Newbie with questions

[sweetie05]

My Husband has just been diagnosed. had an appointment for biopsy, cancelled it the day before.
He is already cranky, quick to anger, and has some depression. I'm scared as hell of him ever going on pegatron or interfurion.
although he says he will not take treatment.
what willl happen if he doesn't get any treatment?
I'm getting tested on Tuesday. I have used his toothbrush and razors in the past 8 years.

would love to hear from someone

Lisa

[willy]

Hi Lisa........Try not to worry yet about all the what ifs.  Many husband and wives have shared toothbrushes, nailclippers, etc, yet the vast majority do not transmit the virus.

Getting tested is pretty simple.  Just a blood draw and they check for antibodies.  If you are "reactive" meaning that you have antibodies you then need to get a second test that checks for the actual presence of HCv in the blood; most often called a PCR.  Even if you were to test reactive it is still not proof that you are posiitve, but it will show a 60-70% likelihood of infection.

If you haven't yet caught the virus......chances are that you won't with the additional knowledge and increased care you will likely have .

Your husband may need a little time to wrap his head around his new status.  No doubt, this will be one of the more stressful events in his life.  The feeling will probably fade somewhat.  Only about 5% of us that contract the virus are estimated to die from it after 20-30 years.  There are effective treatments and even more effective treatments on the horizen.  It is often a very slow moving disease.  You should have time to research and make your decisions without rush.

It will get better....hang in there.

Best,
willy

[countrygirl]

Hello Lisa,

The emotions your husband is experiencing after his diagnosis are very normal. We've all been there in one way, shape or form.

Shock, denial, anger, confusion, sadness....they all surface at some point. No doubt you share some of them also.

What a caring partner you are to seek out some support on both of your behalf.

Would your man be open to coming on board and talking about his concerns in a forum like this? We welcome both of you here.

The likelihood that you contracted HCV from him is slim. But just getting it in writing will do alot to allay your fears and perhaps his as well.

Please keep us posted on how things go for you and your hubby.

We care.........Pam

[sweetie05]

Thank you Willy and Pam. I will keep you posted.

God bless

Lisa

[willy]

This may be worth waiting for.  We should know something perhaps within the year.

http://www.hcvanonymous.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=news;action=display;num=1133807482

Take care and try not to worry.

Best,
Willy