do we still fit in? LOL

ine

======================

>

> Merril: This is cyberspace--we can be any age we want!! (Actually, my

> husband and I are fifty-something also.) Funny, I assumed we were all in

> that age bracket since that is about the time Hep C rears its ugly head

after

> waging a silent war for 20 or 30 years. Tree

>

[Guest guest]

Hey, Tree....

That was meant to be kinda funny, but guess it didn't come across that

way....sorry!!!

And I certainly wasn't putting anyone down...try not to do that!!!

So, have a Happy Thanksgiving! Despite a last minute car problem, I

plan to..... *SMILE*

Merril

[Guest guest]

Okay gang (I usually say guys, but don't want to offend....):

I humbly retract my reference to age. I agree it doesn't make a bit of

difference when confronted with the likes of HepC. Personally, I don't

like " younger " people having to cope with health problems that make a

hassle out of each day. I don't like to see ANYONE have to do that.

Oh, forget it. I apologize for anyone I offended. I DID NOT mean to.

Happy Thanksgiving.....

Merril

[Guest guest]

Merril: I thought it was funny too. We're not at all bothered by age.

Besides I still have my 86 year old mother referring to me as one of her

" girls, " so it's all relative!

Have a nice Thanksgiving everyone. Speaking of which, I am thankful for this

list. Families with Hep C are often misunderstood. It's comforting to hear

some of the same issues from others here.

[Guest guest]

HI Merril,

I didn't get offended in anyway...I am a youngin in this group. did

someone get upset with you....

I saw nothing that should offend anyone in your email about age...

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving .. we don't celebrate it here

in Australia but I would like too...

best wishes

ine.

---------------------------------

> Okay gang (I usually say guys, but don't want to offend....):

> I humbly retract my reference to age. I agree it doesn't make a bit of

> difference when confronted with the likes of HepC. Personally, I don't

> like " younger " people having to cope with health problems that make a

> hassle out of each day. I don't like to see ANYONE have to do that.

> Oh, forget it. I apologize for anyone I offended. I DID NOT mean to.

>

> Happy Thanksgiving.....

>

> Merril

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Merril,

No offense taken here, but then I'm no longer a spring

chicken either (crossed that half century marker last

month.)

Happy Thanksgiving to you and Bill.

Jeanie

--- Merril <allennco@...> wrote:

> Okay gang (I usually say guys, but don't want to

> offend....):

> I humbly retract my reference to age. I agree it

> doesn't make a bit of

> difference when confronted with the likes of HepC.

> Personally, I don't

> like " younger " people having to cope with health

> problems that make a

> hassle out of each day. I don't like to see ANYONE

> have to do that.

> Oh, forget it. I apologize for anyone I offended.

> I DID NOT mean to.

>

> Happy Thanksgiving.....

>

> Merril

>

>

<HR>

<html>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/24/99 5:43:57 PM Eastern Standard Time,

allennco@... writes:

> most of the others seem to be younger (come on, chime in

> guys....!!)

I am 63. My 89 year old mother recently learned that she has HCV, probably

for 25 years. Arlene