HepC sexual transmission: very scared and alone - Hepatitis Message Board

SethT · 02-15-2002, 01:49 AM

I recently found out that my ex-girlfriend has HepC, and had it during the time we were together.

She explained that her doctor had said her past sexual partners (such as myself) do not face any serious risk. According to her and the doc, the disease is mostly spread intravenously, through blood transfusions or IV drug use. But I am still very, very upset and worried about this.

Today I went to my doctor to have a blood test, just to ease my mind once and for all. I feel really scared and alone right now. If anyone knows about possibilities of sexual transmission, or can give me any insights, I would be so grateful to you.

I was in a monogamous, longterm relationship with this girl for about a year and half. We did have unprotected sex. On one occasion, I came into contact with some of her menstrual blood accidentally. This is what worries me most of all.

Doctors and online sources have told me I'm at a minimal risk. My ex insists that I have nothing to worry about. But until I get the test results, I won't be at peace.

This is honestly the hardest thing I've ever gone through. The waiting, worrying, the paranoia, feeling embarrassed because some people scoff at my worries, and then feeling worried again because other sources indicate I might have been at some risk.

I know this is just an anonymous internet forum, but I really need help and don't know where to go.

JeannieRee · 02-15-2002, 01:41 PM

Hi Seth!

I know what its like to worry and wait, I have Hep C and the worrying didn't change a thing, just made me miserable.

First thing you need to do is calm down! Why do you want to go borrow trouble? You probably don't have HCV. Don't worry or be anxious; wait for the facts. The experts are giving you correct information, your risk is very very minimal so don't do this to yourself!

Hep C is not a diagnosis of impending doom and death; its a disease that needs to be adressed. And I believe that the bible is the Word of God and He said that worrying will not add one day to my life so He's in charge and I don't sweat it.

Worrying and fretting will not change a thing but use this to your advantage to learn about this epidemic and please give your ex-girlfriend some support! She needs a lot of support and strength from friends and loved one right now. Tell her about this board!

Be cool and don't take on unnecessary loads!

sean · 02-15-2002, 10:31 PM

Hi Seth--

Jeannie is right, the docs,too. The odds are very much in your favor.
I've had hep c for 30 plus years. didn't know it until very recently. During the decades of my ignorance, i was married twice, and had a third long-term relationship, had kids, unprotected sex, etc. In my family we played sports together, cooked as a family sport (lots of knicks with knives), lived through many nose bleeds, kissing of "boo-boos" back and forth parents and children, accidents, emergency room visits, etc.
After 30 years of this, NONE of my exes or kids got hep c. thank god, i guess, since we never knew we were supposed to be careful of blood or anything.
one man does not make a full study, but if my experience is any guide, transmission just doesn't happen very easily at all.

write back again when you have the results. but until then, relax,
relax.

sean

SethT · 02-16-2002, 01:20 AM

Jeannie and Sean, I don't know how to thank you for your responses. I was honestly breaking down and didn't know what to do.

This message board is really a godsend. Especially compared to the other hepC forums that I've browsed, where unfortunately there seems to be a lot of misinformation and alarmism regarding transmission.

I have been reading many of the archived posts on this site, following links, and doing my own research into hepC. I am now much more calm and reassured, not only about my own health, but about my ex-girlfriend and her life with this condition.

Just to let you know, Jeannie, I did recommend this forum to my ex. She promised to read it and I expect she may begin participating herself. We are on good terms and I will give her all the support she needs in the face of this condition. I'll also post back early next week, after I speak to my doctor.

I want to just say to the regulars here, after reading your stories I think you're extremely decent and good-hearted people, for refusing to suffer and also trying to help others. Peace.

wacky pat · 02-17-2002, 07:24 PM

High risk sex -with Blood, rough, or with STDs, carries a 7% infectious rate.

You odds are excellent.