Hep C Positive
I was part of a study where they tested my blood for all kinds of stuff. They told me I was HIV positive. I knew this already (for six years). The woman also told me I have hepatitis C. HIV was bad enough--now this. She gave me some information but I lost it. She also told me some stuff but I wasn't too clear-headed at the time. I'm worried. What's going to happen to me? I hear a lot of different things from a couple of friends who have hepatitis C and HIV. Is there anything I can do to help keep healthier? I'm not going to stop shooting meth--at least for now--but I might in the future. I know shooters mostly get hepatitis C from sharing dirty works.
Since I switched to IV speed four years ago, I've been real careful--except for one accident, I never used anything that belonged to anybody else. It happened once when I was too geeked and mixed a hit with my ex-lover's dirty rinse water. I also used his old cotton and spoon. He was HIV positive but so am I. Did I get hepatitis C through just this one time?!! Maybe I got it through sex but I've been pretty careful on that score. I need some direction and advice.
Thank you,
-Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,
Everybody slips up once in awhile--so don't be hard on yourself. What's done is done. It sounds like other than that you've been faithfully practicing harm reduction.
About 80% of HIV-positive people who inject drugs also have HCV--and having both infections can make HCV progress faster in the body. Make an appointment to see your doctor so you can get your questions answered and discuss your health. You'll feel a lot better when you know what's going in on your body, and can talk about treatment and care.
In the mean time, let me give you some info about the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis simply means inflammation of the liver. HCV is a contagious liver disease (just like hepatitis A and B). It is spread mostly through contact with the blood of a person who has HCV. Common symptoms of HCV are tiredness, mild fever, nausea, loss of appetite, stomach cramps or side pain, dark yellow or brown pee, pale or white bowel movements, and jaundice (yellow eyes and skin). Unlike A and B, there is NO vaccine for HCV.
HCV infection can be acute or chronic. Acute HCV is a short-term infection that shows up within the first six months of getting HCV. 70-80% of individuals with acute hepatitis C don't have symptoms--so many don't know they're infected. About 15-25% of people will clear the acute HCV infection from their systems.
For the other 75-85% of folks infected with HCV, the acute infection leads to chronic HCV infection--meaning the virus stays in their system. Chronic HCV can lead to more serious health problems, such as scarring of the liver (cirrhosis), and liver cancer. That's why going to your doctor regularly is important if you have HCV.
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A lot of injectors get HCV. Why?? Hepatitis C can live on a surface or in a used needle anywhere from 16 hours, to four days. So, any object that has blood in it (like a cooker), or any surface that blood may have been on (like a counter top you use to prep your injections) can be a risk. While bleach can kill HIV, it is unknown if it kills HCV. That's why even if you bleach a syringe, you still run the risk of spreading or getting HCV.
It is possible to get HCV through sex. A small percentage of HCV is transmitted through sex--and it happens more among guys who have both HIV and HCV. If you have HIV and HCV, you should use condoms to prevent spreading HCV (or getting another strain from a partner). There are many strains of hepatitis C, so don't think that you're immune just because you already have the virus.
You are more likely to spread HCV when you don't use condoms and lube, have multiple sex partners; engage in rough sex; or when you or a partner has HIV or another STD. You CAN avoid getting another strain of HCV by protecting yourself!
taking care of yourself when you have HIV and HEP c:
1) Visit your healthcare provider so they can monitor your liver health. Some people with HCV take medications to reduce the inflammation. These medications are effective, but can reduce how well HIV medications work. Seeing your provider so they can talk to you about treatment and care options is important.
2) Be kind to your liver! Try not to drink alcohol, as it will cause more damage to your liver.
3) Get immunized for hepatitis A, and B, unless you have already had these infections. Getting A and/or B could cause more damage to your liver.
4) Join an HCV support group. Be in a safe space with other folks who have HCV: HEP C Support Group.
5) As always, take care! Rest, a healthy diet, and exercise are important ways to keep your immune system up.
Ways to reduce your risk of spreading or contracting HCV:
1) Use condoms when you're getting some booty.
2) Do not share personal items that may have blood on them. Razors, tooth brushes, sex toys, and nail clippers should be kept to yourself.
3) Cover cuts and open sores with a bandage.
4) Use clean works, keep them to yourself, and don't share. Need clean works? Click here for the Seattle & King County Needle Exchange Schedule.
If you'd like to read more, I recommend visiting Hepatitis C Facts.
Take care.
Dr. Dick
Updated & Reposted 12/28/12