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How many caregivers are getting tested for Hep C regularly?

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Posted 12/2/2012 1:54 PM (GMT 0)
I am wondering how many of you caregivers get tested for Hep C regularly?  If so, how regularly?

  I recently had a medical exam and Doc knows the situation.  I asked about being tested for Hep C, as hubby has it and I have been cleaning up after him for 2 years...and married to him 13 years.  The Doc, said, "well, you don't have any symptoms, so you don't need to be tested for it."  But, seems to me by the time I would have symptoms, it is pretty late for treatment.  (This is NOT his Doc, this is a public health clinic doc.)

  How do you other caregivers (of Hep C ill persons) handle this?  Thanks for any input.

Angie1953

Posted 12/2/2012 2:35 PM (GMT 0)
I have been tested about every 5 years.

I have blood work that includes Live Function Tests every year. MY lastest AST/ALT was 23/37...so I'm not worried about the test any time soon. My only high number is Glucose, and as an over weight 68 year old woman, I know full well where that comes from!

We have practiced safe hygene practices our whole relationship...no sharing glasses, razers, toothbrushes. We even use different soap bars in the shower, different color towels and face cloths. I use gloves if I need to "clean up stuff" if you get my meaning...blood, toilets, vomit, etc. And we keep that chemical wash stuff on the kitchen counter for frequent use.

We have never used condoms, however, as that doesn't seem to be a huge transmission risk. That may have been foolish..but for the last years the point is moot...with the illness, meds, surgeries...he has not been "avaiable" for such intimacy. Hugging has to do for us.

This is a good question, Angie.
Posted 12/2/2012 8:26 PM (GMT 0)
Angie, you absolutely should wear gloves when "cleaning up his messes," especially blood. Hep C is a blood borne disease, so vomit and other bodily fluids do not put you at risk, but you should wear gloves anyway.

I have yet to hear from anyone who has contracted hep C through sex. An unborn child can contract hep C, though.

Hugs,
Connie
Posted 12/2/2012 10:23 PM (GMT 0)
When Chuck  had his bleed a year ago the first thing I did was go get tested.  It came back negative and we have been together for 27 years so.....I will probably get checked every 2-3 years. 
Posted 12/3/2012 1:04 AM (GMT 0)
Connie,
I do wear gloves. Have plenty from nursing home and hospice. But other day I left my toothbrush in his bathroom and unknown to me until several days later, he had been using it. He forgot which was his. (He does bleed from the mouth sometimes.) So I know I should go get checked, and wondered if there is a wait time.
So now moved my toothbrush where he can't find it...and my razors, too. I forgot he forgets. duh :(
Other than this time, I have been pretty careful. But I do wonder how often others get checked. Thanks for sharing.
Angie1953
Posted 12/3/2012 1:52 AM (GMT 0)
Angie, when you see your doctor for your annual physical, ask for a hep C test. There is now a movement afoot to have high-risk individuals tested yearly. Personally, I think everyone should have this test annually. You are right...by the time symptoms appear, damage is already done. However, that would not prevent you (or anyone who tests positive) from having treatment if you are otherwise healthy.

Hugs,
Connie
Posted 12/3/2012 2:40 AM (GMT 0)
I got tested, mainly because I was interested in blood donation @ the VA, as a way to give back for all they did for my husband, and was negative, and now donate blood every 2 -3 months, alongwith taking precaution when giving him his insulin and checking glucose level. So far soo good!!
Posted 12/3/2012 5:09 PM (GMT 0)
The first few years after Ron was diagnosed - I was tested every 6 months - (1990's) - now - not tested.
Posted 12/4/2012 1:19 AM (GMT 0)
When we first found out that Mark had Hep C, I had to be tested 3 times within a yrs time to be declared Hep C "free" Now I get tested every 2 yrs. Razors and tooth brushes are a no no.But I do drink after him and vise versa,,I figure if I can kiss him then I can drink after him ! We had never used condoms before hand either and then the Hep Dr said chances of me getting Hep C were slim to none,especially if you had gone through the "change",but dont have to worry about that anymore either, weird how the body stops "things" from working ! My biggest worry is me getting poked by one of his needles for his insulin,I give it to him when hes so shaky or hes to bruised up and then I give it to him in his arm,or when his HE is so bad ! But I am as careful as anyone could possibly be !
Posted 12/4/2012 2:39 AM (GMT 0)
NEH, use latex gloves when giving him his insulin, too. They will help some.

Hugs,
Connie
Posted 12/4/2012 4:16 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all the feedback on this question. I'll ask my PCP to test me.
Angie1953
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