unfortunately a lot of Hep C stories are like your nurse friends. There are mutations in this virus just like any other virus and some respond to the chemo while others don't, can't tell until one tries it. Your H had a liver biopsy that confirmed the absence of fibrosis or cirrhosis? In early cirrhosis, you can't tell from blood work...

Hi Stu, yes my H had a biopsy about 2 1/2 yrs ago, prior to his Pegintron treatment. At that time, he had some fibrosis. But he hasn't had one since his healing. I would assume that the fibrosis on the liver cannot progress if the Hep C is not there. What do you think?

Lady

I agree, if hep C RNA is low or undetectable then no damage is being done to the liver. And from what I know fibrosis can slowly improve over time as long as further damage is prevented. His chances are excellent.

I would like to pipe in... First of all to bump this thread back up, second to share a little story.

When I was 18 I had a regular pap done and when I got my results, the nurse said that I didn't test negative for chlamidia (spelling??). She explained that I didn't test positive either, but probably just because there weren't enough "bad" cells. I rescheduled another pap to have the test redone.

In the meantime I called two ex-boyfriends to let them know that they should get tested as I must have caught it from one of them (my boyfriend at the time was **very inexperienced**). Both REFUSED to get tested, saying that they didn't have it. I tried to explain that I either got it from one of them or I got it before I was with either of them, in which case I gave it to them. GEEZ!

So I went back for the re-test and it turns out the the doctor used the wrong swab the first time, that's why it wasn't negative. She re-did the test and I was fine, but still in shock from the fact the my two exes would be so naive as to believe that they couldn't possibly have something, even though their ex-girlfriend was calling to tell them to get tested.

I always thought that I wouldn't get anything either, but it turns out I was wrong, and that I just got lucky.

Cat_A It is amazing how some can be so in denial of STD's.
I thought I was on top of it after my H ONS, I refused sex, except the once...dummy me, in order to get all STD test done. I demanded we go and get tested. And then low and behold Genital Warts show up on him 4 months after. Well I'm sure they showed up sooner, but he never told me about them, the Dr's, NP, and PA had to tell me. So it goes to show STD's happen, and some cannot even be protected with a condom.

Lady

Hi LS,
Glad this thread is getting the exposure it deserves and thanks for starting it. I mentioned many times about STD's in my threads but most ignored it. Understandably, as most people who JFO were more concerned about saving their marriage then preserving their health.
I do think strongly that there should be a TOPIC forum to deal specifically with STD's and health concerns from an A.
Many could be educated in this and we are even fortunate enough to have MD's posting. That could be very useful in clearing up a lot of misconceptions. Take me for instance, married 32 years with a grown family. I knew nothing of STD's. They were somebody else's problem. Never would I have to deal with such a thing.(HA) wHOSE GOT EGG ON THEIR FACE NOW?
All Blessings,
Jerry

Well I was cheated on a long time ago by a boyfriend, and got Herpes. I only discovered I got it, as if you get a PRIMARY outbreak - it's a severe outbreak that you only get once...and then possible repeats of. If you had it for years you don't all of a sudden get a primary outbreak. A promary outbreak takes place 6-8 weeks after contracting it...he still to this day believes i gave it to him...

The truth is - most people don't get primary outbreaks, and some outbreaks are so small and rare, that they don't even know they have herpes. Also, STD tests will MISS herpes unless there is an active outbreak...and some people, like me, only get it once a year or less...but throughout the year you may have some asymptomatic shedding, where you are contagious without having an outbreak.

The stats are 1 of 5 people have genetal herpes, and ony 50% of those people KNOW they have it...that's a scary stat.

My husband has never had an outbreak he knows of...but he has been sleeping with me for 8 years now. He has either never caught it due to the rarity of my outbreaks, or has it - but is one of those who has no symptoms...I asked him if he thought of that before sleeping with OW when he told her he was clean.

He had forgotten thatI had it, and it was a possibility he had..and that possibly he could have given it to her...it made him realize what she could have given to him, even though she said she was "clean"

Herpes however can be detected with a blood test...but it isnt given to you unless you ask - the swab will come back negative if you do not have an outbreak...so many people have herpes but think they are clean because the tests came back negative...

This is sadly a HUGE reality of STDs that people just don't realize...

I did catch an STD from my first H had no sypmtoms and only found out about it when I went for a checkup shortly after separating from my H.

