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Living with Hepatitis & Liver Disease

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Need advice - dating w/ HC

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message #:
  2849.1
from:
  isummersky
date:
  Sep-30 3:12 pm
replies:
  2

I was diagnosed several years ago with HCV.  I was in a relationship at the time.  It ended and I have recently begun to date again.  I'm not sure when it is appropriate to have the discussion about this.  I will say I haven't had my levels check in about a year, but since I finished my treatment in 2003, it has been undetectable in my system.  I am also struggling with what to say about it; how to explain what the risks are without scaring potential suitors away.  Any advice would be appreciated.
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Need advice - dating w/ HC

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  2849.2 in response to 2849.1
from:
  cl-swt16mentally  Member Icon
to:
  isummersky
date:
  Sep-30 7:37 pm
replies:
  2

Wow...good for you.  Undetectable is good.  While I know that this situation leaves you feeling a bit unprepared with reactions from potential suitors....please know that you will be absolutely ok with it.  May I suggest that you go get your levels checked immediately before intering the dating seriously field.  Then ask the doctor for pamphlet/information on Hep C that is undetectable....or detectable, as the case may be.  While I do know that sex in a monogomus relationship is 99% safe for someone with a Hep C partner, the information will still need to be shared.  There are other ways to pass along the virus.  Do not share toothbrushes, fingernail clippers, anything that could pass along minor traces of blood.  If you cut your hand or get a scratch, clean it with a disinfectant and bandage it right away.  Hep C is a blood born virus and therefore, must be treated as such.  There is a lot of pamphlets available at the doctor's office to give you and your soon-to-be significant other the information you need to have a safe and happy life together.  My SO, since 1999, has absolutely no trace of the virus at all.  We just use common sense.  I will never be undetectable since I had a transplant and the treatment is too hard to put my body thru after the transplant.  The good news is that I am alive...wooohooooo.  I know that it is expensive to have a test done to see if Hep C is in the blood, but my SO went to donate blood right before I was diagosed and told I needed a liver and he was tested by the donation.  He was negative.  He continues to donate...and he continues to be negative.  Before I brought this up with a suitor, I would be armed with information from the doctor, and with phamplets you can share with him....or just give him and ask him to talk over anything that he does not understand with you.  Not everyone will be ok with this...but then again, you really dont want someone around that would not treat you right when you have a virus either.  Remember....If God brings you to it...He will bring you thru it.  This is a good way to find a real, warm, caring and sharing man.  Keep posting and God bless....

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