Re: Hi - Hi a

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It is almost impossible for us to know the exact time when or how or why we contracted Hep C unless documented cases of receiving contaminated blood transfusions or from contaminated surgical procedures so on traced back to us. It is extremely unlikely HCV is contracted from sex and also not from hugging - eating - drinking or being close to someone. We do not judge a person here or how or why they contracted it. We are all 1 and have the same in common - Hep C. It is a blood borne infectious disease and must be passed from blood stream to blood stream usually from tainted or contaminated blood supplies transfusions - medical surgical procedures not adequately cleaned - dental work - any invasive procedure - open wound - sharing of sharps - needles drug paraphernalia - born of HCV+ mother - exposed to any blood with open wounds - any sharp instrument - razors etc from someone with HCV. It is a low % from sharing razors or toothbrushes but it is a possibility and all precautions must be taken for our blood or blood spills infecting

others. Now it is estimated 4 million people or more just in the U.S. have HCV and still more undiagnosed with it. The % can not be accurately counted or figured out because of so many walking around with it and don't even know it until symptoms show which may be for some 20 or more years down the road. Other countries and 3rd world countries and people traveling or living there can have a high % of contracting it. 1 in 4 U.S. military and veterans have Hep C many not diagnosed with it

yet. It is in the general population and public much more than people realize. Ever had a surgical procedure - invasive medical or suction type testing - dental work - tattoo - manicure - pedicure - helped a friend who injured themselves - shared any sharps or needles ???? The general public is not informed enough about HCV for prevention or precautions to take once diagnosed with it. Yes it is very scary stressful and overwhelming being handed a diagnoses of HCV and a life altering experience. We all experienced it but in time took positive steps and learned about it all for our best long term outcomes and lives. Our best defense is knowledge and learning the proper facts about it and how to protect ourselves and others. Denial about it all only hurts us and also others we may not knowingly pass it too not knowing the precautions and safeguards to

take. I strongly suggest you read all about it be familiar with it all and in time you will be to take the best care of you and all others. A few links to get you started are below. Fear and the unknowns can be very detrimental to us. This is your life and your best outcomes choices

decisions medical care treatments and the lives of others you must learn about. All The Best To You. Deb First Steps for Newly Diagnosed with Hep C Many links for HCV info including trackers for labs, testing, Dr

visits and much more ..... http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/First_Steps.asp Hepatitis C (HCV) Information Booklet HCV info from A to Z please check for updates http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/hepC/hcvinformation.html Understanding The Hepatitis C Liver Understand the test results - Present and Future treatment - much more info about HCV http://www.hcvets.com/data/hcv_liver/the_liver.htm Hi I'm new to this group. I joined yesterday. I was diagnosed on April28th after an 8 day

hospital stay and I'm still reeling. I have noidea how I got this unless it was from sex with my ex-husband whoused to use IV drugs before we were married. At any rate, I supposethe "how" is less important than the "what does it mean for my life"stuff, eh? I have already had a liver biopsy and was told that I wasin stage One. I didn't know enough to even ask about genotype,etc...shock will do that, I guess. I go to see a specialist todiscuss treatement, etc., in about a week. I'm thinking, if I canget the funding for the medical treatment - why not just go ahead?Right now my biggest thing is trying to stave off a depressionbecause I feel completely untouchable now - like I'm an outcast. Theman I love is currently deployed to Iraq and will be home in 8 days.I am feeling as if I can never touch him or be with him - he admittedthat he's a little afraid of contracting the Hep C virus and I don'tblame him.Anyway,

sorry for the babble. I just don't have anyone to reallyvent to here. By the way, I'm 42, divorced, and the mother of abeautiful 3 year old whom the doctors have suggested I have tested aswell.Thank you for listening,a