Snorkel equipment RISK

[wolftrak]

Does anyone know the risk of using snorkeling equipment from a tour company.  We brought our own alchol swabs to clean our snorkels before use but my snorkel ended up having a hole in it so I exchanged for a new one but was out of alcholol swabs at that point.  Three months later I become very ill, and 7 months after still ill.  Doctor ordered a HVC test, results indeterminate.  Now awaiting follow up test with much anxiety.  What do you think my risk is?

[GSDgirl]

OMG, one of those pee parasites!!!!!!  

I did see on Dr G where a kid died because of a parasite that went up his nose while swimming in Florida.

[blondie717]

hahaha a pee paricite(spelling) I saw a movie with The Rock I think, inwhich that pee paracie swims up the dudes pento (I believe it was called) Is this friday? I gotta figure out if Im on the hep C forum. Or the social Hep C forum. I get confused. Im not learning much today. But I sure am happy, My belly hurts from sheer laughter.

[wolftrak]

Thanks so much, I feel a lot better.  (=

Yes, perhaps it is just something that needs to run its course... some bugs can take a long time.    

[Trinity4]

I suspect your indeterminate hepc result was not caused by the immunizations.  Assuming they did an antibody test that type of testing can sometimes result in a false postive or as in your case indeterminate.  

As info, an HCR RNA by PCR will determine if active virus is present, not just antibodies.  However, in your case I don't think it will be necessary.

Trinity

[RobertBeWell]

Have you considered that you might have caught something "funky" while in the Dominican Republic? Just a thought. We have little resistance to bugs that we aren't commonly exposed to.

As others have echoed, I think the snorkel risk is zero.

[wolftrak]

These liver function tests were done at the same time as my follow-up Hep C test.  All results should be in as of tomorrow.  

I also had Hep A and B immunizations started before my trip (and snorkelling) in the Dominican and last set of immunizations for Hep A&B in July.  Is it possible that these immunizations could have caused the indeterminate result for my initial Hep C test?

[Trinity4]

With acute hepc liver enzymes are most always elevated.  Did they check your AST & ALT?  Even though you were at no risk for hepc, maybe hep A or B might be a consideration.

[wolftrak]

Thanks so much for your comments:

HectorSF,  my doctor didn't test me on this story.  He tested me based on my symptoms.  I have been ill for over 7 months with nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite etc.  He did all kinds of bloodwork.  It was only after the Hep C test turned up indeterminate, that I started to think about the snorkelling incident as I can not think of any other way I could have contracted the virus.  Being low risk, likely my follow up test will come back negetive but I am still concerned.  

Specta, we did purchase 2 sets before we went on our trip, but hadn't planned on a guided trip, so the purchased set went to the kids.  I wasn't overly concerned really, that is UNTIL I got the indeterminate test results... and then I recalled on the snorkelling trip my brother-in-law making some comment about Hepatitis risk with rental equipment.  

ps, I do recall having an open sore in my mouth at the time.  

[nygirl7]

Yes be careful not to pee in the waters or one of those pee parasites could climb up in there and kill you, I saw a tv special on those bugs just absolutely GROSS!

[spectda]

Snorkels are relatively inexpensive. Although it's moot at this point why wouldn't you purchase one if you were concerned about disease in the first place, which it seems you were when you brought your own alcohol wipes to clean them.

You wouldn't get HCV in this manner as all have told you.

[Diane12855]

I have to agree with Hector.

There is a much bigger chance of your getting some kind of parasite from the water that you were swimming in... and that will make you quite sick for a long time.

Diane

[HectorSF]

The hepatitis C virus is spread by blood-to-blood contact.

So unless the snorkel was all bloody and you had cuts in your month, there is no way of contracting HCV. It is not an airborne disease.
"What do you think my risk is"? Zero
Why your doctor would even test you based on the story is a mystery to me.
Best to look else where for the cause of your "illness".

Good luck.
Hectorsf