About the Harley`s not putting much emphasis on STD testing I figure it is because most of us do not find out about the A right away. Most of us have already had sex with with our partners by the time we find out about the A. With my second H it was three years before I found out. Much much too late.

I did insist on H getting tested for everything HIV included...not me but HIM. I was already humiliated enough. Fortunately all came back negative.

I will never understand why my H refused to wear a condom...the OW asked him too but he refused. I was eight months pregnant at the time of his A and we were still having sex. And my present H knew that I had contracted an STD once before from my first H when he also cheated on me. But still present H insisted on unprotected sex. It boggles my mind.

Dorry, I know it took a lot of courage for you to come on here and admit that you have an STD, and I commend you for that. It is good that your outbreaks are rare, nonetheless I'm sure you were devastated when you found out.

I am wondering though...has your H thought of getting the blood test for Herpes to see if he has it? Has he been tested for all STD's since he was with OW?


So true.

Lady

Daisy, it boggles my mind too. I guess it goes along with the fog. "They think it will never happen to them." senerio. And trust me every night my H has to put medicine on those ugly looking things....he is reminded of his infidelity with that wh____....and he hates it! It really bothers him!

Look at Shinethrough, his wife caught HPV/GW from OM, but she didn't get any symptoms. Then she had sex with her H and gave the STD to him, he got the symptoms. It happens.

Lady

Lady,

I was tested a month after I was with OM...and need to do my one year post HIV test this month.

H has never had a test for Herpes...and it's been 6 months since he was with OW, and he has yet to go get tested. I made him an appointment when we reconciled which he missed, and reminded him once since then..

I haven't brought it up with him again...

I wonder if that's why he wont have sex with me though - in 4 months we have had it 3 times??? he told me more than anything was his fear of STD's when I came back...he kept pushing it and yelling about it and being so angry...but now on his side...he puts it off, he avoids it...

I keep meaning to bring something up about it...but I am also sick of being the one who has to organize, make appointments...I want it to be a priority for him...also we aren't in the best place right now - and bringing it up might cause WW3 since it is about the A's...so I am going to find a way to bring it up in the new year. I will also mention to him to see if he could have a blood test for herpes.

I asked him once if he would tell OW if he had it..if he came up positive. He told me no - she was in the past...and he wanted to never talk to her again...I wasn't pleased...but it would be his decision...

Ladysheep,
I was also pregnant (3 mos) when my husband started the A, and he did not wear condoms, and we continued to have sex throughout the pregnancy. The A lasted until a month after I delivered a healthy baby. When I asked how he could risk his baby's and my health by not wearing a condom, he did not have a good answer for me. He said that he thought she was clean and knew that I had tested fine when I had all the STD/AIDS tests at the beginning of my pregnancy. He had also gone to his MD after the A had been going on for a few months and got tested--everything came back negative. She became pregnant and got an abortion, and then went on BC pills. After that, he says he did use a condom but I don't think that he did (Did not learn his lesson--in the fog, I guess).

He said that he was tested for STDs again after the A was over and the tests were also negative. I have not gone since I found out about the A. Should I go get tested or is it enough that he has been tested fine? He says that I should get tested for my own peace of mind. How often should you get tested if the results are negative?

Dorry, now you have me wondering if this is his problem with withdrawing from SF too. I hope you can talk to him and encourage him to get tested. I don't know why he would avoid it, when he was so adamant about you getting tested before.
It is extremely important that he get tested. And if everything comes out neg., it will be a relief on both of you, and may breakdown the barrier in the SF dept.

But you do have a point, why has he avoided it?

Lady

Mamafish, It's extrememly important that you SEE the test results. Did he just tell you, or did he show you the test results?

Remember Mamafish, that STD's can show up later, such as 3-4 months later such as GW and Herpes. The Dr's office does not do tests on those. Unless there is a manifestation of them you don't know you have them. Be aware of that. Your H PA ended in Sept. almost 4 months ago. Look at his genitals. Do you see any unusual lumps, bumps, or sores.

Yes....I think you should get tested immediately too. Papsmear also.

My H told me he used a condom too. He still caught GW's.

Lady

Ladysheep,

No, I did not see the test results, he just told me that he had them done when he was last at the doctor's. This was only when I had asked about it. I am going on his word only, which is not saying much.

So, I will go get tested and get a Pap smear. Is there a test for GW/Herpes if there is no outbreak? I have not noticed anything unusual on him, but will check further. Should he go get tested again since it has been a few months?

