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Posted 6/13/2006 12:39 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all!!!  I am needing some answers to some questions about hep. c..My boyfriend has the disease.  He has been taking treatments (has had 6 shots).  His side effects arent severe.  Headaches usually. He found out last yr. and doctors finally got in gear and got him started on treatments.  He got the disease from his late wife,while practicing unsafe drug use, which he no longer does.  We met a yr. ago.  I wanted blood tests done, since we both had past relationships and this is when he found out that he had hep. c.  My blood work came back fine.  Some questions we have are:  1.  While taking treatments and having routine blood work done, is it possible that the virus doesnt show up and do you stop treatment then or do you have to keep taking treatments for the duration of the treatment plan?  2.  When your blood count is low, what is done to higher the blood count?  3.  We have protected sex since he was diagnosed, even though I have had a hysterectomy, what is the percentage rate of contracting hep. C from him during protected sex?  4.  How do we know that the treatments are working through the blood work? What will the blood tests show and what should we look for? 

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated,

 

Thanks,

Bethann

Posted 6/13/2006 5:33 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, Bethann, and welcome to the forum. I will try to answer some of your questions.

"While taking treatments and having routine blood work done, is it possible that the virus doesnt show up and do you stop treatment then or do you have to keep taking treatments for the duration of the treatment plan?"

My understanding is that the protocol requires either 24 or 48 weeks. I have heard people say they have been "cleared" of the virus, but I thought if you ever had hep C, even if your immune system kicked it out, that you would always test positive in a blood test. During routine blood work, they do a liver panel and also test for alpha fetoprotein. All those values should decrease if the treatment is working or has knocked out the virus. If anyone can address this question, dive in.

What blood count are you talking about being low? At any rate, this is a question for the treating doctor.

The likelihood of your contracting hep C during protected sex are about zero. Even not using protection, the risk of contracting hep C during sex is very, very low. In fact, I have never heard of anyone contracting it that way. The main thing to remember is that it is a blood-borne disease. If you had unprotected intercourse during your period, then there would be the slight possibility of contracting hep C. Since you've had a hysterectomy and don't have periods, you don't have to worry about that. It is hepatitis B that has a high transmission rate through sex. For maximal protection, don't use his toothbruth or razor. There is a link to more information at the top of the hepatitis page.

Come back and let us know how you and your b.f. are doing.
Connie
Posted 6/13/2006 8:44 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Connie,

I do have some more questions if you dont mind.  His blood count that is low is his CBC.

Also, when treatment is complete the hep. c virus will or will not show up in  his blood work?  I dont understand, if treatment was a success then why would you test positive for hep c still?

How and when do you know when the virus is gone or isnt hurting your liver anymore ect.?

He has three blood tests, cbc, hep c., liver enzymes.  His doctor doesnt answer alot of his questions, I told him he needs a better doctor.  I do apperciate your help.  Thanks again.  Hope your doing well, i will keep in touch.  Thanks,  Beth

Posted 6/13/2006 10:03 PM (GMT 0)
ya test positive for antibodies,after having the disease and its kicked out,i believe. surface antigens and antigens when its active. your dr will tell you when the virus is gone,by doin blood work for a viral count. If no virus is present in the viral load test,,something like a BD and A test,,i think its called,,,then means ya body has kicked it. has he been to a specialist yet or this has just been determined by his reg dr?? my hubby tested positive for hep c,but with further testing,turned out a falso positive,,but has hep b. hope this helps and definately get a specialist,,,
trish
Posted 6/13/2006 10:53 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Trish and Connie,

Just heard from bf and his white blood count is low.  I asked him if he asked his doctor why and what should be done and he said he didnt ask.  Men, lol!!!  I told him , why didnt you ask, geee.  I also told him he needs to sit down and write out questions for his doctor to answer when he sees him again.  BF isnt having a good day today, kinda down in dumps.  I try to lift his spirits up but sometimes it isnt good enough.  I even try to change the subject or at least give him so good news about his condition.  Like, his side effects, he doesnt have but only headaches and I tell him some people arent so lucky.  I am so glad I found this site.  You all have helped me so much, Thank you so much,

Beth

Posted 6/14/2006 1:50 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Bethann,

Welcome.

When my white blood cells got too low my doctor put me on Neuprigin.
And when the whole blood count dropped too low she put me on Procrit.

sometimes what doctors do is they wait to see if it will stabalize at a
certain low point before they go for the neuprigen or procrit. Especially,
so early in treatment.

But it seems like every doctor has their own timing and it also depends
on other various blood readings.

If Your boyfriend cleared the virus already that is a good sign but it
doesn't mean to stop treatment. he has to stay on as long as the
doctor says.

I cleared the virus in 6 to 8 weeks and had to stop treatment by the 10th
week because my thyroid went too HYPER. And the virus came right back.

Drinking wheatgrass from the juice bar at the health food store is very powerful
for keeping your blood numbers strong.

Also vitamin C and zinc. ASK your doctor how much to take.

lots of water

keep checkin in to this site and any other one you can find for tips. Keep
scrolling thru old discussions on the site too. Lots of good info.

It's challanging for the families and caregivers when someone is in
treatment.

God Bless,
bucci
Posted 6/14/2006 5:07 AM (GMT 0)
bethann,

im not sure how id get by without bein able to come to this site and vent,ya adventure is only beginning with ya bf,more then likely. my hubbys white count has been low several times and they havent put him on anything,though its makin his heart problems harder to deal with ......make sure bf drinks plenty of gatorade and water,,,,,keep the electrolytes goin on,,,,,,,good luck n hope ya keep comin back

 

Posted 6/15/2006 1:16 AM (GMT 0)
Hey all,

I want to Thank you all so much!  What a great site and a such caring individuals.  God Bless you all!  Before I say goodnight to my bf , I always have told him and still do to this day. "  Angels are watching over us". I do believe that each and every one of us have Angels that help guide us thru our daily challenges.  Thank you once again for all your help.  I am here for all of you if you need to talk.

Beth

Posted 6/15/2006 6:43 AM (GMT 0)
Beth, I don't know if anyone directly answered your question about the low white cell count. It is due to the treatment. As Bucci mentioned, there is now treatment to counteract that. Without sufficient white blood cells, one is prone to infections such as colds, bronchitis, etc.

Keep us posted on your b.f.'s progress, and how you are coping.

Hugs,
Connie
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