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Avatar universal

22 and very scared

I'm 22 years old and I am so worried I am have hepatitis C.  I have been experiencing many symptoms related to the infection and I can only think of a few ways in which I may have contracted it.  I have a few questions

1.)  What are the chances of contracted hepatitis C through sex.  I have read its more uncommon but this is one of the only ways I can think of?

2.)  Are nose bleeds a symptom of Hep C.  Or at least constant blood showing up after blowing my nose?

3.)  Is dry skin and itching a symptom? or is usually just from medication

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789572 tn?1334424879
2.)  Are nose bleeds a symptom of Hep C.  Or at least constant blood showing up after blowing my nose?

3.)  Is dry skin and itching a symptom? or is usually just from medication



These are symptoms of winter.
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Avatar universal
First off to answer your question, no I have not used any needles (especially for drugs) that would make me believe I have it.  I do work in a dental office where I know of a few patients who do have hep not too mention all the others that may have it and are unaware of it.  Working with needles and bloody instruments all day is a risk which I am aware of.  I plan on going to dental school so it worries me because i dont want this to prevent me from getting in.

thank you guys for all your help.  I'm sure most of it is mental but I get so many conflicting points form reading the internet on symptoms that I get worried I may have heard something wrong.  Sorry for all my postings i think I am just affraid to talk to someone else right now in fear that I do have something so I always resort back to this site for help and ease of mind.  I'm on my parents insurance and I hate to keep telling them I need to see the doctor even though I know they dont care especially when it comes to my health.  I'll be sure to stop posting so much on here i agree that I have overdone it and need to let others with probably some more serious concerns ask questions.  

Thanks anyways for all your help I just need to stop reading the internet or freak out about everything that goes wrong.  I'm just affraid of screwing up my future in any way and I have been so stressed out about getting into school which is probably why I notice things more now.  Sorry for any trouble
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87972 tn?1322661239
Hi Trin--

I don’t mind people using this forum to become informed, but there are so many of us that are truly ill from these diseases, his obsession seem to somehow belittle our condition. I don’t mean to come across as uncompassionate; OCD can be devastating, from what I understand. I hope this young guy eventually finds out what’s wrong with him, and learns to manage it. Have a great day, Trinity—

Bill
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Avatar universal
did you?
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Avatar universal
Pffft.    Thanks Bill....missed that one.
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87972 tn?1322661239
It sounds unlikely that you have HCV, HIV, HBV, herpes, or any other of the communicable diseases that you have been obsessed with for the last six months. You have posted over 84 times in various communities in Medhelp, and it appears that the doctors haven’t found any problems? You probably want to discuss the possibility of OCD with your primary care doctor. don't ask me how I know; just a hunch :o).

Bill
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Avatar universal

When my sons were 22, I worried since they didn't worry enough, so I know how you feel. They're still barely aware that I have Hepatitis C, even though I've had it their entire lives.

Sometimes these are the cards we are dealt, some worry and some don't.

If you do tend to worry excessively, I think your best bet is to consult with Dr. Dieterich on the MH expert forum. He would be the most likely person to reassure you. There's a small fee, but well worth it. He'll tell it to you short and straight, and hopefully you'll find him credible. I know credibility makes a difference to me. MedHelp has vetted his credentials, so you can rest assured that he is who he claims to be.

It may make sense to first get tested to see if you have HCV but that's your call.  
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Avatar universal
1)   No, likelihood slim to null unless you engaged in rough anal sex where tissue tearing and bleeding occurred.

2)  No, not common with HCV.  Common while treating HCV

3)  No, dry skin is not a symptom.  Many reason for a person to have dry skin.  Again, dry skin in very common while treating HCV.

If you meant you have been exposed by other methods such as IV drug use or transfusion (which blood is screened for hepc now) you should get tested if you have concerns.  Actually, I advise you get test anyway, just to put your mind at ease.

Good Luck
Trinity
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