Hcv is a STD?

[Liz50]

Overgheard some women at church today discussing one of their nieces, who has HCV. One of the ladies was "educating" the other about HCV. Said it was a horrible, horrible STD that killed people. well.....I didn't want to hurt feelings but I did go over & chat with these two 70-something ladies.
Our GI has always maintained (and from what I read also) HCV is really NOT considered an STD. I wasn't trying to make these gals feel bad or stupid, I was just telling them that IMHO, and in that of all the docs we've talked to, HCV is night unto impossible to get through sexual contact. And they certainly weren't going to catch it by visitng their neice.Sheesh. They KNEW the Walrus had a TP becasue of an HVC ruined liver....but I did a little quick HCV 101 on them at church. Frustrating to me how much mis-information is still out there. They couldn't believe that I would be so open about my hubby's disease, but I felt I needed to let them know they could and should visit the niece and they weren't going to catch this from her unless they all shared a dirty needle. One of them said "well, you wouldn't have caught it from your hubby becasue you would have been clean anyhow". What is that supposed to mean?? We had 5 kids while he had it. I used his razor and toothbrush occasionally--(yeah, I know and I don't anymore)....but still, sometimes I wonder.  

[Lonestar823]

I very well remember your Walrus Liz, though he may not remember me.  I've been a member here for quite a long time but not much of a poster and truthfully I have long absences  nowadays.  Of the many courageous members, Walrus's journey has been one of the bravest.

Most posters are new to me and many of the people I knew have long gone. Some journeyers I'll never forget. Walrus, Susan, Elaine, Orphan, Mike and of course NYDeb.  So many more too, Magnum, Doubledose, Tennessee, West Coast Deb, Myown.  I feel so antique even my treatment is out of date. ; ]

Yes, I did svr.  I didn't expect it because it took me so long to clear.  I type svr in lower case as a humble nod to those who are still journeying there.

Thanks for the nice note Liz and for asking after me.

My best,
LS

[Liz50]

I don't know--did you acheive SVR? Walrus did 84 weeks and relapsed at 12. He IS a TP patient, so an animal with his own set of issues.
(Sigh)...I know that most of the "medical" community view HCV as an STD, and not that it affects me, per se, but honestly, I had sex with my (infected) hubby for 25 years, had 5 kids, used his razor and toothbrush and I KNEW I hadn't contracted it. Actually, acc to both my SIL and DIL, who are dorctors, HCV IS considered to be an STD, although THEY know of no cases in which that is so..it's just the "knowledege" thats' out there.
Yeah..Dr OZ has ticked me off enough times that I cannot stand the guy. He knows a little about a lot and looks good on TV, but that does not and expert makes in all fields of medicine. I have heard him spout enough mis-information to make my hair stand on end.
Walrus and I have talked a lot about this and I think that there are a lot of people with HCV who probably think it's "better" to say they got it from unprotected sex than from a dirty needle. Like it matters. People ask me ALL THE TIME how Walrus "got this" and my answer is ALWAYS "We don't know" because truthfully, we don't. He was in the army in 72-74. There's a huge # of Vietnam Vets with this. I don't care, actually. He has it, it's caused us a lot of trouble and pain, but hey, that's life. Just trying to get along and make each day count.
Llike I said, most family has been most supportive and wonderful. I have to say that my family (extended) is likely one of the most educated families, so they are smart enough to study this out for themselves. The only person I know who had a serious problem with it was my SIL's parents, who will not come into our home and whom I do not believe ever shook my husband's or my hand. They did not want their perfect son to be in a "filthy" house. Well, said "perfect son" is over here all the time, and as a dr himself, knows it's fine.
Sigh....we educate and educate and prejudice often rises above it all. Still and all...I tell whatever I can to whomever asks.

[Lonestar823]

One of the most frustrating and humiliating aspects during treatment of my HCV was this topic exactly.  Like 97 weeks of treatment wasn't difficult enough.  Twenty four weeks on Peg, then 73 on daily high dose Infergen.  I worked hard and was so patient with the closest of my family and friends educating them on this subject.  Even my primary care physician thought HCV was an STD.  Then who comes along but Dr. Oz on a daytime TV show one afternoon offering up all his expert knowledge of HCV.  My niece informed me that he quite adamantly stated it was a STD.   Much as I hate to admit that I have a couple close family members who would take that snake oil salesman seriously, I do. He reminds me of John Edwards.  No politics intended 'cause mine lie left of left. ; ]

[Liz50]

Walrus and I have been pretty open about his HCV, Yes, we lost some "friends" but by and large, people are happy to be educated about this disease & have been supportive throughout his TP and his lengthy TX. (and the relapse) My family has been wonderful about it. I know we never told his dad (who has since passed) and he's never told his mom. I do jump into places and conversations where I hear mis-information being passed along.Still learning about it and new Tx's...probably always will be.

thanks,
Liz

[orphanedhawk]

You did the right thing.
There is a lot of misinformation and the only way to correct that is with the truth.
You plugged up that leak of lies with facts.
Good going!

[James10500]

Gotcha, agree lots of mis info. Next to HIV HCV the most stigmatized disease.  I love the look people give me when I tell them I had HCV......lol. I then go on to "attempt" to educate them.  The more we talk the more they learn !  Good jod letting them know the real deal !

Peace,

James

[Liz50]

No, seriously, they were just super mis informed. That's why I have been very open about Walrus' illness , TP and TX...so we can educate people. They actually came to me after the mtg and thanked me for talking to them. I think ignorance is the worst...and remember, these are "older" ladies..with a really different take on the world. I'm old enough to understand that.

Best to you,
Liz

[James10500]

I would

[Liz50]

I wouldn't call these ladies "mean haters"...just ignorant. I was there too, remember :)
Liz

[James10500]

Give them a copy of this;  http://www.nature.com/ajg/journal/v99/n5/full/ajg2004164a.html

It's strange how many mean haters attend church.