thanbey

In the realm of possibilities, it is more likely you got it from him than he would get it from you sexually. Let's hope he tests negative. If he tests positive, he has recourse at the VA. But, there is no real way to know how you got it, though this is a puzzle many struggle with anyway. It is always a guess, at best.

But, the fact is, nearly 100% of those who test positive for hepatitis C have multiple risk factors and the stigma is not as great as we think it is. A recent study by Harris found that people, when they know anything, do not think negatively of those with hepatitis C.

The silver cloud here is knowledge and a plan of action. Your husband does need to be tested and, so does anyone around you that may have been exposed (not necessarily from you) This means tattooing, healthcare worker, sexual activity without a condom (multiple sexual partners one at a time, usually) and numerous other possibilities, including experimentaiton with drugs asd a kid etc etc

I am a firm believer in having a test, just like screening for breast cancer, a pap, or colon cancer. It will be part of our routine healthcare one day.

Early detection plus excellent self care can mean never needing to treat or at least, not until treatment is safer and less toxic. Right now, for someone with little or no disease, it is like blowing up an $8.00 tent with the stealth bomber.

I am going to re-inforce the posts of others. While it may not seems like it right now, this is not the end of life as you know it. Your husband does need to be tested, but men are not at risk of contracting this disease sexually from women. If he has been monogamous (I'm not asking!) for 30 years, it is unlikely you got it from him unless he is infected and has been for a long long time. The VA provides free testing and follow-up for hepatitis C for veterans. There are five Centers for Excellence in HCV at the VA.

Try to relax a little. I know how hard it is. You have to dig a bit through the website, but there is a way to contact me and I do speak with people on the telephone a lot, too.

Hang in there. Even if Friday's result is positive, it doesn't change the fact that you have lots of time to research and make a decision about how you wish to proceed and when.

Deep breath!

I hope this helps,

thanbey