This is a new area for me also. Never thought I would be asking about any of this. I have put off going to my dr's because of embarassment, but realize that I have to go do it for myself.

Thanks for the good advice.

Mamafish, he says he got the tests done after the affair was over. You need to ask him for the test results in writing.
If he did get them, he just needs to request copies of the results from his Dr. Tell him this is important for you to see them. I would not just go on his word.


Certain types of HPV can cause cervical cancer, that is why a papsmear is needed. A Dr. can see if GW are present, you can tell also if they are on the outside. But if nothing is visible, the HPV can still hang out in the cells of the cervix without your knowing it. That is why a papsmear is recommended. You will have to tell your Dr. that your H had an affair and you are there to make sure you have not contracted any STD's.



Yes...It is embarrasing I know. I cried alot with the Dr's, thankfully they were very understanding.

The only thing I don't know is if your OBGYN will give you a papsmear, being that you just had a baby 6 months ago? It's possible.

There is no other way of a man knowing he has HPV unless he develops the genital warts.

All other tests can be done at your Dr's or at your local Health Dept. Tell them you want every STD test they can give you done.

Mamafish, I don't believe your H got tested unless you come on here and tell me you saw the test result in writing. The reason I say this is because, the HIV tests alone consist of usually 2 test 3 months apart. So if he had one done in Sept or Oct at the end of his affair, he must have just gotten the next HIV around now (3 months later). My H got his 1st HIV done on Sept 29, His 2nd 2 weeks ago, he will not get the result until next week. I got my 1st HIV on Oct 1, my second will be next week, and it takes 3 weeks to get that result back. Do you see what I mean? Thats why I am having a hard time believing your H got tested after his affair.

If he didn't he will need to be tested for all. Tell him, I'm sorry no SF until he is tested. Protect yourself.

Lady

The only thing I don't know is if your OBGYN will give you a papsmear, being that you just had a baby 6 months ago? It's possible.

I believe it is standard to do a papsmear 6 months after delivery

Ladysheep,

I will ask him for the test results. I am sure that he will not have them in writing so I will tell him to request them from his doctor if he did in fact have the tests done. I will also ask him what tests he had done, now that you have given me the information about the timeframe (the two HIV tests). Since I am not confident that he did have the tests done (I know that he did go to the dr's several times as he has Type II diabetes and has periodic blood tests done, so he may have asked them to do this during one of these visits), if he cannot provide this, I will insist on him getting the same STD tests.

As for me, I will bite the bullet and make an appt with my OB/GYN. I think that I may have had a Pap Smear at my 6 wks post-partum appointment, but can check on that and have it redone. I know that this dr's visit was on 9/8, we had SF on either 9/8 or 9/9, but he had SF with the OW a few times that weekend until 9/12. And we have had SF since then. So I would still need to get a repeat Pap smear done anyway. The question may be if the insurance would cover it. I'm not sure if insurance will cover the STD testing either.

If our tests both come back negative, should we have the tests repeated in the near future to make sure, or would that mean that all is well? I know that the HIV test will require the two tests.

Thanks for your help! Will let you know how it goes.

As embarrassed as you might feel for asking to get the tests done, I'm so proud of all of you who have done it anyway!

My mom taught me about STD's when I was 16 (or what she knew about them anyway) and we got to ask questions in health class at school, so I knew a lot about them when I needed the information (as a sexually active teenager). I guess I should consider myself lucky that I had two sources (plus the internet) to get the information.

Also, my school consellor brought me to the BC clinic once when the condom broke (I was going on BC pills but hadn't filled the prescription yet - learned my lesson!). Lots of support and help for issues like STDs and teen pregnancy.

I hope that this thread will also help to encourage parents of teenagers to have talks with their kids about STDs. Important for WSs/BSs, but also important for the kids, as even if they wait for marriage to have sex, they could still end up in your shoes.

Hi Mamafish,

If your insurance won't cover tests. I believe your local Health Dept. STD Clinic tests for free. I think they might be able to provide a papsmear also. You will need to ask about that. It would be helpful for you to call and ask them about all the test services they provide, and any other questions you might have. The important thing is that you get the tests done, and not take any chances. In todays world you just can't be too careful.

Most tests will not need to be repeated, except the HIV. But they will explain everything probably better than I.

I will be getting another HIV after 6 months, but it's not usually recommended, I just want to be sure....you know.

I'm sorry we find ourselves in this situation Mamafish.
It's been hard enough dealing with H infidelity, and now having to worry about STD's. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Lady